Thats all I have for today. Okay. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. The sunset was about 300 yards north around the bend of the island. Of retirement age. 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. People working at the main building were great. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. While the roadways are laid out in a grid system like many cities. As a result, most residents choose to head over to nearby Fort Myers. Residents find themselves traveling out for shopping, dining, and working. Perhaps consider moving to Jacksonville. While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. Inland homes and the least expensive are found mid-island, near the commercial hub. Ive met some of the most interesting people from many walks of life who retire and live on the island. Everyday feels like a vacation.. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. And it was planned to be residential. Today. The wealthy have gravitated to Sanibel for decades, but its now attracting more families and middle-aged professionals, Weaver notes. Did you know theres Lakefront living on Sanibel Island? There are over 30 retirement and 55+ communities that are designed specifically to cater to a more relaxed, yet engaging lifestyle. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. Made up of older residents and some families. I think each unit is individually owned so others may be more modern. But there are alligators! First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Just An Ordinary Day Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. That is basically one every year. Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande There are several key pros and cons of living in Fort Myers that you should consider. The place has gone green with the complete utilization of wind power and creating energy and jobs in its wake. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Cape Coral living means there is convenient access to water almost everywhere. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. P.J. Two adults in our 40's, two adults in their 60's, and a 7-year-old boy. Pawleys Island gets hit by a lot of hurricanes. Some items cost more. Because Cape Coral isnt a major tourist destination. As a result, there are a variety of housing options to choose from. A little odd for such a large place. This sites only purpose is for general information & entertainment. As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. Due to the investments in farmland and other development around nearby Lake Okeechobee. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. Then you have come to the right place. I might add that the beach is huge and goes on forever so it never ever felt crowded at all.Dining: Our condo had a full kitchen that even included a blender (woohoo!). On the other hand, the cost of living in Cape Coral is quite reasonable. However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. 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. Finally, the city is known for its nearly 400 miles of man-made canals. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. Direct Path of Hurricanes. Perhaps you are starting to see that retiring in Cape Coral is a good idea. more. Should go a long way to solving this minor problem with Cape Coral living. Went kayaking without any problem. Combined with high humidity levels. Make sure you do your research. Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. Deitschel arrived at Sanibels Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife 13 years ago. Making for a very uncomfortable climate if you cant take the heat. So here goes for you a nice and comprehensive taste of all the attributes that you are bound to come across if you are finalizing on shifting here. Furthermore, the weather extremes create an environment that has attracted part-time residents. Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season. The state is besotted with huge acres of land and people need to look after that with care. Much of which is accessible through the towns beautiful park system. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. Our son LOVED having two pools to swim that were so close to us! The Pros. However, do note that federal income taxes still apply. The beds in our unit were awful! When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. Most of the cons actually have a flip-side pro, like the fact that we dont have big box stores or wholesale giants. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. The state surely has its charm in the expansive stretch of its vast land, its rich history, proximity to water and the bountiful of natures blessing with all the alluring hues and colors. The Sanibel Real Estate Guide will help you find Sanibel homes for sale or Captiva homes for sale that best suite your lifestyle, whether they be waterfront property, Island homes, canal front homes, Gulf front homes, bay front homes, oceanfront condos, bayfront condos, golf course communities, lots and home sites, Sanibel short sales, Sanibel . Is Fort Myers a good place to raise a family? That also means that you need a car to live in Fort Myers and everything from going to work, school, or to the beach will require a short drive and is generally not walkable. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Whenever moving to a location governed by an HOA. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Brown University, one of the original Ivy League schools is located in a large portion of Providence. On the other hand, the cons of living on Caribbean are the high cost of living, lack of privacy, limited job opportunities and the repetitiveness of activities. ), and of course the accommodation itself. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. First, there are no island resorts like living in the Florida Keys. The job market looks quite dull as compared to the rest of the states in the country. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. Two restaurants I recommend on the island: Matzaluna's for Italian, and Timbers for great seafoodwe enjoyed both of them.For kids, playing in the pools and exploring/playing/shell collecting on the beach will keep them entertained. Because this Florida location has a lot of features that todays retirees are searching for. All of these eateries are close to the Sanctuary, Sanibels only gated community and home to one of the islands three golf courses. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. We spoke with Rachel and her husband Jeff, who relocated to Fort Myers 2 years ago from New Jersey, and they could not be happier with the weather. There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. Consider these events and destinations. Tagged With: lakefront, new Sanibel, video library, waterfront Filed Under: Island Living. A little odd for such a large place. The senior population is likely going to double by the time 2060 rolls around, and it's probably going to mean a dramatic increase in the use of assisted . Getting around Fort Myers, just like the rest of Florida, is primarily achieved via cars. When its time to send the kids off to college. There are also 2 large amusement parks nearby, Zoomers Amusement Park and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, if you ever get tired of the beach. The quiet and unique way of life on Sanibel and Captiva will always pose a large draw for retirees, but it does possess a charm for all ages. It is a busy urban location with nearly 3 million residents when including residents of St. Petersburg and the other nearby communities. The tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. If you are considering moving to Rhode Island you are in for some of the most beautiful features you shall ever come across, it is a land with a sprawling four hundred miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline. With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. Finally, for a variety of reasons. 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. Please don't hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. Furthermore, you wont find highly sought-after beaches to visit. Check in was rough. Towels easy to get and return. There isnt even a single traffic light. There are so many more pros like the proximity to Seattle, the mountains and many more. What you end up with is a very tight-knit, yet friendly, community that supports each other locally and provides a welcoming setting for visitors. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. It is a fact of life for residents in southwest Florida. Since living, working, and recreating in a confined area. If you happen to visit the place you wont be surprised to come across solar panels or several wind turbines as you drive through the highways. This is paradise. We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. Its much easier driving around or grabbing an Uber.. That hurricanes are an annual possibility. Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. 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. The second gal I dealt with was super. South Florida is known for plenty of slightly annoying to plenty dangerous bugs and critters. There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. Just a little easier. Thats a part of the island time you enjoy when living on Sanibel Island. 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. Click here to visit our Sanibel New Resident Resource Page, Click here to visit our Retiring on Sanibel Resource Page, Click here to visit our Island Living Blog Archive, Tagged With: activities, moving, nature, new Sanibel, Sanibel Island, small town, wildlife Filed Under: Relocation, Retirement. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Second, the public school system also has charter schools. I'd prefer a lower pile or even tile if I rented out my condo. Written by: Susan McCallion They are only 9.5 miles apart, and ferry services are excellent. Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? "It's everything that's missing in so many communities today," says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! Good service there also. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. And drivers don't save by going across the border into the UK to fill up fuel is expensive there, too. As a result, residents here do not have to put up with as many tourists. We did our research and also reached out to several locals who have been living in Fort Myers for their opinion on the city. 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. Many homes and businesses across the state utilize green energy with the use of solar and wind technology. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. There are no hospitals on the island, however, there are fabulous doctor offices here. Find out why residents love living on Sanibel Island. The other three councilmen are Scott. There are still good values on the market, but that may not last long and more people continue to flock to the area. jamie bamber isla elizabeth angela griffith. And many of us have kids to educate. The wireless internet access was available in our room at no charge and I had no problems at all with connection. This may be one of the few nice places remaining. Residents are able to build new relationships with fellow residents, staff, and volunteers. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. I know this sounds really, really corny, but if you live on Camano island, you know, just what I mean. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. You can learn more about Personal Capital here. Theres lunch with friends, golf tournaments and cocktail parties.. And lest I forget, alligators enjoy swimming the canals. Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. People working at the main building were great. Theres also elbow room these days: Census estimates predict 600 fewer residents than in 2000. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida according to Data Do you live in Sanibel Island, Florida? This is mainly due to the lack of direct and immediate access to the interstate highway system. Marketing | Branding | Blogging. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Let us explore all the possibilities that the place has in store. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Went kayaking without any problem. Are you thinking about moving to Long Island NY? Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Sanibel is a sanctuary for wildlife and that, in fact, attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts to our island. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. What are the best small towns near Fort Myers Florida? Wondering what's the good what's the bad? Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. 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. Next, for anyone searching for their inner peace. They have some of the most expensive accommodation facilities found in the entire country. One of the most respected culinary art schools in the world is Johnson and Wales. The food was good, we ordered lunch a few times, basic things like pizza, burgers. A cost of living index above 100 means Sanibel, Florida is more expensive. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. When you look around, you can see why. Check out these Pros \u0026 Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Prices, says Weaver, have held steady. And significantly lower than the larger cities in the state like Miami. Ping pong, touch tank, We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? Such as, Finally, to summarize, heres our list of 30 living in Cape Coral pros and cons for you to consider before you move, In case you are still trying to decide on your best place to live. Why I love living and raising my family on Sanibel Island When Life Gives You Hurricanes - Grow Tomatoes It sounds like a strange proverb, but it's what we have experienced after Hurricane Ian, literally. Ceilings near ac vent were dirty and discolored, top 12 inches or so of pocket doors were covered in dust, corners of tile in baths had dirt balls and grout in center of shower was black. Beds were ok. Bedrooms were carpeted w a well worn and stained shag which might be great for the owners but the thought of a different family walking on it each week with wet, dirty feet gives me the heebie geebies. This next point is a big one. Relatively few businesses have located within the city limits. Here's what you need to know about using sustainable all natural cleaners to disinfect your bathroom surfaces and fixtures without resorting to harmful chemicals. On the island, you can enjoy almost 300 sunny days a year, an absolute madness! Just be sure to include the additional cost in your budget. May not stay here again due to night time bites though. We swam and played in the ocean every day, we absolutely loved it! Since the Cape Coral lifestyle in this respect will not disappoint. This was a great getaway, but could have been better, as far as the dust and ants are concerned. Heres a tip we use to cut our costs a little. To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. Here are the cons of living in Cape Coral: Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. One of the major drawbacks that the place has is the absence of a strong economy. Hopefully, this discussion has helped you answer some important questions. Starting with the optimistic view. The active downtown, endless number of beaches, and affordable cost of living make it an excellent choice. 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. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. Next, a few points on getting around town. 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. Answer (1 of 6): Pros: * It's centrally located to Mt. nothing like the private feel of the Gulf of Mexico, @ the newly remodeled Sundial Resort on Sanibel Is. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. Access to nature + outdoor recreation. Its everything thats missing in so many communities today, says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. Houses overlooking bayous and those with direct bay or Gulf access have the biggest price tags. There's a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and world-class surfing. Even though the average cost of living in Cape Coral is near the national average. So be prepared to pay higher costs for property and casualty insurance, summer energy costs to cool your home, and your health care needs. Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. But first, I want to alert you to all of our, Just in case you find there are too many reasons not to move to Cape Coral. Homes on these islands are not just for the rich and famous anymore, though some will still fetch a hefty price. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. It's impossible to complain about the weather while living in Hawaii! Dont miss Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,500 acre wetland with a 1.2-mile boardwalk trail and wildlife to see less than 20 minutes from downtown Fort Myers. You're never too far from one, meaning it's super easy to arrange an impromptu trip whenever you feel like it. You will have to travel further away to satisfy your mountain biking or hiking fix on more challenging terrains. 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.