Is Sanibel 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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Sanibel is an island and city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,382 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The island, also known as Sanibel Island, constitutes the entire city.

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Sanibel Island is a bit more low-key than Fort Myers Beach and perfect for those seeking a slightly less scheduled vacation. The main attraction on Sanibel Island is, of course, it's white sand beaches, but more than just that, shelling is a popular pastime.

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Actually, Sanibel Island was recently ranked #2 as the Best Florida Beach by the U.S. News World Report, behind #1 Destin. The rankings are based 50% on user voting, and 50% on editor's scoring, and are scored on a rolling schedule each year. But that's not the only category that spotlighted Sanibel Island.

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Sanibel Island attracts many people who choose to live year-round. It creates a very distinct and passionate local community, making Sanibel more than a vacation destination.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The island's electricity leaves the mainland in Cape Coral, travels to Pine Island, then flows through wires strung on poles to Sanibel.

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