Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home along the beach. But, I wouldnt sneak up on one by accident if I were you. Staff was very nice. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Because, as we have discussed, Cape Coral is a planned community. 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. The Pros and Cons of Island Living Community. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. Since anyone of any age can move to Cape Coral. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Pros: This is an island, so if someone commits a serious crime, it can be pretty hard to disappear. The Pros. Please see our partners for more details. Im here only to share my thoughts about essential topics for success. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. 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 tax savings can easily add up to thousands of dollars per year. With temperatures rising daily into the 70s and 80s. The Rhode Islanders are known far and wide for their genuine hospitality and warmth. On the other hand, property crime is more prevalent. On the other hand, the cons of living on an island are the high threat of natural disasters, lack of privacy, high cost of living and limited job opportunities. Plus the beach is amazing! Water is periodically released into the Caloosahatchee River. 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. Sep 25, 2015 | Lee County Real Estate, Luxury Properties, Sanibel Real Estate, Southwest Florida Lifestyle, Southwest Florida Real Estate, Waterfront. Our feet got used to it but cheap swim shoes might be an option too. The most of any city in the world. Then brought to shore. Main office: Springville center X264, Park Ave S.01. Ate outside once and inside once. To maintain full transparency, Ive put this on my cons list. 1. !JOIN your favorite Real Talk Team every Tuesday at 4PM for a Talk About It session LIVE on our Team Leader Jerry Niesmans Facebook! Moreover, the University of Rhode Island and Providence College are known for their academics and sports programs as well. Making matters worse, this isnt an easy area to drive around. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! That concludes our list of reasons to move to Cape Coral. All rights reserved. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. There are more than 40 million senior citizens in the United States today. Just An Ordinary Day The rich history of the place bears testimony to the fact that it has been accepted for all religions, races, and orientations. When you look around, you can see why. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. In addition to guides about living in every state in the country. Or icy streets and sidewalks to deal with. Bad winter weather. We swam and played in the ocean every day, we absolutely loved it! 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. Helping Startups/ It Companies/ and Small Businesses to Enhance Their Business Through Branding and Marketing Ideas. On the other side of K/E is another smaller pool (but still nice sized). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. See our site policies and contact information. Okay. If you're an avid nature nut then you are going to love living in Hawaii. The beds in our unit were awful! Pools were very clean, but no lifeguards, even at main pool. Explore. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. Prices differ largely based on where in town accommodation is located, if all the bills are included (wifi, electricity, water, etc. On the other hand, the cost of living in Cape Coral is quite reasonable. 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! COST OF LIVING: Sanibel: Florida: USA Overall: 163: 103.1: 100 Grocery: 116 . Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. 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. 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. Thats why youre reading this anyway. Much of which is accessible through the towns beautiful park system. Its much easier driving around or grabbing an Uber.. Dating back to its initial development in the late 1950s. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. Takes only a minute or two to get to the beach. Went kayaking without any problem. Her name was Paige, she provided us a voucher for free breakfast for our trouble. Fort Myers is certainly a great place to visit, but is Fort Myers a good place to live? And there are a number of obstacles that add to the woes of these drivers like the gigantic volume of traffic, the pathetic potholes or just the casualness of the passersby. Perhaps you are starting to see that retiring in Cape Coral is a good idea. When compared to other coastal cities. Where there are a relatively fewer number of Home Owners Associations to deal with. 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. Staff at the front desk was EXCELLENT, always helpful and very knowledgeable about the island. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Overall, there is a low crime rate in Cape Coral. Tampa metro is about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. For air travelers, there is Southwest Florida International Airport that is located just 30 minutes away from downtown Fort Myers. 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 . The summers are beautiful with a bright sunny sky and warm temperatures. One of our favorite activities is going out to the beach after dinner to watch the glorious sunsets. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. 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. Residents are able to build new relationships with fellow residents, staff, and volunteers. However, do note that federal income taxes still apply. So, as you consider these 30 moving to Cape Coral pros and cons, dont forget this. After moving to Cape Coral, you will have access to some of the best seafood you can find. We knew of the resort fee. Pros and Cons of Living on Long Island. Most of them will tell you that these tolls are well worth the price of living in paradise, and there are not many things worth leaving the islands for anyway. Let us explore all the possibilities that the place has in store. Jul 28, 2022 - Every town has its pros and cons. Furthermore, it is set off and away from the bustling Tampa metropolitan area. Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). Southwest FL Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Specifically, the annual violent crime rate per thousand residents is quite low. The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. You may not like living here. Its what attracted Jim and me to the island and kept us here for over a decade now. Its not so reliable and doesnt really reach everywhere. 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. The dog days of summer are usually hot and humid, with an afternoon shower expected to cool things down. Private 2 bedroom villa with pool - 10,000,000 - 15,000,000 IDR. Today. The Pros of Living in Florida #1. Conversely, this is not the case in Cape Coral. Regardless, make sure you read the fine print. Answer (1 of 6): Pros: * It's centrally located to Mt. Couldn't stay by the pool at night because you would be covered in mosquitos. #3. Thats a part of the island time you enjoy when living on Sanibel Island. 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. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Staff was very nice. Since Fort Myers sits on the coast, it may be at a higher risk of flooding if the sea levels continue to rise. On A Mission to Help Small Businesses to Be a Brand. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins both call Fort Myers their spring home. Definitely bed bugs and not sand fleas. Because every little bit helps! Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. 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. Theres lunch with friends, golf tournaments and cocktail parties.. 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 Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. 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. McCallion & McCallion Realty In assisted living communities, seniors have an opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Next, a few points on getting around town. That meet varying tastes and a range of budgets. Leading us to another one of the great things about living in Cape Coral. Once you move there, you'll be able to spend some time finding the lesser-known gems. Heres a tip we use to cut our costs a little. You will hardly come across any place with such a mixed bag of people. We ALL loved it there! Think about it this way. Cape Coral is a planned and well-designed community. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. People cannot live here without jobs and hence they find it difficult to get one they take the option of moving out of the state. The 24-mile paved path is how to easily get around the island by biking, walking, running, or even roller-blading! 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. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. Since it is composed mainly of residential neighborhoods. Privileged Climate . There is a nice energy here and there is always something for everyone.. 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. The unit itself could use some updating. Know that within less than hour commute there are many higher education options to choose from. Ping pong, touch tank,We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. We did our research and also reached out to several locals who have been living in Fort Myers for their opinion on the city. After researching and reading several reviews about Sundial Resort and Spa, my husband and I decided to book our 2 say stay here. 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. Another helpful item as it relates to your budget is income taxes. An educational website created to help you achieve success one step at a time. Ping pong, touch tank, We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. A little odd for such a large place. Check out our study on the biggest regrets and reasons not to move to Florida before deciding to head down. 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. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. Fort Myers offers many opportunities and continues to be an attractive up and coming destination, but it is not without its flaws. Please dont hesitate to shoot questions my way! Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there, and I must say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews. The average price is $500,000; multimillion is common; and vacant lots are harder to come by. A Bonnier LLC Company. And drivers don't save by going across the border into the UK to fill up fuel is expensive there, too. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! Residents of Sanibel Island know theyre lucky that nature lets them live here. Winters are filled with bouts of snow, ice skating, and skiing. Certainly te main areas were clean but lots of areas were untouched for ages. Its easy to sign up. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. Some items cost more. 1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1 Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Next, for anyone searching for their inner peace. Instead, Im a 50-something-year-old, early retired CPA, finance professional, and business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY dividend investing experience. Most of the cons actually have a flip-side pro, like the fact that we dont have big box stores or wholesale giants. 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. Only 4 floors (elevator only at far end), and each condo unit had its own pool and shared space plus path to beach. Median Home Cost in Dallas, Texas is $259,800, while in Long Island it is $560,300, which is about 115% more expensive. Unlike some other communities in Florida where minimum age restrictions apply. We use the free online tool from Personal Capital. Not that there is anything wrong with this. This sites only purpose is for general information & entertainment. On this 17-square-mile barrier island near Fort Myers, people (all 5,700 of them) are out- numbered by wildlife, including poodle-size raccoons that hide in tangles of dense brush and blue herons that forage for dinner in the mangrove fringes along Tarpon Bay. Furthermore, since the city is mostly residential. Click here to learn more about raising kids on Sanibel island. 