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Sanibel, Florida
On Florida's Gulf Coast, Beautiful Sanibel Beckons with its Miles of White Sand Beaches and Mellow Way of Life
Just 20 miles south west of Fort Myers on Florida's Gulf Coast, the beautiful, balmy town of Sanibel sits on the barrier island named Sanibel Island. It was once an infamous pirates' den but today is one of Florida's top vacation destinations and is renowned for its 15 miles of beautiful, white crushed seashell beaches and wildlife refuges.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian made landfall just north of Sanibel Island in 2022 and brought 150 mph winds. Much of the island was decimated, and rebuilding continues today, with some homes completely restored and others still looking as though the storm happened just yesterday. Many business are open, including a farmers' market, delis and grocery stores, a general store and many specialty stores. Some, though, remained closed or have relocated. Restaurants open or rebuilding include seafood grilles, steakhouses and island-themed sports bars. Pelicans still roam about town, and the beaches are open, letting locals sunbathe, fish, beachcomb and search for seashells just as before Ian. In fact, the people seen bending looking for seashells display a posture known as the "Sanibel Stoop.
Large parts of Sanibel Island are in their natural state, home to all sorts of wildlife, much of which disappeared after Ian. Nature finds a way, though, and the rabbits, frogs, birds and lizards have returned. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge was closed for months but is operating again. Twenty five miles of bicycle lanes meander throughout the island, offering a great way to see just about everything. The Sanibel Historical Village continues to celebrate local history, including hurricanes.
Population: 6,500 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 75%
Cost of Living: 120% above the national average
Median Home Price: $1.1 million
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s with high humidity levels and frequent rainstorms. Winter temperatures are in the 60s and 70s.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but HealthPark MC / Lee Memorial is 10 miles away in Fort Myers and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but HealthPark MC / Lee Memorial is 10 miles away in Fort Myers and is accredited.
Public Transit: No
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 65%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: Future hurricanes are always a possibility.
Notes: Thanks to a causeway to the mainland, tourist traffic is a headache. Parking is not allowed on public streets. In-depth shopping takes place in Fort Myers. Sanibel's population began to drop in 2019 and again after Ian, but it has since steadied. Home prices have increased 4% from a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes. Rebuilding will take years, but Sanibel remains a soothing place to retire.
Florida:
Named Pascua Florida by Juan Ponce De Leon, the Sunshine State did not enter the Union until March 3, 1845. Balmy mild winters began attracting snowbirds to the state in the late 19th century. Retirees continue to flock to the state. It's not hard to see why tourism has become the leading industry.
International trade and citrus are also major contributors to the state's economy. Eighty percent of the nation's oranges and grapefruits are grown here, and 40 percent of all U.S. exports to Latin America flow through Florida.
Florida's landscape includes uplands and coastal plains. It contains more than 11,000 miles of waterways and about 4,500 islands spread across 10 acres.
The state has 1,250 more golf courses than any other state in the Union. The 47 mile Pinellas Trail is the longest urban trail on the east coast. Orlando theme parks attract more visitors than any other theme parks in the U.S. The only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist is in National Everglades Park.
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