Moving To Naples Florida? (The Truth About Living Here)

 

If you’ve always dreamed of living in a sunny paradise, then Naples, Florida may be the perfect city for you. This luxurious coastal city hosts a population of 22,367 who enjoy a high quality of life and beautiful weather year-round. Residents enjoy strolling through the historic downtown, lounging on white, sandy beaches, golfing, shopping, and dining in exquisite restaurants.

People who live in Naples experience some of the lowest stress and highest quality of life in the country, and you can feel those good vibes from the moment you arrive. If you’re considering a move to Naples, Florida, then this guide will have everything you need to learn about your potential new home.

What Are The Neighborhoods In Naples?

 

There are several different neighborhoods to choose from in Naples, depending on the amenities, sights, businesses and schools you’d like to be near. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods:

• Park Shore is a luxurious and immaculate neighborhood that offers waterfront and inland properties with boat access. Buying a home in this neighborhood isn’t cheap, but there’s so much to offer. Enjoy boutique shopping, the Venetian Village, and plenty of fine dining options. Prices for homes in Park Shore start at about $1,200,000.
• Aqualane Shore sits between Olde Naples and Port Royal and is an exclusive luxury neighborhood with access to the beachfront and the best restaurants Naples has to offer. Aqualane Shore features deep water canals and was one of the first neighborhoods to be developed in Naples. Homes in this exclusive neighborhood cost an average of about $4,000,000.
• Moorings lies in the middle of Naples along Route 41 and offers a quiet condo community of homes with private waterfront access. This neighborhood is perfect for those who love water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding. The average price of a home in Moorings is $798,000.
• Coquina Sands is named for the soft limestone that they used to initially build the roads and features tree-lined streets and was one of the first neighborhoods in Naples. Coquina Sands has a very elegant and tropical feel and is close to shopping and Old Naples. The average price of a home in Coquina Sands sits right at about $1,000,000.
• Port Royal is a prestigious neighborhood tucked away in the southern part of the city. Featuring fun pirate-themed street names, wide canals and harbors, a private beachfront, and the elite Port Royal Club, this community is a serene retreat for its property owners. The average price for homes in Port Royal is about $7,800,000.
• Bears Paw Golf and Country Club is a private and exclusive 24-hour gated community that’s just a short drive from the Gulf’s beautiful beaches. Bears Paw features 15 single family homes, 192 condominiums, and 90 villas that fit different budgets. The average cost of a home in Bears Paw is about $340,000.
• Olde Naples features both exquisite mansions and quaint beach cottages with tons of stuff to do within walking range. This neighborhood has it all: white sandy beaches, a historic downtown district, and rich history and culture. Sale prices on homes vary greatly, but the average Olde Naples home is valued at $618,000.

How Is The Job Market In Naples?

 

Naples has a higher population of millionaires than almost any other city in the country, but if you’re not a millionaire, don’t let that deter you. It’s fairly easy to find employment in Naples, where the hospitality and tourism industries are flourishing. Many jobs in this city are part of those industries, but business sectors and health services are on the rise as well.

Industries

The driving force in Naples’ economy is tourism, which is why many residents work in hospitality and service. As part of the Paradise Coast area, Naples is a very popular vacation spot. Tourists are drawn to the area for the stunning beaches, shops, restaurants, and the Everglades.

The area also goes through frequent new development and redevelopment, so the construction industry, real estate, and rental leasing businesses do very well here.

In addition to tourism and real estate, industries like business services, health services, and professional sectors are seeing major growth, and employment in these industries is projected to increase for all of Collier County over time. Other notable industries include retail trade, finance and insurance, arts, entertainment, recreation, and transportation.

Top Companies to Work For

Among the top companies to work for in Naples, Arthrex, ACI Worldwide, ASG Technologies, and the NCH Healthcare System are mentioned frequently.

