Living in Naples, FL

Are you thinking of moving to Naples, Florida? Here is everything you need to know about living in Naples!

Naples, Florida, is considered one of the wealthiest cities in the United States and is home to the second-highest number of millionaires. Ranked as having the sixth-highest per capita income in the country, Naples is one of the most desirable places to live. Located in southwest Florida and next to the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is best known for its high-end shopping, abundant golf courses, and pristine beaches with beautiful sunsets.

Celebrated for its low crime rate, residents in Naples can rest easy knowing that it is one of the safest cities in Florida. With a lower crime rate than the national and Florida average, feel safe raising your kids or walking your dog. Named one of the nicest cities in Florida and one of the best cities to live in, it is no wonder why Naples is so popular. If you are considering moving to Naples, Florida, this moving guide was created to help persuade you. By learning the ins and outs of Naples, your move to this city of world-class culture and sophistication will be a breeze. 

Here are eleven things to know about living in Naples! 

Real Estate and Cost of Living 

With a higher cost of living than the national average, Naples is, unfortunately, not one of the cheapest places to live in Florida. One of the highest expenses in Naples is housing, with a median listing house price of $1,794,602. The average price per square foot in Naples is $2,202, and most homes spend an average of 91 days on the market. 

*Data Sourced from BestPlaces. 

Job Market 

A top city for projected job growth, Naples has seen a job market increase of 1.4% over the past year. Naples's job market growth percentage is predicted to grow 39.3% over the next ten years, higher than the United States average. While many jobs are popping up in the service field, several jobs in healthcare and business are also emerging.

The top companies in the area that are hiring the most are NCH Healthcare System, Marriott International, and Collier County Public Schools. Arthrex and ASG Technologies are also headquartered here. With over 6,000 currently available jobs, Naples provides great opportunities for its residents. Plus, if you are looking for jobs just outside Naples, Cape Coral and Fort Myers are within commuting distance. 

Education 

The excellent school system and educational opportunities are part of what makes Naples such a great community. If you are raising a family with school-aged children, your kids will be in good hands at one of the area's top-rated public or private schools. The Collier County School System is what runs the public schools in Naples.

Some of the best public schools in Naples include Sea Gate Elementary School, Pelican March Elementary School, North Naples Middle School, Pine Ridge Middle School, Naples High School, and Gulf Coast High School have all received great ratings. Before buying a home in Naples, research which neighborhood feeds into the schools that best suit your family's needs. Here are seven of the best neighborhoods in Naples.

While there may be no large colleges or universities within the city limits of Naples, there are institutions close by for students seeking higher education opportunities. Hodges University in Naples is a private university with a Fort Myers campus. Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers is a public institution that offers students over 58 different types of undergraduate degrees. The Ava Maria University School of Law is located in Naples, and Florida Southwestern State College is within an hour's drive. There are currently 171 universities in Florida to choose from, so there are plenty of options to enjoy in-state tuition.

Beautiful Beaches 

One of the main reasons for moving to Naples is for the beaches. The beaches here boast soft white sand, crystal blue waters, and beautiful views. Walking the shoreline and hunting for gorgeous colorful shells or shark teeth is considered one of the best shelling areas. Always hot and sunny, the Naples beaches are family-friendly and perfect for swimming.

There is no better way to cool off than in the Gulf of Mexico. Though it has some of the best beaches in the state, living in Naples is the best way to enjoy the surf. Check out some of the best beaches in Naples, Florida:

• The Beach at Naples Pier: Picture perfect and home to a pier that extends 1,000 feet into the ocean, Naples Beach is fun and the perfect place to relax. Naples Beach and Pier should be on your bucket list. It's near restaurants with outdoor patios and interesting beach shops.
• Lowdermilk Beach: Nestled near a residential neighborhood, Lowdermilk is one of the most popular beaches in Naples. Great for watersports, such as learning how to paddleboard or kayak, this beach can get a bit crowded, so plan ahead.
• Clam Pass Park: Found in North Naples, this family-friendly beach is 3,200 feet long and is the perfect place to spot wildlife. Admire sea turtles, beach birds, and dolphins.
• Delnor Wiggins State Park: This undeveloped beach is stunning, full of wildlife and lush greenery. This beach's shallow water and shelling are a major draw for tourists and residents.
• Barefoot Beach Preserve: This natural beach stretches one and a half miles long and is the go-to beach for nature lovers. Close to Delnor Wiggins State Park, spot gopher tortoises, a cactus garden, and a butterfly garden. Providing a relaxing environment, walking along the shore, and breathing fresh air.

Wine and Dine 

Full of five-star dining establishments, casual cafes, and affordable bistros, the dining scene in Naples is some of the best in the country. Seeing tremendous growth over the last twenty years, the culinary culture in Naples is a way of life. Constantly evolving, the dining scene is making headway that will appeal to any appetite and palate.

