Maybe it depends on what condo/building you stay? Theres also elbow room these days: Census estimates predict 600 fewer residents than in 2000. 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. That hurricanes are an annual possibility. Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. As we turn to the pros of living in Cape Coral. So, as you consider these 30 moving to Cape Coral pros and cons, dont forget this. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Many homes and businesses across the state utilize green energy with the use of solar and wind technology. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. It does, however, require some coordination if your kids have afterschool activities off-island. This city wont make the list of most budget-friendly places to live in Florida. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. When you look around, you can see why. That routinely descend on other destinations within the state of Florida. Major violent crimes such as murder and armed robbery are few. Getting around Fort Myers, just like the rest of Florida, is primarily achieved via cars. Fort Myers is the fastest growing large city in Florida, 6. See our site policies and contact information. Since it is composed mainly of residential neighborhoods. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Zillow estimates that the average value of homes in Fort Myers is around $210,000 to $230,000 and is steadily appreciating. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Here are just a few of the pros and cons of living on Camano Island. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. One of the major drawbacks that the place has is the absence of a strong economy. Brandon, a 30 year-old lifelong resident of Fort Myers, commented that, I dont think I know anybody that uses public transportation frequently. Proximity to Seattle. This leads to a lot of dead-end streets. Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? Just sayin! These Three Words Describe Me in The Best Way. After all, what more could a person ask for then a home on a beautiful island in the Gulf of Mexico, a place with its own unique lifestyle and character, where it stays sunny and warm all year? We knew of the resort fee. Sustainable all natural cleaners make you feel like you're doing something good for yourself and the environment. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. Please dont hesitate to shoot questions my way! If you are contemplating traveling to the islands of the . Cities Near Sanibel Island: Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Rassa, Pine Island (Lee County), Boca Grande Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. There are only a certain number of homes that can be built here, says Weaver. There is no age restriction for living here. In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. The beach here is amazing. A little odd for such a large place. 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 . This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. The facility opened its new educational building and student housing in January and this month will move into a two-story clinic. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. 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. A big part of that is housing costs, which are 15% lower than the average across America. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. 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. One of the most respected culinary art schools in the world is Johnson and Wales. The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. The Village of Taunton Mills. Plus the beach is amazing! 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). 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. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. 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. Staff was very nice. What a blessing it has been. Specifically. Curtains of thick vegetation hide buildings and shopping centers along Periwinkle Way, the main drag. Sanibel and Captiva are islands of many sanctuaries, and residents are committed to keeping things as natural as possible. With a much lower risk of hurricanes disrupting your life. Shells everywhere. Median Home Cost in Dallas, Texas is $259,800, while in Long Island it is $560,300, which is about 115% more expensive. Its popularity can become both pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. Year-round residents of these islands are also comfortable with their everyday lives seeming a little old-fashioned. Much less than the state of Florida has a whole. Whenever moving to a location governed by an HOA. Pros and Cons of living in Sanibel Island, Florida according to Data Do you live in Sanibel Island, Florida? The drive over the bridge onto the island. As the living in Cape Coral pros and cons continue. Did you know theres Lakefront living on Sanibel Island? Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. COST OF LIVING: Sanibel: Florida: USA Overall: 163: 103.1: 100 Grocery: 116 . The quiet and unique way of life on Sanibel and Captiva will always pose a large draw for retirees, but it does possess a charm for all ages. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. It's impossible to complain about the weather while living in Hawaii! Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. The furnishings were outdated but adequate. But there are alligators! 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. Plus the beach is amazing! Aside from some bus routes and a trolley system, there isnt much of a public transportation network in Cape Coral. On the other side of K/E is another smaller pool (but still nice sized). Here I have another one of the best things about Cape Coral living. We brought them to the pool, as did many other guests, it's nice they allow you to do that. Cape Coral is about 120 square miles. You wont find a bunch of flashy cars or fancy clothes lining the streets of Sanibel. 1. 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. That provides another excellent educational option for your children. But, its good to know if you are young, single, and want to live around others in your same demographic. Rhode Island is one of the pioneer states to be inculcating the green energy mechanisms in the country. Thats why youre reading this anyway. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. About 3 percent of them are currently living in a nursing home or assisted living facility.. Really, really bad! After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find. Never heard, saw anything about available services. Sanibel Island is no different. Privileged Climate . Of retirement age. The ac unit never cooled down and I found 2 bugs in my room. In isolated micro-neighborhoods. With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. And what makes the nice weather so great? The job market looks quite dull as compared to the rest of the states in the country. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there, and I must say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews. ! I hear this from many people who say they could never live on Sanibel. Known as snowbirds. To maintain full transparency, Ive put this on my cons list. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. 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. 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.. 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. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Thus, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930. Towels easy to get and return. 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. 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. But the foodie favorite is the Mad hatter, where a sign announces the nightly sunset right down to the minute. Starting with the optimistic view. Living in the southwest Florida city of Naples, for example, you will find many HOAs. Be sure to check out our complete list of the best places around Florida to see how close they are to Fort Myers. Caught fresh daily from the Gulf of Mexico. As you know, Sanibel is a two-lane town with no traffic lights and a speed limit of 35-miles per hour or less. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. View Profile. Pinterest. Effects of Global Warming on the Coast, Summary Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers, Florida. I thought long and hard trying to come up with more cons so that anyone moving to Sanibel is fully aware. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. The Rhode Islanders are known far and wide for their genuine hospitality and warmth. To enjoy its vibrant downtown area. Making for a very uncomfortable climate if you cant take the heat. Plus the beach is amazing! We knew of the resort fee. Cape Coral living means there is convenient access to water almost everywhere. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! But, Fort Myers doesnt just offer the surf and the sand. Good neighborly relations and home and car security system. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. There isnt even a single traffic light. We cover other great places to live in southwest Florida. 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. I think each unit is individually owned so others may be more modern. Its the big one on many peoples list of worries when moving to Florida. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Having more freedom to design specific programs to meet the needs of their students. Mallorca is a Mediterranean city with a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. The beds in our unit were awful! Here are the cons of living in Cape Coral: Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Okay. Where Nature Lovers Flock The project reflects Sanibels community/conservation spirit: A fundraiser well exceeded its $3.6 million goal. Main office: Springville center X264, Park Ave S.01. They could not find my reservation, check in girl did not handle the situation with courtesy. Is Fort Myers a good place to raise a family? Its what helped our island economy from the early days, and is still a major source of income for many island businesses. 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. There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. There are many more crazy laws that are native to this place and you might find it funny to relate to them. As a result, most residents own one or more cars. 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 unit itself could use some updating. Thank you in advance for your support! 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. That may then impact the future value of real estate, making it a potential risky investment. Thats why its number one on my list of pros to living on Sanibel Island. At Baileys General Store, where a timeworn tile inlay in the floor thanks customers for their patronage, rods, reels and Dickies work pants are stacked on shelves across from rows of bakery cases displaying from-scratch cakes, cookies and pastries. The spring is a pleasant affair with warm days and cool nights. Were happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. We hope that this list of pros and cons of living in Fort Myers can help you decide if it is worth it for you. Keeping short-term visitors to a minimum. 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. P.J. PRO'S of Living on Camano. Theres no denying that home prices on Sanibel Island are higher than other inland areas. To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. 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. Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Carpooling with other Sanibel families will be your lifesaver, and, of course, there are school buses that come on island as well. 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. Home States & Countries Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know). Dating back to its initial development in the late 1950s. Her name was Paige, she provided us a voucher for free breakfast for our trouble. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. Not that there is anything wrong with this. High cost of living. The pros of living in the Canary Islands: 1. Personal Capital is a great resource to manage your budget, spending, and investment all in one place. 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). You will find them n Tampa too. Unfortunately, they all add up to some bad things about living in Cape Coral. While the ones that operate. The porch was screened all the way around, which was great because the bugs on the island were nasty. Much of which is accessible through the towns beautiful park system. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! June through September can be the opposite extreme. This is something you should be aware of when moving to Sanibel Island. I know it has blessed many other families in ways they couldnt have imagined as well. Due to the investments in farmland and other development around nearby Lake Okeechobee. 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. Leading us to another one of the great things about living in Cape Coral. The average price is $500,000; multimillion is common; and vacant lots are harder to come by. Click here to learn more about our Sanibel boating communities. No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. Went kayaking without any problem. To give you the best insights, we tracked down a wide range of residents as well. The sunset was about 300 yards north around the bend of the island. But you may not be able to afford waterfront living. Weather 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. People working at the main building were great. But, is Fort Myers a good place to live instead of just a nice place for a vacation? We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. A little odd for such a large place. The shared-use path is an "unsung hero" on the pros list in my opinion. Sanibel cost of living is 163.0. Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. So we hit the grocery store and ate most of our meals right in the condo. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. Enjoy watching! In fact, many residents of Bainbridge live on the island and work in Seattle. Fortunately, the city has multiple options for school-age children. The pros of living on an island are access to amazing beaches, beautiful natural scenery and the opportunity to save money. We spoke with Rachel and her husband Jeff, who relocated to Fort Myers 2 years ago from New Jersey, and they could not be happier with the weather. As nice as November though April can be from a weather perspective. Best Places to Live in Sanibel, Florida Cost of Living | Quiz | City Compare | Crime | News | Menu Try Premium Sanibel, Florida 1 Reviews | Review This Place | Photos and Maps | Homes For Sale Population 7,429 +7.6% since 2020 Unemployment Rate 4.6% Median Income $97,788 Median Home Price $872,700 Median Age 65.9 Comfort Index (Climate) 1.8 / 9.3 Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Because every little bit helps! You are not supposed to throw pickles on a trolley is a law one should abide by, but the very first thought that would come to the mind is why would anyone waste perfectly good pickle juice in the first place! Since it is located right on the western coast of Florida, residents of Fort Myers can choose to visit an almost unlimited number of beaches in the area. However, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial counselor, real estate agent, or tax professional. Unlike when deciding to relocate to Orlando. You're never too far from one, meaning it's super easy to arrange an impromptu trip whenever you feel like it. (239) 472-1950, Click here to see how we prepare for hurricane season, Click here to learn more about Sanibel wildlife, 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. Then disappear during the summer. And there are about 400 miles of canals running through it. There is also the bustling Downtown Farmers Market. Because thats exactly what I have for you next. Adventurers who are seeking breathtaking heights and rolling hills may be disappointed with the relatively flat landscapes of Fort Myers and the surrounding areas. 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. Find out why residents love living on Sanibel Island. All of these eateries are close to the Sanctuary, Sanibels only gated community and home to one of the islands three golf courses. Pros: First of all it is community that can make or break it for me, be it University days, my early career in Toronto or living in the middle of the ocean. In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. The state is known for the high standard of quality education that it provides its residents. 1) Eco . The food was good, we ordered lunch a few times, basic things like pizza, burgers. There is a restaurant inside the main building, again the food was pretty good. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. Plus the beach is amazing! Welcome back to another episode of \"Talk About It Tuesday\" with The Niesman Team at Keller Williams Realty.