As we know, Cape Coral is comprised of mostly peaceful residential neighborhoods. That hasnt priced the majority of potential new residents out of the market. The live music by the pool was very nice. Fort Myers is certainly a great place to visit, but is Fort Myers a good place to live? The room wasn't ready until 4:45, 45 minutes after the guaranteed check in time. 3790 Brock Street North, Whitby, Ontario, L1R 0H2. 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? Copyright 2023 Florida Travel + Life. A little odd for such a large place. Rhode Island is one of the pioneer states to be inculcating the green energy mechanisms in the country. What a blessing it has been. Time and again researchers have come up with the fact that Rhode Island houses some of the most notorious drivers in the United States. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. They also reduce your exposure to chemicals. 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. Gorgeous nearly wrapped around views. Not that there is anything wrong with this. Really, really bad! We also visited the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum (cool place) and the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village, both of which we all enjoyed. Every town has its pros and cons. Staff was very nice. Two adults in our 40's, two adults in their 60's, and a 7-year-old boy. Yes, we have alligators, bobcats, geikos, gopher tortoise, many unique birds, and the list goes on and on. Chaises by ocean were plentiful but looked like they could use a good cleaning or replacing. 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! Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. In fact, the cost of living in Fort Myers is 4% lower than the national average. And the breathtaking fall showers a canopy of some majestic colors during its time in the state of Rhode Island. Husband and I had to share our room with the kids. Written by: Susan McCallion #3. There are over 30 retirement and 55+ communities that are designed specifically to cater to a more relaxed, yet engaging lifestyle. Check in was rough. Theres lunch with friends, golf tournaments and cocktail parties.. So be prepared to pay higher costs for property and casualty insurance, summer energy costs to cool your home, and your health care needs. Finally, and while we are still on the topic of money. The unit itself could use some updating. Went kayaking without any problem. Discover the beauty of the Islands, this is a perfect place to buy, and have your very own vacation home. As a result, most residents choose to head over to nearby Fort Myers. 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. Call us (123) 456-7890 - (123) 555-7891. Good service there also. Because temperatures consistently rise into the 90s. And many of us have kids to educate. To give you the best insights, we tracked down a wide range of residents as well. You may not like living here. Overall we had a great time the beach was awesome, the complimentary chairs and umbrellas was a plus as well as the bikes and kayaks. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Pinterest. This was a great getaway, but could have been better, as far as the dust and ants are concerned. Be sure to check out our complete list of the best places around Florida to see how close they are to Fort Myers. That also means that you need a car to live in Fort Myers and everything from going to work, school, or to the beach will require a short drive and is generally not walkable. 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. 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 . Five of us stayed at the Sundial late July of 2012 (sorry it took me so long to write my review!). 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. Consider these events and destinations. Heres a tip we use to cut our costs a little. 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. People working at the main building were great. I think the fact that its a resort renting out individually owned condos creates a kind of disjointed experience. The other three councilmen are Scott. However, it is still below the property crime rate of Florida as a whole. The ac unit never cooled down and I found 2 bugs in my room. But first, let's answer the burning question of the day. As a result, volunteerism has become a good habit with residents. Good neighborly relations and home and car security system. An amount below 100 means Sanibel is cheaper than the US average. We stayed in a 2 bedroom grand beach front. Where you can enjoy the benefits of living in Florida. 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. 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. Pawleys Island gets hit by a lot of hurricanes. Finally, there are no popular theme parks. Ping pong, touch tank, and many games to play. The main pool I mentioned earlier has a bar and you can order food there too. Another helpful item as it relates to your budget is income taxes. Next, a few points on getting around town. While prices vary by location, you can expect to pay double the amount to fill up in Ireland compared to the US. Resort is undergoing renovation and what is done is beautiful! They are part of the Lee County school district. It reminded me of grandmas condo. But, like anywhere, it may not be for everyone. While the roadways are laid out in a grid system like many cities. The resort is fully renovated. 