The room, a 2br gulf view condo, had a great layout. Check out these Pros \u0026 Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. 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. Although there is the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery, there really isnt a strong enthusiasm for a more developed arts and theater scene as the city caters to the beachlife mentality. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island. I'd prefer a lower pile or even tile if I rented out my condo. Should go a long way to solving this minor problem with Cape Coral living. Both things to do and places to see. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. This may be one of the few nice places remaining. What are the best small towns near Fort Myers Florida? Went kayaking without any problem. However, My favorite is fresh-caught grouper. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. Its everything thats missing in so many communities today, says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. 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. 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. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. Pleasant, North Charleston, Hanahan, and of course Daniel Island itself. The job market looks quite dull as compared to the rest of the states in the country. 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. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. Bed bugs need to be checked out for sure! 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. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. All of these eateries are close to the Sanctuary, Sanibels only gated community and home to one of the islands three golf courses. Sustainable all natural cleaners make you feel like you're doing something good for yourself and the environment. Inland homes and the least expensive are found mid-island, near the commercial hub. So be prepared to pay higher costs for property and casualty insurance, summer energy costs to cool your home, and your health care needs. Please try again later. 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. Susan@McCallionRealty.com or 239-472-1950 to reach me and my team. 3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2. 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. High population density. 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. However, you will find that a majority of the residents are seniors. Unlike when deciding to relocate to Orlando. For air travelers, there is Southwest Florida International Airport that is located just 30 minutes away from downtown Fort Myers. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. Pinterest. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. Check in was rough. That may then impact the future value of real estate, making it a potential risky investment. Please dont hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. See our site policies and contact information. Since Fort Myers sits on the coast, it may be at a higher risk of flooding if the sea levels continue to rise. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. Our son LOVED having two pools to swim that were so close to us! Jul 28, 2022 - Every town has its pros and cons. Thats a part of the island time you enjoy when living on Sanibel Island. Where you can enjoy the benefits of living in Florida. And honestly, it should be on the top of your mind when considering how to insure, protect and prepare for a potential hurricane or tropical storm. Since the best homes on the water and in the best locations can run up into the millions. When you look around, you can see why. Beds were ok. Bedrooms were carpeted w a well worn and stained shag which might be great for the owners but the thought of a different family walking on it each week with wet, dirty feet gives me the heebie geebies. Many homes and businesses across the state utilize green energy with the use of solar and wind technology. Residents find themselves traveling out for shopping, dining, and working. Carpooling with other Sanibel families will be your lifesaver, and, of course, there are school buses that come on island as well. Specifically, by using the cashback app from Rakuten. PRO'S of Living on Camano. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. McCallion & McCallion Realty I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. Shells everywhere. Kitchen was fully equipped. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Main office: Springville center X264, Park Ave S.01. 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. First, there are no island resorts like living in the Florida Keys. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. The beach here is amazing. Direct Path of Hurricanes. Furthermore, you wont find highly sought-after beaches to visit. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. This leads to a lot of dead-end streets. Plus the beach is amazing! On the other hand, you are welcome to stick with me here. Marketing | Branding | Blogging. Made up of older residents and some families. Did you know theres Lakefront living on Sanibel Island? There are only a certain number of homes that can be built here, says Weaver. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. Across the bay, there is also the beautiful Sanibel Island and its Causeway Islands Park beaches. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. You may not like living here. Today. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. Missed that somehow. And the breathtaking fall showers a canopy of some majestic colors during its time in the state of Rhode Island. People working at the main building were great. Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. It was also very clean. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? Then disappear during the summer. Getting around Fort Myers, just like the rest of Florida, is primarily achieved via cars. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Sometimes you might encounter all the seasons in the same week. !JOIN your favorite Real Talk Team every Tuesday at 4PM for a Talk About It session LIVE on our Team Leader Jerry Niesmans Facebook! But, like anywhere, it may not be for everyone. The Pros. 1) Eco . To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. Okay. Master bedroom never cooled properly, we had ac set on 68 at night to keep comfortable. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. 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. Bad winter weather. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. Just a little easier. Plus the beach is amazing! That also serves grades K-12. The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. To enjoy its vibrant downtown area. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. We knew of the resort fee. Just be sure to include the additional cost in your budget. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. Some have been living in Fort Myers for a few months while some have been there their whole life. Unlike some other communities in Florida where minimum age restrictions apply. 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. Construction of a new bridge increased tolls to $6 a small price for paradise, say residents. Furthermore, there are several islands off the mainland to explore. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. The live music by the pool was very nice. The drivers have been named the worst because of their insane ways of driving. Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. In Cape Coral, you can find a housing option to meet almost any budget. 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. Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande Tampa metro is about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. But the foodie favorite is the Mad hatter, where a sign announces the nightly sunset right down to the minute. As Jim mentions in the video, Sanibel lakefront homes boast some of these benefits: Of course, there are some drawbacks to lakefront living on Sanibel Island. Houses overlooking bayous and those with direct bay or Gulf access have the biggest price tags. It consists of several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. And many of us have kids to educate. Because this Florida location has a lot of features that todays retirees are searching for. Known as snowbirds. This sites only purpose is for general information & entertainment. On the other hand, the cost of living in Cape Coral is quite reasonable. A little odd for such a large place. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. We did our research and also reached out to several locals who have been living in Fort Myers for their opinion on the city. There is no age restriction for living here. 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. There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. COST OF LIVING: Sanibel: Florida: USA Overall: 163: 103.1: 100 Grocery: 116 . Click here to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel island. 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. Boating and fishing are a big deal here. Fort Myers offers numerous affordable neighborhoods and housing options and a lower cost of living compared to other large cities in 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. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. There are so many more pros like the proximity to Seattle, the mountains and many more. Please see our partners for more details. "It's everything that's missing in so many communities today," says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. Here I have another one of the best things about Cape Coral living. Thus, more than likely, public transportation wont get you where you need to go. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. The Village of Taunton Mills. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. All rights reserved. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. The beautiful beaches around Fort Myers and relaxed way of life attract many visitors throughout the year and can be a nuisance to a full-time resident. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. This means the land development was organized from the beginning. You will have to travel further away to satisfy your mountain biking or hiking fix on more challenging terrains. It is a busy urban location with nearly 3 million residents when including residents of St. Petersburg and the other nearby communities. Certainly, you can see Cape Coral is a good place to live. 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. We use the free online tool from Personal Capital. 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. Moreover, the University of Rhode Island and Providence College are known for their academics and sports programs as well. To avoid the heat and humidity. They have some of the best schools and colleges in the country. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. You wont find a bunch of flashy cars or fancy clothes lining the streets of Sanibel. Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. Besides that we did enjoy the resort facilities and the front desk was very helpful when we where checking in. Theres lunch with friends, golf tournaments and cocktail parties.. Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. Answer (1 of 6): Pros: * It's centrally located to Mt. Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. We stayed in a first floor condo in building E and it was the PERFECT location. We are going to address each of these living in Rhode Island pros and cons head-on. Also, what state you are moving from. 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. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Never heard, saw anything about available services. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! An educational website created to help you achieve success one step at a time. As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. 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. Thats all I have for today. While there is the threat of hurricanes and the humidity to battle, the weather here is generally FANTASTIC all year round. Cape Coral living means there is convenient access to water almost everywhere. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Please don't hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. 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. Staff was very nice. The project reflects Sanibels community/conservation spirit: A fundraiser well exceeded its $3.6 million goal. Cannot beat that. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. 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. It's impossible to complain about the weather while living in Hawaii! Isnt possible in Cape Coral. Welcome back to another episode of \"Talk About It Tuesday\" with The Niesman Team at Keller Williams Realty. The beds in our unit were awful! Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. Many people move to southwest Florida for the weather. 1. 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! Cannot beat that. Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community. 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. Third, there are private schools. Because the period from November into May is very pleasant. Perhaps you are starting to see that retiring in Cape Coral is a good idea. 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 second gal I dealt with was super. #3. To this day there are no traffic lights on either island, and certain types of businesses, such as chain and fast food restaurants, are banned on the islands as well. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. The shared-use path is an unsung hero on the pros list in my opinion. Towels easy to get and return. Combined with high humidity levels. Access to nature + outdoor recreation. 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. Of retirement age. Plenty of beaches Perhaps the most obvious advantage of living on an island is the sheer number of beaches. That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. Caught fresh daily from the Gulf of Mexico. A little odd for such a large place. With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. 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. Are you thinking about moving to Long Island NY? Moving to a completely new place can be both intimidating as well as exhilarating. Below, we've listed the lakefront property for sale on Sanibel Island. On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. As a result, volunteerism has become a good habit with residents. Click here to learn more about Sanibel wildlife. 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. An amount below 100 means Sanibel is cheaper than the US average. 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. Thats why its number one on my list of pros to living on Sanibel Island. 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. Because thats exactly what I have for you next. Not that there is anything wrong with this. 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. Due to the investments in farmland and other development around nearby Lake Okeechobee. First, there is the Gulf of Mexico coastline. The beds in our unit were awful! Towels easy to get and return. The unit itself could use some updating. Much less than the state of Florida has a whole. 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 There are several key pros and cons of living in Fort Myers that you should consider. There is also the bustling Downtown Farmers Market. When compared to other coastal cities. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. But, Fort Myers doesnt just offer the surf and the sand. Its the big one on many peoples list of worries when moving to Florida.