Went kayaking without any problem. Its what helped our island economy from the early days, and is still a major source of income for many island businesses. Cost of Living in Sanibel, Florida. 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. P.J. On the island, you can enjoy almost 300 sunny days a year, an absolute madness! First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. 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. The sunset was about 300 yards north around the bend of the island. 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 of living on an island are access to amazing beaches, beautiful natural scenery and the opportunity to save money. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. Brown University, one of the original Ivy League schools is located in a large portion of Providence. Everyday feels like a vacation.. We cover other great places to live in southwest Florida. The state is also home to the countrys first offshore wind farm. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. The place has gone green with the complete utilization of wind power and creating energy and jobs in its wake. After researching and reading several reviews about Sundial Resort and Spa, my husband and I decided to book our 2 say stay here. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. And place rules and restrictions on residents. Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. Next, when compared to other coastal cities in Florida. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. But, Fort Myers doesnt just offer the surf and the sand. Jennifer, a 27-year old marketing manager, moved to Fort Myers in 2019 and commented on the thriving downtown scene. That is basically one every year. The historic Fort Myers River District has recently undergone a revitalization and has come alive in the last few years. Were from small towns in upstate New York, and Sanibel has the same community feeling, says Michelle. 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! Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. Furthermore, it is set off and away from the bustling Tampa metropolitan area. We describe what lakefront living on Sanibel Island is like in the video below (also linked on Youtube here). People working at the main building were great. If you are interested in the Fort Myers area, but are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, then check out these small towns that offer a slow pace of life in paradise: Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Known as snowbirds. The unit itself could use some updating. Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community. Cape Coral living means there is convenient access to water almost everywhere. That also serves grades K-12. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. In contrast, most cities evolved more randomly than Cape Coral. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. But while everyone dreams of a home on the stunning islands of Sanibel or Captiva, whats it really like to live on them? Since living, working, and recreating in a confined area. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. 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. Cape Coral is a planned and well-designed community. When compared to other coastal cities. There are no hospitals on the island, however, there are fabulous doctor offices here. Access to nature + outdoor recreation. But both of those statistics are expected to rise in the coming decades. Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. There's a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and world-class surfing. 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. The wireless internet access was available in our room at no charge and I had no problems at all with connection. Every town has its pros and cons. We brought them to the pool, as did many other guests, it's nice they allow you to do that. Cannot beat that. Wondering what's the good what's the bad? Explore. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. The active downtown, endless number of beaches, and affordable cost of living make it an excellent choice. Just a little easier. I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. The place is thriving with a vibrant urban culture with over seventy-six different languages! I really think Fort Myers is a nice place to live. I enjoy setting and achieving goals, pursuing success, searching for my next place to live, and making the most of my money. Grilled to perfection! But the foodie favorite is the Mad hatter, where a sign announces the nightly sunset right down to the minute. 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 The project reflects Sanibels community/conservation spirit: A fundraiser well exceeded its $3.6 million goal. Shells everywhere. Answer (1 of 6): Pros: * It's centrally located to Mt. Making matters worse, this isnt an easy area to drive around. And it was planned to be residential. Find out why residents love living on Sanibel Island. This leads to a lot of dead-end streets. The shared-use path is an unsung hero on the pros list in my opinion. Click here to learn more about the weather on Sanibel Island. That provides another excellent educational option for your children. And, as we already know, violent crime is fairly rare. Ping pong, touch tank, and many games to play. The winter months are amazing, with very few cold front interruptions. ), and of course the accommodation itself. Click here to learn more about our Sanibel boating communities. 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. 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. 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, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. There is also the bustling Downtown Farmers Market. Florida Travel + Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Dating back to its initial development in the late 1950s. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! So here you have it, my very biased but honest pros and cons list of living on Sanibel Island. 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. 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. Let us explore all the possibilities that the place has in store. The Pros and Cons of Island Living Community. On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. Isnt possible in Cape Coral. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Water is periodically released into the Caloosahatchee River. May not stay here again due to night time bites though. However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. Specifically, by using the cashback app from Rakuten. If you happen to visit the place you wont be surprised to come across solar panels or several wind turbines as you drive through the highways. Otherwise, everything was very neat and clean, and they give you as many towels as you request. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. Then disappear during the summer. Personal Capital is a great resource to manage your budget, spending, and investment all in one place. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. Residents find themselves traveling out for shopping, dining, and working. There's something about when you've been off island, busy all day and then drive back onto the Island. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. A little odd for such a large place. Overall, there is a low crime rate in Cape Coral. Then, I quickly remember that I wouldnt want that big store and the traffic it attracts to crowd our little island and the 30-minute drive no longer seems so bad. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. Then you can see why your Cape Coral lifestyle wont offer a ton of nightlife, shopping, bars, or restaurants. Then, put together that this is a mostly residential community. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Kitchen was fully equipped. 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. 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. Pros of living in Mallorca . Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. Maybe it depends on what condo/building you stay? I know what youre thinking, isnt Sanibel primarily Age 60+, White/Caucasian American? 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. A little odd for such a large place. But you may not be able to afford waterfront living. Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. 