If you are looking for a property then you might have come across the housing prices in Lehigh Acres, Florida, which are surprisingly cheap compared to nearby areas. These low housing prices have captured the attention of many investors and potential buyers.
But, why are houses so cheap in Lehigh Acres, Florida? Is Lehigh Acre a good place to live? What are the pros and cons?
While there are so many factors due to which Lehigh Acres has such a cheaper house prices, however, large excess of land, poor economical condition, limited infrastructure, and the area’s proximity to major cities are major concern.
In this post, we are going to discuss the real estate market of Lehigh Acres, and various reasons why houses are so cheap. Moreover, to make the information more authentic and real, we provided real statistical data points to help you validate the concern.
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Real Estate Market of Lehigh Acres, Florida – An Overview
The real estate market in Lehigh, Florida known for its affordability and growth potential, making it an appealing option for many potential buyers, retirees, and investors.
The median house prices are significantly lower in comparison to other parts of Florida. The media house price in Leigh, as per the September 2024 data by Redfin, is $348K. With time, the house prices in Lehigh Acres has seen to be increased by +0.8% Year-Over-Year. For reference, look at the below graph that shows the change in median house prices with time.
Moreover, the number of sold houses has consistently dropped year-over-year, with the rate of -17.6%. This has created a situation of vacant land in the city, which adversely creating a lower house prices in the market.
Another recent statistics on Realtor September 2024, the median listing home price was 355K and trended down to -3.8 year over year. The availability of vacant land and lower property taxes, make this area both appealing and favorable for investors and first-time buyers.
Why are houses so cheap in Lehigh Acres, Florida
Lehigh Acres, Florida, is known for its very cheap house prices compared to other parts of the neighborhood. due to several reasons. For example, oversupply of available land, slower economic development, historical market conditions, and the location being far from major urban cities, etc. are the most prominent reasons.
In this section, we will dive deeper into the reasons.
Excessive Land Availability
One of the major reasons that contributes to the cheap pricing in Lehigh Acres is the excessive availability of land. This area has a large amount of undeveloped land which allows more space to build homes.
The excess amount of land availability is one of the reasons why the houses are so cheap in Lehigh Acres. Look at the below graph that shows number of houses sold in an year.
Due to this excess land availability, many houses were built over time, leading to an oversupply in the real estate market. This led to many properties available for sale, less competition for land, and low housing demand, together contributing to the low house costs in Lehigh Acres, Florida.
High Flood Risk and Other Environmental Crisis
The houses are cheaper in this area due to its high flood risk and other environmental concerns. Lehigh is highly prone to flooding, especially during the season of heavy rainfall and hurricanes.
This reason can make this place less appealing to potential buyers and investors as it involves high chances of property damage.
Moreover, there are also other environmental challenges like water drainage, and soil conditions, which can be a problem for people who want to live there.
These environmental factors together lower down the house prices in the city.
Low Employment Opportunity
Low employment is another factor responsible for cheaper house pricing in Lehigh Acres.
This area has a weak job market in comparison to other big cities, which poses a challenge for people living there. The nearest place, Fort Myers, does offer more job opportunities but people still have to travel long distances to get a decent paying job.
It’s a struggle for job seekers because there are times when their skills and qualifications don’t match the job role. The competition for available positions in Lehigh Acres is tough, they end up commuting to nearby cities like Fort Myers for better employment options.
High Population Density
Lehigh Acres is one of Florida’s largest residential communities and it’s located east of Fort Myers. According to Data USA, Lehigh Acres has a population of 124,440, which is higher than the national average.
So it has a high population density when compared to other areas. Despite being this populated, you can feel suburban-rural vibes in this area.
It would be more accurate to describe it as less congested rather than barely populated. You can find parks, open spaces, and residential areas that contribute to the feeling of spaciousness.
Lower Cost of living
Lehigh Acres has a lower cost of living compared to larger nearby cities like Fort Myers. This makes housing especially affordable, making it an attractive option for homeowners and investors.
For those looking for a budget-friendly option, this place can be a great choice. The cost of living is slightly lower than the national average.
The median home prices range between $280,000 and $344,500, which is about 8.2% lower than the national average. However, in the past few years, there has been a slight increase shown from Miami, Chicago, and New York buyers.
If you are looking to rent a two-bedroom apartment then it will cost you $1,500 to $1,936 per month, though the cost can vary depending on the area and neighborhood.
