This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. The city spent $52 million to redevelop this dining, nightlife, and entertainment hub that offers attractions for Millennials, young professionals, retirees, and families. It's like breathing a breath of fresh air. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. 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 The Rhode Islanders are known far and wide for their genuine hospitality and warmth. Houses overlooking bayous and those with direct bay or Gulf access have the biggest price tags. 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 Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. 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. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. 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. Time and again researchers have come up with the fact that Rhode Island houses some of the most notorious drivers in the United States. That may then impact the future value of real estate, making it a potential risky investment. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. The threat of hurricanes can seem even scarier when moving to a barrier island. It reminded me of grandmas condo. Ping pong, touch tank, and many games to play. There are only a certain number of homes that can be built here, says Weaver. As we know, Cape Coral is comprised of mostly peaceful residential neighborhoods. Direct Path of Hurricanes. Moving to a completely new place can be both intimidating as well as exhilarating. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. 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. Then you can see why your Cape Coral lifestyle wont offer a ton of nightlife, shopping, bars, or restaurants. Thats why its number one on my list of pros to living on Sanibel Island. 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. Like if you choose to move to Sarasota or Marco Island. You will find Cape Coral living to be quite peaceful. On the other hand, property crime is more prevalent. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Kitchen was fully equipped. After researching and reading several reviews about Sundial Resort and Spa, my husband and I decided to book our 2 say stay here. Please see our partners for more details. While there is the threat of hurricanes and the humidity to battle, the weather here is generally FANTASTIC all year round. Call us (123) 456-7890 - (123) 555-7891. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. Should go a long way to solving this minor problem with Cape Coral living. Because Cape Coral isnt a major tourist destination. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. They have some of the best schools and colleges in the country. 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. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. With more than 650 full color photographs and illustrations by award-winning nature photographers and artists, this single volume is the only book you will ever need while visiting Florida's fabled barrier islands. The main drawback for most people would be the fact that there are more wildlife sightings, including alligators. Its what attracted Jim and me to the island and kept us here for over a decade now. There are no hospitals on the island, however, there are fabulous doctor offices here. Pawleys Island gets hit by a lot of hurricanes. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. Heres a tip we use to cut our costs a little. 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. With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. That hasnt priced the majority of potential new residents out of the market. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. 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. However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. In fact, there are multiple types of waterfront properties on Sanibel theres beachfront/Gulf-front, bayfront, canal-front, and lakefront! Making finding your perfect home. One of the major drawbacks that the place has is the absence of a strong economy. Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Tour a Tycoons Palm Beach Mansion (or Buy It for $145 Million), What Its Like to Live in West Palm Beach, Best 80s Gifts for Totally Tubular Nostalgia Fans, Best Valentines Day Gifts for Her in 2023, Win Valentines Day with these Romantic Gifts for Men. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. View recent Captiva and Sanibel listings Oftentimes more affordable than Gulf-front, bayfront, or canal-front. And what makes the nice weather so great? Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. I hope you enjoyed reading this insider info about the pros and cons of living on Sanibel Island from a locals perspective. Residents are committed to keeping it an environmental community.. A little odd for such a large place. PRO'S of Living on Camano. The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. Even Sanibels most wealthy residents bike to the beach and shop a Baileys in flip flops and a ball cap. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. 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. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. But both of those statistics are expected to rise in the coming decades. Adventurers who are seeking breathtaking heights and rolling hills may be disappointed with the relatively flat landscapes of Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. Next, its time to discuss the cons of living in Cape Coral. 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. Whereas, HOAs can charge hefty fees. Access to nature + outdoor recreation. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home. The pros of living in the Caribbean are spectacular beaches, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to major international cities. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. There are more than 40 million senior citizens in the United States today. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. Ive lived on Sanibel for more than a decade now, so Im pretty biased. You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! For example, BestPlaces.net scores the living costs in Cape Coral only 4% higher than the United States national average. 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! Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. nothing like the private feel of the Gulf of Mexico, @ the newly remodeled Sundial Resort on Sanibel Is. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. Theres also elbow room these days: Census estimates predict 600 fewer residents than in 2000. Shells everywhere. Older people living alone can become isolated, which can contribute to mental and physical health issues. They arent usually aggressive to humans. That's right, there is no state income tax living in Florida. Hopefully, this discussion has helped you answer some important questions. 