Sanibel Island (Captiva: homes, to buy, college) - Fort Myers - Cape Coral area - Florida (FL) -Lee County - City-Data Forum

tmozer · 02-03-2011, 03:16 PM

I visited Sanibel Island today for the first time. I parked near the lighthouse and walked about 4 miles up the beach and back, so I did not exactly tour the island. But it does seem very nice, probably expensive property wise.

I could see myself living there, except for two immediate issues:

The toll. Do property owning residents have to pay that each time they come? I know there is a break (maybe??) with Sun Pass, but I would not like to have to pay $6, or close to that, each time I leave and return!

Shopping, especially groceries: It appears that you have to drive a long way for groceries and other standard staples. I don't think I would like that.....

Lindsey_Mcfarren · 02-03-2011, 03:20 PM

There is a great grocery store out there that delivers your groceries to your home for an additional $5. You can come to the mainland to shop, we did that but if you lived out on the island I would probably only do it like once a week. I agree the toll would get annoying but the trick would be to limit how often you had to go to the mainland.

Sanibel and Captiva (upper Captiva and Cayo Costa) is my favorite place on the planet. If I could afford it, I would live there and going to the mainland would not be something I worried about.

FLBeachcomber · 02-03-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmozer

I visited Sanibel Island today for the first time. I parked near the lighthouse and walked about 4 miles up the beach and back, so I did not exactly tour the island. But it does seem very nice, probably expensive property wise.

I could see myself living there, except for two immediate issues:

The toll. Do property owning residents have to pay that each time they come? I know there is a break (maybe??) with Sun Pass, but I would not like to have to pay $6, or close to that, each time I leave and return!

Shopping, especially groceries: It appears that you have to drive a long way for groceries and other standard staples. I don't think I would like that.....

The middle of the island is probably more preferable than the lighthouse end. There are lots of shops and two groceries. If you lived in that area, there wouldn't be much need to come and go on the island. There are tons of things to do on Sanibel. I use to live there part time.

I hope you will post some pictures.

tmozer · 02-03-2011, 05:11 PM

Already uploaded some pictures to the "I Love Shelling" Facebook page: Welcome to Facebook - Log In, Sign Up or Learn More

rrose003 · 02-03-2011, 07:14 PM

I grew up on the island in the 70's and 80's and my parents still live out there. I'm not sure what kind of break they get with the Sunpass (in my day we had a book of bridge tickets that averaged out to 50 cents a trip!), but I remember that they always tried to combine errands when they went to the mainland. It's a lot easier now that the Ft. Myers area has spread out like it has. When I was very small I remember the closest grocery store being the Publix on College and 41. Before that, I think we had to go to the Food World on 41 and Colonial near the brand new Edison Mall. Great, now I feel old!!

Lindsey_Mcfarren · 02-03-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmozer

Already uploaded some pictures to the "I Love Shelling" Facebook page: Welcome to Facebook - Log In, Sign Up or Learn More

No matter how many shells I have picked up, I never get tired of it. The first time I went to Sanibel, it was like gemstones had been scattered on the beach. Its an amazing site to see.

hiknapster · 02-03-2011, 10:29 PM

If you have to ask the price of homes, worry about tolls and groceries then Sanibel and Captiva are probably not for you. It has a wonderful vibe to it and the people that live there are fabulous. It also is an incredible time to buy.

twobums · 02-04-2011, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiknapster

If you have to ask the price of homes, worry about tolls and groceries then Sanibel and Captiva are probably not for you. It has a wonderful vibe to it and the people that live there are fabulous. It also is an incredible time to buy.

Awwwww!! Sanibel people love hik too!!

The tolls are simple math, you can pay $400 a year for sun pass with unlimited trips (what I do) or pay $50 and then $2 each trip... this means you do not have to stop to pay, $ comes out of your acc't automatically. My neighbors are divided on tolls, most pay $6 & limit trips 'overseas'. Some pay the $2 after the $50 yearly fee. The Publix is about 12 minutes away for me, from driveway to parking lot. I also do the speed limit, one of those annoying drivers who actually cruises at 35 on the causeway.

The neighbors tend to pool trips, going to Target, Costco etc as a group.

Personally, I love the east end of the island, Lighthouse Beach is a mile and a quarter away, grocery stores, restaurants & shopping are within a 2 mile range. We have friends who live close to Captiva so their commute to the causeway can be close to half hour in season.

Bikes are the fav mode of transportation ~ this is the only place I've ever lived where you can see if your friends are home by their bikes being in the driveway, not their vehicles. My bike is equipped to haul lots of groceries, a golf bag and even a kayak!

It was a hot day here yesterday ~ next door neighbor had their AC cranking!

tmozer · 02-04-2011, 06:17 AM

I could see me living there.... Maybe some day.

twobums · 02-04-2011, 08:13 AM

tm ~ if you get a chance, bring a bike next time. This island has the most amazing bike trails all over. And the vehicles tend to be civil! Sanibel is 12 miles long with lots of side roads to bike.

Ding Darling is fun to bike, it is about 8 miles total. Take the li'l side path for peeking at wildlife. It is closed on Fridays and there is a fee, free to those with a Nat'l Park pass. Bring your fishing rod & maybe bring home dinner. Friend caught a legal size redfish there last week!