Top Ten Reasons To Live in Naples Florida

As a Naples native, one of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “What sets Naples apart from other cities in Florida?”

When looking or a second home, potential retirement or a preferred vacation destination, people often compare Naples to Sarasota (an hour and a half North). Or they begin to wonder why homes in Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers appear cheaper when conducting a Property Search online. They start to question whether they should buy a home in Naples or if they should buy close by where there seem to be better deals.

As Realtors, often clients will ask to see Bonita Springs or Estero (part of our real estate sales area) as well as Naples real estate. For most, the differences become crystal clear.

For clients who insist on checking-out Sarasota properties, we set them up with an experienced, local Realtor we trust to show them around. So far, unfortunately for our Realtor friend, 9 out of 10 have come back more certain than ever that Naples is the place for them.

So what is it about Naples, FL that sets it apart from other cities on the Gulf Coast? Here’s the top ten reasons why Naples, Florida is hands-down the best place to live in the world:

Looking South to Naples Pier

10. Beaches – Naples white sand (our company namesake) beaches are some of the best in the world. The Travel Channel rated Naples beaches #1 in 2005 and they consistently get on top ten lists of the best beaches ( like this one!). The Naples beachfront stretches for over 7 miles of the cleanest sand and Gulf waters that you will ever experience.

9.   Low to No Crime – Crime is so low people often move to Naples sight unseen after they Google the Naples crime rate (according to these statistics the city of Naples has 0 murders). Many locals are known leave their front doors unlocked when they walk to the beach for sunset (not something we recommend anywhere these days!).

8.   Noncommercial – Naples homes are not surrounded by tall, overbearing buildings that block the sun and skyline. The local government has strong restrictions on signs, billboards and building height in the city of Naples. A prime example of our strict sign regulations is the “golden arches” on US 41 North. Instead of the usual 40 foot high sign that you see in most cities, Naples has a small McDonald’s sign down on the ground. You won’t see that most places in the United States or even internationally. Or put another way, you can easily tell you’ve hit Bonita Springs or Ft. Myers on US 41 just by the large signs shouting their slogans for all to see. In contrast, Naples keeps your focus on the Neapolitan architecture and natural, tropical greenery all around.

7. Dining – Naples has some of the best dining in the US. Some favorite Naples restaurants are Trulux, Chops City Grill on 5th, Blue Provence, Club Sushi, Baleen and the Turtle Club, just to name a few.

Buildings on 5th Ave South

6. Pristine – The word, pristine, comes up often when explaining Naples to an outsider. It best describes the litter-less streets, low crime, small signs, clean beaches, expertly shaped landscaping and conscious efforts of residents to keep it that way. Neapolitans respect their piece of paradise and work hard to ensure its beauty.

5. Boating, Fishing, Golf– Naples has some of the best waterfront in the world. Fishing and golf are not hobbies here, they are ways of life. Growing up in Naples, we fished late into the night at lighted docks and the Naples Fishing Pier. We caught snook and snapper right off the dock and ate them soon after — now that’s fresh seafood!

4. Sunsets – Sunsets in Naples are very special to say the least. Around the time of the setting sun, if you venture down any of the Olde Naples avenues that end at the Gulf, you are bound to be shoulder to shoulder with several others looking West. When the sun hits the horizon put your cocktail down and join the clapping, for you have just witnessed one of the most sacred moments on the Gulf: Sunset. And if you’re lucky, one day – if you don’t blink – you will see the elusive “green flash” at the moment the sun vanishes below the horizon.

3.   Weather –Naples weather has average air temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest summer months are July, August and September. The best weather months are November through May where there is little rain and less humidity. Gulf water temperatures range from the 60′s in the winter to the mid 80′s from spring through fall.

Sign for 3rd Street South

2. Third Street South & Fifth Ave South – This is the essence of Naples. It’s where Naples started with beach cottages and history dating back to the 1930′s. Specialty shops and outdoor cafes dot the sidewalks in these quaint, yet sophisticated hot-spots in Olde Naples. Festivals and art shows are common here on the weekends from November through Easter.

& Drumroll ………

1. The People – This one is easily #1. Neapolitans come from all around the world – mid-westerners, New yorkers, Canadians, Europeans and everything in-between. Naples is a global melting pot with one common denominator: “Everyone is extremely happy to live in this little piece of paradise.” This attitude shows on the suntanned faces of most everyone you’ll meet

Once you’ve experienced Naples for yourself, I’m sure you will agree that it’s like no other place on earth. You may even decide to buy your own piece of paradise and become a neighbor and fellow Neapolitan.