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. 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 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. You will find Cape Coral living to be quite peaceful. The west end, away from tourist activity, offers the highest-priced homes. Towels easy to get and return. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. On the other hand, property crime is more prevalent. The wealthy have gravitated to Sanibel for decades, but its now attracting more families and middle-aged professionals, Weaver notes. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. As we know, Cape Coral is comprised of mostly peaceful residential neighborhoods. It is a busy urban location with nearly 3 million residents when including residents of St. Petersburg and the other nearby communities. The Pros and Cons of Island Living - Life In Pleasantville If you choose the private school option. 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. Finally, and while we are still on the topic of money. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. With so many amenities and activities around town, U.S. News and World Report named Fort Myers as the 2nd best place to retire in America. There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. Thus, we can not be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. Everyday feels like a vacation.. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. There is no age restriction for living here. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. The Pros and Cons of Living on Hawai'i Island Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. So with a panorama like this, you will surely feel like swimming in its . If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . 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. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. 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. The food was good, we ordered lunch a few times, basic things like pizza, burgers. Moving to a completely new place can be both intimidating as well as exhilarating. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there, and I must say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews. 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. To maintain full transparency, Ive put this on my cons list. That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. Good service there also. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. Mosquitos, palmetto bugs, spiders, snakes, and lizards all enjoy living in and around Cape Coral too. Almost half of the year is spent in the 80s with very few swings in the 100s or below 70. 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. Hope this helps someone. But, I wouldnt sneak up on one by accident if I were you. Beach: Sanibel is famous for its beaches with tons of shells, if you have kids they will LOVE searching for shells! Private studio with shared pool - 8,000,000 - 12,000,000 IDR. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. There are no high schools on Sanibel Island, therefore, it makes the con list. Fort Myers is the fastest growing large city in Florida, 6. View recent Captiva and Sanibel listings Oftentimes more affordable than Gulf-front, bayfront, or canal-front. Is Pawleys Island a Good Place to Live? 10 Pros and Cons of Living in 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. Call us (123) 456-7890 - (123) 555-7891. 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. There are only a certain number of homes that can be built here, says Weaver. Caught fresh daily from the Gulf of Mexico. Making finding your perfect home. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. And drivers don't save by going across the border into the UK to fill up fuel is expensive there, too. Two adults in our 40's, two adults in their 60's, and a 7-year-old boy. Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. Where you can enjoy the benefits of living in Florida. According to statistics collected, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is 19% percent higher than the average of the country. Pros and Cons of Living on Long Island - YouTube There are often rain showers every afternoon in the summer as well. Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. Our son LOVED having two pools to swim that were so close to us! Because thats exactly what I have for you next. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. 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. Please don't hesitate to reach out at team@mccallionrealty.com or 239-472-1950. The tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. 1. 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. Jul 28, 2022 - Every town has its pros and cons. 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. They arent usually aggressive to humans. Pros and cons of living on Bainbridge Island WA Assisted Living - Pros and Cons - Medical Alert Comparison Fortunately, the city has multiple options for school-age children. Another helpful item as it relates to your budget is income taxes. The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. The unit itself could use some updating. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. There are also 2 large amusement parks nearby, Zoomers Amusement Park and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, if you ever get tired of the beach. 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. Hope you have a happy and prospective journey in your quest. They have some of the most expensive accommodation facilities found in the entire country. What It's Like to Live on Sanibel Island - Florida Travel 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. Here's what you need to know about using sustainable all natural cleaners to disinfect your bathroom surfaces and fixtures without resorting to harmful chemicals. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. The summers are beautiful with a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find. The place is thriving with a vibrant urban culture with over seventy-six different languages! Real Estate Market Stats vs. Comps: Whats the Difference? Pleasant, North Charleston, Hanahan, and of course Daniel Island itself. 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. Florida Travel + Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Cannot beat that. While the roadways are laid out in a grid system like many cities. 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. Sometimes you might encounter all the seasons in the same week. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? The unit itself could use some updating. 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. Went kayaking without any problem. No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. Explore. After researching and reading several reviews about Sundial Resort and Spa, my husband and I decided to book our 2 say stay here. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. B ainbridge might be an ideal place if you love Seattle, but don't like the idea of living in it. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! I thought long and hard trying to come up with more cons so that anyone moving to Sanibel is fully aware. 3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. Whereas, HOAs can charge hefty fees. Unfortunately, they all add up to some bad things about living in Cape Coral. If you want to live in a mixed-use urban development in Florida. Please try again later. The rich history of the place bears testimony to the fact that it has been accepted for all religions, races, and orientations. 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. The shared-use path is an unsung hero on the pros list in my opinion. They also reduce your exposure to chemicals. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. 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. 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 To enjoy its vibrant downtown area. 