If the turquoise waters and alabaster sands of Naples Beach aren’t enough to enchant you, the high-end shopping, golf courses, and proximity to ecological wonders like Everglades National Park should do the trick. Naples is located in Southwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico, about 45 minutes South of Fort Myers.
Named for the famous Italian city, Naples was officially founded in 1886. The area’s natural beauty and plentiful fishing opportunities swiftly lead developers to view the city as a tourist destination. Today, in addition to attracting tourists, Naples has also become popular with homeowners hoping to snap up their own piece of paradise. One of the most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods in Naples is Port Royal, named after the notorious Jamaican pirate port. In Port Royal, luxury homes overlook the Gulf of Mexico or rest along stunning, deep water canals. The community spans approximately two miles and was established by advertiser John Glen Sample in 1948, who was known to have potential residents provide letters of recommendation before accepting them into the neighborhood. While no such practices are in place today, Port Royal is still considered the place to be, coveted by many and enjoyed by few.
Naples has a tourism and ecotourism economy. Many residents who work in Naples are part of the hospitality industry. The city’s top employer, however, is Arthrex, a medical supply company whose headquarters is in Naples.
While Naples has a reputation of being a great place to visit, it’s also ranked by US News and World Report as the #1 “Best Place to Live in Florida.” The city’s climate, leisure lifestyle, and varied entertainment options have made it particularly popular with retirees. In fact, Naples ranks #2 in US News and World Report’s “Best Places to Retire.”
High-end shopping and dining are the name of the game in Naples. Enjoy a day of retail therapy along Naples’ bustling 5th Avenue or Third Street South. Open-air shopping mall Waterside Shops offers luxury stores like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, as well as favorites like Pottery Barn and Barnes and Noble. The Village Shops on Venetian Bay is another popular retail and dining destination, offering an eclectic assortment of shops.
For a posh dining experience, Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab is sure to please. Enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails in this swanky, 4th Avenue gem. Sea Salt Naples also offers delectable seafood, but with a Venetian twist. For seafood with a view, BALEEN is the premier choice. Located on La Playa Beach and Golf Resort, the restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor views of the Gulf that can’t be beaten. Ranked #1 on Tripadvisor, the Mediterrano offers coastal cuisine of a different persuasion. You can’t miss it — just look for the entrance overflowing with lush flower baskets.
While it’s hard to imagine you’ll ever get tired of Naples’ pearly beaches, it’s always good to know you have options. And “options” is perhaps an understatement when you’re talking about the golf capital of the world. With 90 different 18-hole courses in the greater Naples area, you’re sure to find the perfect one. Notable courses include the invitation-only Hole in the Wall Golf Club, TPC Treviso Bay, Old Corkscrew Golf Club, and Tiburón Golf Club.
For something the whole family will enjoy, the 43-acre Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a sure bet. Explore Alligator Bay, Lion’s Lair, and Black Bear Hammock, learning as you go!
Naples is surrounded by a number of protected wildlife areas. Thirty minutes East of Naples is Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a wildlife sanctuary that features a 2 ¼ mile boardwalk that snakes through a variety of different habitats. Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park are 38 and 46 minutes from Naples, respectively.
Some of Naples’ can’t-miss annual events include the Naples Half Marathon, The annual Stone Crab Festival, Downtown Art Show, and QBE Shootout at Tiburón Golf Club.
Naples/Port Royal is served by the District School Board of Collier County. Top educational opportunities include:
Passionate about helping buyers find homes that they connect with emotionally, Jodi is able to draw upon her own investment experience to advise them on which properties have the most potential for financial gain.