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. Next, some thoughts about Cape Coral retirement living. For example, BestPlaces.net scores the living costs in Cape Coral only 4% higher than the United States national average. Cannot beat that. Towels easy to get and return. This may be one of the few nice places remaining. 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? Cannot beat that. The pros of living in the Caribbean are spectacular beaches, beautiful natural scenery and easy access to major international cities. The wealthy have gravitated to Sanibel for decades, but its now attracting more families and middle-aged professionals, Weaver notes. So, if you have your heart set on living near the water in South Florida. Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island. Staff at the front desk was EXCELLENT, always helpful and very knowledgeable about the island. Guy was out each morning cleaning the pool and was very friendly. Were from small towns in upstate New York, and Sanibel has the same community feeling, says Michelle. 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! But, is Fort Myers a good place to live instead of just a nice place for a vacation? We didnt realize wed be starting a family business and have an entire community helping us raise our kids and support our business along the way. Jul 28, 2022 - Every town has its pros and cons. Plenty of beaches Perhaps the most obvious advantage of living on an island is the sheer number of beaches. Such as, Finally, to summarize, heres our list of 30 living in Cape Coral pros and cons for you to consider before you move, In case you are still trying to decide on your best place to live. Living on Sanibel Island, is no different. That provides another excellent educational option for your children. Pleasant in the mornings and back in the evenings. The beds in our unit were awful! Because every little bit helps! There are the snowbirds that come for the winter, then the spring breakers around March and April, and then the summer beachgoers that last for the majority of the year. Furthermore, it is set off and away from the bustling Tampa metropolitan area. It is located in a very high hurricane risk zone and has experienced almost 90 hurricanes since 1930. Its the big one on many peoples list of worries when moving to Florida. This is mainly due to the lack of direct and immediate access to the interstate highway system. 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. Finally, for a variety of reasons. Plus the beach is amazing! The spring is a pleasant affair with warm days and cool nights. Click here to learn more about our Sanibel boating communities. Ate outside once and inside once. But both of those statistics are expected to rise in the coming decades. Went kayaking without any problem. The rich history of the place bears testimony to the fact that it has been accepted for all religions, races, and orientations. That also serves grades K-12. Missed that somehow. It's like breathing a breath of fresh air. Nature lovers find peace living on this beautiful slice of island paradise. 7 Valid Reasons Not to Move to Florida. Here I have another one of the best things about Cape Coral living. Marketing | Branding | Blogging. Because Cape Coral isnt a major tourist destination. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Whenever moving to a location governed by an HOA. When you look around, you can see why. Many bikes to choose from, plus helmets provided. 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. Sanibel cost of living is 163.0. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. Therefore, commuting won't be an issue. Such as Pine Island and Sanibel Island. :), 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. 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. Despite being a popular destination for tourists from all around the world, Sanibel and Captiva maintain their small town charm among residents. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Sanibel is a sanctuary for wildlife and that, in fact, attracts many wildlife and nature enthusiasts to our island. Whereas, HOAs can charge hefty fees. 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 refuge and property (owned by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) occupy two-thirds of the island. High population density. Staff was very nice. It is the areas many outdoor activities. It is a fact of life for residents in southwest Florida. This means that more of your paycheck stays with you. Plus the beach is amazing! 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. There are still good values on the market, but that may not last long and more people continue to flock to the area. We're happy to show you a few lakefront homes and talk more about the pros and cons of lakefront living on Sanibel. Older people living alone can become isolated, which can contribute to mental and physical health issues. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Something went wrong. Beach winds kept them away so that is the best option for night. Put together these last few reasons not to live in Cape Coral. "It's everything that's missing in so many communities today," says Roepstorff, an avid angler and active volunteer. Small signs and sand driveways often offer the only indication of business, and most side streets dead-end into back bays or the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island is no different. Possibly the worst I have ever slept on and everyone thought the same. Florida Travel + Life may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Homes on these islands are not just for the rich and famous anymore, though some will still fetch a hefty price. 