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. Im Tom. Third, there are private schools. Where Nature Lovers Flock !JOIN your favorite Real Talk Team every Tuesday at 4PM for a Talk About It session LIVE on our Team Leader Jerry Niesmans Facebook! Since you can live anywhere in the state of Florida income tax-free. Gonna steam my luggage and throw my clothes in the wash when I get home!-yellow stains on bed comforter -dusty artificial plants and lamps (I'm highly allergic to dust My nose tickled and sniffled while sitting in the living room) -snakes slithering across walkways near the gardens (freaked me out, but it's that natural wild life that makes Sanibel special Though we brought a plethora of beach/bathroom towels, we didn't need to worry about calling room service about that. They are violent storms that can create massive property damage from high winds, rain, and flooding. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. There is a restaurant inside the main building, again the food was pretty good. Inland homes and the least expensive are found mid-island, near the commercial hub. Because the period from November into May is very pleasant. For baseball fans, Fort Myers is also a great base to catch some Spring Training action across the state. Cannot beat that. 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!). 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). The state has some of the strangest laws that you might ever come across. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. Just sayin! The unit itself could use some updating. Not to mention a true hobby for most residents and visitors of the island. Some have been living in Fort Myers for a few months while some have been there their whole life. Fort Myers is certainly a great place to visit, but is Fort Myers a good place to live? 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. South Florida is known for plenty of slightly annoying to plenty dangerous bugs and critters. 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. Marketing | Branding | Blogging. I enjoy setting and achieving goals, pursuing success, searching for my next place to live, and making the most of my money. Yes, Fort Myers is a good place to raise a family and offers a strong education system and numerous indoor and outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. Because temperatures consistently rise into the 90s. The west end, away from tourist activity, offers the highest-priced homes. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). All of these eateries are close to the Sanctuary, Sanibels only gated community and home to one of the islands three golf courses. 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. Sanibel is a sanctuary for wildlife and that, in fact, attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts to our island. The winter months are amazing, with very few cold front interruptions. Finally, the city is known for its nearly 400 miles of man-made canals. 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). Please don't hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. Shells everywhere. Staff was very nice. The drive over the bridge onto the island. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. Good service there also. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! Residents of Sanibel Island know theyre lucky that nature lets them live here. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Obviously, as a mother who raised four kids on the island, I know this is not a huge deal for most families. The unit itself could use some updating. That is basically one every year. Most locals share similar lifestyle values that drew us all here for one reason or another. There's something about when you've been off island, busy all day and then drive back onto the Island. Much of which is accessible through the towns beautiful park system. So, plan on spending more time in your car. Grilled to perfection! 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 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. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 more. Another helpful item as it relates to your budget is income taxes. 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. Water is periodically released into the Caloosahatchee River. Just a little easier. You can learn more about Personal Capital here. The wireless internet access was available in our room at no charge and I had no problems at all with connection. This next point is a big one. Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season. Staff at the front desk was EXCELLENT, always helpful and very knowledgeable about the island. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. So here goes for you a nice and comprehensive taste of all the attributes that you are bound to come across if you are finalizing on shifting here. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. I think each unit is individually owned so others may be more modern. You may not like living here. It is true that some areas of the resort looked well-worn, for example the tennis courts but the things that were important to us were great and we highly recommend the Sundial especially for families. Privileged Climate . Steep tax burden. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. We are available for any custom works this month. Second, the public school system also has charter schools. I mentioned shelling and wildlife as Sanibel attractions, but theres obviously a slew of water activities to benefit from living on an island! Boating and fishing are a big deal here. 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! Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. Hope this helps someone. Once you move there, you'll be able to spend some time finding the lesser-known gems. Please try again later. About 3 percent of them are currently living in a nursing home or assisted living facility.. Thats a part of the island time you enjoy when living on Sanibel Island. 1. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Visit our blog, Sanibel Kids Living The Good Life, to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel. (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. Overall, Fort Myers is a nice place to live and one of the top cities in Florida to consider. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Even though the average cost of living in Cape Coral is near the national average. Residents are able to build new relationships with fellow residents, staff, and volunteers. As the living in Cape Coral pros and cons continue. 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. 