Laid-back lifestyle on friendly North Captiva Island
Traffic jams take on a different meaning on North Captiva Island, a remote, car-free enclave off the coast of Fort Myers. "Here, a traffic jam is a bunch of people hanging out in their golf carts and talking," says Mark Muller, a longtime resident and owner of Resort Properties Internationale. Snowbirds, rental property owners and about 50 full-time residents soak up the beaches year-round. Boats, private planes and ferries connect this place to the mainland so groceries tend to cost a little more. For many, the laid-back lifestyle makes it easier to make friends. "It's like summer camp for adults," says Muller, who sells exclusively on the island.
Beachy homes with wrap-around porches
The island is divided into a residential area on the north side and a nature preserve on the south side. Beachy homes are spread out between thickets of sea grapes and palms. From single-story cottages to beachside mansions, they are all located on stilts to protect them from storm surges. While most residents evacuate during hurricane season, the infrastructure is built to withstand storms, according to Muller. "We weren't really affected by hurricane Milton like the mainland areas because the water goes under your house," he says. Most homes have wrap-around porches to maximize outdoor space. The island lifestyle comes with a higher price tag compared to the Fort Myers area. Single-family homes range between $600,000 and $4 million.
Escaping the fray at secluded beaches
Whether living or vacationing here, an average day includes swimming, fishing, pickleball, boating and relaxing on the beach. The island is wrapped by 5 miles of sandy beaches with grassy dunes, seashells and wildlife such as shorebirds, manatees and dolphins. The island's 700-acre state wildlife preserve provides an escape with sandy trails connecting to some of the island's most private beaches. "There are long stretches of beach where there are no houses at all, so you can look both ways and you may not see anyone," Muller says. There are also two private clubs with pools and recreation facilities for members.
Families take boats to Lee County Public Schools
Students head off the island to attend Lee County Public Schools. Families often use private boats and cars to get there. The Sanibel School serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students and earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Parents and students have their choice of several high schools. Fort Myers High is one of the district's highest-rated schools with an overall A. Teens can explore future career interests through academies of law, teaching and finance.
Golf cart parades for the Fourth of July
From private New Year's Eve parties to island clean-ups, neighbors get together throughout the year. The annual Fourth of July celebration features a golf cart parade around the island and a fireworks show on the island's airstrip. Yet locals find plenty of excuses to chat on the daily. "Not having cars, you can waste a whole day walking around and talking to people you meet," Muller says.
Boating, flying or ferrying from the island
Since cars are not allowed on the island, residents get around the unpaved roads on foot, or by bike and golf cart. Residents rely on a scheduled ferry service to get from the island to the mainland. There are two ferry services operating throughout the day. The island also has a private airstrip open to members. In Fort Myers, Southwest Florida International Airport offers nonstop flights to destinations across the U.S., as well as Cuba and Germany. Upper Captiva Fire Rescue provides emergency medical emergency services on the island. For minor medical issues, residents can ferry to Pine Island and access urgent care facilities in Cape Coral.
Locals get their groceries delivered
Three restaurants and two gift shops are the only shopping and dining options. However, mobile and online delivery services make it easy to get groceries, albeit for an additional charge, according to Muller. "You don't have to leave because there are enough services to get what you need," Muller says. Reservations are required for Over the Water, an intimate restaurant on Safety Harbor. It serves pasta, grilled fish and steak. The Island Club has a gift shop with some essentials and local handcrafted items. The club's restaurant, Mango's, offers poolside dining featuring fruity cocktails, flatbreads, sandwiches, burgers and seafood, including a cook-your-catch service.
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Nestled within the breathtaking Cayo Costa State Park, this rare privately owned parcel offers the ultimate island retreat. Cayo Costa is an exclusive and secluded barrier island, accessible only by boat, featuring nine miles of untouched beaches, scenic walking and biking trails, and an abundance of native wildlife.This exceptional lot presents the perfect opportunity to build a
CAYO COSTA. One of only a few privately own parcels in Cayo Costa State Park. Closest private lot to the main path and beach. Located just off the only main road (path) that runs from Bay to Beach. SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE. 25% down, 10%, 10 yrs. $25,000- down, $978- per month. Size is 50' x 130'. Taxes in 2024 are $586.00. Minimum Use Determination (MUD) approved by Lee County - MUD954656. MUD
Look No futher! A Natural Landscape, 10+/- acres located in a magnificient Pine Island, Florida. It's just minutes drive to the beaches. No HOA restrictions, so you will have the freedom to enjoy your private solitude. You can built your dream santuary on this pristine lot. Oh, there is a small airport on Pine Island not far from the property. As a sophisticate buyer, you'll have a chance
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
Weather
Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