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. Deitschel arrived at Sanibels Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife 13 years ago. So, depending on your family size and income, you may need to consider a smaller home after moving to Long Island with the state to state movers Texas. 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. Susan@McCallionRealty.com or 239-472-1950 to reach me and my team. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. 1. 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. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home. The only blanket was a heavy down duvet. But, like anywhere, it may not be for everyone. Fuel is expensive. Large homes, many favoring Old Florida architecture with tin roofs, clapboard siding and sunny colors, rise from the beachfront, with green wisps of trees behind offering a preview of the islands natural emphasis. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. Where is the best place to live in Southwest Florida? Because the period from November into May is very pleasant. The city spent $52 million to redevelop this dining, nightlife, and entertainment hub that offers attractions for Millennials, young professionals, retirees, and families. Brown University, one of the original Ivy League schools is located in a large portion of Providence. 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. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. Effects of Global Warming on the Coast, Summary Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers, Florida. As a result, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment, financial, tax, or real estate advice. That is basically one every year. We describe what lakefront living on Sanibel Island is like in the video below (also linked on Youtube here). This is something you should be aware of when moving to Sanibel Island. The room, a 2br gulf view condo, had a great layout. You wont find a bunch of flashy cars or fancy clothes lining the streets of Sanibel. If you are deathly afraid of Florida wildlife, we wouldnt suggest Sanibel as a great place for you to move. 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. Overall, Fort Myers is a nice place to live and one of the top cities in Florida to consider. Keeping short-term visitors to a minimum. There are several key pros and cons of living in Fort Myers that you should consider. Didn't enjoy the fact that the large bedroom had two queens, while the smaller had 2 twins. But, its good to know if you are young, single, and want to live around others in your same demographic. 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. It is so nice not having to deal with the cold and snow anymore, she said. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Marina B, General Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, responded to this review. Boating and fishing are a big deal here. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. Dont forget about the hurricanes, either, which are in season from June to November every year. I Am a Self-Taught Marketer with 10 Years of Experience. Thus, we can not be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this website. The winter months are amazing, with very few cold front interruptions. Is Fort Myers a good place to raise a family? This sites only purpose is general information & entertainment. 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. Otherwise, everything was very neat and clean, and they give you as many towels as you request. The place is thriving with a vibrant urban culture with over seventy-six different languages! Really, really bad! Home States & Countries Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know). Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. 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. And significantly lower than the larger cities in the state like Miami. (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. 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. Thus, nearly 90% of the development is housing. B ainbridge might be an ideal place if you love Seattle, but don't like the idea of living in it. We are going to address each of these living in Rhode Island pros and cons head-on. What Its Like to Live on Sanibel Island. Staff was very nice. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. 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. By the way, we ate twice out by the pool and the food was horrible. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. Isnt possible in Cape Coral. Mallorca is a Mediterranean city with a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. If you want to live in a mixed-use urban development in Florida. Suprising that it was so good and the views overlooking the ocean were great! I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. 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. It's just a part of the lifestyle here. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. It is a fact of life for residents in southwest Florida. The pros of living in the Caribbean are spectacular beaches, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to major international cities. The state is besotted with huge acres of land and people need to look after that with care. June through September can be the opposite extreme. Zillow estimates that the average value of homes in Fort Myers is around $210,000 to $230,000 and is steadily appreciating. The weather plays both parts of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers. Sometimes you might encounter all the seasons in the same week. PRO'S of Living on Camano. Thats why its number one on my list of pros to living on Sanibel Island. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 Let me wrap with a few parting thoughts. We had a two bedroom oceanfront. The drive over the bridge onto the island. Tend to be less restrictive and more resident-friendly. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. jamie bamber isla elizabeth angela griffith. The Village of Taunton Mills. Im sure you can guess many of the pros to living on Sanibel Island, so lets start with the cons.