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. Went kayaking without any problem. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. Specifically, the annual violent crime rate per thousand residents is quite low. 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Florida for 2022, 9 Top Beaches in Florida with the Highest Quality Waters & Sand, 8 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Also, what state you are moving from. This next point is a big one. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. Sustainable all natural cleaners make you feel like you're doing something good for yourself and the environment. There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. Living in Bali: The Costs, Pros and Cons - Omnivagant That also serves grades K-12. 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. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930. 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. With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Susan@McCallionRealty.com or 239-472-1950 to reach me and my team. And it was planned to be residential. Winters are filled with bouts of snow, ice skating, and skiing. The people live here in small units and they are mostly a happy lot. Where Nature Lovers Flock But, like anywhere, it may not be for everyone. Cannot beat that. We knew of the resort fee. Its true that it is nice to be able to walk around in a t-shirt most days, but the summer heat is really grueling, especially if youre not used to it., It feels like youre swimming through the humidity sometimes and the rainstorms dont actually offer so much relief.. Living On An Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained) This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. For baseball fans, Fort Myers is also a great base to catch some Spring Training action across the state. Dont forget about the hurricanes, either, which are in season from June to November every year. There is no snow shovel. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Cape Coral is about 120 square miles. The shared-use path is an "unsung hero" on the pros list in my opinion. (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. What a blessing it has been. 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. Cape Coral living means there is convenient access to water almost everywhere. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. Prices, says Weaver, have held steady. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 1. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Time and again researchers have come up with the fact that Rhode Island houses some of the most notorious drivers in the United States. 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. Third, there are private schools. Sanibel Island Real Estate Guide | Homes & Condos for Sale One of the most respected culinary art schools in the world is Johnson and Wales. On the other hand, the cons of living on Caribbean are the high cost of living, lack of privacy, limited job opportunities and the repetitiveness of activities. You wont find a bunch of flashy cars or fancy clothes lining the streets of Sanibel. Living in Ireland: pros and cons - Wise, formerly TransferWise Because the period from November into May is very pleasant. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. I'd prefer a lower pile or even tile if I rented out my condo. Getting around Fort Myers, just like the rest of Florida, is primarily achieved via cars. Maybe it depends on what condo/building you stay? However, it is slowly improving, and hopefully you will see more live performances, ballets, and art galleries pop up over time. Next, adding to serenity, the town does not have a major tourist attraction. A little odd for such a large place. Click here to learn more about Sanibel wildlife. The place is a cornucopia of some gorgeous natural beauty, varied cultural diversity, and recreational activities of all the kinds you can think of. You will find them n Tampa too. Steep tax burden. We stayed in a first floor condo in building E and it was the PERFECT location. 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. Missed that somehow. Good service there also. 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Hawaii - EMBRACE SOMEPLACE There are more than 40 million senior citizens in the United States today. Lets not forget the natural shell-lined beaches that you will comb through on your beach walks, just in case you stumble upon a rare shell. As a result, residents here do not have to put up with as many tourists. Since it is composed mainly of residential neighborhoods. We cover other great places to live in southwest Florida. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Ive met some of the most interesting people from many walks of life who retire and live on the island. 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. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. Once you move there, you'll be able to spend some time finding the lesser-known gems. Making matters worse, this isnt an easy area to drive around. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. We are going to address each of these living in Rhode Island pros and cons head-on. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. In assisted living communities, seniors have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. We are available for any custom works this month. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. Staff was very nice. Easy to get away. Sanibel is a sanctuary island, says banker Robbie Roepstorff, who was so enticed by the abundance of nature he moved here 20 years ago. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community Please see our partners for more details. 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. Missed that somehow. Leading us to another one of the great things about living in Cape Coral. This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. 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. A cost of living index above 100 means Sanibel, Florida is more expensive. On the other hand, not everyone is retired. Because Cape Coral isnt a major tourist destination. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. Furthermore, there are several islands off the mainland to explore. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. However, do note that federal income taxes still apply. Check out these Pros \u0026 Cons of Living in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. And you will probably find you need a car too. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. If you're an avid nature nut then you are going to love living in Hawaii. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. #3. Brandon, a 30 year-old lifelong resident of Fort Myers, commented that, I dont think I know anybody that uses public transportation frequently. And significantly lower than the larger cities in the state like Miami. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, 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. 1. Whenever moving to a location governed by an HOA. Even though the average cost of living in Cape Coral is near the national average. 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. 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 . Plus the beach is amazing! The beds in our unit were awful! 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 With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. One of the major drawbacks that the place has is the absence of a strong economy. 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. The Pros of Living in Florida #1. There are over 30 retirement and 55+ communities that are designed specifically to cater to a more relaxed, yet engaging lifestyle. Privileged Climate . Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Mallorca is a Mediterranean city with a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius.