pros and cons of living on sanibel island pros and cons of living on sanibel island

We knew of the resort fee. Many people move to southwest Florida for the weather. As a result, most residents choose to head over to nearby Fort Myers. One of the most respected culinary art schools in the world is Johnson and Wales. Written by: Susan McCallion Living in the southwest Florida city of Naples, for example, you will find many HOAs. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. Check out all of our. You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. Since you can live anywhere in the state of Florida income tax-free. Most of the cons actually have a flip-side pro, like the fact that we dont have big box stores or wholesale giants. Michael, a 55 year-old early retiree from Pennsylvania, moved with his wife to Fort Myers in 2018, but they were not ready for such brutal and unpredictable weather. While there is the threat of hurricanes and the humidity to battle, the weather here is generally FANTASTIC all year round. Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Its what attracted Jim and me to the island and kept us here for over a decade now. Not to mention a true hobby for most residents and visitors of the island. Irish fuel taxes are very high at over 50%, which drives up the cost of gas. It is a busy urban location with nearly 3 million residents when including residents of St. Petersburg and the other nearby communities. And many of us have kids to educate. Unfortunately, they all add up to some bad things about living in Cape Coral. Im Tom. 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. On this 17-square-mile barrier island near Fort Myers, people (all 5,700 of them) are out- numbered by wildlife, including poodle-size raccoons that hide in tangles of dense brush and blue herons that forage for dinner in the mangrove fringes along Tarpon Bay. Houses overlooking bayous and those with direct bay or Gulf access have the biggest price tags. Small signs and sand driveways often offer the only indication of business, and most side streets dead-end into back bays or the Gulf of Mexico. You wont find a bunch of flashy cars or fancy clothes lining the streets of Sanibel. And place rules and restrictions on residents. You are not supposed to throw pickles on a trolley is a law one should abide by, but the very first thought that would come to the mind is why would anyone waste perfectly good pickle juice in the first place! The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. jamie bamber isla elizabeth angela griffith. Next, for anyone searching for their inner peace. The place is a cornucopia of some gorgeous natural beauty, varied cultural diversity, and recreational activities of all the kinds you can think of. Because thats exactly what I have for you next. nothing like the private feel of the Gulf of Mexico, @ the newly remodeled Sundial Resort on Sanibel Is. Shells everywhere. There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. 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? Jennifer, a 27-year old marketing manager, moved to Fort Myers in 2019 and commented on the thriving downtown scene. and it all adds up to bad traffic congestion. Also, what state you are moving from. Click here to learn more about our Sanibel boating communities. There are the snowbirds that come for the winter, then the spring breakers around March and April, and then the summer beachgoers that last for the majority of the year. After enjoying the outdoors, you can nourish your creative and cultural side. Since it is located right on the western coast of Florida, residents of Fort Myers can choose to visit an almost unlimited number of beaches in the area. Below, weve listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. Thus, more than likely, public transportation wont get you where you need to go. Click here to learn more about the weather on Sanibel Island. Of retirement age. And the breathtaking fall showers a canopy of some majestic colors during its time in the state of Rhode Island. Then you have come to the right place. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. It reminded me of grandmas condo. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. We ALL loved it there! Lets not forget the natural shell-lined beaches that you will comb through on your beach walks, just in case you stumble upon a rare shell. And, as we already know, violent crime is fairly rare. In contrast, most cities evolved more randomly than Cape Coral. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. Next, its time to discuss the cons of living in Cape Coral. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Grilled to perfection! The pros of living in the Caribbean are spectacular beaches, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to major international cities. Cannot beat that. Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. Next, a few points on getting around town. 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. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. So, as you consider these 30 moving to Cape Coral pros and cons, dont forget this. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. If you are expecting the same level of arts and cultural entertainment that you are used to in a major city like New York or Los Angeles, then you may want to look for another city. Real Estate Market Stats vs. Comps: Whats the Difference? Plus the beach is amazing! But the foodie favorite is the Mad hatter, where a sign announces the nightly sunset right down to the minute. To avoid the heat and humidity. The historic Fort Myers River District has recently undergone a revitalization and has come alive in the last few years. There are over 30 retirement and 55+ communities that are designed specifically to cater to a more relaxed, yet engaging lifestyle. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. Visit our blog, Sanibel Kids Living The Good Life, to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel. A little odd for such a large place. People working at the main building were great. A lighter blanket would have helped keep is cool. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there, and I must say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. Its what helped our island economy from the early days, and is still a major source of income for many island businesses. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? Since Fort Myers sits on the coast, it may be at a higher risk of flooding if the sea levels continue to rise. They arent usually aggressive to humans. However, it is still below the property crime rate of Florida as a whole. 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 . People working at the main building were great. This city wont make the list of most budget-friendly places to live in Florida. 1. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. But, Fort Myers doesnt just offer the surf and the sand. Here are the cons of living in Cape Coral: Mostly residential property Extreme summer heat and humidity Lots of snowbirds Threat of hurricanes Higher costs for waterfront property Specific items are more expensive Limited public transportation Automobiles are required Tricky to navigate the area Bad traffic Mostly older residents Limited nightlife City council also guards its commitment to do right by nature; it has passed ordinances restricting buildings exceeding three stories and in 1996 banned formula restaurants specifically to preserve the communitys small-town character and relaxed island pace (a Dairy Queen was grandfathered). 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! Its not so reliable and doesnt really reach everywhere. On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. What a blessing it has been. Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. Find out why residents love living on Sanibel Island. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. We didnt realize wed be starting a family business and have an entire community helping us raise our kids and support our business along the way. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. 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. Living in Sedona, AZ Pros and Cons, 8 Best Small Towns in Texas to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2023, The 8 Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco Without a Car. It is a fact of life for residents in southwest Florida. Even Sanibels most wealthy residents bike to the beach and shop a Baileys in flip flops and a ball cap. COST OF LIVING: Sanibel: Florida: USA Overall: 163: 103.1: 100 Grocery: 116 . 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. The Village of Taunton Mills. I really think Fort Myers is a nice place to live. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. In fact, many residents of Bainbridge live on the island and work in Seattle. Below, we've listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Fort Myers is certainly a great place to visit, but is Fort Myers a good place to live? Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. Jim and I happen to live on a lake! In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. Sanibel is a sanctuary island, says banker Robbie Roepstorff, who was so enticed by the abundance of nature he moved here 20 years ago. And you will probably find you need a car too. Bad winter weather. Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community. If you'd 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. In this video I go over so. This sites only purpose is for general information & entertainment. Theres also elbow room these days: Census estimates predict 600 fewer residents than in 2000. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. The drivers have been named the worst because of their insane ways of driving. There are still good values on the market, but that may not last long and more people continue to flock to the area. Even if you dont start off as a big nature enthusiast, youll find yourself googling the types of palm trees, wanting to know what plants are native to the island, and asking your neighbor about the best time to see wildlife at Ding Darling The island has a funny way of drawing you in like that! Cannot beat that. I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. Much less than the state of Florida has a whole. Furthermore, it is set off and away from the bustling Tampa metropolitan area. Rhode Island is one of the pioneer states to be inculcating the green energy mechanisms in the country. We stayed in a first floor condo in building E and it was the PERFECT location. Its this unique environment Gulf of Mexico beaches and untamed Florida wilderness coupled with the small-town ambience that lure homeowners like Today Show weatherman Willard Scott. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Check in was rough. Perhaps consider moving to Jacksonville. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. Visit hotel website Anchor Inn & Cottages View Hotel 279 reviews 0.9 milesfrom Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Free Wifi Free parking 2022 Sanibel Inn View Hotel 1,860 reviews It's impossible to complain about the weather while living in Hawaii! Making finding your perfect home. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. Here are the pros of living in Cape Coral: And to examine the flip side of this discussion. Please note that some links below are affiliate links, which means that we receive a small commission if you make a purchase through our links, but at no extra cost to you. One thing I will mention is that there were a few days where housekeeping did not come and we had to call them a few times to remind them in their defense, the Sundial was changing over to new ownership the week we were there and they apologized for the inconsistent housekeeping that week. The west end, away from tourist activity, offers the highest-priced homes. Then, put together that this is a mostly residential community. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Perhaps you are starting to see that retiring in Cape Coral is a good idea. Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. We will review each of these positive and negative things about Cape Coral living in just a moment. Fl., the Tiki bar/pool with live music, also in upstairs lounge, FUN, the dining room, and newly added outside dining with panoramic sunsets, and the chefs signature dish, "Mediterranean Grouper", gastronomical!great service & staff, and the rooms, neat & clean.you don't have to leave the country for a island atmosphere, Marilee W. This is going to be an extensive review because I had great expectations based on my web search. Deitschel arrived at Sanibels Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife 13 years ago. Getting around Fort Myers, just like the rest of Florida, is primarily achieved via cars. There are more than 40 million senior citizens in the United States today. While the roadways are laid out in a grid system like many cities. 