When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. The most disappointing thing is that this resort is on the part of te island that faces south. Fuel is expensive. 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. The live music by the pool was very nice. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. With housing, retail, businesses, and light industry brought together in one space. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. Obviously, as a mother who raised four kids on the island, I know this is not a huge deal for most families. There are plenty of other year-round outdoor adventures available through the numerous hiking and biking trails around the beaches and the mainland. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. As a result, most residents choose to head over to nearby Fort Myers. 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. Sanibel is a sanctuary island, says banker Robbie Roepstorff, who was so enticed by the abundance of nature he moved here 20 years ago. In this video I go over so. The state is besotted with huge acres of land and people need to look after that with care. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. About 3 percent of them are currently living in a nursing home or assisted living facility.. Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. You will find Cape Coral living to be quite peaceful. 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 . They have some of the best schools and colleges in the country. Pros & Cons of Living in an HOA Community. 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. Due to the investments in farmland and other development around nearby Lake Okeechobee. I think each unit is individually owned so others may be more modern. We were able to walk right out on our screened-in patio to a short pathway that lead right to the beach and I mean from patio to beach it only took about 10 seconds of walking :). It is a fact of life for residents in southwest Florida. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. Effects of Global Warming on the Coast, Summary Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers, Florida. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. 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. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. There are no high schools on Sanibel Island, therefore, it makes the con list. They have some of the most expensive accommodation facilities found in the entire country. ), and of course the accommodation itself. That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. Once weve reached it, were done. fortmyers-sanibel.com. Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. Making finding your perfect home. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Both things to do and places to see. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. Pros and Cons of Living in Pawleys Island SC - Cons. It is so nice not having to deal with the cold and snow anymore, she said. That's right, there is no state income tax living in Florida. Just sayin! 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. And significantly lower than the larger cities in the state like Miami. There are often rain showers every afternoon in the summer as well. Jim and I happen to live on a lake! Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. The drivers have been named the worst because of their insane ways of driving. The winter months are amazing, with very few cold front interruptions. A big part of that is housing costs, which are 15% lower than the average across America. Homes on these islands are not just for the rich and famous anymore, though some will still fetch a hefty price. The refuge and property (owned by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) occupy two-thirds of the island. Fort Myers offers numerous affordable neighborhoods and housing options and a lower cost of living compared to other large cities in Florida. The dog days of summer are usually hot and humid, with an afternoon shower expected to cool things down. The city spent $52 million to redevelop this dining, nightlife, and entertainment hub that offers attractions for Millennials, young professionals, retirees, and families. Then you have come to the right place. On the other hand, the cost of living in Cape Coral is quite reasonable. The unit itself could use some updating. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. The rich history of the place bears testimony to the fact that it has been accepted for all religions, races, and orientations. 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. Our kids grew up on our lakefront property and have a very healthy respect for wildlife because of this. The tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. Staff at the front desk was EXCELLENT, always helpful and very knowledgeable about the island. I enjoy setting and achieving goals, pursuing success, searching for my next place to live, and making the most of my money. The area charter schools are unique. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. The beach here is amazing. In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. The historic Fort Myers River District has recently undergone a revitalization and has come alive in the last few years. Certainly te main areas were clean but lots of areas were untouched for ages. A little odd for such a large place. There are also 2 large amusement parks nearby, Zoomers Amusement Park and Sun Splash Family Waterpark, if you ever get tired of the beach. Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. Finally, and while we are still on the topic of money. There was so much we had to figure out on our own, such as easy access paths from our building to main pool, our smaller pool was not managed by the resort but rather a condo association and had different rules, chairs, bikes and other recreational items must be returned by 6 bc the shop closes, the fully renovated spa area they boasted of on the web? The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Florida Travel + Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. ! I hear this from many people who say they could never live on Sanibel. Did you know theres Lakefront living on Sanibel Island? McCallion & McCallion Realty Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. After enjoying the outdoors, you can nourish your creative and cultural side. The shared-use path is an "unsung hero" on the pros list in my opinion. The wireless internet access was available in our room at no charge and I had no problems at all with connection. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Thats a part of the island time you enjoy when living on Sanibel Island. There are BBQ grills located in common areas at the resort we were fortunate that a group of grills were about 30 steps outside of our door in the parking lot area we used that grill several times. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. All of Fort Myers is a haven for foodies with tasty cuisines available from around the world, including Cuban, Peruvian, and of course, local Southern style food. This was a great getaway, but could have been better, as far as the dust and ants are concerned. If you are deathly afraid of Florida wildlife, we wouldnt suggest Sanibel as a great place for you to move. 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. On the island, you can enjoy almost 300 sunny days a year, an absolute madness! I really think Fort Myers is a nice place to live. Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. Im Tom. 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. 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 was also very clean. The summers are beautiful with a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Carpooling with other Sanibel families will be your lifesaver, and, of course, there are school buses that come on island as well. I mentioned shelling and wildlife as Sanibel attractions, but theres obviously a slew of water activities to benefit from living on an island! Making matters worse, this isnt an easy area to drive around. Some have been living in Fort Myers for a few months while some have been there their whole life. 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. Its everything thats missing in so many communities today, says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find. Please try again later. 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. This leads to a lot of dead-end streets. When compared to other coastal cities. This is mainly due to the lack of direct and immediate access to the interstate highway system. Since the best homes on the water and in the best locations can run up into the millions. They fly down for the winter months. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Personal Capital is a great resource to manage your budget, spending, and investment all in one place. Furthermore, the weather extremes create an environment that has attracted part-time residents. I admit, there are times when coming back from the busy Fort Myers Costco that I wish it were closer. Let us explore all the possibilities that the place has in store. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. And what makes the nice weather so great? A little odd for such a large place. Just a little easier. Not that there is anything wrong with this. So, if you have your heart set on living near the water in South Florida. 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. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. 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. 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. Like if you choose to move to Sarasota or Marco Island. We brought them to the pool, as did many other guests, it's nice they allow you to do that. Mad Hatter owners Kurt and Michelle Jarvis fell for Sanibel while vacationing here. The unit itself could use some updating. 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. The city is conveniently located near many other major cities in Florida and even has its own regional airport, making Fort Myers a good place to live and set as your base. Missed that somehow. On the other hand, property crime is more prevalent. They are interrupted by the hundreds of miles of canals. When you look around, you can see why. Click here to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel island. Specifically, the annual violent crime rate per thousand residents is quite low. Unlike some other communities in Florida where minimum age restrictions apply. Really, really bad! Thank you in advance for your support! Second, the public school system also has charter schools. I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. The people live here in small units and they are mostly a happy lot. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. 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. So, as you consider these 30 moving to Cape Coral pros and cons, dont forget this. 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. P.J. Ate outside once and inside once. 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! Easy to get away. Dont forget about the hurricanes, either, which are in season from June to November every year. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. In assisted living communities, seniors have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 The active downtown, endless number of beaches, and affordable cost of living make it an excellent choice. One of the major drawbacks that the place has is the absence of a strong economy. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. 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. 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. Cannot beat that. The shared-use path is an unsung hero on the pros list in my opinion. Jennifer, a 27-year old marketing manager, moved to Fort Myers in 2019 and commented on the thriving downtown scene. May not stay here again due to night time bites though. A Bonnier LLC Company. The beds in our unit were awful! No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? The state experiences some of the most beautiful seasons in the whole country. and it all adds up to bad traffic congestion. We use the free online tool from Personal Capital. The ac unit never cooled down and I found 2 bugs in my room. The resort is fully renovated. Towels easy to get and return. Proximity to Seattle. And it was planned to be residential. Specifically. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. More popular hangouts include the pastel-painted Sunset Grill and the tiny serve-yourself Lazy Flamingo. While there is the threat of hurricanes and the humidity to battle, the weather here is generally FANTASTIC all year round. The state has some of the strangest laws that you might ever come across. 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. 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). Here I have another one of the best things about Cape Coral living. 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. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. There are no hospitals on the island, however, there are fabulous doctor offices here. You can learn more about Personal Capital here. Cannot beat that. As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. Even though the average cost of living in Cape Coral is near the national average. 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. As nice as November though April can be from a weather perspective. Isnt possible in Cape Coral. Caught fresh daily from the Gulf of Mexico. The Village of Taunton Mills in Whitby presents several levels of service from seniors' apartments with full kitchens, retirement apartments with meals and services to memory care, assisted living and long-term care. Then disappear during the summer. We're happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. 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. Thats why youre reading this anyway. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. 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. Many homes and businesses across the state utilize green energy with the use of solar and wind technology. The city has been designed with automobiles in mind and, as a result, there are limited public transportation options to get around town or even to another city. So, dont move here if the June through November hurricane season puts you off. If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . Reduced taxes When living in Florida you can forget about the infamous state income tax, which is a perk that cannot be overstated. There's a plethora of water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and world-class surfing. The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. Beach: Sanibel is famous for its beaches with tons of shells, if you have kids they will LOVE searching for shells! 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. While the ones that operate. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. We knew of the resort fee. 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. On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. Since Fort Myers sits on the coast, it may be at a higher risk of flooding if the sea levels continue to rise. Answer (1 of 6): Pros: * It's centrally located to Mt. :), On behalf of Sundial Beach Resort, we find it necessary to offer our loyal guests and future guests the following letter to represent our claim that the property is pest-free as it relates to the recent bed bugs posting on TripAdvisor. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. B ainbridge might be an ideal place if you love Seattle, but don't like the idea of living in it. Furthermore, you wont find highly sought-after beaches to visit. We ate at the onsite restaurant twice and we thought it was very good. The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. But, its good to know if you are young, single, and want to live around others in your same demographic. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. It does, however, require some coordination if your kids have afterschool activities off-island. Good service there also. There are still good values on the market, but that may not last long and more people continue to flock to the area. The wealthy have gravitated to Sanibel for decades, but its now attracting more families and middle-aged professionals, Weaver notes. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Since anyone of any age can move to Cape Coral. Think about it this way. Direct Path of Hurricanes. What are the best places to live in Southwest Florida? View Profile. Perhaps consider moving to Jacksonville. 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. An amount below 100 means Sanibel is cheaper than the US average. Relatively few businesses have located within the city limits. Brandon, a 30 year-old lifelong resident of Fort Myers, commented that, I dont think I know anybody that uses public transportation frequently. In contrast, most cities evolved more randomly than Cape Coral. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. There is no age restriction for living here. The Sanibel Real Estate Guide will help you find Sanibel homes for sale or Captiva homes for sale that best suite your lifestyle, whether they be waterfront property, Island homes, canal front homes, Gulf front homes, bay front homes, oceanfront condos, bayfront condos, golf course communities, lots and home sites, Sanibel short sales, Sanibel . There are more than 40 million senior citizens in the United States today. Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. A little odd for such a large place. As the living in Cape Coral pros and cons continue. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. 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. 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. As a result, residents here do not have to put up with as many tourists. The state is also home to the countrys first offshore wind farm. The spring is a pleasant affair with warm days and cool nights. 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. Sanibel and Captiva homes for sale are among some of the most sought after and coveted in all of Southwest Florida. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited. Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930.