Is Sanibel Island a good place to retire?

Is Sanibel Island a good place to retire? You can spend the best years of your life at the beach fishing, boating, golfing, shopping and doing whatever else your heart desires. According to Frommer, Sanibel offers retirees amenities including, “excellent restaurants and good shopping.” We would have to agree. Let's start with our favorite places to eat.

What is it like to live on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel is a with a population of 6,437. Sanibel is in Lee County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Sanibel offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Sanibel there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

How does Sanibel Island get electricity?

The island's electricity leaves the mainland in Cape Coral, travels to Pine Island, then flows through wires strung on poles to Sanibel. So before Sanibel could be repowered, Pine Island had to be electrified, Ruth said, and there were hiccoughs along the way.

Is Sanibel Island crowded?

Peak Season on Sanibel Island From the beginning of December up until mid-April, you can expect the island to be at its liveliest. Compared to other popular tourist locations in Florida, Sanibel doesn't get extremely crowded, even during the busy season.

What is the 50 rule for Sanibel Island?

The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.

Is Sanibel Island a wealthy town?

The per capita income in Sanibel in 2018 was $107,950, which is wealthy relative to Florida and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $431,800 for a family of four.

Is anyone still living on Sanibel Island?

An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year.

What is the cheapest month to go to Sanibel Island?

The cheapest deals can generally be found in April and October. Prices can also vary depending on which day of the week you stay. For the best room deals at Sanibel Island Beach Resort, plan to stay on a Monday or Sunday.

Are cars allowed on Sanibel Island?

The island is bike friendly and has plenty of paths to help you get around. Cars are also an option, though parking is limited and expensive in most cases. If you'd rather not rent a car or a bike, there are a few taxi companies that can take you around. There is no public transportation on Sanibel Island.

How cold does Sanibel Island get?

Winter. While winter is cooler in Sanibel Island, it is certainly not as cold as you may experience in other parts of the United States. During the winter months of December, January, and February, the average high temperatures range in the mid-70s, while low temperatures stay around 50 degrees.

Why do people love Sanibel?

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are two small islands off the coast of Florida that are popular because of their low-key, quiet, beach settings. The pristine white beaches, coupled with the lush tropical environment, bring out a level of relaxation that cannot be found anywhere else.

Is it illegal to take shells from Sanibel Island?

All Sanibel beaches and nearshore waters to one-half mile from shore are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Rule 46-26. This rule prohibits the harvest and possession of live shellfish. Sand dollars, sea stars (starfish), and sea urchins are also protected.

Why is Sanibel Island so popular?

But what is it that makes Sanibel Island so famous and well-known? Sanibel Island is known as a shelling destination thanks to its world famous shell beaches.

What happened to Sanibel Island?

Sanibel's worst storm since 1926, Ian blew in with winds of over 130 miles per hour and a surge of up to 12 feet. Giant power poles snapped like toothpicks, buildings were inundated, and parts of the causeway bridge washed out, cutting off car traffic to the island.