Naples Florida Living

Naples, Florida, is a dream destination for those seeking a sunny paradise with luxurious coastal living. With a population of 22,367, this vibrant city offers a high quality of life and beautiful weather year-round. Naples residents enjoy a range of activities, from strolling through historic downtown and lounging on pristine sandy beaches to golfing and shopping. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the city, helping you determine if it’s the perfect fit for you.

Cost of Living in Naples

Contrary to the expectation of higher costs, living in Naples is actually quite affordable and comes with financial advantages. The city has the third-lowest property tax rate in Florida, and the state itself does not impose a state income tax. Sales taxes are also low at just 6%. The median income for Naples residents is $107,013, and the average monthly mortgage payment is approximately $1,000. Renters can expect to pay around $1,500 per month for a 983 sq ft apartment.

Food and Groceries: Dining out at restaurants typically costs around $16.52 per meal, with breakfast being the most affordable option. Grocery expenses vary, but the average daily food expenditure is roughly $16 per person.

Utilities: Basic utilities for a 915 sq ft apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, average around $112. High-speed internet with unlimited data costs between $50 and $75 per month.

Transportation: While some areas in Naples may not require a car, owning one can be beneficial. Gas prices are around $2.15 per gallon, and there’s a bus service with monthly passes costing about $30. Trolley tours are another way to explore the city.

Healthcare and Medical: Naples offers an excellent healthcare system with multiple hospitals and clinics. The area’s healthcare network covers a range of medical services, making healthcare accessible.

Taxes: Florida doesn’t collect individual state income, city, or wealth taxes, offering financial benefits to its residents. Naples residents may also benefit from the state-sponsored Homestead exemption program, providing property tax exemptions.

People and Culture in Naples

Naples is home to a diverse and welcoming community, characterized by a rich culture. The city is clean and well-maintained, and its residents take pride in their surroundings. Naples residents lead relaxed, stress-free lives filled with fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and delicious food.

The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene offers residents opportunities to explore theater, symphony, festivals, and fine arts venues. Events and festivals bring the community together, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Naples also has various neighborhoods, each offering unique amenities, attractions, and lifestyle options. Let’s take a closer look at some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods:

Park Shore: A luxurious and immaculate neighborhood, Park Shore features waterfront and inland properties with boat access. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it offers boutique shopping, the Venetian Village, and a plethora of fine dining options, with homes starting at approximately $1.2 million.

Aqualane Shore: Nestled between Olde Naples and Port Royal, this exclusive luxury neighborhood offers beachfront access and access to the city’s best restaurants. Aqualane Shore features deep-water canals and is among the oldest neighborhoods in Naples, with homes averaging around $4 million.

Moorings: Located in the heart of Naples, Moorings is a quiet condo community with private waterfront access, perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The average home price in Moorings is around $798,000.

Coquina Sands: This neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and tropical ambiance. Close to shopping and Old Naples, Coquina Sands offers homes with an average price of approximately $1 million.

Port Royal: A prestigious neighborhood in the southern part of Naples, Port Royal features wide canals, harbors, a private beachfront, and the elite Port Royal Club. Properties in this serene retreat average about $7.8 million.

Bears Paw Golf and Country Club: This private and exclusive 24-hour gated community offers various housing options, including single-family homes, condominiums, and villas, with an average home price of about $340,000.

Olde Naples: This neighborhood encompasses both exquisite mansions and charming beach cottages, all within walking distance of white sandy beaches, a historic downtown district, and rich cultural history. Home sale prices vary, but the average home value in Olde Naples is approximately $618,000.

Popular Activities and Events

Naples provides a variety of recreational activities for those who love the great outdoors. The city’s award-winning white sandy beaches, spanning over 10 miles, are perfect for relaxation, paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and beachcombing year-round. Outdoor adventurers can explore the nearby Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., offering hiking, boating, birdwatching, and wildlife exploration.