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! Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. Plenty of beaches Perhaps the most obvious advantage of living on an island is the sheer number of beaches. who makes carquest ignition coils; caribbean wedding traditions; williamson college of the trades staff directory It was also very clean. 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. It consists of several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. Good service there also. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. The second gal I dealt with was super. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. The senior population is likely going to double by the time 2060 rolls around, and it's probably going to mean a dramatic increase in the use of assisted . Wondering what's the good what's the bad? Check out all of our. The weather plays both parts of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. If you're an avid nature nut then you are going to love living in Hawaii. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. When its time to send the kids off to college. Ive met some of the most interesting people from many walks of life who retire and live on the island. So here you have it, my very biased but honest pros and cons list of living on Sanibel Island. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. Since Fort Myers sits on the coast, it may be at a higher risk of flooding if the sea levels continue to rise. Ping pong, touch tank, and many games to play. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. The pros of living in the Canary Islands: 1. Cape Coral is a planned and well-designed community. Otherwise, everything was very neat and clean, and they give you as many towels as you request. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. 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. 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. Once weve reached it, were done. fortmyers-sanibel.com. 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. Be sure to check out our complete list of the best places around Florida to see how close they are to Fort Myers. Touch device users, explore by touch or . The only blanket was a heavy down duvet. The job market looks quite dull as compared to the rest of the states in the country. Then, put together that this is a mostly residential community. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. 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. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Michael, a 55 year-old early retiree from Pennsylvania, moved with his wife to Fort Myers in 2018, but they were not ready for such brutal and unpredictable weather. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. McCallion & McCallion Realty So, as you consider these 30 moving to Cape Coral pros and cons, dont forget this. With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. 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. When you look around, you can see why. There are many more crazy laws that are native to this place and you might find it funny to relate to them. There isnt even a single traffic light. ), and of course the accommodation itself. Next, for anyone searching for their inner peace. Specifically. Proximity to Seattle. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! The facility opened its new educational building and student housing in January and this month will move into a two-story clinic. When it comes to making ends meet. 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. Thats all I have for today. Residents find themselves traveling out for shopping, dining, and working. If you choose the private school option. The resort is fully renovated. The shared-use path is an unsung hero on the pros list in my opinion. June through September can be the opposite extreme. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Its everything thats missing in so many communities today, says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. We will review each of these positive and negative things about Cape Coral living in just a moment. Both things to do and places to see. Sanibel Island is no different. And, as we already know, violent crime is fairly rare. Click here to learn more about our Sanibel boating communities. Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. 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). In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Here I have another one of the best things about Cape Coral living. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. The bartenders where not the friendliest and could have smiled a little more. 239.896.8549 Cape Coral, Fort Myers and the Beaches, Bonita Bay Offers Luxury and Community in Southwest Florida, Boating Destinations in Southwest Florida, Virtual Shopping for Real Estate How We Work With You Remotely, A Fresh Look at Northwest Cape Coral Real Estate, Cape Harbour community spotlight: boating by day, dancing by night, Client Interview: Finding the SWFL Retirement House of Your Dreams, Client Interview: Finding the Perfect SWFL Home From Afar. A cost of living index above 100 means Sanibel, Florida is more expensive. 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. Combined with high humidity levels. That hurricanes are an annual possibility. Home States & Countries Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know). Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. SageRealtor Group is a member of the Starlink Realty, Inc. brokerage. Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? They are interrupted by the hundreds of miles of canals. 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. The room, a 2br gulf view condo, had a great layout. What are the best places to live in Southwest Florida? 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. Its the big one on many peoples list of worries when moving to Florida. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930. Unfortunately, they all add up to some bad things about living in Cape Coral. Went kayaking without any problem. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community. Okay. On the other hand, you are welcome to stick with me here. Much less than the state of Florida has a whole. As we turn to the pros of living in Cape Coral. Perhaps consider moving to Jacksonville. 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. :( Good amenities that are included and footsteps away from the beach. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. 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. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Towels easy to get and return. The shared-use path is an "unsung hero" on the pros list in my opinion. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island.