As nice as November though April can be from a weather perspective. Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. Living Sanibel is the most complete nature guide to Sanibel and Captiva Island ever compiled. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. There are no high schools on Sanibel Island, therefore, it makes the con list. 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. Not to mention a true hobby for most residents and visitors of the island. So, as you consider these 30 moving to Cape Coral pros and cons, dont forget this. Further, because of rising lake waters, and to relieve pressure on dikes and damns. So, if you have your heart set on living near the water in South Florida. 1. There is a restaurant inside the main building, again the food was pretty good. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? 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. There are also 2 large amusement parks nearby, Zoomers Amusement Park and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, if you ever get tired of the beach. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. And what makes the nice weather so great? We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. Written by: Susan McCallion With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Because thats exactly what I have for you next. Since you can live anywhere in the state of Florida income tax-free. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. 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. Plus the beach is amazing! We knew of the resort fee. The state experiences some of the most beautiful seasons in the whole country. All of these eateries are close to the Sanctuary, Sanibels only gated community and home to one of the islands three golf courses. A big part of that is housing costs, which are 15% lower than the average across America. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. Obviously, as a mother who raised four kids on the island, I know this is not a huge deal for most families. Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. 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! There is also the bustling Downtown Farmers Market. !JOIN your favorite Real Talk Team every Tuesday at 4PM for a Talk About It session LIVE on our Team Leader Jerry Niesmans Facebook! Furthermore, the weather extremes create an environment that has attracted part-time residents. There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. Staff was very nice. Next, a few points on getting around town. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Much less than the state of Florida has a whole. They arent usually aggressive to humans. Fort Myers vs Naples An Unbiased Comparison, 16 Best Places to Live in Florida Newest 2022 Rankings, Regret Moving to Florida? In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. 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. This may be one of the few nice places remaining. We are going to address each of these living in Rhode Island pros and cons head-on. 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. But first, let's answer the burning question of the day. Finally, the city is known for its nearly 400 miles of man-made canals. Many people move to southwest Florida for the weather. 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. After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Did you know theres Lakefront living on Sanibel Island? We describe what lakefront living on Sanibel Island is like in the video below (also linked on Youtube here). Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. Houses overlooking bayous and those with direct bay or Gulf access have the biggest price tags. 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. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. That is basically one every year. Sep 25, 2015 | Lee County Real Estate, Luxury Properties, Sanibel Real Estate, Southwest Florida Lifestyle, Southwest Florida Real Estate, Waterfront. Brown University, one of the original Ivy League schools is located in a large portion of Providence. I have met the most incredible people, beautiful people born on the islands and many from varied nations that make up our rich ex-pat community . The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. The place is thriving with a vibrant urban culture with over seventy-six different languages! Because this Florida location has a lot of features that todays retirees are searching for. Making for a very uncomfortable climate if you cant take the heat. We stayed in a first floor condo in building E and it was the PERFECT location. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. Where Nature Lovers Flock According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . We will review each of these positive and negative things about Cape Coral living in just a moment. Towels easy to get and return. May not stay here again due to night time bites though. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. See our site policies and contact information. For example, BestPlaces.net scores the living costs in Cape Coral only 4% higher than the United States national average. Having more freedom to design specific programs to meet the needs of their students. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. The food was good, we ordered lunch a few times, basic things like pizza, burgers. That's right, there is no state income tax living in Florida. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. A little odd for such a large place. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! After enjoying the outdoors, you can nourish your creative and cultural side. Just An Ordinary Day Getting around Fort Myers, just like the rest of Florida, is primarily achieved via cars. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Keep in mind the beaches are literally covered in shells so if you have sensitive feet, bring beachy shoes like flip flops or water shoes for kids. While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. The threat of hurricanes can seem even scarier when moving to a barrier island. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. 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. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. Certainly, you can see Cape Coral is a good place to live. Made up of older residents and some families. Because temperatures consistently rise into the 90s. One of our favorite activities is going out to the beach after dinner to watch the glorious sunsets. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. 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. Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season. 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. