Cape Coral is One Of The Top Emerging Luxury Cities in America

Ok, that one took me a little off guard, too. If you would have said Naples, I wouldn't question you at all. But according to Architectural Digest, Naples and Fort Myers didn't make this list. But another Southwest Florida city did. Cape Coral is one of the top Rising Luxury Cities in America.

Here's how they broke it down. Data was broken down into six categories: activities, properties, dining, annual income, diversity, and safety. In Cape Coral, housing prices are up, as are residents annual incomes. There's also ever expanding dining options and activities in Cape Coral - something taken into account on the rankings. Plus the Cape Coral Police do a good job at keeping the city safe. Here's a snapshot of how Florida did in the study.

The highest weighted factor in the rankings was luxury activities. Golf, resorts, spas, shopping, and festivals being some of the main categories. Cape Coral really does have all of those. High end property and great dining. Yeah, those too. Boating - with all those canals, absolutely.

Hurricane Ian really reshaped Southwest Florida. As we continue to rebuild, Cape Coral is becoming less 'working class' and more of a 'luxury city' attracting higher earning individuals. I remember when they raised the bridge toll from $1 to $2 and I thought "is it worth it?"

Cape Coral is rapidly becoming a high end section of Southwest Florida.

Living in Florida, we're always looking for ways to cool down on a hot day and there's nothing better and more tastier than to do that with some ice cream and one Cape Coral ice cream shop made Yelp's list of the Best in Florida.

When it comes to desserts, my absolutely favorite is ice cream. Asking if I have a favorite flavor is an almost impossible question to answer because with so many stand alone and great combinations, I can't possibly choose just one. And let's also not forget to mention all the varieties from true ice cream, gelato, custard, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, mochi...it's all delicious to me!

Yelp put together this list of Florida's best by looking at the total number and ratings of reviews from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

One review mentioned the owners being the kindest people they'd ever met. Another raved about the cookie dough ice cream saying "The cookie dough isn't the hard chunky stuff you might be used to, it's a softer texture and spreads out nice in the ice cream."

Sweet Aloha Ice Cream is a family-owned and veteran-owned ice cream parlor and shave ice shop. One reviewer was impressed with the service saying "My favorite thing about this place is the service. They are always helpful and always smiling which if you've ever worked with the public, you know that's not easy to do."

Unfortunately Joey's Custard was destroyed in Hurricane Ian. But their Instagram page offers a message of hope that they will rebuild!

Regulars rave about Matty's with one mentioning their favorite flavors of stracciatella, cookie butter, cannoli and the chocolate fudge. Another reviewer mentioned the generous portions.

Pecan Jacks describes themselves as an Ice Creamery and Candy Kitchen on the forefront of flavor, committed to crafting
delicious mouth-watering and unique ice cream, southern pralines, brittles, and chocolates. The top Yelp review rates it a 10/10.

At Ice Dreammm Shop, they make all of their ice cream in house themselves in small batches. Some favorite flavors include black raspberry, strawberry shortcake and brownie coffee swirl.

With almost 800 reviews, Cherry Smash is a definite favorite. Reviews mention the look of the place with stuff, including nostalgic items, everywhere you look.

One review calls Cleveland's Old Fashioned Ice Cream an absolute gem. Another says "10/10 100000% my FAVORITE ice cream!!!"