Arthrex is headquartered in North Naples and manufactures medical devices. ACI Worldwide develops payment systems software for real-time electronic payments. ASG Technologies provides technology solutions for enterprise information management and IT system management. The NCH Healthcare System is a multi-facility, not-for-profit healthcare organization.

In addition to the top companies above, here are some more of the best companies to work for in Naples, Florida.

• American Business Solutions — bookkeeping and accounting services
• Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. — multi-platform media company
• Naples Community Hospital, Inc. — NCH Healthcare System
• Allen Systems Group, Inc. — information and IT systems management
• Collier County, Florida School District — public school district
• Cc Naples, Inc. — resorts, retirement care, and golf courses
• Wilsonmiller, Inc. — civil engineering
• LC Tomarrie Ii — hotels and restaurant
• Classic Bentley Village, Inc. — retirement home
• Moorings Park Foundation, Inc. — nursing, residence, and personal care services
• Kraft Construction Company, Inc. — construction services
• Classic Residence Management, Inc. — nursing homes management services
• Neighborhood America — computer software

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How Is The Naples Real Estate Market?

 

The real estate market in Naples is one of the hottest in the United States and is in the nation’s top 10% for real estate appreciation. You can find single-family homes, villas, and duplexes, but about 58% of housing in Naples is high-rise apartments and large apartment complexes.

On average, houses in Naples sell for about $225/sq ft, and the average sale price is about $352,630 to $415,000 and Naples has a lot of high end homes to accommodate it’s affluent residents. The real estate market isvery competitive, and multiple offers on a home are normal. The average home sells for above the asking price, and the average amount of time homes stay on the market is less than the national average.

How Much Does It Cost To Live In Naples?

 

With everything we’ve looked at so far, you would expect that living in Naples would be very expensive. But if you look, it’s easy enough to find affordable homes, and the property tax percent is very small, it is the third lowest property tax rate in Florida.

Florida also offers a welcome break when it comes to the high state income taxes of other states — it’s one of only a few states that don’t collect state income tax. And sales taxes are low at only 6% as well.

The median income for residents in Naples, Florida is $107,013, and the average monthly mortgage payment is about $1,000. For renters, they can expect to pay around $1,500 a month for a 983 sq ft apartment.

Food and Groceries

Restaurant meal prices in Naples will vary, but the average meal at a restaurant is about $16.52. Between breakfast, lunch, and dinner, breakfast will normally be the cheapest meal. You can expect, of course, to pay more for a meal in a sit-down restaurant than at a fast food or street food restaurant.

Grocery prices will vary from person to person, but the average person will spend about $16 per day for food. For a month, the recommended minimum amount you should budget for is about $400 per person.

Utilities

Basic utilities, like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 sq ft apartment, averages about $112. Internet costs for 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data run about $50 to $75 a month.

Transportation

There are places you can live in Naples that won’t require you to have a car, but it’s definitely beneficial to have one. Gas prices at the moment are about $2.15 per gallon. If you enjoy biking, you may be able to get to most of your local favorite spots with a bike, or for longer commutes, you can take the bus service offered by Collier Area Transit.

Buses run on Mondays through Saturdays, except on holidays. There are options to pay each time you ride, a daily fee, or you can pay monthly for the service. Monthly bus passes will run about $30.

There are also trolley tours, which can be a great way to get out and see the city. They stop at many different destinations throughout the day until 5 p.m. with hop-on/hop-off service.

Healthcare and Medical

Naples has excellent healthcare and was ranked by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as the second healthiest city in Florida in 2015, but healthcare costs account for a significant part of the cost of living.

There are four local hospitals – two of which are operated by the NCH Healthcare System, and Physicians Regional operates the other two. There are also six clinics, so getting in to see a doctor shouldn’t be a problem. The Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida also provides pediatrics, family care, internal medicine, specialty care, and dental.

Taxes

Current residents of states with high state income taxes will enjoy that Florida doesn’t collect any individual state income, city, or wealth tax. Florida is currently only one of seven other states in the nation that doesn’t.

And if your Naples home is going to be your primary residence, you can also take part in the state-sponsored Homestead exemption program to receive an exemption of up to $25,000 of the value of your home for property taxes.

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Is Naples A Good Place To Retire?

 

Naples is a great place to retire! Retiring to Naples is like living out your golden years on a luxurious vacation. It has been repeatedly chosen for the list of “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire,” and it’s one of the most desirable and sought-after locations for those ready to enjoy retirement. If you’re considering retiring to paradise, you’re in good company. About half of the population consists of seniors, and the median age of Naples residents is 66 years old.

Whether you’re looking for a nice single-family home in a gated community, an active over-55 community, an independent living facility, or an assisted living facility, there is an abundance of options to choose from to suit your needs.

There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in Naples. Spend your day at one of the white sand beaches, take in a little shopping and a delectable meal at one of the many restaurants, go golfing, and then spend your evening at a live performance or a festival.

Naples also advocates for an active, healthy lifestyle. Sure, you can spend some of your days lounging in the sun, but there are so many activities for everyone to get involved in. The city is close to the Florida Everglades and other nature reserves and state parks, and being on the Gulf Coast, you can also participate in paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.

There’s something about the Gulf Coast sun and air that’s so invigorating and instills a sense of peace and well-being. And with everything Naples has to offer, it’s hard not to be drawn into the active and healthy lifestyle of the community.

Naples also has a robust healthcare system with several excellent state-of-the-art hospital facilities and medical centers. The Naples Community Hospitals in North Naples and downtown include geriatric care as a specialty. The hospital is also part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, so if you ever need a specialist, your doctor will be able to connect to one at Mayo Clinic easily.

What Are The People And Culture Like?

 

The people of Naples enjoy a rich culture and are generally friendly and respectful. The neighborhoods are quiet and family-oriented, and there’s a sense of community and togetherness. Naples represents many different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. The locals take great pride in their city, and it’s shown in how clean and pristine everything is.

People who reside in Naples live a very relaxed and stress-free life full of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and good food. Surrounded by nature, exceptional amenities, and the seaside, they enjoy some of the highest quality of life in the country. They also love to support the arts and culture of their town by visiting the theatre, symphony, festivals, and fine arts venues.

The area’s events and festivals are the perfect time for families and individuals to come together and meet new people to gain a better sense of community and experience all that Naples’ culture has to offer. If you decide to visit or move to Naples, don’t miss out on some of these great events you can attend.

Sporting Events

For those who like to take in some exciting action, Naples is home to a few unique sporting events that are sure to get your heart pumping:

• Every year in March, Naples is host to The Oliver Group Champions Cup of the Outback Champions Tennis Series – an exciting series of tournaments for former champions of the ATP tour.
• Spend a weekend watching the thrilling, high-action Swamp Buggy races that take place in January, March, and November. Watch as racers slosh through the deep Mile O’ Mud in a variety of unique and powerful “buggies” to compete for first place.
• For those who like to get in on the action, participate in the Naples Half Marathon. The beautiful course runs through the North Collier Regional Park and is very spectator-friendly if you’d rather hang out for the day and watch.

Festivals

If you really want to get into the culture of Naples, the best way to do it is to experience one of their amazing festivals. You’ll find many throughout the year, so once you’re settled, start marking your calendar for events you don’t want to miss.