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. Still, Fort Myers is quite affordable and residents also benefit from the lack of a state incometax. In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate. Boating and fishing are a big deal here. That hurricanes are an annual possibility. Thus, Im not providing you individual advice in any of these areas. Shes now one of two wildlife-trained vets who tends to 350 patients each week. This next point is a big one. When you want a little more from the finer side of life, Next, one of my favorite benefits of living in Cape Coral. The natural allure of the island is why many people choose to move to Sanibel Island and never leave. We knew of the resort fee. On the other hand, you are welcome to stick with me here. After researching and reading several reviews about Sundial Resort and Spa, my husband and I decided to book our 2 say stay here. Dont forget about the hurricanes, either, which are in season from June to November every year. Wondering where to settle in Southwest Florida? Off-season is almost as busy as season, says Weaver. Thank you in advance for your support! 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. As a result, there are a variety of housing options to choose from. And place rules and restrictions on residents. The Pros. Never heard, saw anything about available services. Overall, Fort Myers is a nice place to live and one of the top cities in Florida to consider. * You can reach the beach at either Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island in ~25 minutes. Fort Myers is the fastest growing large city in Florida, 6. Theres also elbow room these days: Census estimates predict 600 fewer residents than in 2000. It's impossible to complain about the weather while living in Hawaii! We talked about our Florida wildlife as a con for some, but honestly, its a pro to living on Sanibel Island. 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. That may then impact the future value of real estate, making it a potential risky investment. The state experiences some of the most beautiful seasons in the whole country. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there, and I must say I am surprised by some of the negative reviews. The carpet seemed stained but overall it was clean. People working at the main building were great. Both pools were fantastic the pool and pool areas were very clean and well maintained. The facility opened its new educational building and student housing in January and this month will move into a two-story clinic. Lets find out with the full analysis of the pros and cons of living in Fort Myers, Florida. Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know), 23+ Pros And Cons Of Living In Rhode Island, Being a Food Delivery Driver: 21+ Pros and Cons, 20+ Pros And Cons Of Green Tea (Read Before Drinking), Being a School Bus Driver: 15 Pros and Cons, 20+ Differences Between Growth Stocks And Value Stocks, 20+ Differences Between Black People And White People, 20+ Differences between Sales tax and VAT, 20+ Differences between Eulogy and Obituary, 20+ Differences between CFD and Spread Betting, 20+ Differences Between Racism And Xenophobia, 20+ Differences between Holiday and Vacation. Permanent residents of these Southwest Florida islands must be comfortable being one with nature. Many homes and businesses across the state utilize green energy with the use of solar and wind technology. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. We thought we wanted a quiet, beautiful place to raise our kids and we got so much more. However, do note that federal income taxes still apply. No one is zooming past you or honking their horn. Many neighborhoods have. 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. Ran movies and made very good popcorn the day it poured. Nevertheless, depending on your income. You will have to travel further away to satisfy your mountain biking or hiking fix on more challenging terrains. Heavy traffic and lousy drivers. Parking was plentiful and each unit had a spot assigned. Her name was Paige, she provided us a voucher for free breakfast for our trouble. While there is the threat of hurricanes and the humidity to battle, the weather here is generally FANTASTIC all year round. To escape the colder climates they come from in the north. I don't know if that was the reason for my overall "decent" stay. * If you're heading into Mt. 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. Living in Sedona, AZ Pros and Cons, 8 Best Small Towns in Texas to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2023, The 8 Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco Without a Car. Enjoy watching! But, its good to know if you are young, single, and want to live around others in your same demographic. Okay. Thats why its number one on my list of pros to living on Sanibel Island. Next, when compared to other coastal cities in Florida. Welcome to Dividends Diversify! When compared to other coastal cities. Not to mention a true hobby for most residents and visitors of the island. Home States & Countries Living In Rhode Island: 25 Pros and Cons (You Must Know). Im Tom. While year-long warm weather may sound pleasant, it also comes with thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months. These Three Words Describe Me in The Best Way. Pleasant, North Charleston, Hanahan, and of course Daniel Island itself.