In the early 1950s, a visionary entrepreneur named Lee Ratner transformed a vast expanse of ranch land in eastern Lee County into what would become one of Florida’s first large-scale real estate developments. Ratner, who owned nearly all the undeveloped land east of Fort Myers, had a grand idea: he saw the potential to turn his sprawling Lucky Lee Ranch into a dream destination for middle-class families across America. With the help of his friend and marketing expert, Gerald Gould, Ratner launched the ambitious Lehigh Development Corporation, setting in motion one of Florida’s most legendary land sales campaigns.
Lehigh Acres was marketed as the perfect destination for families looking to escape cold climates and embrace the Floridian lifestyle. The concept was simple and appealing—affordable plots of land, sold through glossy brochures and advertisements, all for a mere $10 down and $10 a month. This unique payment structure attracted thousands of buyers from the Midwest and beyond, eager to own a piece of paradise in sunny Florida.
The Allure of Lehigh Acres: An American Dream
What made Lehigh Acres so enticing to potential buyers was its affordability and promise of a better life. The post-World War II boom saw a surge in middle-class families looking to invest in their future, and owning land in a tropical paradise seemed like the perfect opportunity. Colorful brochures showcased the lush landscapes, endless sunshine, and outdoor activities awaiting new residents. For many, this was the chance to achieve the American dream—homeownership in a serene, family-friendly environment.
Despite the initial excitement and land sales, the reality of Lehigh Acres was quite different. The town was unincorporated, and basic utilities such as electricity, water, and drainage were lacking. Streets were laid out in an incomplete grid, primarily to give potential buyers access to view their plots, but the infrastructure needed to support a community was missing. The original development team never really expected people to settle in Lehigh immediately; it was primarily seen as a land investment opportunity.
From Land Sales to a Growing Community
As the 1950s progressed, pre-designed homes began to be offered as an option for buyers who wanted to build on their newly acquired land. Slowly but surely, people started moving to Lehigh Acres, and the community began to take shape. Over time, Lehigh became known as a middle-income community perfect for retirees and snowbirds looking to escape the harsh winters of the Midwest.
One of the key attractions during Lehigh's early days was the Charmed Circle, a landmark in downtown Lehigh that displayed the newest model homes. Events like live performances by Pat Boone at the town’s famous Lehigh Resort and Hotel drew large crowds, adding to the town's appeal.
However, as time passed, the cracks in Lehigh’s grand plan began to show. The $10 monthly payments, while appealing to buyers, were not enough to sustain the Lehigh Development Corporation financially. Marketing expenses ballooned, and by the late 1980s, the corporation had been sold multiple times in an effort to avoid bankruptcy, ultimately disappearing from the scene altogether.
The Rise and Fall of Lehigh Acres: Boom to Bust
Lehigh Acres experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s, as Florida’s real estate market boomed once again. Fueled by new construction and investment, property values surged at an unprecedented pace. It seemed that everyone wanted a piece of the Lehigh dream. During this period, home prices skyrocketed, and even unimproved land that had been considered worthless a decade earlier was fetching high prices. From 2003 to 2005, the median home price in Lehigh Acres more than doubled, leading to what many saw as a modern-day gold rush.
However, by 2006, the warning signs of an impending crash were becoming evident. The rapid pace of new construction began to slow, and investors started to pull back. Many who had purchased properties during the height of the boom found themselves holding homes they couldn’t sell. The real estate bubble burst, and the global financial crisis of 2008 brought Lehigh Acres, along with the rest of the country, to its knees.
Lehigh Acres Today: A Community Rebuilding
Despite the financial challenges of the past, Lehigh Acres is not a forgotten town. Contrary to some media reports, it is far from a slum. The town’s residents have shown incredible resilience, coming together to rebuild their community after the crash. While the speculators may have come and gone, the people who call Lehigh Acres home are committed to restoring their town’s spirit.
The citizens of Lehigh have taken it upon themselves to revive the community and create a new chapter in its history. The town is now moving forward, working to rebuild its infrastructure, improve its public spaces, and foster a sense of pride among its residents.
The History of Lucky Lee Ranch: Where It All Began
Before Lehigh Acres became a town, it was Lucky Lee Ranch, a sprawling 18,460-acre farm purchased by Lee Ratner in 1951. Located in eastern Lee County, the ranch was originally intended to be a working farm, producing vegetables and alfalfa. However, a suggestion by Gerald Gould during a horseback ride on the ranch sparked the idea for turning the land into a real estate development.
Ratner formed the Lee County Land and Title Company in 1954, with the goal of selling half-acre lots to average Americans. The idea was revolutionary: for a small down payment and affordable monthly installments, anyone could own a piece of Florida. The marketing campaign was a huge success, with plots selling at an incredible rate. By 1959, the company had sold over 12,000 lots, laying the foundation for what would become Lehigh Acres.
The Visionary Marketing Campaign Behind Lehigh Acres
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lehigh Acres’ early success was its brilliant marketing strategy. Ratner and Gould designed a payment plan that made the land accessible to middle-class families, which was unheard of at the time. Ads were placed in major newspapers across the Northeast and Midwest, and soon the money was rolling in so fast that the company used trash cans to store extra cash.
While the land sales were a financial success, little thought was given to planning for community amenities such as schools, commercial properties, or even basic utilities. This lack of foresight created challenges down the road, but it didn’t stop the flood of buyers eager to own a piece of Florida.
Moving Forward: Lehigh Acres and the Future
Today, Lehigh Acres is a town that has weathered the highs and lows of the real estate market. It remains a community with deep roots, built on the dreams of its original founders and the determination of its residents. While the boom-and-bust cycles of the past have left their mark, Lehigh Acres is now focused on sustainable growth and building a brighter future for its residents.
As Lehigh moves forward, it is embracing its unique history while also working to address the challenges that come with being a growing community. With its strong sense of community and dedication to improvement, Lehigh Acres is poised to shape the next chapter of its story.
In 1951, Lee Ratner relocated his family to Miami, Florida, to pursue new business ventures. Shortly after, in February, he purchased 18,460 acres of farmland in eastern Lee County for $675,000. The property was well-suited for raising livestock, and the purchase included "no less than 1,400 healthy cattle." Some have speculated that Ratner's motivation for buying the land was primarily for tax benefits, though his son, Joel, disagrees. Joel maintains that Ratner's goal was to keep the land as a working farm, with any tax benefits being secondary. In addition to the land, Ratner also acquired the rights to the "CJ," "OS," and "Star-B" brand names associated with the property.
The first president of the Lehigh Corporation and former Lehigh Acres resident, Gerry Gould, played a pivotal role in shaping the early days of the community. According to longtime resident Ruth Anglickis, Gould passed away, leaving behind a legacy of growth and development. In 1956, when Lehigh Acres was still a small community of about 200 people, the Lehigh Corporation owned 20,500 acres in the area. That same year, the corporation began constructing the iconic Admiral Lehigh Resort, marking the beginning of Lehigh Acres’ transformation into a thriving town.
A prominent figure in the growth of Lehigh Acres, Richard Allen Anglickis was both a Realtor and Builder with American Heritage Realty/Building Company. He built hundreds of homes throughout the area and sold numerous plots of land to buyers across the United States, many of whom later constructed homes on those lots. When he first arrived in Lehigh Acres, the population was around 900 people, and during his time there, the community grew to over 140,000 residents. His company’s slogan, "Where a Handshake Means a Lasting Friendship," symbolized his commitment to building long-term relationships with clients.
In 1960, Myra Lee Kessler and her family moved to Lehigh Acres when her husband took an executive role with the Lehigh Corporation's building company. As her children grew older and entered school, she returned to her career in public relations and eventually became the Director of Communications for Lehigh Corporation. Myra was also a founding member of the Southwest Florida Public Relations Association, playing an influential role in the community’s development and public relations efforts.
Raymond A. Schillinger - Director/Producer
A native of South Florida and a graduate of Georgetown University, Raymond A. Schillinger has had an extensive career in politics and media. His political involvement began during his teenage years, and he later worked in the House of Representatives in Washington, DC. In the fall of 2008, Schillinger worked on the re-election campaign for State Senator Dave Aronberg (D-FL), which first brought him to Lehigh Acres and the greater Southwest Florida area. Today, he works as a web producer for PBS Interactive in Washington, DC, and continues producing films both professionally and recreationally.
Luke Kosar - Interviews/Production SupportLuke Kosar moved to Florida in 2002 to attend the University of Miami, where he studied Mathematics and Political Science. After graduating in 2005, Luke worked on more than a dozen political campaigns throughout Central and Southern Florida, focusing on voter outreach and field operations. From 2006 to 2007, he served as a legislative aide for State Senator Dave Aronberg (D-FL), whose district includes Lehigh Acres. During this time, Luke witnessed the housing market collapse firsthand and worked closely with many of the individuals featured in the film as they navigated the challenges of the Great Recession.
Thomas Keenan - Music/Production Support Thomas Keenan is also a graduate of Georgetown University, where he met Raymond through their shared love of music. At Georgetown, Thomas was actively involved with STAND, a student-run coalition dedicated to ending the genocide in Sudan. His participation in the organization focused on political advocacy, including lobbying Congress. Thomas is currently pursuing a J.D. at the University of Notre Dame.
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People also ask:
What happened to Lehigh Acres, Florida?
By 1997, nearly 90% of the lots in Lehigh Acres remained undeveloped. In 1992, Lee County, in partnership with a new developer, declared Lehigh Acres a blighted area and authorized its Community Redevelopment Agency to take action. The goal was to address the infrastructure and planning issues that were originally overlooked by the town’s developers.
What is Lehigh Acres, Florida known for?
Lehigh Acres is recognized as one of the largest residential communities in both Lee County and the state of Florida. Spanning 96 square miles, this pre-planned community in east-central Lee County is primarily made up of quarter-acre and half-acre single-family lots, making it a vast suburban area with a significant residential population.
What is the ethnicity of Lehigh Acres?
As of 2022, the largest ethnic group in Lehigh Acres was White (Non-Hispanic), with approximately 38,800 residents. This was followed by 28,700 White (Hispanic) residents and 22,800 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, making these the second and third most common ethnic groups in the area.
Is Lehigh Acres expensive to live?
Lehigh Acres ranks 56th out of 273 U.S. cities in terms of cost of living. Its cost of living is 106.8% of the national average, meaning it's slightly more expensive to live there compared to other U.S. cities.
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