Sanibel City incorporates an entire island named Sanibel Island. It is in fact a barrier island, which consists of a collection of sand dunes, and is located on the Leeward side of Pine Island. Not exactly an ideal place for a house then. Notwithstanding, The Wall Street Journal selected the island as among the ten best places for a secondary home in 2010. Seems something was amiss with respect to the outcome of the judging.
The city of Sanibel resides in Lee County, Florida. Tourism makes up for its main economy, as it's recognized for the beautiful shell beaches in addition to the sheer number of wildlife refuges. The climate is subtropical humid, and although it does get on the hot side, it rarely becomes very cool.
Moving to Sanibel
The best time to be looking for rental houses in Sanibel is really at any time of the year -- there's no "off-season" as such. Nevertheless, the island does occasionally fall prey to the odd hurricane strike which tends to occur during the latter summer months. With this in mind, you may prefer to avoid conducting your search during August and September for fear of being blown away. How long should you leave to start searching for rental houses on or in Sanibel? Well, the choice is excessive even though the demand for second homes has snatched up much of the previously available property. That said, if you give it just a little time, like a couple of weeks or so, then you ought to find your dream place on a sand bank overlooking the azure blue. The properties tend to be rather exclusive so do keep in mind that even the small condo for rent will cost you a pretty penny.
Neighborhoods in Sanibel
Even though it may merely be a sand bank in the middle of the ocean, it's quiet, it's incredibly beautiful, and it possesses the exotic attitude of an island that you might expect to find in the Caribbean! Prepare to fall deeply in love with the place on your arrival!
Sanibel Blvd: Located in close proximity to shops, restaurants and bike paths, and with panoramic views of the surrounding conservation land, Sanibel Blvd would potentially be the ultimate dream for many who are intent on an apartment search! Walk score is good, at 72 from 100, and it's a zero crime-rated area.
Middle Gulf Drive: With views over the gulf and three restaurants nearby, including Blue Coyote on Park View Drive, offering modern-style American cuisines and seafood to its hungry patrons, and the Starfish Grill on Middle Gulf Drive, which, as you'd expect, also specializes in seafood goodies, you're onto a good thing if you opt to find rental apts here.
Periwinkle Way: Situated near to a fishing pier and Lighthouse Beach, and with potential views of the bay, Periwinkle Way makes for a terrific place to live. There are also four restaurants in close proximity, including the Lighthouse Caf̩, which offers breakfasts and brunch, and Gramma Dot's Restaurant on North Yachtsman Drive, which serves fresh seafood.
West End: It's said that the island's finest private beach is at the West End. All the same, it's a fairly tranquil place, making it ideal for dolphin watching, fishing, swimming, birding, and much more besides.
East End: Offering views down to the local canal, and within easy walking distance to the beach, and said to be one of the best fishing spots on the island, East End is another absolute haven for those who wish to rent property on this wonderful island!
West Gulf Drive: Paradise awaits you at West Gulf Drive, Sanibel. Offering dramatic gulf front views, it's heaven on earth!
Living in Sanibel
There's so much to see and do in Sanibel that it's difficult to know where to begin. If you fancy a fishing trip, arguably the best place to get geared up and to hire a boat would be Whitney's Bait and Tackle on Periwinkle Way, which has everything you could ever need. The staff also provides advice as to where the best place to lay claim to a good catch is. J.N. (Ding) Darling Wildlife Refuge offers the visitor the chance to see all forms of wildlife and bird life in their State Parks and National Parks. The establishment was set up in 1945 and occupies a total of one third of the entire Sanibel Island. Do watch out for the gators on your travels, won't you? Bowman's Beach on the west side of the island is perfect for those who wish to catch a glorious sunset. It can get a little busy during the daytime, so the evening is optimal if you're looking to catch the sun going down in a relatively tranquil setting.