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. The threat of hurricanes can seem even scarier when moving to a barrier island. The Village of Taunton Mills. Here are the cons of living in Cape Coral: Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. Towels easy to get and return. 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. 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. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. Fuel is expensive. Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. 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? 1. South Florida is known for plenty of slightly annoying to plenty dangerous bugs and critters. Furthermore, you wont find highly sought-after beaches to visit. Plus the beach is amazing! We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. There are no high schools on Sanibel Island, therefore, it makes the con list. Where you can enjoy the benefits of living in Florida. 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. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. I think the fact that its a resort renting out individually owned condos creates a kind of disjointed experience. There are often rain showers every afternoon in the summer as well. As the living in Cape Coral pros and cons continue. The drivers have been named the worst because of their insane ways of driving. more. Towels easy to get and return. But, like anywhere, it may not be for everyone. The state has some of the strangest laws that you might ever come across. View Profile. Then brought to shore. With housing, retail, businesses, and light industry brought together in one space. 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!). Second, the public school system also has charter schools. 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. Shells everywhere. Helping Startups/ It Companies/ and Small Businesses to Enhance Their Business Through Branding and Marketing Ideas. Missed that somehow. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). A cost of living index above 100 means Sanibel, Florida is more expensive. Unlike when deciding to relocate to Orlando. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. This is something you should be aware of when moving to Sanibel Island. Should go a long way to solving this minor problem with Cape Coral living. There are also 2 large amusement parks nearby, Zoomers Amusement Park and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, if you ever get tired of the beach. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. Click here to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel island. Marketing | Branding | Blogging. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. 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. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. The other three councilmen are Scott. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. The people live here in small units and they are mostly a happy lot. There was a small den with foldable wall that was perfect for our 3rd child in a crib. Yes, we have alligators, bobcats, geikos, gopher tortoise, many unique birds, and the list goes on and on. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. Many neighborhoods have. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. This is one of the great advantages of living in Cape Coral. And significantly lower than the larger cities in the state like Miami. 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). Hope this helps someone. Time and again researchers have come up with the fact that Rhode Island houses some of the most notorious drivers in the United States. Its easy to sign up. Most of the cons actually have a flip-side pro, like the fact that we dont have big box stores or wholesale giants. The beds in our unit were awful! The wealthy have gravitated to Sanibel for decades, but its now attracting more families and middle-aged professionals, Weaver notes. Visit our blog, Sanibel Kids Living The Good Life, to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel. Living Sanibel is the most complete nature guide to Sanibel and Captiva Island ever compiled. 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. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. Ate outside once and inside once. Ping pong, touch tank, We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Missed that somehow. Consider these events and destinations. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. 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. Cannot beat that. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. In assisted living communities, seniors have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. jamie bamber isla elizabeth angela griffith. We knew of the resort fee. The drive over the bridge onto the island. What a blessing it has been. We ALL loved it there! Having more freedom to design specific programs to meet the needs of their students. It reminded me of grandmas condo. A 50-something, early retired business professional and teacher who loves to share his everyday expertise about: I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. Zillow estimates that the average value of homes in Fort Myers is around $210,000 to $230,000 and is steadily appreciating. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Check out all of our. Certainly, you can see Cape Coral is a good place to live. On the other hand, property crime is more prevalent. Staff was very nice. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! The state is known for the high standard of quality education that it provides its residents. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. The area charter schools are unique. The main drawback for most people would be the fact that there are more wildlife sightings, including alligators. Besides that we did enjoy the resort facilities and the front desk was very helpful when we where checking in. 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. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. Theres a toll to cross the Causeway, tolls for beach parking (though Sanibel residents can get annual passes), property values are high, rental values are high, and you might find a slight increase on fuel and grocery items compared to the mainland, though theres not a huge mark-up. * If you're heading into Mt. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. The Pros. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. Tampa metro is about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. Sanibel is a sanctuary island, says banker Robbie Roepstorff, who was so enticed by the abundance of nature he moved here 20 years ago. Sanibel Island is no different. I think each unit is individually owned so others may be more modern. This next point is a big one. They are interrupted by the hundreds of miles of canals. Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. Cannot beat that. The food was good, we ordered lunch a few times, basic things like pizza, burgers. Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. The resort is fully renovated. 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. Fort Myers is certainly a great place to visit, but is Fort Myers a good place to live? 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. A lighter blanket would have helped keep is cool. Dont miss Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,500 acre wetland with a 1.2-mile boardwalk trail and wildlife to see less than 20 minutes from downtown Fort Myers. Perhaps consider moving to Jacksonville. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. Im sure you can guess many of the pros to living on Sanibel Island, so lets start with the cons. Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. Home States & Countries Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know). We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. 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. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. That's right, there is no state income tax living in Florida. That also means that you need a car to live in Fort Myers and everything from going to work, school, or to the beach will require a short drive and is generally not walkable. 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! Then you have come to the right place. The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. nothing like the private feel of the Gulf of Mexico, @ the newly remodeled Sundial Resort on Sanibel Is. 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.