Build Your Dream Home, Invest for the Future in Southwest Florida         LEHIGH ACRES, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA         Lehigh Acres, tucked away from the bustle of large cities, is a peaceful and affordable alternative to the more well-known Florida destinations, considered to be the most economically priced area in Southwest Florida. Located near Ft. Myers and Sanibel and Captiva Islands, this quiet suburban community offers easy access to the international airport, beaches, and myriad Southwest Florida attractions.  From what was referred to as "wasteland" only sixty years ago, Lehigh Acres has grown into a community of approximately 58,000.  Projection put Lehigh Acres at 98,000 by 2020, just 17 years from now.             Just 12 miles east of Ft. Myers and two-thirds of the way down the Florida peninsula; Lehigh Acres offers ponds, lakes and canals.  The Gulf of Mexico is just 30 miles west, which means less than an hour to some of Florida's finest beaches.  From the Caloosahatchee River, boat enthusiasts enjoy direct access west to the Gulf of Mexico and east to the Atlantic Ocean.  Lehigh Acres is situated on the highest ground in Lee County, ranging from 27 to 30 feet above sea level.  Within the community, residents enjoy year-round freshwater fishing.         For a challenge on the green, visit one of Lehigh Acres' four championship golf courses.  Spotted with lakes and ponds, traversing marshlands and threading through native woodlands, these courses are a great place to experience what it's like to live the real Florida lifestyle.  With parks, lakes, tennis, and safe roads for bicycling or walking, this charming suburban enclave is the ideal retreat for families or seniors seeking an affordable and laid-back vacation.             A semitropical climate may be Lehigh Acres' greatest asset.  Summer temperatures usually run 74 degrees Fahrenheit to the low 90's. With the heat comes summer showers to cool the air, keep the landscape lush green, and sustain an amazing variety of blooming plants.  Winter months can sometimes be very cold, down to low 30's.         Lehigh Acres is host to a state of the art fully accredited hospital; superior rated congregate living and nursing centers, eight modern schools with plans for several more in the works.  Wal-Mart, Publix, Win-Dixie, and Ace Hardware are major stores calling Lehigh Acres home with other expanding shopping facilities; Lowes and Home Deport are within a five mile radius.  There are seven different banking institutions and numerous specialty shops.  One has no reason to leave Lehigh Acres to shop and it is getting bigger and better every year.             TRANSPORTATION         The quickest access to Lehigh Acres is via Interstate 75, which stretches south along Florida's gulf coast to Naples, then east at Alligator Alley toward Fort Lauderdale.  Public transportation is available throughout Lehigh Acres.  For air travelers, Southwest Florida International Airport is less than 15 minutes away by car.  Most major domestic carriers and several commuter lines, as well as several Canadian and European carriers serve the airport.  A new mid-field terminal is under construction, to be completed in 2005 with future planns for international flights.         ACCOMMODATIONS         The Admiral Lehigh Golf Resort features a variety of villa and resort accommodations.  It also offers two 18-hole championship golf courses, lighted tennis courts, a conference center, as well as a pub and restaurant equally popular with guests and community residents.  The Lehigh Resort Club recently changed ownership hands with major re-structing/renovation plans underway. Single family homes ranges from about $130,000 upwards.  Most homes are multi-bedroom, multi-bath models on quarter-acre to half-acre lots.  There is no zoning for mobile homes.         TAXES         Lehigh Acres is currently unincorporated, and at this time, there are no municipal taxes.  Permanent Florida homeowners may file for a $25,000 homestead exemption, a $500- 5000 veteran's disability exemption and/or widow's/widower's exemption.  Florida has no state income tax.  The state sales tax of six percent exempts groceries, medicines and professional services.             EDUCATION         Four elementary, two middle schools and two high schools serve students within the community.  Residents who wish to begin or continue working toward a college degree may attend classes at Edison Community College and/or the University of South Florida, Barry University and International College.  Florida Gulf Coast University, just 10 miles south of Lehigh Acres, is Florida's newest four-year university.         Many vacationers who explore Lehigh Acres return to settle here. The lifestyle is casual and a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of larger urban centers.         Look forward to you visiting Lehigh Acres!         Information provided by Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 757, Lehigh Acres, FL 33970-0757 Tele: (239) 368-3322, Fax: (239) 368-0500     Home | About Us | Listings | Area | Lenders | Title Company | Builder | Contact Us Copyright © 2003 Christina Ibrahim. All rights reserved.