Enjoy freshly caught seafood on the waterfront, dine on the beach, or experience international flavors inspired worldwide. Whether you are spending a romantic evening with your significant other or dining out with the family, the cuisine in Naples will not disappoint. Check out some of these top-rated restaurants in the area:

• The Turtle Club: One of the most intimate and beautiful fine dining destinations, enjoy fresh seafood and steaks outside in the sand at this oceanfront beach restaurant.  
• Mediterrano: This Mediterranean-inspired upscale eatery serves up hummus and classic Greek and Moroccan dishes in a coastal setting. 
• Sails Restaurant: Serving French cuisine with Parisian flare, feast on caviar, gnocchi, scallops, and homemade desserts at this upscale spot with service that can not be beaten. 
• Caffe Milano: This casual and rustic eatery serves authentic Italian food from pizza to pasta. 
• Rumba Cuban Cafe: The best place to get a Cuban sandwich. Indulge in authentic Cuban signature dishes at this casual cafe.

Shopping 

Channel your inner fashionista and prepare your wallets. Infamous for its world-class shopping experience and high-end retailers, shopping in Naples is part of the city's charm. Upscale shopping districts, designer shops, independent labels, and boutique brands are what you will find when shopping in Naples. According to the United States Census, the total retail sales per capita in Naples is $159,256. 

It is safe to say that the residents of Naples take their shopping very seriously. Head to Downtown Naples and explore Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, one of the area's most popular shopping districts, full of antique shops and unique stores. The Waterside Shops, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, and Mercato are other outdoor and prestigious shopping areas that should be checked out.

Celebrity Neighbors 

Famous people love Naples, Florida. Since so many celebrities have second homes in this coastal community, do not be surprised if you are neighbors with a famous figure or bump into a star at the grocery store. Instead of traveling to California to spot a celebrity, head to the southwestern coast of Florida.

Some celebrities known to vacation and spend much time in Naples and Marco Island include Judge Judy, Bob Segar, Sean Hannity, Brett Bair, Jane Seymour, Mary Carillo, and Alex Lifeson. You will never know who you may meet while living in Naples, Florida.

Golf 

Naples is home to about 90 golf courses with 18 holes, 30 of which are open to the public. Since golf is like a second language to residents, you might want to invest in some good golf clubs before moving to the area and getting ready to reserve a tee time. Claiming to be the "Golf Capital of the World," Naples has the second-most holes per capita of any other place in the country.

Ranking high in quality of life, living in this tropical southwestern Florida community is a golfer's paradise. Play at top-ranked golf courses in Naples, such as Hammock Bay Golf Course, Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club, Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club, Bonita Bay, Riviera Golf Club, and Cedar Hammock and Country Club.

Retirement 

Named one of the best places to retire and ranked at number one on a list of the "Best Cities for Early Retirement" again and again, living in Naples, Florida, is a retiree's dream. Not only will residents get to soak in all of the benefits of Florida's no state income tax, but why not spend retirement in the warm and upscale environment Naples offers its residents. While the cost of living may be higher than the national average, the city of Naples is notoriously a wealthy area. 

While the age demographic is diverse and widespread, the median age of residents is 65.4. Providing residents with the best resort lifestyle and home to many gated communities and country clubs, spend your retired days relaxing by the pool, yachting, and playing golf with your new neighbors. If you want to buy a home designed for active adults and 55+ living, our team can help you find the perfect fit in Naples, Florida.

Events 

Locals love coming together during the holidays or at one of the many festivals and events the city puts on to relax, network, and make new friends. If you love getting out in your community and experiencing all that Naples has to offer, check out some of these most popular events and fun things to do that occur throughout the year: 

• The Naples Craft Beer Festival: In March, beer lovers come together to sample local craft brews, enjoy food, and listen to live music. 
• The Naples Stone Crab Festival:  If you love seafood, hang out by the waterfront and indulge in fresh-caught stone crab. This is the perfect event for the whole family. 
• The Naples Shakespeare Festival: In May, hang out by the beach and watch free performances of "Romeo and Juliet" and other classic Shakespeare plays. 
• The Naples Winter Wine Festival: One of the area's favorite events, this annual festival in January is sold out fast. Buy your tickets early and get ready to sample some of the best wines in Naples.
• The Naples National Arts Festival: Located downtown, celebrate local artisans and buy photography, paintings, ceramics, or jewelry.

Pros and Cons 

Pros: 

• Picturesque beaches 
• Fabulous shopping 
• Tons of events 
• Great place to retire 
• Excellent education 
• Delicious restaurants 
• Golf opportunities 

Cons: 

• High housing prices 
• High cost of living 
• High humidity 
• Hurricane risk 

Moving to Naples, Florida - The Bottom Line

If you are wanting to move to one of the best cities to live in Florida, then Naples is the place for you. Prized for its great quality of life, amazing warm weather year-round, fun things to do, and spectacular ocean views, Naples has a little something for everyone. Full of luxury homes and known to be one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset, Naples is the true gem of southwest Florida.

If you are moving to Florida, consider this relaxed and laid-back community. Whether you are looking for a second home, vacation home, or a place to retire, contact our Naples real estate specialists today.

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