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About Sanibel Island

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We’ve gotten to know Sanibel pretty well having lived here for more than a decade now. There’s so much to say about our 16 square-mile barrier island, as you can tell by the 280+ blogs we’ve written so far!

But for those unfamiliar with Sanibel, we thought you’d enjoy this Quick Start to Sanibel, an overview of the island. So let’s start with the basic stats.

Getting To Know Sanibel Island

Sanibel Basic Stats:

Sanibel Population: 7,363 (2017 Census)
Land Area: 16.12 square miles
Water & Land Total Area: 33.25 square miles
County: Lee County
City Incorporation: 1974

 

How dense are we on Sanibel Island compared to other Florida beach towns? You might be surprised to learn that St. Augustine, Marco, Naples, and Venice are 3x more densely populated than Sanibel! Click here to read our full blog “How Dense Are We On Sanibel.”

Preserving Our Island

Did you know Sanibel is more than 60% conservation land? You’ve likely heard about the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place to see unique migratory birds, alligators, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. But there’s also the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), which owns 1,800 acres of land on the islands, preserving it in its natural state.

The founding fathers of Sanibel we’re a huge part in establishing this conservation effort that has kept the island free from high-rise condos and over-development. The building restrictions and regulations around vacation rentals have preserved both the land and the small town appeal of Sanibel, which most people describe as “simple, natural, and friendly.”

Island Community

The Sanibel community is what drew us to live on island and raise our family of four kids. It’s also what’s helped our family-owned real estate practice to be successful, with an abundance of support and collaborations between the businesses on island.

Annual events such as the 4th of July parade, Sanibel Luminary Night, and events at the Sanibel Community House paint a good picture of the community spirit. The numerous non-profit organizations such as CROW, BIG ARTS, the churches on island are a big part in what makes the community special, and how island residents get involved in the community and meet one another.


As I said, I could talk about Sanibel for days. This is just skimming the surface! Below are a few other articles I think you’ll like. If you have questions about a topic I didn’t mention, feel free to reach out! Team@SanibelRealEstateGuide.com or 239-472-1950.

More Blogs About Sanibel Island

The Sanibel Legacy Video Series

By Susan McCallion | Aug 31, 2011

Sanibel is special – it was saved from bulldozers and the over-development that has scarred most of Florida. This unique character has attracted a community of folks who value living where nature and the environment are given high regard. This is what attracted our family to the island. I believe that Sanibel’s unique character and […]

Read More

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McCallion & McCallion Realty Logo

McCallion & McCallion Realty
1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 472-1950

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