Also, Naples isn’t called the “Golf Capital of the World” for nothing. There are over 80 championship golf courses to choose from, so you can tee off to your heart’s content. And if you’re more into shopping and eating, Naples has got you covered. There are cool boutiques, shopping spots, and a bunch of restaurants serving up the freshest seafood, juicy steaks, and tasty burgers.

Thriving Job Market

Naples might have a high concentration of millionaires, but it offers ample job opportunities for everyone. The city’s economy is primarily driven by the thriving tourism industry. Naples, part of the Paradise Coast area, attracts tourists with its stunning beaches, shops, restaurants, and access to the Everglades. Additionally, real estate and construction industries flourish due to frequent development and redevelopment activities.

Emerging industries in Naples include business services, health services, and professional sectors, ensuring a diverse job market. Other notable sectors include retail trade, finance and insurance, arts, entertainment, recreation, and transportation. Among the top companies to work for in Naples, names like Arthrex, ACI Worldwide, ASG Technologies, and the NCH Healthcare System stand out.

Naples Real Estate Market

Naples boasts one of the hottest real estate markets in the United States, ranking in the top 10% for real estate appreciation. You can find single-family homes, villas, and duplexes, but approximately 58% of housing options in Naples are high-rise apartments and large complexes. On average, houses in Naples sell for about $225 per square foot, with an average sale price ranging from $352,630 to $415,000.

The real estate market is highly competitive, with homes often selling above the asking price and spending less time on the market compared to the national average.

Retirement in Naples

Is Naples a good place to retire? Totally! Naples is a top choice for retirees, known for offering a luxurious retirement experience. The city’s desirable attributes have earned it a spot on the list of “America’s 100 Best Places to Retire.” Approximately half of Naples’ population consists of seniors, with a median age of 66. Whether you seek a single-family home, an active over-55 community, independent living, or assisted living, Naples offers various retirement options.

Retirees can enjoy activities like beach days, shopping, golfing, live performances, festivals, and a healthy, active lifestyle with access to nature reserves and the Gulf Coast for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Additionally, the robust healthcare system and specialty care for seniors makes Naples Florida good place to live for retirees.

Pros and Cons of Living in Naples

As with any location, Naples has its pros and cons. Here’s a brief overview:

Pros:

• Beautiful beaches
• Thriving job market
• Great weather
• Affordability in some neighborhoods
• Communal real estate options
• Outstanding golfing facilities
• Numerous gated communities
• Resort-style atmosphere
• Ideal for retirees
• Possible celebrity sightings
• Stunning sunsets
• Vibrant arts and culture
• Friendly community
• Low crime rate

Cons:

• Rainy summer season
• Traffic congestion during peak times
• Presence of mosquitoes and insects
• Some communities have HOA fees
• High tourist influx
• Limited opportunities for children
• High housing costs

Fun Facts About Naples

Finally, let’s explore some fun facts about Naples:

• Naples is a celebrity hotspot, and you might run into famous faces like Judge Judy, Bob Seger, Ben Bova, or Rocco Mediate.
• Naples boasts over 250 sunny days each year.
• Florida’s lack of state income tax provides financial relief to residents.
• Collier County has one of the lowest crime rates in Florida.
• Naples hosts exclusive Swamp Buggy Races, celebrating the state’s history and unique culture.

So, is Naples FL a good place to live? Well, Yes. Naples is often called “The Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida,” and for good reason. It’s a splendid place to call home, surrounded by natural beauty, great job opportunities and plenty of fun things to do. Without a doubt, you’ll find a lot to love in this sunny paradise.

 

FAQs

Q : Is Naples Florida a good place to retire?

A : Absolutely, it’s an awesome place for retirees with great weather, beautiful surroundings, and endless activities.

Q : What’s it like to live in Naples Florida?

A : It’s like always being on a sunny vacation with amazing seafood and gorgeous beaches.

Q: Is Naples a good place to live?

A: Naples is widely regarded as an excellent place to live, offering a high quality of life, beautiful weather, and a wide range of recreational activities, making it a desirable destination for residents of all ages.