🌴 Where Are Lee County Home Buyers Coming From?

Insights for Buyers, Realtors & Real Estate Pros – Brought to You by Sun National Title Company

Lee County — home to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and Bonita Springs — continues attracting homebuyers from across the U.S. and within Florida. Understanding where these buyers are coming from helps local professionals better serve clients and helps buyers see where their neighbors are relocating from and why Lee County remains a desirable destination. StorageCafe+1

🏡 A Migration Hotspot

Lee County ranks among Florida counties with the highest percentage of out-of-area homebuyers, with around 78% of buyers coming from outside the county in recent market analysis. Teachers Can Buy Homes

That means most homes in Lee County are being purchased not by long-time locals but by people moving here — and those trends tell a story about who’s relocating and where they’re coming from.

📍 Top States Sending New Residents

According to regional migration data:

• Illinois → Historically one of the leading states relocating to Lee County, especially from Chicago and northern suburbs. StorageCafe

• Ohio → Another large contributor of new residents, many of whom are ready to trade colder winters for Florida’s sunshine. StorageCafe

• New York → Northeastern buyers are also finding Lee County’s lifestyle and affordability appealing. StorageCafe

These newcomers are often baby boomers or Gen X buyers, many purchasing homes for retirement or lifestyle transitions, and a solid portion choosing homeownership over renting once they arrive. StorageCafe

☀️ Why Lee County?

Buyers relocating here often cite three big draws:

✔ Warmer weather & outdoor lifestyle – Sunshine and beach access remain strong motivators. Florida Realtors✔ Value compared to high-cost metros – Moving from congested areas like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other expensive U.S. cities offers more space and value. WBBH✔ Remote work & lifestyle flexibility – Many buyers now choose where they want to live, not just where their job is. Lee County Results

The ongoing population growth in Lee County underscores these trends — local leaders project the region could top 1 million residents by 2030 as migration continues. Florida Realtors

🔁 In-State & Local Moves

While out-of-state moves are significant, Florida residents also relocate within the state. Some buyers are trading higher prices or congestion in Southeast Florida (like Miami-Dade or Broward County) for more affordable living in Southwest Florida. WBBH

💡 What This Means for You

Whether you’re:

• A homebuyer deciding where to plant roots,

• A realtor guiding clients through relocation decisions, or

• A seller preparing to close a big transaction,

knowing where buyers are coming from helps you anticipate needs, expectations and questions before they even turn in a contract.

At Sun National Title Company, we’ve seen firsthand how these trends play out at closing tables across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and beyond. And as Lee County’s residential landscape evolves, so does the opportunity for buyers and professionals alike.