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). Permanent residents of these Southwest Florida islands must be comfortable being one with nature. The winter months are amazing, with very few cold front interruptions. However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. 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. Proximity to Seattle. Effects of Global Warming on the Coast, Summary Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers, Florida. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. 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. Below, we've listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. If you choose the private school option. Is Fort Myers a good place to raise a family? 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. Missed that somehow. 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. Fort Myers offers numerous affordable neighborhoods and housing options and a lower cost of living compared to other large cities in Florida. June through September can be the opposite extreme. Second, the public school system also has charter schools. Theres lunch with friends, golf tournaments and cocktail parties.. Sanibel cost of living is 163.0. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. We find ourselves going outside more, too, and it really lifts our mood., I still cant believe how we can just hit the beach almost any time of the year. Only five homes were recently listed in the $300,000s. 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. What are the best places to live in Southwest Florida? 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. There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. There are many more crazy laws that are native to this place and you might find it funny to relate to them. The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. The tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. 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. 7 Valid Reasons Not to Move to Florida. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. Furthermore, there are several islands off the mainland to explore. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Its true that it is nice to be able to walk around in a t-shirt most days, but the summer heat is really grueling, especially if youre not used to it., It feels like youre swimming through the humidity sometimes and the rainstorms dont actually offer so much relief.. It was also very clean. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! 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. That provides another excellent educational option for your children. Author Bio, Disclosure, & Disclaimer: Please join me (Tom) as I try to achieve my goals, find my next place to live, and make the most of my money. The average price is $500,000; multimillion is common; and vacant lots are harder to come by. Here are the pros of living in Cape Coral: And to examine the flip side of this discussion. The drivers have been named the worst because of their insane ways of driving. Good service there also. Since it is composed mainly of residential neighborhoods. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. On top of that, global warming may also cause more extreme conditions, such as more hurricanes and hotter temperatures. Which ultimately, feeds and pollutes the canals of Cape Coral. Making matters worse, this isnt an easy area to drive around. Main office: Springville center X264, Park Ave S.01. 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. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. What are the best small towns near Fort Myers Florida? Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Welcome back to another episode of \"Talk About It Tuesday\" with The Niesman Team at Keller Williams Realty. Went kayaking without any problem. Plus the beach is amazing! Shells everywhere. 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? This is one of the great advantages of living in Cape Coral. We needed a break from the sun so one afternoon we took our son for a drive in to Ft. Myers to the Imaginarium Science Center, he really enjoyed that.Our condo was roomy, well furnished with good quality furniture, and tastefully decorated. First, there are no island resorts like living in the Florida Keys. 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. Make sure you do your research. Shells everywhere. 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. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. There is no snow shovel. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. Think about it this way. Mallorca is a Mediterranean city with a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island. Specifically, the annual violent crime rate per thousand residents is quite low. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. There are still good values on the market, but that may not last long and more people continue to flock to the area. The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. Cost of Living in Sanibel, Florida. The summers are beautiful with a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. 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 Cheers!#TheNiesmanTeam #RealPeople #RealEstate #KellerWilliamsRealty #FortMyers #TheIslands #TalkAboutIt #Zillow #BestPlace #SouthwestFlorida #FloridaRealestate #CaptivaIsland #SanibelIsland #Pros\u0026Cons #Vacationhomes #Beach #bestplacetolive Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. Explore. Many neighborhoods have. Because Cape Coral isnt a major tourist destination. other great places to live in southwest Florida, Living in the southwest Florida city of Naples, budget-friendly places to live in Florida, can live anywhere in the state of Florida, this Florida location has a lot of features, Fewer restrictive homeowners associations, The Sounds of Jazz & Blues Festival (March). The bartenders where not the friendliest and could have smiled a little more. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. In Cape Coral, you can find a housing option to meet almost any budget. Furthermore, you wont find highly sought-after beaches to visit. 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? A little odd for such a large place. Fort Myers is the fastest growing large city in Florida, 6. But while everyone dreams of a home on the stunning islands of Sanibel or Captiva, whats it really like to live on them? Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? Dating back to its initial development in the late 1950s. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. * If you're heading into Mt. Jim and I happen to live on a lake! Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Missed that somehow. Plenty of beaches Perhaps the most obvious advantage of living on an island is the sheer number of beaches. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. Tampa metro is about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. Just be sure to include the additional cost in your budget. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. I know this sounds really, really corny, but if you live on Camano island, you know, just what I mean. We ALL loved it there! Relatively few businesses have located within the city limits. 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 Where you can enjoy the benefits of living in Florida. Inland homes and the least expensive are found mid-island, near the commercial hub. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! Click here to learn more about the weather on Sanibel Island. The alcoholic drinks were a bit pricey, but not to worry when we were at the grocery, we also bought drink mixes and used our blender to make our own drinks. The unit itself could use some updating. Keeping short-term visitors to a minimum. The Village of Taunton Mills. 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. Most of the cons actually have a flip-side pro, like the fact that we dont have big box stores or wholesale giants. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. It's just a part of the lifestyle here. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. Next, adding to serenity, the town does not have a major tourist attraction. And the breathtaking fall showers a canopy of some majestic colors during its time in the state of Rhode Island. 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? Unlike some other communities in Florida where minimum age restrictions apply. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. High population density. Cape Coral is a planned and well-designed community. The city spent $52 million to redevelop this dining, nightlife, and entertainment hub that offers attractions for Millennials, young professionals, retirees, and families. The spring is a pleasant affair with warm days and cool nights. It does, however, require some coordination if your kids have afterschool activities off-island. Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. Albert and Serena discuss the pros and cons of living in Rhode Island: from the delicious food, and the great arts and cultural scenes, to pot holes and high. In fact, many residents of Bainbridge live on the island and work in Seattle. First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Pros: First of all it is community that can make or break it for me, be it University days, my early career in Toronto or living in the middle of the ocean. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. Much of which is accessible through the towns beautiful park system. 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. Check out these Pros & Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. View Profile. And Rakuten gives you $10 for doing so. While we regret the situation with any discomfort or insect bites, the third party examination by a licensed professional affirms our level of prevention, sanitation, and aggressive training and prevention efforts.To view the letter visit: http://sundialresort.com/pdf/sundial-letter.pdf Best regards,Bob KrammGeneral Manager, We where there from Friday to Sunday. We knew of the resort fee. Of retirement age. 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. In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Cape Coral is about 120 square miles. 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! Cannot beat that. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. Brandon, a 30 year-old lifelong resident of Fort Myers, commented that, I dont think I know anybody that uses public transportation frequently. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. 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. Fuel is expensive. 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. Then disappear during the summer. Ping pong, touch tank, We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. 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! Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. The room, a 2br gulf view condo, had a great layout. The active downtown, endless number of beaches, and affordable cost of living make it an excellent choice. Curtains of thick vegetation hide buildings and shopping centers along Periwinkle Way, the main drag. * You can reach the beach at either Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island in ~25 minutes. who makes carquest ignition coils; caribbean wedding traditions; williamson college of the trades staff directory Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. Hope you have a happy and prospective journey in your quest. They are violent storms that can create massive property damage from high winds, rain, and flooding. Sanibel Siesta on the Beach View Hotel 461 reviews 0.4 milesfrom Sundial Beach Resort & Spa Free Wifi Free parking Special offer Special OfferFREE BIKES! The people live here in small units and they are mostly a happy lot. Ive lived on Sanibel for more than a decade now, so Im pretty biased. To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. We swam and played in the ocean every day, we absolutely loved it! 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. We cover other great places to live in southwest Florida. Sanibel Island is no different. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida according to Data Do you live in Sanibel Island, Florida? 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. Please dont hesitate to shoot questions my way! 1) Eco . At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. Next year I'll either try casa ybel or go back to our old wonderful standby, the signal inn. I'd prefer a lower pile or even tile if I rented out my condo. Consider these events and destinations. 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. Towels easy to get and return. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. I really think Fort Myers is a nice place to live. Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. With housing, retail, businesses, and light industry brought together in one space. It consists of several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. The state is besotted with huge acres of land and people need to look after that with care. Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande It is a great place for families with children who love beaches and pools :).The whole property is pretty nice, but if you can swing it, stay in one of the oceanfront condos in buildings K or E (they are actually like one building with a small corridor dividing them). 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. Thats why youre reading this anyway. 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.