They arent usually aggressive to humans. This sites only purpose is for general information & entertainment. This is paradise. But, is Fort Myers a good place to live instead of just a nice place for a vacation? Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? A lighter blanket would have helped keep is cool. Sanibel Island is no different. jamie bamber isla elizabeth angela griffith. Weather Fort Myers' climate is classified as sub-tropical and it is blessed with 266 days of sunshine per year, which is 73% of the time. Check out these Pros & Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. 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. Good service there also. Im sure you can guess many of the pros to living on Sanibel Island, so lets start with the cons. 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! These visitors help stimulate the local economy, but they also bring extra traffic and rowdiness. People working at the main building were great. 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. That is basically one every year. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. Furthermore, it is set off and away from the bustling Tampa metropolitan area. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. Further, because of rising lake waters, and to relieve pressure on dikes and damns. People working at the main building were great. 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida for 2022, 9 Top Beaches in Florida with the Highest Quality Waters & Sand, 8 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. When it comes to making ends meet. Cannot beat that. But there are alligators! Certainly te main areas were clean but lots of areas were untouched for ages. Overall, there is a low crime rate in Cape Coral. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Sanibel is a homespun kind of place, where businesses light Periwinkle Way with luminaries at Christmas and children decorate bikes for the annual Fourth of July parade. Homes on these islands are not just for the rich and famous anymore, though some will still fetch a hefty price. This city wont make the list of most budget-friendly places to live in Florida. Shells everywhere. 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. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. In Cape Coral, you can find a housing option to meet almost any budget. Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. The beds in our unit were awful! 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. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. There is no snow shovel. As nice as November though April can be from a weather perspective. So be prepared to pay higher costs for property and casualty insurance, summer energy costs to cool your home, and your health care needs. Then you can see why your Cape Coral lifestyle wont offer a ton of nightlife, shopping, bars, or restaurants. Some have been living in Fort Myers for a few months while some have been there their whole life. The sunset was about 300 yards north around the bend of the island. No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. In contrast, most cities evolved more randomly than Cape Coral. There are many more crazy laws that are native to this place and you might find it funny to relate to them. 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. The only blanket was a heavy down duvet. For baseball fans, Fort Myers is also a great base to catch some Spring Training action across the state. Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande To give you the best insights, we tracked down a wide range of residents as well. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. First, there are no island resorts like living in the Florida Keys. All rights reserved. Large homes, many favoring Old Florida architecture with tin roofs, clapboard siding and sunny colors, rise from the beachfront, with green wisps of trees behind offering a preview of the islands natural emphasis. 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. They have some of the best schools and colleges in the country. Sanibel and Captiva homes for sale are among some of the most sought after and coveted in all of Southwest Florida. As we know, Cape Coral is comprised of mostly peaceful residential neighborhoods. The beds in our unit were awful! The unit itself could use some updating. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. As a result, most residents choose to head over to nearby Fort Myers. 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. And partake in these kinds of places and activities. I really think Fort Myers is a nice place to live. Answer (1 of 6): Pros: * It's centrally located to Mt. Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season. Went kayaking without any problem. Yes, we have alligators, bobcats, geikos, gopher tortoise, many unique birds, and the list goes on and on. Welcome back to another episode of \"Talk About It Tuesday\" with The Niesman Team at Keller Williams Realty. Beach: Sanibel is famous for its beaches with tons of shells, if you have kids they will LOVE searching for shells! As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Curtains of thick vegetation hide buildings and shopping centers along Periwinkle Way, the main drag. The weather plays both parts of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. P.J. 7 Valid Reasons Not to Move to Florida. Since you can live anywhere in the state of Florida income tax-free. The pros of living on an island are access to amazing beaches, beautiful natural scenery and the opportunity to save money. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. There are a number of reasons which might render the state just the very best for your choice, but one should hurry in taking such pivotal decisions of their lives. Fort Myers vs Naples An Unbiased Comparison, 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2022 Rankings, Regret Moving to Florida? 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. The Pros. Then disappear during the summer. By the way, we ate twice out by the pool and the food was horrible. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida according to Data Do you live in Sanibel Island, Florida? Pinterest. Therefore, commuting won't be an issue. More popular hangouts include the pastel-painted Sunset Grill and the tiny serve-yourself Lazy Flamingo. The rich history of the place bears testimony to the fact that it has been accepted for all religions, races, and orientations. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Its much easier driving around or grabbing an Uber.. We knew of the resort fee. Cape Coral is a planned and well-designed community. The city is conveniently located near many other major cities in Florida and even has its own regional airport, making Fort Myers a good place to live and set as your base. When compared to other coastal cities. 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. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. As a result, there are a variety of housing options to choose from. If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. And place rules and restrictions on residents. Proximity to Seattle. It was also very clean. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. So here you have it, my very biased but honest pros and cons list of living on Sanibel Island. 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. To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. Older people living alone can become isolated, which can contribute to mental and physical health issues. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Both things to do and places to see. Privileged Climate . They are part of the Lee County school district. Furthermore, you wont find highly sought-after beaches to visit. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. We did our research and also reached out to several locals who have been living in Fort Myers for their opinion on the city. Mallorca is a Mediterranean city with a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. The refuge and property (owned by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) occupy two-thirds of the island. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. A little odd for such a large place. Know that within less than hour commute there are many higher education options to choose from. Construction of a new bridge increased tolls to $6 a small price for paradise, say residents. Since anyone of any age can move to Cape Coral. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Since living, working, and recreating in a confined area. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. The state has some of the strangest laws that you might ever come across. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. Furthermore, some cities in Florida have neighborhoods that are governed by Home Owners Associations (HOAs). As a result, it has very little violent crime. I know what youre thinking, isnt Sanibel primarily Age 60+, White/Caucasian American? Finally, and while we are still on the topic of money. Helping Startups/ It Companies/ and Small Businesses to Enhance Their Business Through Branding and Marketing Ideas. The other three councilmen are Scott. The most of any city in the world. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. And there are a number of obstacles that add to the woes of these drivers like the gigantic volume of traffic, the pathetic potholes or just the casualness of the passersby. But while everyone dreams of a home on the stunning islands of Sanibel or Captiva, whats it really like to live on them? who makes carquest ignition coils; caribbean wedding traditions; williamson college of the trades staff directory Good educational options. Many people move to southwest Florida for the weather. 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. Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. The tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. 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). Isnt possible in Cape Coral. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. If you choose the private school option. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. Just An Ordinary Day !JOIN your favorite Real Talk Team every Tuesday at 4PM for a Talk About It session LIVE on our Team Leader Jerry Niesmans Facebook! We had a two bedroom oceanfront. Residents of Sanibel Island know theyre lucky that nature lets them live here. Click here to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel island. The average price is $500,000; multimillion is common; and vacant lots are harder to come by. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. It is true that some areas of the resort looked well-worn, for example the tennis courts but the things that were important to us were great and we highly recommend the Sundial especially for families. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. Gonna steam my luggage and throw my clothes in the wash when I get home!-yellow stains on bed comforter -dusty artificial plants and lamps (I'm highly allergic to dust My nose tickled and sniffled while sitting in the living room) -snakes slithering across walkways near the gardens (freaked me out, but it's that natural wild life that makes Sanibel special Though we brought a plethora of beach/bathroom towels, we didn't need to worry about calling room service about that. A little odd for such a large place. 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. They are interrupted by the hundreds of miles of canals. Another helpful item as it relates to your budget is income taxes. "It's everything that's missing in so many communities today," says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. Much of which is accessible through the towns beautiful park system. You can learn more about Personal Capital here. Residents find themselves traveling out for shopping, dining, and working. On the other hand, property crime is more prevalent. On the other hand, not everyone is retired. Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. That hasnt priced the majority of potential new residents out of the market. Ive lived on Sanibel for more than a decade now, so Im pretty biased. 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. Made up of older residents and some families. Just be sure to include the additional cost in your budget. 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. With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. Please see our partners for more details. Our son LOVED having two pools to swim that were so close to us! And there are about 400 miles of canals running through it. Please dont hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. To maintain full transparency, Ive put this on my cons list. and it all adds up to bad traffic congestion. A Bonnier LLC Company. Sanibel cost of living is 163.0. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. COST OF LIVING: Sanibel: Florida: USA Overall: 163: 103.1: 100 Grocery: 116 . 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. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know), 23+ Pros And Cons Of Living In Rhode Island, Being a Food Delivery Driver: 21+ Pros and Cons, 20+ Pros And Cons Of Green Tea (Read Before Drinking), Being a School Bus Driver: 15 Pros and Cons, 20+ Differences Between Growth Stocks And Value Stocks, 20+ Differences Between Black People And White People, 20+ Differences between Sales tax and VAT, 20+ Differences between Eulogy and Obituary, 20+ Differences between CFD and Spread Betting, 20+ Differences Between Racism And Xenophobia, 20+ Differences between Holiday and Vacation. So with a panorama like this, you will surely feel like swimming in its . Think about it this way. 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. Touch device users, explore by touch or . The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. Here are the pros of living in Cape Coral: And to examine the flip side of this discussion. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. (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. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Not that there is anything wrong with this. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. What a blessing it has been. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. See our site policies and contact information. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Also, what state you are moving from. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! Once you move there, you'll be able to spend some time finding the lesser-known gems. Pros of living in Mallorca . The second gal I dealt with was super. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. 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? Dont forget about the hurricanes, either, which are in season from June to November every year. The pros of living in the Caribbean are spectacular beaches, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to major international cities. Much less than the state of Florida has a whole. It's impossible to complain about the weather while living in Hawaii! The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. 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. Inland homes and the least expensive are found mid-island, near the commercial hub. Not to mention a true hobby for most residents and visitors of the island. 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. Two adults in our 40's, two adults in their 60's, and a 7-year-old boy. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc.