A little odd for such a large place. The summers are beautiful with a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. Staff was very nice. Having more freedom to design specific programs to meet the needs of their students. It was also very clean. Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. Next, its time to discuss the cons of living in Cape Coral. And Rakuten gives you $10 for doing so. 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. Older people living alone can become isolated, which can contribute to mental and physical health issues. Fort Myers offers numerous affordable neighborhoods and housing options and a lower cost of living compared to other large cities in Florida. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. They are violent storms that can create massive property damage from high winds, rain, and flooding. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Find out why residents love living on Sanibel Island. When compared to other coastal cities. While the ones that operate. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. 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. Check out these Pros & Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. 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. Then you earn money back from all of your online purchases. 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. If you're an avid nature nut then you are going to love living in Hawaii. But there are alligators! View Profile. There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. Moreover, the University of Rhode Island and Providence College are known for their academics and sports programs as well. If you are deathly afraid of Florida wildlife, we wouldnt suggest Sanibel as a great place for you to move. Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. They are interrupted by the hundreds of miles of canals. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. Fuel is expensive. When its time to send the kids off to college. To avoid the heat and humidity. It's like breathing a breath of fresh air. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. The drivers have been named the worst because of their insane ways of driving. Proximity to Seattle. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. There is no snow shovel. Third, there are private schools. 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. This city wont make the list of most budget-friendly places to live in Florida. 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. 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. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. 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! Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. There isnt even a single traffic light. Went kayaking without any problem. 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. The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. Specifically, the annual violent crime rate per thousand residents is quite low. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. Even Sanibels most wealthy residents bike to the beach and shop a Baileys in flip flops and a ball cap. Staff was very nice. 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. 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. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. 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. The beach here is amazing. They are part of the Lee County school district. 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. That also serves grades K-12. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. Because Cape Coral isnt a major tourist destination. Really, really bad! 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 Towels easy to get and return. 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? Steep tax burden. Good neighborly relations and home and car security system. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Tampa metro is about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. One thing I will mention is that there were a few days where housekeeping did not come and we had to call them a few times to remind them in their defense, the Sundial was changing over to new ownership the week we were there and they apologized for the inconsistent housekeeping that week. Real Estate Market Stats vs. Comps: Whats the Difference? We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. The refuge and property (owned by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) occupy two-thirds of the island. Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. Ping pong, touch tank, and many games to play. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. These Three Words Describe Me in The Best Way. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Residents of Sanibel Island know theyre lucky that nature lets them live here. You can learn more about Personal Capital here. As we turn to the pros of living in Cape Coral. 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). Homes on these islands are not just for the rich and famous anymore, though some will still fetch a hefty price. Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. On the other hand, you are welcome to stick with me here. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Click here to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel island. The weather plays both parts of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. Bed bugs need to be checked out for sure! Only five homes were recently listed in the $300,000s. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. I mentioned shelling and wildlife as Sanibel attractions, but theres obviously a slew of water activities to benefit from living on an island! As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. PRO'S of Living on Camano. 1. The beds in our unit were awful! No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. Like if you choose to move to Sarasota or Marco Island. 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. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! It consists of several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. High cost of living. 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? If you want to live in a mixed-use urban development in Florida. 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. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. June through September can be the opposite extreme. 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. The shared-use path is an "unsung hero" on the pros list in my opinion. Click here to learn more about Sanibel wildlife. There are only a certain number of homes that can be built here, says Weaver. Specifically, by using the cashback app from Rakuten. Our kids grew up on our lakefront property and have a very healthy respect for wildlife because of this. and it all adds up to bad traffic congestion. While the census statistics support this, there are a number of younger families and different nationalities on the island. The project reflects Sanibels community/conservation spirit: A fundraiser well exceeded its $3.6 million goal. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. Its much easier driving around or grabbing an Uber.. Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande Because this Florida location has a lot of features that todays retirees are searching for. What a blessing it has been. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. There are so many more pros like the proximity to Seattle, the mountains and many more. McCallion & McCallion Realty Shells everywhere. With housing, retail, businesses, and light industry brought together in one space. I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. Not to mention a true hobby for most residents and visitors of the island. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Cannot beat that. You will have to travel further away to satisfy your mountain biking or hiking fix on more challenging terrains. You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. As a result, most residents choose to head over to nearby Fort Myers. Besides that we did enjoy the resort facilities and the front desk was very helpful when we where checking in. 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. Curtains of thick vegetation hide buildings and shopping centers along Periwinkle Way, the main drag. 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. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. Jul 28, 2022 - Every town has its pros and cons. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? And the breathtaking fall showers a canopy of some majestic colors during its time in the state of Rhode Island. Some have been living in Fort Myers for a few months while some have been there their whole life. City council also guards its commitment to do right by nature; it has passed ordinances restricting buildings exceeding three stories and in 1996 banned formula restaurants specifically to preserve the communitys small-town character and relaxed island pace (a Dairy Queen was grandfathered). Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. If you choose the private school option. They also reduce your exposure to chemicals. The state is besotted with huge acres of land and people need to look after that with care. At Baileys General Store, where a timeworn tile inlay in the floor thanks customers for their patronage, rods, reels and Dickies work pants are stacked on shelves across from rows of bakery cases displaying from-scratch cakes, cookies and pastries. Check out these Pros \u0026 Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Where Nature Lovers Flock Further, because of rising lake waters, and to relieve pressure on dikes and damns. Went kayaking without any problem. Adventurers who are seeking breathtaking heights and rolling hills may be disappointed with the relatively flat landscapes of Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. Sanibel Island is no different. Dating back to its initial development in the late 1950s. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. And there are a number of obstacles that add to the woes of these drivers like the gigantic volume of traffic, the pathetic potholes or just the casualness of the passersby. Susan@McCallionRealty.com or 239-472-1950 to reach me and my team. 3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. Certainly, you can see Cape Coral is a good place to live. I admit, there are times when coming back from the busy Fort Myers Costco that I wish it were closer. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. Please dont hesitate to shoot questions my way! Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. By the way, we ate twice out by the pool and the food was horrible. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Shells everywhere. Her name was Paige, she provided us a voucher for free breakfast for our trouble. Once you move there, you'll be able to spend some time finding the lesser-known gems. Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. A little disappointed our room was very old and the couch was dirty and smelled horrible,we had to place towels to actually sit down. Ive lived on Sanibel for more than a decade now, so Im pretty biased. 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. Never heard, saw anything about available services. They are only 9.5 miles apart, and ferry services are excellent. So here you have it, my very biased but honest pros and cons list of living on Sanibel Island. 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 place has gone green with the complete utilization of wind power and creating energy and jobs in its wake. Explore. Therefore, commuting won't be an issue. We knew of the resort fee. After researching and reading several reviews about Sundial Resort and Spa, my husband and I decided to book our 2 say stay here. Cape Coral is a planned and well-designed community. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. Hope this helps someone. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. Next, when compared to other coastal cities in Florida. The Rhode Islanders are known far and wide for their genuine hospitality and warmth. Such as Pine Island and Sanibel Island. Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. If you are wondering what the pros and cons of living in Cape Coral are. 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. Below, weve listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. Starting with the optimistic view. It reminded me of grandmas condo. Touch device users, explore by touch or . One of the major drawbacks that the place has is the absence of a strong economy. Cost of Living in Sanibel, Florida. And, as we already know, violent crime is fairly rare. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. However, My favorite is fresh-caught grouper. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. The beach here is amazing. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. 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! Then, put together that this is a mostly residential community. The state experiences some of the most beautiful seasons in the whole country. Making finding your perfect home. 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. We are available for any custom works this month. There is a restaurant inside the main building, again the food was pretty good. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. Finally, for a variety of reasons. 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. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. Hopefully, this discussion has helped you answer some important questions. Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. Good service there also. As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. This is something you should be aware of when moving to Sanibel Island.