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Sanibel

Sanibel

Located in Lee County

$1,151,898 Average Value
$708 Average Price per Sq Ft
24 Homes For Sale

Life moves slower on the nature-filled barrier island of Sanibel

Sanibel Island, a barrier island off the coast of Fort Myers, offers slower living surrounded by nature and wildlife. The Seashell Capital of the World draws locals and visitors from across the globe for prime pickings on the white-sand beaches. A wave of seasonal residents and tourists wash ashore during the peak season from December to May, while about 6,500 residents enjoy beachy living all year. The area has made progress toward recovery after the catastrophic Hurricane Ian in 2022. “We still have beautiful beaches and sunsets,” says Sue Plein, Realtor at Kingfisher Real Estate with over 30 years of experience in the industry. “Even after the storm, that hasn’t been taken away.”

The Beach at in the Middle Gulf Drive neighborhood gets many visitors during the week.
The Beach at in the Middle Gulf Drive neighborhood gets many visitors during the week.
Welcome to Sanibel Island, the Seashell Capital of the World.
Welcome to Sanibel Island, the Seashell Capital of the World.
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Shelling, birding and kayaking are part of daily life

Beachgoers embody the "Sanibel stoop" as they crouch down to hunt for shells. Sanibel's shelling scene is world-renowned, with over 400 unique varieties washing ashore daily on the 15-plus miles of beaches. The early morning typically offers the best pickings. Natural spaces take up more than half of the island. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge contains the country's largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem, home to more than 245 bird species and various other wildlife. Locals can explore the refuge from kayaks, hiking and biking trails, observation towers or the four-mile scenic drive.

Sanibel Island playground Park is a great place near West Gulf Drive to take the kids to play.
Sanibel Island playground Park is a great place near West Gulf Drive to take the kids to play.
The bridge walkway at Bowman's Beach Park in West End Sanibel.
The bridge walkway at Bowman's Beach Park in West End Sanibel.
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Home styles range from beachy cottages to luxury estates

Various communities and home styles can be found throughout the island, from modest ranch-style properties and beachy cottages to upscale estates. Natural tropical foliage helps to provide some privacy for many homes. Beachview Country Club Estates features luxury Mediterranean-style homes with deeded beach access and an 18-hole golf course. Island living comes with higher home prices. The median two-bedroom sale price is about $600,000, and the median single-family home price is about $2.4 million. Condos line the waterfront and range from about $250,000 to $1.6 million.

Stately two story homes line the streets in the Middle Gulf Drive neighborhood.
Stately two story homes line the streets in the Middle Gulf Drive neighborhood.
Colorful and stylish single family ranch style in the West End neighborhood of Sanibel Island.
Colorful and stylish single family ranch style in the West End neighborhood of Sanibel Island.
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Groceries and coastal cuisine on the island

Locals can likely find the essentials on the island, especially around Periwinkle Way. Jerry's Foods sells groceries, and CVS offers prescription pickup. Several surf shops, gift shops and clothing stores dot the island. Cielo Restaurant provides an upscale experience with wine pairings and various surf and turf options, like lobster tail, Chilean seabass and grilled filet of beef. Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grill serves Caribbean and South American-inspired seafood dishes alongside drinks and live music.

The Sanibel Grill is known for seafood, sports, and spirits on the island.
The Sanibel Grill is known for seafood, sports, and spirits on the island.
The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market is a favorite amongst locals located close to the West End.
The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market is a favorite amongst locals located close to the West End.
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Highly rated schools on and off the island

Kids may attend The Sanibel School, a public school on the island serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Niche gives it an A-minus grade and ranks it as the No. 2 middle school in Lee County. It consistently ranks among the top 5% of Florida schools for standardized reading, writing, science, social studies and math testing. Students typically attend high school in mainland Fort Myers. School buses take kids across the Sanibel Causeway. Fort Myers High School earns an A and offers rigorous International Baccalaureate classes.

