Best Places to Retire on the Water

3 of 10 Back Next

Cape Coral, Fla.

COURTESY CITY OF CAPE CORAL

This hydrophilic community is nearly surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River. More than 400 miles of canals within the city lead to both the ocean and local lakes. The area has been battered by the housing bust and foreclosures, which could offer newcomers some waterfront bargains.