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 . With so many amenities and activities around town, U.S. News and World Report named Fort Myers as the 2nd best place to retire in America. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. Sometimes you might encounter all the seasons in the same week. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. Hope this helps someone. Since living, working, and recreating in a confined area. Specifically. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Since the Cape Coral lifestyle in this respect will not disappoint. Tampa is just 2 hours away, while Miami and Orlando can be reached in about 3 hours. 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. They are part of the Lee County school district. One of our favorite activities is going out to the beach after dinner to watch the glorious sunsets. Staff was very nice. I mentioned shelling and wildlife as Sanibel attractions, but theres obviously a slew of water activities to benefit from living on an island! (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. Please dont hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. Since it is composed mainly of residential neighborhoods. So, if you have your heart set on living near the water in South Florida. Furthermore, the weather extremes create an environment that has attracted part-time residents. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. Explore. A little odd for such a large place. You're never too far from one, meaning it's super easy to arrange an impromptu trip whenever you feel like it. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Just a little easier. Ping pong, touch tank, We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Pros and Cons of Island Living Community. The beds in our unit were awful! At Baileys General Store, where a timeworn tile inlay in the floor thanks customers for their patronage, rods, reels and Dickies work pants are stacked on shelves across from rows of bakery cases displaying from-scratch cakes, cookies and pastries. On the island, you can enjoy almost 300 sunny days a year, an absolute madness! Living Sanibel is the most complete nature guide to Sanibel and Captiva Island ever compiled. We are going to address each of these living in Rhode Island pros and cons head-on. As we know, Cape Coral is comprised of mostly peaceful residential neighborhoods. There is also the bustling Downtown Farmers Market. There are no high schools on Sanibel Island, therefore, it makes the con list. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. 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. The state is besotted with huge acres of land and people need to look after that with care. This leads to a lot of dead-end streets. Finally, and while we are still on the topic of money. Sanibel cost of living is 163.0. Be sure to check out our complete list of the best places around Florida to see how close they are to Fort Myers. Sanibel is a sanctuary for wildlife and that, in fact, attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts to our island. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. They are violent storms that can create massive property damage from high winds, rain, and flooding. We cover other great places to live in southwest Florida. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. There are many more crazy laws that are native to this place and you might find it funny to relate to them. The sunset was about 300 yards north around the bend of the island. The people who live on Sanibel and Captiva Islands are used to a certain way of life, and wouldn't choose to have it any other way. Like if you choose to move to Sarasota or Marco Island. There are so many more pros like the proximity to Seattle, the mountains and many more. As the living in Cape Coral pros and cons continue. On one side of the K/E building is the main resort building with offices, etc this is where you check in, and the main pool is directly in front of it on the ocean. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. To give you the best insights, we tracked down a wide range of residents as well. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. Shells everywhere. There was so much we had to figure out on our own, such as easy access paths from our building to main pool, our smaller pool was not managed by the resort but rather a condo association and had different rules, chairs, bikes and other recreational items must be returned by 6 bc the shop closes, the fully renovated spa area they boasted of on the web? It's just a part of the lifestyle here. The summers are beautiful with a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. The lake has become quite polluted. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. Most of them will tell you that these tolls are well worth the price of living in paradise, and there are not many things worth leaving the islands for anyway. Access to nature + outdoor recreation. Unlike when deciding to relocate to Orlando. Finally, the city is known for its nearly 400 miles of man-made canals. As a result, it has very little violent crime. Fort Myers offers numerous affordable neighborhoods and housing options and a lower cost of living compared to other large cities in Florida. But both of those statistics are expected to rise in the coming decades. Cost of Living in Sanibel, Florida. On the other hand, not everyone is retired. Residents are able to build new relationships with fellow residents, staff, and volunteers. Pinterest. South Florida is known for plenty of slightly annoying to plenty dangerous bugs and critters. 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. Staff at the front desk was EXCELLENT, always helpful and very knowledgeable about the island. First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. 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I heard that the Sundial did some renovating this year we plan on eventually visiting again and look forward to seeing the changes! Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. 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. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. 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. 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. 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. Thats why youre reading this anyway. Maybe it depends on what condo/building you stay? We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. Staff was very nice. After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find.