Imagine coming home from work each day and enjoying a beautiful, sunny view of the gulf, bay, or canal. It truly is like being on vacation each and every day of your life. No more finding a hotel or packing up the car to get to the paradise of the beach. No more spending your hard earned cash on expensive hotel stays and dining out just so the kids can enjoy days of fun and sun. Those days are over, when you own real estate at Sanibel Island or Captiva Island . You’ll find every day to be relaxing, calm, and serene and the natural beauty of the gulf coast is yours. And best of all, it’s hassle free.
When searching for the perfect island property, you will find that Sanibel Captiva Real Estate is basically broken down into six categories. The categories can be described as below:
1 – Gulf Front – These are the island properties that are located right on the Gulf of Mexico and thus are often the most expensive properties available. However, the price you pay is a small one for the beauty and serenity surrounding these homes.
2 – Bay Front – These Sanibel Island real estate properties are located on the opposite side of the island from the gulf front properties along San Carlos Bay and Roosevelt Channel. The bay front real estate is generally the second highest priced and usually have unobstructed views of these waterways. They don’t have the expansive beaches like the gulf properties but the good news is that the bay front homes do have an unusual opportunity for boat dockage.
3 – Canal – The canal properties rank third in price just behind the gulf and bay front real estate. Canal properties are classified as any property where you can dock a boat out the back of your home and be able to cruise to the bay and gulf through the canal system. Canals vary on the size of boats that can be accommodated and the prices also vary accordingly.
4 – Near Beach – The Sanibel Real Estate and Captiva Real Estate that is located near the beach is often less expensive than the gulf, bay or canal properties. These homes and condos are usually just a short walk to the beach so they provide owners with all the luxuries of living close to the beach without the hefty price tag. They are very popular with those that don’t have a boat.
5 – Inland – The inland property is the most reasonably priced property on the island and one that is desirable to many who want the amenities of island living without the price tag. Inland properties include homes and condominiums which are more than a short walk to the beach. If you purchase a property inland you will most likely want to take your car or perhaps ride a bicycle when visiting the beach. As you can see, Sanibel and Captiva islands have something for everyone purchasing an island home, condo or waterfront property, regardless of their budget. It is very rare that you can find such a combination of beauty and recreational facilities in the same location. In addition to the great choice of housing accommodations, the Sanibel and Captiva Islands also feature a history that is rich in intrigue and adventure.
There are many, many fascinating tales of the islands involving native Indians, Spanish explorers, infamous pirates, and shipwrecked castaways. A fabulous setting for the kids! Even you, if you are young at heart, and such tales still get your blood tingling. It is believed to be about five to six thousand years ago, after sediment rose from the sea from hundreds of years of storm activity, that Sanibel Island and Captiva Island were formed as one island. Dating as far back as 2500 years, the native Calusa Indians were the first known residents of the islands. Even after the completion of the Sanibel Causeway in 1963, Sanibel did not lose its natural heritage and charm. The residents quickly formed their own city government which allowed them to take control of their own destiny and maintain the integrity of the island. Growth and development has been encouraged but within the guidelines that insures the continued ambiance and quiet harmony of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on Sanibel Island and offers mangrove trees, shallow bays and white sandy beaches. For residents enjoyment over 2,825 acres of 6,300 acre refuge has been designated as Wilderness area. Located approximately 15 miles southwest of Fort Meyers, Florida on Sanibel Island, the refuge is connected to the mainland by the three mile long Sanibel Causeway.
In summary, Sanibel Captiva Island Real Estate offers one of the best overall experiences that anyone could wish for when seeking an island lifestyle. The residents have the luxury of enjoying beautiful year-round weather, unsurpassed beaches and waterways, recreational opportunities galore, historical legend and sites, and fantastic dining and nightlife. Sanibel Island Real Estate is a great opportunity for any family wishing to enjoy all that this or any other area has to offer.