You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. To this day there are no traffic lights on either island, and certain types of businesses, such as chain and fast food restaurants, are banned on the islands as well. Also, the parking was free and we were able to park right outside the front door to our condo.Pools: a highlight of the Sundial, and there are several of them! If youd like to learn more about gorgeous Captiva and Sanibel Island real estate, contact Dave and Brenda of Sage Realtor Group today by calling (239) 896-8549. That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. The project reflects Sanibels community/conservation spirit: A fundraiser well exceeded its $3.6 million goal. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. There are many more crazy laws that are native to this place and you might find it funny to relate to them. According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. You will find Cape Coral living to be quite peaceful. Thats why youre reading this anyway. This is one of the great advantages of living in Cape Coral. A big part of that is housing costs, which are 15% lower than the average across America. The fact that we are in sanibel means 99% of all service people are going to be super nice but his food was probably the worst I've had on sanibel in 10 years. Check in was rough. Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Pinterest. We describe what lakefront living on Sanibel Island is like in the video below (also linked on Youtube here). The pros of living on an island are access to amazing beaches, beautiful natural scenery and the opportunity to save money. Because the period from November into May is very pleasant. Most of the cons actually have a flip-side pro, like the fact that we dont have big box stores or wholesale giants. On the other hand, not everyone is retired. If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . The average price of homes for sale on Sanibel and Captiva is around $500,000, and you will find more families and middle-aged professionals here now than what was once common a couple of decades ago. One of the most respected culinary art schools in the world is Johnson and Wales. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Time and again researchers have come up with the fact that Rhode Island houses some of the most notorious drivers in the United States. The Rhode Islanders are known far and wide for their genuine hospitality and warmth. Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? That provides another excellent educational option for your children. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida according to Data Do you live in Sanibel Island, Florida? We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. There is no snow shovel. I love heading downtown after work on Fridays and sitting outside on the patio at the Downtown Social House or on the sidewalks at a caf. With more than 650 full color photographs and illustrations by award-winning nature photographers and artists, this single volume is the only book you will ever need while visiting Florida's fabled barrier islands. Also, what state you are moving from. I know what youre thinking, isnt Sanibel primarily Age 60+, White/Caucasian American? Of retirement age. By the way, we ate twice out by the pool and the food was horrible. Went kayaking without any problem. Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. So, plan on spending more time in your car. Tampa metro is about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. So be prepared to pay higher costs for property and casualty insurance, summer energy costs to cool your home, and your health care needs. Although there is the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery, there really isnt a strong enthusiasm for a more developed arts and theater scene as the city caters to the beachlife mentality. cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average, average value of homes in Fort Myers is around $210,000 to $230,000, The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home, U.S. News and World Report named Fort Myers as the 2nd best place to retire in America, hurricanes, either, which are in season from June to November every year, study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2022, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, 12 Stunning Resorts in Florida for Every Budget, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, 8 Fastest Growing Small Towns in Texas in 2023 Charming & Desirable, Is Sedona a Good Place to Live? Towels easy to get and return. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. There is no age restriction for living here. Sanibel and Captiva homes for sale are among some of the most sought after and coveted in all of Southwest Florida. The shared-use path is an "unsung hero" on the pros list in my opinion. Residents are committed to keeping it an environmental community.. The city has been designed with automobiles in mind and, as a result, there are limited public transportation options to get around town or even to another city. Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. Please see our partners for more details. And, as we already know, violent crime is fairly rare. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 As a result, residents here do not have to put up with as many tourists. It consists of several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. You wont find a bunch of flashy cars or fancy clothes lining the streets of Sanibel. Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season. It is so nice not having to deal with the cold and snow anymore, she said. Unlike when deciding to relocate to Orlando. Theres a toll to cross the Causeway, tolls for beach parking (though Sanibel residents can get annual passes), property values are high, rental values are high, and you might find a slight increase on fuel and grocery items compared to the mainland, though theres not a huge mark-up. Both things to do and places to see. The beautiful beaches around Fort Myers and relaxed way of life attract many visitors throughout the year and can be a nuisance to a full-time resident. Sanibel is a sanctuary for wildlife and that, in fact, attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts to our island. And it was planned to be residential. These visitors help stimulate the local economy, but they also bring extra traffic and rowdiness. Went kayaking without any problem. Isnt possible in Cape Coral. Having more freedom to design specific programs to meet the needs of their students. 1. The state experiences some of the most beautiful seasons in the whole country. Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande Staff was very nice. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. And partake in these kinds of places and activities. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. * You can reach the beach at either Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island in ~25 minutes. Hope you have a happy and prospective journey in your quest. Yes, we have alligators, bobcats, geikos, gopher tortoise, many unique birds, and the list goes on and on. Specifically, by using the cashback app from Rakuten. Whereas, HOAs can charge hefty fees. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. Then, put together that this is a mostly residential community. We are available for any custom works this month. (239) 472-1950, When Life Gives You Hurricanes Grow Tomatoes, Read This Before Hiring a Sanibel Landscaper, Elevation Certificates: What are they and who needs one?, What Experts Are Saying About the 2023 Housing Market. First, there are the public schools. But, Fort Myers doesnt just offer the surf and the sand. I'd prefer a lower pile or even tile if I rented out my condo. So, depending on your family size and income, you may need to consider a smaller home after moving to Long Island with the state to state movers Texas. Towels easy to get and return. Many neighborhoods have. On the other hand, the cons of living on an island are the high threat of natural disasters, lack of privacy, high cost of living and limited job opportunities. The east end, home to the lighthouse and a public beach, places single-family homes and condos within walking distance of the Gulf and San Carlos Bay. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Fort Myers is certainly a great place to visit, but is Fort Myers a good place to live? In contrast, most cities evolved more randomly than Cape Coral. Water is periodically released into the Caloosahatchee River. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! The people who live on Sanibel and Captiva Islands are used to a certain way of life, and wouldnt choose to have it any other way. Moreover, the University of Rhode Island and Providence College are known for their academics and sports programs as well. As a result, most residents own one or more cars. Though almost across the board the general cost of living here is quite similar to that of the other states, it is the housing expenditure that makes all the difference and renders the place obnoxiously pricey. I hope you enjoyed reading this insider info about the pros and cons of living on Sanibel Island from a locals perspective. Such as Pine Island and Sanibel Island. The place has gone green with the complete utilization of wind power and creating energy and jobs in its wake. There are BBQ grills located in common areas at the resort we were fortunate that a group of grills were about 30 steps outside of our door in the parking lot area we used that grill several times. Staff at the front desk was EXCELLENT, always helpful and very knowledgeable about the island. After all, what more could a person ask for then a home on a beautiful island in the Gulf of Mexico, a place with its own unique lifestyle and character, where it stays sunny and warm all year? Check out all of our. If there is any con to living on Sanibel or Captiva Islands, then it would be the tolls to get on and off the islands, a fee that even year-round residents are subject to. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Then disappear during the summer. However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. A little odd for such a large place. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. People working at the main building were great. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! 239.896.8549 Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the Beaches, Bonita Bay Offers Luxury and Community in Southwest Florida, Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida, Virtual Shopping for Real Estate How We Work With You Remotely, A Fresh Look at Northwest Cape Coral Real Estate, Cape Harbour community spotlight: boating by day, dancing by night, Client Interview: Finding the SWFL Retirement House of Your Dreams, Client Interview: Finding the Perfect SWFL Home From Afar. Check out these Pros \u0026 Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. Never heard, saw anything about available services. Besides that we did enjoy the resort facilities and the front desk was very helpful when we where checking in. As we know, Cape Coral is comprised of mostly peaceful residential neighborhoods. Since it is composed mainly of residential neighborhoods. Cannot beat that. A chain of palm-dotted island causeways surrounded by turquoise water connects Sanibel to the mainland, and motorists are apt to have a pelican escort onto the island. While the census statistics support this, there are a number of younger families and different nationalities on the island. Making matters worse, this isnt an easy area to drive around. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. People cannot live here without jobs and hence they find it difficult to get one they take the option of moving out of the state. What a blessing it has been. In assisted living communities, seniors have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. There is even a city council ordinance for both islands that states that buildings can be no more than three stories tall, preventing the type of commercialism and expansion that might occur on similar islands. Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. The unit itself could use some updating. Listed below are the pros about staying at this particular resort, followed by the cons.PROS:~spacious 1 bedroom coastal/garden view condo ~king bed on the 4th floor (both requested) over looking gardens and partial coastal view if the gulf ~super cold a/c, great for a hot summer day~resort fee was include in our stay, though the woman on the phone said it was a separate fee (nice surprise not having to pay an additional fee)~perfect for a couple's getaway ~clean floors and clean bathroom-everything sparkled upon arrival ~ Lots of parking~Staff is friendly and on the ball ~Tiki bar staff is nice and accommodating ~Lovely bike riding CONS:-little to NO wifi if your wireless carrier is SPRINT :( -ants in the bathroom and kitchen -woke up with big bite red welts all over my legs (dime size in diameter) ouch! A little odd for such a large place. Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida, we publish them here. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Deitschel arrived at Sanibels Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife 13 years ago. Real Estate Market Stats vs. Comps: Whats the Difference? Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. People working at the main building were great. The Pros. Everyone goes to Baileys each morning for the free coffee, a fresh donut and to catch up on all the gossip, says Jane Reader Weaver, a real-estate agent with Royal Shell Preferred Properties. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. B ainbridge might be an ideal place if you love Seattle, but don't like the idea of living in it. If you are interested in the Fort Myers area, but are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, then check out these small towns that offer a slow pace of life in paradise: Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Best Places to Live in Sanibel, Florida Cost of Living | Quiz | City Compare | Crime | News | Menu Try Premium Sanibel, Florida 1 Reviews | Review This Place | Photos and Maps | Homes For Sale Population 7,429 +7.6% since 2020 Unemployment Rate 4.6% Median Income $97,788 Median Home Price $872,700 Median Age 65.9 Comfort Index (Climate) 1.8 / 9.3 Furthermore, some cities in Florida have neighborhoods that are governed by Home Owners Associations (HOAs). We're happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! Hopefully the resort renovations transfer over to the condos as this resort is a wonderful place to visit, just needs to have condos at level of main resort areas that are getting renovated.More. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Towels easy to get and return. Ive met some of the most interesting people from many walks of life who retire and live on the island. Heres a tip we use to cut our costs a little. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. Consider these events and destinations. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Permanent residents of these Southwest Florida islands must be comfortable being one with nature. Overall we had a great time the beach was awesome, the complimentary chairs and umbrellas was a plus as well as the bikes and kayaks. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. There are so many more pros like the proximity to Seattle, the mountains and many more. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). Making for a very uncomfortable climate if you cant take the heat. Her name was Paige, she provided us a voucher for free breakfast for our trouble. Below, weve listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. There are several key pros and cons of living in Fort Myers that you should consider. Sometimes you might encounter all the seasons in the same week. I think the fact that its a resort renting out individually owned condos creates a kind of disjointed experience. With that said, you know I try to keep it real with you, especially when it comes to finding the right home or community for your family. On the island, you can enjoy almost 300 sunny days a year, an absolute madness! Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. Ate outside once and inside once. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. The warm climate means that you never have to worry about shoveling snow, as the average low temperature in January is still a mild 55 degrees. The bartenders where not the friendliest and could have smiled a little more. We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. But first, let's answer the burning question of the day. I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. Good educational options. However, you will find that a majority of the residents are seniors. Fort Myers offers numerous affordable neighborhoods and housing options and a lower cost of living compared to other large cities in Florida. To maintain full transparency, Ive put this on my cons list. It's like breathing a breath of fresh air. One of our favorite activities is going out to the beach after dinner to watch the glorious sunsets. On the other hand, you are welcome to stick with me here. Its a great place to see friends and find out who did what., Locals since the late 1800s, the Bailey family treats islanders to minor-league baseball each summer, buying all 7,500 seats at Fort Myers Hammond Stadium for Island Night. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. There are often rain showers every afternoon in the summer as well. For baseball fans, Fort Myers is also a great base to catch some Spring Training action across the state. People working at the main building were great. Be sure to check out our complete list of the best places around Florida to see how close they are to Fort Myers. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. High cost of living. Missed that somehow. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Proximity to Seattle. Since living, working, and recreating in a confined area. Good neighborly relations and home and car security system. The ac unit never cooled down and I found 2 bugs in my room. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. If you choose the private school option. Grilled to perfection! Two adults in our 40's, two adults in their 60's, and a 7-year-old boy. The city spent $52 million to redevelop this dining, nightlife, and entertainment hub that offers attractions for Millennials, young professionals, retirees, and families. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Where Nature Lovers Flock document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. And honestly, it should be on the top of your mind when considering how to insure, protect and prepare for a potential hurricane or tropical storm. Ping pong, touch tank, We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island. Because temperatures consistently rise into the 90s. Yes, Fort Myers is a good place to raise a family and offers a strong education system and numerous indoor and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. We ALL loved it there! The wealthy have gravitated to Sanibel for decades, but its now attracting more families and middle-aged professionals, Weaver notes. "It's everything that's missing in so many communities today," says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. But, I wouldnt sneak up on one by accident if I were you. That may then impact the future value of real estate, making it a potential risky investment. Even though the average cost of living in Cape Coral is near the national average. So we hit the grocery store and ate most of our meals right in the condo. Kitchen was fully equipped. Direct Path of Hurricanes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The people live here in small units and they are mostly a happy lot. They are violent storms that can create massive property damage from high winds, rain, and flooding. We talked about our Florida wildlife as a con for some, but honestly, its a pro to living on Sanibel Island. Its not so reliable and doesnt really reach everywhere. We were able to walk right out on our screened-in patio to a short pathway that lead right to the beach and I mean from patio to beach it only took about 10 seconds of walking :). Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! The job market looks quite dull as compared to the rest of the states in the country. South Florida is known for plenty of slightly annoying to plenty dangerous bugs and critters. Preservation efforts took root on Sanibel back in the 1940s when political cartoonist Jay Norwood Ding Darling led an initiative to protect 6,300 acres as a wildlife refuge that now bears his name. Easy to get away. As Jim mentions in the video, Sanibel lakefront homes boast some of these benefits: Of course, there are some drawbacks to lakefront living on Sanibel Island. Once you move there, you'll be able to spend some time finding the lesser-known gems. Starting with the optimistic view.