• The Naples New Year’s Art Show, held in the heart of downtown Naples, features the fine art of professionals from all over the country. It’s a 2019 “Blue Chip 100” fine arts event for ArtFairSourceBook.com and was ranked in Sunshine Artist Magazine’s top 15 Best Fine Art Shows for 2019.
• In mid-January, visit the Southwest Florida Nature Festival to explore the wildlife through guided field trips, hotspots, and lectures. Enjoy buggy rides and boat tours or go on a birding walk and discover the magic of nature.
• In late January, you can support the Naples’ Children and Education Foundation by attending one of the area’s most anticipated events – the Naples Winter Wine Festival. Attend the wine tasting and culinary showcase or participate in an auction or fundraising event.
• Festival goers enjoy fine art, entertainment, and good food at the Naples National Arts Festival in mid-February. Meet with artists, find the perfect piece for your home, and view live performances, all for a suggested donation of $5 at the gate.
• In early March, enjoy microbrews and from across the country and chow down on local food while listening to the live music at the Naples Craft Beer Festival. Local chefs compete for the chance to win the Brewer’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Award for best pairing.
• Join 40,000 people to experience the luck of the Irish at Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade in mid-March. It’s the state’s largest privately-funded parade, and it begins at 10th Avenue South and ends at Naples City Hall.
• We hope you like seafood because the Marine Music and Food Festival in early April is a unique event you won’t want to miss. Grab a blanket or a lawn chair and gather for live music and the best seafood the area has to offer.
• Enjoy live performances of classics like “The Merchant of Venice” and “Macbeth” when the Naples Shakespeare Festival comes to the waterfront in May. Their mission is to spread the “timeless value of Shakespeare’s text” to the masses, and it’s all for free.
• The City of Naples Fourth of July parade and fireworks display is an all-day block party with ice cream socials, games, a Firecracker 5K run, games, fireworks, and laser light shows.
• In October, head to Tin City in Olde Naples for the Naples Stone Crab Festival. Enjoy stone crab claws and other seafood while listening to live music with tons of fun family activities on the waterfront.
• Don’t miss the Old Florida Festival on the museum’s festival grounds in November, where you’ll be able to explore different “camps” of re-enactors and craft workers performing demonstrations from the events and cultures behind the area’s past and history. Learn more about the local people and heritage and even bring home some reproductions and historically-correct goods.
• Ring in the New Year at your new home with the Naples New Year’s Eve fireworks display. You can book a boat sightseeing tour to experience the show from the water or find and set up the perfect spot on the sand. There’s nothing like welcoming a new year in paradise.

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What Are The Popular Things To Do In Naples?

 

With so much to do, especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll never be bored in Naples, Florida. The stunning white, sandy beaches spanning over 10 miles along the coastline are award-winning and provide plenty of relaxation and entertainment without venturing very far.

Spend the day lounging, paddle boarding, boating, kayaking, or simply collecting seashells; there’s no end to the possibilities for outdoor activities that the beach provides. And with gorgeous weather in every season and warm waters, you can enjoy beach activities year-round. Head down to the historic Naples Pier, where you can spend the day fishing, enjoy a beautiful sunset, or try to catch a glimpse of a dolphin pod.

If you’d like to venture a little further into the outdoors for more adventurous activities, head to the nearby Everglades National Park. This World Heritage Site is the largest subtropical wilderness in the country and provides endless opportunities for exploration. Hire a guide or go it alone and hike to one of the parks or sanctuaries to learn about the wildlife, flora, and fauna, or go boating or bird watching and discover what you can find.

If you love golf or are interested in learning, Naples is the perfect place since it’s self-titled the “Golf Capital of the World.” There are over 80 championship golf courses throughout Naples, and according to the National Golf Foundation’s 2013 report of US Golf Facilities, there are 1,530 golf holes, making Naples number one nationally for golf holes per capita.

If you’re just learning or want to up your game, visit one of the many practice facilities or book a session with a PGA professional instructor in the area.

Spend the day shopping and exploring at unique boutiques and businesses in Venetian Village, Mercato, Fifth Avenue, and Third Street South. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, check out the mouthwatering restaurant options in the area to enjoy the freshest organic seafood, steaks, and burgers at restaurants like Sea Salt and Jimmy P’s Charred.

To end your evening, take in a show or some live music by the Naples Players, Gulfshore Players, or Opera Naples, or any of the many other venues. Visit Artis-Naples and experience jazz orchestras and film festivals, or stroll through the museum exhibitions for art and history.

