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.
Tiki boat bar tours offer a unique sunset experience in North Captiva Island.
There are two passenger ferries giving scheduled access to North Captiva Island.
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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.
Grand modern homes tower over the beaches giving prime waterfront views on North Captiva Island.
Almost every home on North Captiva Island has been rebuilt and renovated following 3 years of hurricanes.
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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.
Sandy Trails cross the land adjacent to the homes at North Captiva Island.
Families gather on the tranquil beaches in North Captiva Island for fun in the sun.
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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.
The Sanibel Elementary School is the only school on the Island and gets high ranking numbers.
Fort Myers High School is an above average high ranking 7/10 school.
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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.
Golf carts are the main mode of transportation on North Captiva Island.
Getting out for a walk with friends is a favorite pastime for North Captiva Island residents and guests.
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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.
Resident pilots use Salty Approach runway in North Captiva Island to fly in and out.
North Captiva Island is a boater's paradise.
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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.
Barnacle Bar at The Mainstay on North Captiva Island one of the favorite eating and drinking spots.
There are just a few places on North Captiva Island to buy souvenirs and supplies.
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.
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Behold an extraordinary rural gem—a splendid 1/2 ACRE, nestled outside of the flood zone, with the possibility of expanding to a generous 3 acres. Bask in the splendor of swaying palm trees and fruitful mango orchards as you grasp this rare opportunity to manifest your dream homestead property! Ideally situated near a grand marina and an acclaimed elementary school on the island, this paradise
Discover an outstanding rural 1/2 acre plot situated outside the flood zone, with the potential to expand up to 3 acres at this location. Enjoy the picturesque surroundings of palm trees and mango orchards as you take advantage of this opportunity to build your dream home off of Lockhart Ln. Conveniently located near a large marina, restaurants, and a highly-rated elementary school on the island!
Exceptional rural 1/2 ACRE located outside the flood zone, with the option to acquire up to 3 acres at this site. Embrace the beauty of palm trees and mango orchards as you seize the chance to create your dream home! Conveniently close to a large marina and an award-winning elementary school on the island! Take a Right onto Harbor Dr, take immediate Right onto Beau Ln, let Beau Ln turn into
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Penny Lehmann,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
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.
