Student Housing for FGCU increasing, but not enough to meet demands.

Student Housing for FGCU has been an issue for quite a while.  Last Thursday, Florida Gulf Coast University got state approval to finance a new residence hall to the tune of $25.7 million.  The new dorm will open in the fall of 2014 and house 520 students.  The average number of new beds per year since FGCU started it's housing program in 1998 has been 300, so the new dorm represents a needed addition for students.

FGCU can accomodate about 4,200 students in it's dorms and the apartment complex about a mile from campus, and this fall all of those spaces are full.  FGCU has a problem with off-campus housing.  Most of the area near the university is either protected wetlands or higher end housing developments that are out of student's financial range.

Rentals

There aren't any typical student-type complexes in Estero or South Fort Myers near the campus, other than College Club.  But let's face it, College Club isn't a greatl place for someone trying to earn a degree to live (although it's ideal for people who enjoy being kept up until five a.m. by loud parties and the sound of someone throwing up next to their window).  But there are rental options for Student Housing for FGCU, if students who know where to look.

Estero offers some private-owned rental units in communities like Bella Terra that include single family homes on Torre Del Lago and Ardore Lane and the condos at Barletta.  Copper Oaks also has single family and condominium rentals, and The Meadows of Estero has coach homes on Cherry Blossom Ct.  Most of them are out of the price range for a single student, but two or more students can pool their resources for a two or three bedroom rental on a relatively modest budget.

Sales

San Carlos Park also offers a selection of single family homes and duplexes for rent, and there are a lot of amazing foreclosure deals in San Carlos Park as well--not to mention the famous Pyramid Village, complete with giant Beethoven head (I promise you that I am not making this up), which is a very interesting Student Housing for FGCU option.  And after four years of living in Estero, sucessful graduates just may put down roots in one of the area's many beautiful communities.  As the song says, "Come on down to the Sunshine State. Bring your money, check out the place.  Chances are you'll decide to stay.  Hell, everybody else does."

If you have a second home in Estero or South Fort Myers, or are looking to purchase an investment property, listing as an annual rental targeting those searching for Student Housing for FGCU instead of a vacation rental might be a great way to bring in some extra income.

And while we're on the topic of FGCU, did you see the D-1 women's basketball team last season?  #1 in the conference, with a dominating overall record of 29-3!  Go Eagles!!!