Two years after Hurricane Ian swept Sanibel Island with a 16-foot storm surge, life on the Gulf Coast is slowly getting back to normal. While tourism has not yet returned in force, and many restaurants and lodgings have shuttered, the community’s beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets are still there. Locals are back to spotting dolphin pods cresting the waves and watching flocks of shorebirds peck at the sand. Plus, with more than 250 kinds of shells on its beaches, Sanibel Island is still more than worthy of the title “Seashell Capital of the World.” In many ways, the drop in tourism is a return to form for the community. Sanibel Island is a small town at heart, with just over 6,000 residents. “Only about 50% live there year-round,” says Longtime Fort Myers resident Troy De Mond, a Realtor with Royal Shell Real Estate. He praises the area’s “relaxing local flare,” which is on full display in the quiet summer and fall months when only locals are biking along its narrow streets.
Sanibel Island is a small barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico in Lee County, FL.
Soak up the sunset with your loved ones at Bowman's Beach.
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From landlocked cottages to coastal Spanish Revivals
Sanibel Island offers a wide variety of housing types and prices. Low-rise luxury condos line the eastern beachfront, with newly renovated one-bedroom units ranging between $400,000 and almost $800,000. Townhouses and condos with two or more bedrooms occupy a broader range, roughly from $700,000 to $2 million, depending on features like square footage and location. On the island’s west side, extravagant houses measuring over 3,000 square feet sit on waterfront lots. These properties feature various styles, from Mediterranean Revival to Key West architecture. These mansions roughly list between almost $2 million and $8 million, depending on the property’s lot size, amenities, and other factors. Smaller, two- and three-bedroom landlocked homes, such as midcentury cottages and 1990s beach houses, range from $600,000 to the high $900,000s. “Real estate prices are still holding strong,” says Troy De Mond, a Realtor with Royal Shell Real Estate. “There is a little more inventory for buyers to choose, and homes are taking a little longer to sell, but the median home price is up, year over year.”
Large beachfront mansion in the West End neighborhood of Sanibel Island.
Most homes on Sanibel are elevated due to the Island's susceptibility to flooding.
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Local beaches and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Bowman’s Beach, probably the island’s most popular beachfront, is a great place for shelling. Beachcombers frequently walk the sandy stretch, collecting those little treasures from the sea. Meanwhile, on the southern tip of Captiva Island, Turner Beach offers beautiful vistas, especially around sunset. Both areas are dog-friendly. Local birders flock to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which offers 7,000 acres of protected mangroves. It’s home to almost 250 bird species and serves as a haven for them to hunt, nest and roost. Other kinds of wildlife include river otters, bobcats, manatees and, of course, alligators. The refuge is a go-to for biking, fishing and hiking. Folks can even go on a driving tour to take in nature while also enjoying some air-conditioning.
Lighthouse Beach Park and the historic Sanibel Lighthouse are located at the west end.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a marine national monument on Sanibel.
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Jerry’s Foods and the Lighthouse Café
Jerry’s Foods is a one-stop-shop on Sanibel Island for groceries, pick-me-ups, beach gear and souvenirs. As for dining out, Cielo serves various surf and turf options, like mussels, seared tuna and grilled filet of beef, all pairable with their extensive wine list. Bleu Rendezvous is another fine dining restaurant, albeit a bit more exclusive since it’s reservation-only. The Lighthouse Café offers a more casual vibe for breakfast and lunch. The resilient family-owned business has opened a new location on Periwinkle Way and is just as much an island staple as it was before Hurricane Ian.
The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market offers fresh seafood and is open seven days a week.
Jerry's Foods is your go-to stop for groceries, goods, and much more.
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The Sanibel School is one of the highest ranked schools in the state.
Fort Myers High gets an A-plus on Niche
The neighborhood is zoned for some of Lee County’s top-rated schools. The Sanibel School, a K-8 institution on the island, received an A-minus from Niche and is the county’s top-ranked elementary school. Students head across the water to attend Fort Myers High, which receives an A-plus and is the county’s No. 2 ranked high school. It has several career academies, including business, digital design, engineering and early childhood education programs. Athletics programs are strong, too. Sports range from football and volleyball in the fall to lacrosse and tennis in the spring.
