Fort Myers is the fastest growing large city in Floridaand is probably best known for its relaxed mix of urban and suburban lifestyles with quick access to some of the best beaches in the world. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. With an emphasis on residential housing. Then again you are not allowed to ride your horse on a highway to test its speed; you just have to take the boy to your own property to do so. The beds in our unit were awful! It consists of several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. The winter months are amazing, with very few cold front interruptions. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. So here you have it, my very biased but honest pros and cons list of living on Sanibel Island. The project reflects Sanibels community/conservation spirit: A fundraiser well exceeded its $3.6 million goal. Such as Pine Island and Sanibel Island. "It's everything that's missing in so many communities today," says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. As a result, most residents own one or more cars. What are the best places to live in Southwest Florida? Please share your experience here: When we get comments from people on Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida, we publish them here. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. 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. Due to the investments in farmland and other development around nearby Lake Okeechobee. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. Every town has its pros and cons. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. The most of any city in the world. 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. This is paradise. Good educational options. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. The lake has become quite polluted. June through September can be the opposite extreme. Leading us to another one of the great things about living in Cape Coral. Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. Beach: Sanibel is famous for its beaches with tons of shells, if you have kids they will LOVE searching for shells! The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. Some have been living in Fort Myers for a few months while some have been there their whole life. Jim and I happen to live on a lake! With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. This is the reason the state needs to come up with new policies and job avenues so that the Rhode Islanders do not feel the need to move away from their homeland. Cannot beat that. The resort is fully renovated. An educational website created to help you achieve success one step at a time. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! Just a little easier. And partake in these kinds of places and activities. We knew of the resort fee. Let us explore all the possibilities that the place has in store. 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. Pinterest. Making finding your perfect home. Deitschel arrived at Sanibels Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife 13 years ago. Went kayaking without any problem. Thats why its number one on my list of pros to living on Sanibel Island. Older people living alone can become isolated, which can contribute to mental and physical health issues. nothing like the private feel of the Gulf of Mexico, @ the newly remodeled Sundial Resort on Sanibel Is. Click here to learn more about our Sanibel boating communities. Water is periodically released into the Caloosahatchee River. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. Okay. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. 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. The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. That's right, there is no state income tax living in Florida. Consider these events and destinations. The ac unit never cooled down and I found 2 bugs in my room. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. The unit itself could use some updating. Then disappear during the summer. Residents are able to build new relationships with fellow residents, staff, and volunteers. Theres also elbow room these days: Census estimates predict 600 fewer residents than in 2000. 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. Sanibel Island is no different. They also reduce your exposure to chemicals. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island. Steep tax burden. McCallion & McCallion Realty I heard that the Sundial did some renovating this year we plan on eventually visiting again and look forward to seeing the changes! Thats a part of the island time you enjoy when living on Sanibel Island. Perhaps you are starting to see that retiring in Cape Coral is a good idea. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. Tagged With: lakefront, new Sanibel, video library, waterfront Filed Under: Island Living. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. 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. 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. The Pros of Living in Florida #1. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. 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. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. There is no snow shovel. While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. On the other hand, the cost of living in Cape Coral is quite reasonable. Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. 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 . Sanibel is a sanctuary for wildlife and that, in fact, attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts to our island. There's a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and world-class surfing. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. Cannot beat that. Further, because of rising lake waters, and to relieve pressure on dikes and damns. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. Below, weve listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. Ive met some of the most interesting people from many walks of life who retire and live on the island. 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. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. 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. The job market looks quite dull as compared to the rest of the states in the country. High population density. That provides another excellent educational option for your children. Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. 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. And many of us have kids to educate. 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. 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! We hope that this list of pros and cons of living in Fort Myers can help you decide if it is worth it for you. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. Not that there is anything wrong with this. We will review each of these positive and negative things about Cape Coral living in just a moment. I thought long and hard trying to come up with more cons so that anyone moving to Sanibel is fully aware. 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. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. Good neighborly relations and home and car security system. Kitchen was fully equipped. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. So we hit the grocery store and ate most of our meals right in the condo. Living in the southwest Florida city of Naples, for example, you will find many HOAs. The dog days of summer are usually hot and humid, with an afternoon shower expected to cool things down. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. Rhode Island is one of the pioneer states to be inculcating the green energy mechanisms in the country. Its everything thats missing in so many communities today, says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? We knew of the resort fee. Ate outside once and inside once. The other three councilmen are Scott. While the ones that operate. Next, adding to serenity, the town does not have a major tourist attraction. Really, really bad! Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. Please don't hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. We knew of the resort fee. Hopefully, this discussion has helped you answer some important questions. Missed that somehow. A little odd for such a large place. Specifically, the annual violent crime rate per thousand residents is quite low. It is a busy urban location with nearly 3 million residents when including residents of St. Petersburg and the other nearby communities. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Sanibel is a true Old Florida coastal city that has withstood the test of time and preserved its small-town appeal. 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). 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. 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 Please try again later. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. This leads to a lot of dead-end streets. 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. However, do note that federal income taxes still apply. Pros of living in Mallorca . You're never too far from one, meaning it's super easy to arrange an impromptu trip whenever you feel like it. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Welcome back to another episode of \"Talk About It Tuesday\" with The Niesman Team at Keller Williams Realty. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. If you want to live in a mixed-use urban development in Florida. Since Fort Myers sits on the coast, it may be at a higher risk of flooding if the sea levels continue to rise. There are several key pros and cons of living in Fort Myers that you should consider. As a result, residents here do not have to put up with as many tourists. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. The room, a 2br gulf view condo, had a great layout. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Then, put together that this is a mostly residential community. 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? Since the Cape Coral lifestyle in this respect will not disappoint. Plus the beach is amazing! Another helpful item as it relates to your budget is income taxes. 1. First, there are no island resorts like living in the Florida Keys. Still, if you have a specialized doctor or require treatment at a large medical facility, you will likely need to travel over the bridge to Fort Myers to receive that care. To maintain full transparency, Ive put this on my cons list. But first, let's answer the burning question of the day. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! You can learn more about Personal Capital here. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. You will find them n Tampa too. 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 Like if you choose to move to Sarasota or Marco Island. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. The live music by the pool was very nice. 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. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. I think the fact that its a resort renting out individually owned condos creates a kind of disjointed experience. 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. We ALL loved it there! 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. That is basically one every year. Next, when compared to other coastal cities in Florida. Missed that somehow. The beds in our unit were awful! 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. There are no high schools on Sanibel Island, therefore, it makes the con list. When it comes to making ends meet. See our site policies and contact information. A little odd for such a large place. 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! :), On behalf of Sundial Beach Resort, we find it necessary to offer our loyal guests and future guests the following letter to represent our claim that the property is pest-free as it relates to the recent bed bugs posting on TripAdvisor. Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida according to Data Do you live in Sanibel Island, Florida? Permanent residents of these Southwest Florida islands must be comfortable being one with nature. The tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. The place is a cornucopia of some gorgeous natural beauty, varied cultural diversity, and recreational activities of all the kinds you can think of. Next, a few points on getting around town. Plus the beach is amazing! There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. I admit, there are times when coming back from the busy Fort Myers Costco that I wish it were closer. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Keeping short-term visitors to a minimum. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. Both things to do and places to see. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! You will find Cape Coral living to be quite peaceful. 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. * If you're heading into Mt. All of Fort Myers is a haven for foodies with tasty cuisines available from around the world, including Cuban, Peruvian, and of course, local Southern style food. So with a panorama like this, you will surely feel like swimming in its . (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. Written by: Susan McCallion 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 A cost of living index above 100 means Sanibel, Florida is more expensive. Or, you want to brush up on your skills. I really think Fort Myers is a nice place to live. In Cape Coral, you can find a housing option to meet almost any budget. It does, however, require some coordination if your kids have afterschool activities off-island. I'd prefer a lower pile or even tile if I rented out my condo. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. There is Fort Myers Beach, which is a 7 mile long barrier island just south of Fort Myers that also contains the famous Estero Island. Brandon, a 30 year-old lifelong resident of Fort Myers, commented that, I dont think I know anybody that uses public transportation frequently. 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. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. That hurricanes are an annual possibility. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. The state is also home to the countrys first offshore wind farm. In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Combined with high humidity levels. Caught fresh daily from the Gulf of Mexico. Just An Ordinary Day Relatively few businesses have located within the city limits. Sanibel and Captiva homes for sale are among some of the most sought after and coveted in all of Southwest Florida. Her name was Paige, she provided us a voucher for free breakfast for our trouble. All rights reserved. Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. Furthermore, there are several islands off the mainland to explore. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. Proximity to Seattle. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. They are part of the Lee County school district. If you are wondering what the pros and cons of living in Cape Coral are. Check out all of our. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. And you will probably find you need a car too. 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! Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. 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 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. 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. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 So, if you have your heart set on living near the water in South Florida. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. Tampa is just 2 hours away, while Miami and Orlando can be reached in about 3 hours. Cost of Living in Sanibel, Florida. Our son LOVED having two pools to swim that were so close to us! Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. 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!). View Profile. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. Brown University, one of the original Ivy League schools is located in a large portion of Providence. 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. The fact that we are in sanibel means 99% of all service people are going to be super nice but his food was probably the worst I've had on sanibel in 10 years. The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care. We describe what lakefront living on Sanibel Island is like in the video below (also linked on Youtube here). They are only 9.5 miles apart, and ferry services are excellent. The beach here is amazing. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! That may then impact the future value of real estate, making it a potential risky investment. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Im Tom. There isnt even a single traffic light. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. As a result, volunteerism has become a good habit with residents. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Overall we had a great time the beach was awesome, the complimentary chairs and umbrellas was a plus as well as the bikes and kayaks. But, Fort Myers doesnt just offer the surf and the sand. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. They fly down for the winter months. On the island, you can enjoy almost 300 sunny days a year, an absolute madness! Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. In fact, there are multiple types of waterfront properties on Sanibel theres beachfront/Gulf-front, bayfront, canal-front, and lakefront! The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. Florida Travel + Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Carpooling with other Sanibel families will be your lifesaver, and, of course, there are school buses that come on island as well. Went kayaking without any problem. 1) Eco . The beach here is amazing. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. Known as snowbirds. Starting with the optimistic view. Living Sanibel is the most complete nature guide to Sanibel and Captiva Island ever compiled. Which ultimately, feeds and pollutes the canals of Cape Coral. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. 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. ! I hear this from many people who say they could never live on Sanibel. In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. It is a fact of life for residents in southwest Florida.