Satellite image of bizarre neighborhood development sparks backlash: 'Lifeless'

A Redditor shared a bewildering satellite image of a Florida community to r/Suburbanhell.

The image is of Cape Coral, a community built around a sprawling network of canals. It hosts over 400 miles of navigable waterways, the highest density in the world. They were intended to provide waterfront access and manage stormwater for residents. The soil excavated for the canals was also used to raise the ground levels on the large floodplain.

"This is habitat destruction." — Photo Credit: Reddit

While ambitious, the planners had begun construction without getting State permits, resulting in the company's swift bankruptcy. One Redditor said the city "has so much money poured into such a lifeless, useless public space," full of strip malls and zero sidewalks. The community has since faced ongoing environmental challenges, including algae blooms, polluted runoff, stray fishing lines, mismanaged locks, and sinking soil.

Despite a landscape well-suited to mitigate flooding, the increasing severity of flood conditions due to atmospheric pollution has led to soaring housing insurance premiums and declining home prices in Cape Coral. These conditions make the city the worst housing market in the country, according to recent research.

One of the biggest ways Florida homeowners can save money under these harsh circumstances is to install solar power. Given the state's extensive sun cover, solar panels can bring utility bills to below zero, earning credit for power during cloudier months. Some experts say panels can even provide structural protection from harsh weather.

EnergySage offers a free online tool that connects homeowners with vetted solar installers, whether they're in Florida or abroad. These experts can help save upwards of $10,000 on installations with the help of rebates and credits, which are now set to expire at the end of 2025 as a result of the "Big Beautiful Bill." As solar projects take about 12 weeks to complete, it's best to take advantage of those incentives as soon as possible to ensure the project can fall within your 2025 tax return.

Watch now: How bad is a gas stove for your home's indoor air quality?

The Reddit community had a wide range of reactions to the current state of Cape Coral.

"It's just a bunch of McMansions with dead lawns out front & canals in the backyard full of mosquitoes and alligators," said one community member who had spent some time in the area.

"This is habitat destruction," said another.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?

Definitely 👍