The Sanibel Causeway
Sanibel Island does not have public transportation, but it is walkable and bikeable, which is convenient in season when parking is limited. “[Biking is] definitely the preferred travel method,” De Mond says. “Billy’s Bike Rentals on Periwinkle Way is an Island stable for bike and scooter rentals.” The Sanibel Causeway, a toll bridge, is the primary way to the mainland. However, it’s still under repair “and will be for a long time.” The closest hospital to Sanibel Island is on the mainland, 15 miles away. Also on the mainland, less than a 30-mile drive off the island, are Downtown Fort Myers, Interstate 75, and Southwest Florida International Airport.
Sanibel offers only one way on and off the island by car.
The Sanibel Causeway took a hit during Hurricane Ian but has since recovered.
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Hurricane season in Fort Myers
Hurricane season ranges from June 1st to November 30th. The Fort Myers Fire Department encourages residents to familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and keep a basic disaster kit. RiskFactor rates Sanibel Island a nine out of 10 for flood risk. Flood insurance is required on Sanibel Island.
Fish for snook, redfish, tarpon and snapper on the waters of Sanibel Island.
Blind Pass of Sanibel Island is a protected estuary, critical to the marine life.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Bacardi,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sanibel Community Playground
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park
Trails
Beach
Ocean
Lighthouse Beach Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Bowman's Beach Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Trails
Blind Pass Beach
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Gulfside City Park Beach
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Transit
Airport
Southwest Florida International
72 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sanibel Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sanibel Island, Sanibel sell after 132 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Sanibel Island, Sanibel over the last 12 months is $1,213,358, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
900 FEET TO THE BEACH! DIRECT GULF ACCESS CANAL! 3 LOTS! LARGE SCREENED POOL! ELEVATOR! Welcome to this breathtaking, fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 3-bath home (2 ensuite), plus den and office, perfectly situated just steps from the beach. Set on three expansive lots, this exceptional property offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle with modern upgrades, beautiful outdoor spaces, and for boating
Wonderful old Florida style duplex home situated on a small lake where the wild life will entertain you all day! Three bedrooms and two baths allow you comfort, space and privacy. The primary bedroom located on the second floor is a sanctuary for the owner. This bedroom is big enough to have a large sitting room attached or in the case of this owner a lovely art studio. Great views and
Located just steps from private deeded beach access in the coveted beachside development of Château Sur Mer, this beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of luxury, privacy, and convenience. Situated on a serene lakefront parcel overlooking preserve with .6 of an acre, this exceptional property features serene views of native wildlife and the tranquil
Nestled in the tranquil heart of Sanibel Island, this charming property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of architectural history. Set against a backdrop of lush, untouched nature, the home presents a private and peaceful lot, offering serenity in every direction. With its distinctive design, this residence is a far cry from the ordinary — a departure from the cookie-cutter builds of
Modern coastal masterpiece in Butterknife on West Gulf Drive. In Butterknife, the only gated enclave on esteemed West Gulf Drive, this reimagined coastal residence invites you to embrace luxury and the beach lifestyle. Here, design meets function across every finish and feature. Go inside to be greeted by soaring 18-foot ceilings crowned with clerestory windows and a dramatic two-story
Step into a truly extraordinary offering, this unit can also be purchased along with the neighboring unit (204) offering an unprecedented chance to craft a custom, top-floor four-bedroom, four-bath penthouse encompassing nearly 2,000 square feet of refined living space. Perfectly positioned in a brand new, state-of-the-art building engineered to meet the challenges of future storms, this is more
Charming 3-Bedroom Canal-Front Pool Home Near Sanibel LighthouseWelcome to your dream vacation getaway! This beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom pool home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and waterfront living, all just moments away from the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse.Spacious Living Area: Step into a bright and airy open floor plan featuring high ceilings and
Welcome to 1242 Par View Dr, a fully remodeled 3-bed, 2-bath concrete block home located mid-island in the prestigious Beachview Country Club Estates on Sanibel Island. This partially elevated home features a durable metal roof (2023), a stylish interior with a split floor plan, and a spacious porch and pool deck with scenic golf course views. The primary bedroom offers direct access to the
Best priced, single family home (NO HOA FEES!) on Sanibel Island right now. Discover the pinnacle of serene island living in this elevated residence less than 1/2 mile away from the best secluded Gulf beaches (deeded beach access) on the Island! Located on iconic Rabbit road, the pictures tell the visual story of a home that lives big with almost 2,000 square feet of living area. Boasting
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Bacardi,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
11,679
Median Age
70
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
6.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
62.1%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$123,806
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$152,601
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
62.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33.1%
% Population in Labor Force
37.3%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
55°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 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.