Impact of the 2008 Housing Crisis
The 2008 housing crisis had a significant impact on Lehigh Acres, which then led to foreclosures and a drop in property values.
This era was also referred to as the subprime mortgage crisis and during which, Lehigh Acres was one of the hardest-hit areas in the country.
This area struggled with a weakened real estate market, deterring new buyers which then slowed the economic growth. Many homes were left abandoned or vacant during this time. As a result, house prices in Lehigh Acres became lower compared to other regions in Florida.
Economic Downturn
After the 2008 housing crisis, Lehigh Acres was deeply impacted by the broader economic downturn. This led to widespread foreclosures as many homeowners struggled to meet mortgage payments.
This really damaged the economy of Lehigh Acres which had undergone rapid development leading up to the crash. With an oversupply of homes and a sudden drop in demand, property values were dropped and many homes were left vacant.
Even when the economy began to recover, the real estate market was still lagging behind as the home prices were relatively lower than in the other parts of Florida.
Poor Amenities
Another factor that contributes to the low house pricing is the lack of proper amenities in Lehigh Acres. Although Lehigh Acres may look appealing for its low house pricing, this factor does make it challenging for residents to live there.
There are limited options for recreational and essential services compared to other urban areas, which makes it less appealing for families and individuals who seek active lifestyles.
You may find some local shops, restaurants, and other community places, but the options are limited and can impact the daily lives of residents.
Pros and Cons Of Living in Lehigh Acres, Florida
Just like any area, Lehigh Acres has its own set of pros and cons which one should consider before moving to this place.
In this section, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of living Lehigh Acres, Florida.
Is Lehigh Acres a good place to live?
Lehigh Acres can be a good place to live, it all depends on your lifestyle preferences. The cheap housing market makes it an attractive option for retirees, families, and first-time buyers.
Moreover, there are outdoor places like parks, lakes, and other community places, where one can enjoy recreational activities and socialize with others. This place also offers a quiet and peaceful environment which is ideal for those who prefer a slower pace of life.
Additionally, Lehigh Acres is close to larger cities like Fort Myers and Cape Coral, which gives you access to various opportunities, entertainment, and other activities, without having to live in a busy city area.
Every place has a good and bad side, and just like this Lehigh Acres has some downsides that one should consider before moving in. Moreover, if you want to get suggestions, it would be better reaching out to moving company such as Colemanallied, a famous Nashville long distance movers.
Overall, Lehigh Acres a great place for those people who are looking for affordable housing and a peaceful lifestyle. It can be a great option for those who prioritize affordable and slower pace of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are multiple reasons why are houses so cheap in Lehigh Acres, Florida such as, lower cost of living, excess land availability, 2008 housing crises, and frequent hurricanes and flooding.
However, this place offers a peaceful life, lower cost of living, and its natural surroundings, those who seek quiet and slow-paced lifestyles. The relaxing suburban-rural feeling is something that you will enjoy.
However, as much as this sounds good, there are some serious downsides that one should consider if they are planning to move there. The area has limited amenities, a weak job market, and also faces hurricane risks, which can add to the insurance cost.
Try to consult a local there to know about good neighborhood and better access to amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Why are houses so cheap in Lehigh Acres, Florida?
The houses in Lehigh Acres are cheap due to the area’s rapid development, creating a huge supply of available properties. Additionally, factors like a history of foreclosures, oversupply of vacant homes, limited local job opportunities, lack of amenities, and its distance from major urban centers contribute to lower demand, keeping home prices more cheaper compared to other parts of Florida.
How dangerous is Lehigh Acres, Florida?
There are mixed opinions regarding safety in Lehigh Acres, Florida. This place has high crime rates for property and violent crimes, compared to national averages. Although there are some neighborhoods that are generally safer.
What is the poverty rate in Lehigh Acres, Florida?
Lehigh Acres has a poverty rate of around 17.2%, which is higher than the national average. There are also some factors like limited job opportunities and a high population of retirees, responsible for the high poverty rates in this place.
Is Lehigh Acres low-income?
Lehigh Acres is often considered a lower to moderate income area compared to other places in Florida. The median household income is about $52,894, which is below the state and national averages. Aside from this, the poverty rate is also slightly higher than the national average.
Is Lehigh Acres expensive?
Lehigh Acres is generally not considered expensive when compared to other urban areas. The area offers affordable housing and a lower cost of living, which makes it less expensive. However, costs like transportation and utilities can vary from place to place, and the need to commute for work or services may also add some expenses.