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Pros And Cons Of Living In Naples

 

There are so many benefits to living in Florida, and when you live in Naples, you can enjoy all of the benefits without the chaos of the bigger metro areas, like in Miami. That said, Naples won’t necessarily be the best place for everyone. It’s important to the pros and cons carefully before deciding if this is the perfect place for you.

If you are thinking about making a move soon, then these are the pros and cons of living in Naples, Florida, that you may wish to consider.

Pros:

• Beautiful beaches
• Thriving job market
• Great weather
• Affordable neighborhoods available
• Communal real estate opportunities
• Excellent golfing atmosphere
• Many gated communities
• Resort-style atmosphere
• Perfect place to retire
• Possible celebrity sightings
• Beautiful sunsets
• Lively arts and culture
• Friendly and welcoming people
• The very low crime rate

Cons:

• Rainy summer season
• Heavy traffic when commuting into the city
• Mosquitos and large insects year-round
• Many communities have HOA fees
• Lots of tourists
• Limited opportunities for kids
• High housing costs

Naples has one of the highest proportions of millionaires per capita in the country, and it consistently ranks as one of the wealthiest communities in the United States. There’s no doubt that if you have a lot of money, you’ll live an amazing life in Naples. But what if you’re not a millionaire?

You can absolutely live in Naples even if you aren’t a millionaire. It’s just a matter of finding the right neighborhood. And if you can’t find anything affordable in the heart of Naples, it’s feasible to buy a nice-sized property outside the city limits and still enjoy all that Naples has to offer. You just might spend a little extra time commuting to the city.

Historically, Naples was an agricultural community, but once real estate development began to grow, tourism started to take over. Naples’ economy is now primarily based on the service industry and tourism, and because the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands are so close, it has become a popular destination for eco-tourism.

There are many other jobs within Naples in a very wide variety of industries. However, since the economy depends greatly on tourism and services, it’s a good idea to make sure your chosen profession will have enough demand in Naples if you don’t work in one of the primary industries.

There are definitely more pros to moving to Naples, Florida, than cons, but the importance of each point needs to be weighed by each individual. Overall, this city is perfect for people who want to live a laid back lifestyle in an affordable luxury city for themselves and their family, or for those seeking a second home or vacation condo.

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Fun Facts About Naples

 

There are so many interesting things to learn about Naples and fun facts that make Naples different from so many other parts of the country. Here are just a few of them:

Celebrity Sightings — There are a lot of celebrities with second homes in Naples, so there’s a good chance you’ll run into somebody famous at some point. You could find yourself discussing famous court cases with Judge Judy, jamming out with rock musician Bob Seger, discussing the latest books with science fiction author Ben Bova, or playing golf with PGA professional golfer Rocco Mediate. Even if they don’t have a home in Naples, celebrities often like to visit the area, so don’t be surprised if you run into a famous face.

Sunshine All Year — One of the things that makes Naples’ beaches all the more enjoyable is that you can enjoy the sunshine and sand all year long. There are over 250 sunny days a year in Naples, and there’s no true winter weather. In January, the average high is a comfortable 76 degrees.

No Income Tax — Residents in states like California and New York understand how much of a bummer tax time can be. People moving to Naples from one of these high tax states enjoy keeping more of their money when they move. Florida has no state income tax, so anyone moving to Naples may feel like they’ve gotten a raise and be able to spend more of their income on enjoying this new chapter in their life.

Low Crime — Collier County has one of the lowest crime rates in the state of Florida and consistently makes lists for safest metro cities compared to all the cities in the United States.

The Swamp Buggy Races — Naples is the only home to the exclusive Swamp Buggy Races, which celebrate Florida’s past. Swamp Buggies were originally invented to handle the River of Grass in the Everglades when driving through Florida’s swampland. In the Swamp Buggy races, riders race through the Mile O’ Mud in a thrilling, muddy spectacle.

 

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