Sanibel Elementary School in Sanibel gets some of the highest rankings in the county.
Sanibel Elementary School in Sanibel gets some of the highest rankings in the county.
Welcome to Lexington Middle School in Crown Colony.
Welcome to Lexington Middle School in Crown Colony.
Cypress Lake High School's vision is to empower students to succeed in a changing world.
Cypress Lake High School's vision is to empower students to succeed in a changing world.
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Traversing the island

The island is pedestrian friendly thanks to around 25 miles of bike paths. Periwinkle Way is the main route through the area, and Gulf Drive follows the waterfront. The Sanibel Causeway connects the island to the mainland and was reconstructed after Hurricane Ian. Primary care offices are available on the island, and locals may need to head to the mainland for emergency care. The Southwest Florida International Airport offers around 70 nonstop flight routes throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Residents use various bike paths & sidewalks for shorter trips.
Residents use various bike paths & sidewalks for shorter trips.
Billy's Bike Shop is a well known business on Sanibel Island, supplying tourists with wheels.
Billy's Bike Shop is a well known business on Sanibel Island, supplying tourists with wheels.
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Hurricanes haven't hindered growth

Hurricanes are a reality for coastal Florida, and can be especially impactful to barrier islands like Sanibel. The whole island is a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, and all properties are at risk of flooding. Yet Plein says demand is rising again after Hurricane Ian. “We’re seeing buyers coming in from other areas like northwest Florida, but also California, Texas, and many from Missouri,” she says.

Sanibel celebrates seashells by the sea shore

Sanibel's annual Shell Festival is the world's largest and longest-running event of its kind, drawing about 1,000 daily visitors during its three-day run in March. Shell aficionados sell rare specimens and share their knowledge, and crafters repurpose the shells into unique art pieces. Periwinkle Way is the venue for holiday celebrations like the annual Independence Day parade. Holiday lights brighten the path during the annual Luminary Stroll, and live music and refreshment stands also line the route.

Liz Coughlin
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Pete Barrett
Photography Contributed By
Pete Barrett

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Todd Tooley, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
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

Sanibel Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$999,555
Median Sale Price
$825,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,050,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$1,150,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$599,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
10%
Last 12 months Home Sales
146
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$708

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
6,610
Number of Homes for Sale
24
Median Year Built
1984
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,303
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,063
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,305
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
678
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,245

Open Houses

  • 2445 W Gulf Dr Unit 41D, Sanibel, FL 33957

    $1,100,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,243 Sq Ft
    • 2445 W Gulf Dr
    • Unit 41D
    • New 9 days ago

    Unique opportunity for the Buyer who wants it all! This highly sought after fourth floor 2 bedroom two bath Penthouse condo with private sundeck boasting a spectacular panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico and Sanibel’s world-famous white sand beach is now available as a family vacation property or income producing gem. Enjoy cooking in a tastefully updated kitchen with all new appliances, sure

    Agent Photo
    David Schuldenfrei
    Gopher Enterprises of Sanibel & Captiva Islands Corp
    (855) 485-1873
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  • 1866 Ardsley Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

    $650,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 3,106 Sq Ft
    • 1866 Ardsley Way
    • New 4 days ago

    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

    Agent Photo
    Jeff Burns
    Premier Sotheby's Int'l Realty
    (844) 623-9515
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  • 2445 W Gulf Dr Unit D41, Sanibel, FL 33957

    $1,100,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,243 Sq Ft
    • 2445 W Gulf Dr
    • Unit D41
    • New 9 days ago

    Unique opportunity for the Buyer who wants it all! This highly sought after fourth floor 2 bedroom two bath Penthouse condo with private sundeck boasting a spectacular panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico and Sanibel’s world-famous white sand beach is now available as a family vacation property or income producing gem. Enjoy cooking in a tastefully updated kitchen with all new appliances, sure

    Agent Photo
    David Schuldenfrei
    Gopher Enterprises
    (866) 671-0552
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Sanibel Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,725
Median Age
70
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
6.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
62.1%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$123,621
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$152,480

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.9%
College Graduates
62.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
33%
% 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

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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.
Sanibel