Its the big one on many peoples list of worries when moving to Florida. Brandon, a 30 year-old lifelong resident of Fort Myers, commented that, I dont think I know anybody that uses public transportation frequently. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Whereas, HOAs can charge hefty fees. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. 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? There is even a city council ordinance for both islands that states that buildings can be no more than three stories tall, preventing the type of commercialism and expansion that might occur on similar islands. Its what attracted Jim and me to the island and kept us here for over a decade now. Cape Coral is about 120 square miles. Staff was very nice. By the way, we ate twice out by the pool and the food was horrible. 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. Furthermore, some cities in Florida have neighborhoods that are governed by Home Owners Associations (HOAs). While the census statistics support this, there are a number of younger families and different nationalities on the island. Which ultimately, feeds and pollutes the canals of Cape Coral. 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Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. - https://youtu.be/_4BFerGXwx8For more videos choose from the Playlists below:SWFL Community Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKKk3VrlD3M\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBZBcR1scE4w29msF482zFuBSWFL Virtual Home Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1oboUC9ZgA\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBZpJLKMo5OjSSw-t8i4j_5WReal Estate information for Buyer/Seller/Investor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNtRfkWGWig\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBZIJmje9vBQlhCC9Cf5-Pt5Mega Open Houses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYVcdusS6kU\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBZKdDYx9y64Q0J-Kj72xEXTTNT Testimonial/ Red Carpet Closing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elgEIwon2K8\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBaOciKXmFLeeDqxHDzSkR5TGet to Know the Niesmanshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRR2qvcWd-4\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBamxcnbw6mh394NCmPym3nABloopers/Fun https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IERGN6X8uF8\u0026list=PLDmkMagDrgBbLEWyiuNjOkIEKq51BkT2c Dont forget to LIKE, COMMENT \u0026 SUBSCRIBEHope you enjoy our channel! That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. McCallion & McCallion Realty Cheers!#TheNiesmanTeam #RealPeople #RealEstate #KellerWilliamsRealty #FortMyers #TheIslands #TalkAboutIt #Zillow #BestPlace #SouthwestFlorida #FloridaRealestate #CaptivaIsland #SanibelIsland #Pros\u0026Cons #Vacationhomes #Beach #bestplacetolive With that said, you know I try to keep it real with you, especially when it comes to finding the right home or community for your family. 1. Some items cost more. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! All rights reserved. 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. 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. Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. So we hit the grocery store and ate most of our meals right in the condo. They also reduce your exposure to chemicals. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Since the Cape Coral lifestyle in this respect will not disappoint. If you want to live in a mixed-use urban development in Florida. Fuel is expensive. 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. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there, and I must say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews. 7 Valid Reasons Not to Move to Florida. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. Therefore, commuting won't be an issue. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. That hurricanes are an annual possibility. That flow almost everywhere though out the city. The unit itself could use some updating. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. 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. 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. This sites only purpose is for general information & entertainment. According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. Prices, says Weaver, have held steady. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. Most locals share similar lifestyle values that drew us all here for one reason or another. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. Pawleys Island gets hit by a lot of hurricanes. 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. 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. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. On the other hand, not everyone is retired. They have some of the best schools and colleges in the country. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. Not that there is anything wrong with this. Many people move to southwest Florida for the weather. One of our favorite activities is going out to the beach after dinner to watch the glorious sunsets. These visitors help stimulate the local economy, but they also bring extra traffic and rowdiness. Nevertheless, depending on your income. This city wont make the list of most budget-friendly places to live in Florida. With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. These Three Words Describe Me in The Best Way. 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 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. Certainly te main areas were clean but lots of areas were untouched for ages. Finally, and while we are still on the topic of money. Cannot beat that. Specifically, by using the cashback app from Rakuten. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Enjoy watching! View recent Captiva and Sanibel listings Oftentimes more affordable than Gulf-front, bayfront, or canal-front. Next year I'll either try casa ybel or go back to our old wonderful standby, the signal inn. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. Staff was very nice. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. So here you have it, my very biased but honest pros and cons list of living on Sanibel Island. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. The pros of living in the Caribbean are spectacular beaches, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to major international cities. See our site policies and contact information. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. Kitchen was fully equipped. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Thats all I have for today. and it all adds up to bad traffic congestion. 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! Our kids grew up on our lakefront property and have a very healthy respect for wildlife because of this. 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. Find out why residents love living on Sanibel Island. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! 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 And place rules and restrictions on residents. Sometimes you might encounter all the seasons in the same week. Where Nature Lovers Flock Furthermore, it is set off and away from the bustling Tampa metropolitan area. There was a research study in 2020 that found home prices in at-risk areas across Florida were 5% to 10% lower vs. houses in lower risk parts of the state. To give you the best insights, we tracked down a wide range of residents as well. 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. 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 are only a certain number of homes that can be built here, says Weaver. The live music by the pool was very nice. There are also 2 large amusement parks nearby, Zoomers Amusement Park and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, if you ever get tired of the beach. 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. 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. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. You're never too far from one, meaning it's super easy to arrange an impromptu trip whenever you feel like it. In assisted living communities, seniors have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Carpooling with other Sanibel families will be your lifesaver, and, of course, there are school buses that come on island as well. Jim and I happen to live on a lake! Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. On the other side of K/E is another smaller pool (but still nice sized). Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. Good service there also. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. But first, let's answer the burning question of the day. And what makes the nice weather so great? The room, a 2br gulf view condo, had a great layout. 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. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. Next, a few points on getting around town. Im sure you can guess many of the pros to living on Sanibel Island, so lets start with the cons. Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Privileged Climate . This is mainly due to the lack of direct and immediate access to the interstate highway system. And Rakuten gives you $10 for doing so. More popular hangouts include the pastel-painted Sunset Grill and the tiny serve-yourself Lazy Flamingo. Residents find themselves traveling out for shopping, dining, and working. In Cape Coral, you can find a housing option to meet almost any budget. 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. Shells everywhere. There isnt even a single traffic light. * If you're heading into Mt. 266 days of sunshine per year, which is 73% of the time. As a result, volunteerism has become a good habit with residents. 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. Since you can live anywhere in the state of Florida income tax-free. Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. 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. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. 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. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. This may be one of the few nice places remaining. View Profile. ), and of course the accommodation itself. Homes on these islands are not just for the rich and famous anymore, though some will still fetch a hefty price. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . Once weve reached it, were done. fortmyers-sanibel.com. We describe what lakefront living on Sanibel Island is like in the video below (also linked on Youtube here).