Table of contents:
- Why Naples is the best place to live in Florida
- Luxury Homes for sale in Naples, FL
- The neighborhoods of Naples, FL
- The perks of living in Naples, FL
- Work with the best luxury real estate agent in Naples, FL
1. Why Naples is the best place to live in Florida
Nothing compares to Naples. The city was founded in the 1880s by US Senator John Stuart Williams and his partner, Walter N. Haldeman of the Louisville Courier-Journal newspaper. Because of the area’s warm climate and charming atmosphere, Williams and Haldeman promoted Naples as a new vacation destination, likening it to Naples, Italy.
Over the years, plenty of development projects were initiated that helped Naples grow into the relaxing holiday and retirement destination it is today. There are plenty of programs, tours, and things to do in Naples that give visitors a unique and fun experience.
With a population of 19,115 as of 2019, this Floridian city has the second highest number of millionaires in all of Florida. In fact, Naples has about 12,300 millionaire households in the area.
Naples also has a large population of retirees. In fact, persons over 65 years old make up about 50% of this city’s population. Part of the reason why people go to Naples to retire is that the state of Florida doesn’t impose an income tax on 401k, IRA, or pension income. The state also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Furthermore, there are no inheritance or estate taxes in Florida.
Aside from the tax benefits, another reason why people settle down in Naples is because of its laid-back, urban feel. There are plenty of gorgeous waterfront homes and condominiums, high-end shopping destinations, fun water sport activities, and other forms of recreation available in this city. In fact, Naples has the greatest number of golf courses per capita. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you won’t run out of courses to play and explore.
Another reason why Naples attracts so many people is its moderate temperatures and sunshine. In fact, Naples enjoys an average temperature of 75°F and 300 days of sunshine annually, making this place the perfect summer paradise.
On average, more than a million visitors flock to Naples’ white sand beaches every year, with peak season stretching from October to May. However, if you’re planning on experiencing the gorgeous beaches yourself, the best season to visit Naples is between March and May, when temperatures hover in the 80s.
2. Luxury homes for sale in Naples, FL
Gorgeous homes of the rich and famous line the beaches in Naples’ exclusive communities. Some of the most expensive homes in the country are found in Naples, particularly in the high-end community of Port Royal, located along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Naples' celebrity residents include Judge Judy Sheindlin, Sean Hannity, Brett Baier, and Jane Seymour. Many high-profile businessmen and CEOs also reside in Naples, namely John Schnatter of Papa John’s Pizza, Shahid Kahn of Flex-N-Gate and the NFL football team Jacksonville Jaguars, and Richard Schulze of Best Buy.
Architectural Styles in Naples, Florida
Knowing which architectural styles you can expect from some of the ultra-luxe communities in Naples will better help you make an informed choice about which property to purchase. That said, here are some of the most dominant architectural styles in Naples, FL:
- Mediterranean or Neo-Mediterranean
Mediterranean or Neo-Mediterranean are two of the most popular architectural styles in Naples, FL. These styles are reminiscent of the homes typically found in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
These types of homes typically feature warm earth tones, stucco walls, barrel-tiled roofs, and wrought-iron balconies. Some homes in this style may also have European-style gardens. Neo-Mediterranean homes typically feature elements such as tiled courtyards, pillars, and archways.
There are no clear-cut differences between Spanish-style and Mediterranean-style homes, but the former typically features elements such as carved stonework, parapets, and tiled roofs.
Other common features of Spanish-style homes are the prominent arches, curved staircases covered with painted tiles, and tall chimneys. But perhaps the most iconic feature of the Spanish style is the beautiful balconies that typically overlook the gardens or courtyard.
Known for its straight lines, natural textures, neutral colors, and an overall clean look, coastal contemporary is also one of the most iconic architectural styles in Naples and in Southwest Florida. This style often features large windows that give the residents a lot of natural sunlight and gorgeous views of the sea.
- British West Indies or Colonial
British West Indies or Colonial style is a combination of traditional British architecture and Caribbean colonial styles. Symmetrical doors and windows, as well as rooms arranged around a central point are some of the most iconic features of this architectural style. Colonial-style homes also feature high ceilings with open beams as well as large verandas.
What makes this type of home so popular is the seamless blending of outdoor and indoor elements. Amenities such as covered summer kitchens and sliding glass doors are typical of homes in the Colonial style.
The Old Florida style represents the rich culture and history of Florida and is a timeless architectural look that’s widely popular throughout the state. This style originated from the wood-frame houses that were built in the 19th century by some of the first settlers in Florida. The Old Florida style presents a luxurious but casual feel.
These homes are characterized by their high ceilings, wrap-around verandas, and central hallways that run from the front to the back of the house.
Luxury Condos in Naples, FL
There are three main types of luxury condominiums in Naples, according to the building size. Low-rise condos are typically one to three stories high, while mid-rise condos have four to nine stories. Any condo higher than nine stories is considered a high-rise. You can also find two-unit condo, which are standalone duplexes converted into a two-unit condo. Some luxury real estate owners may also renovate their triplexes and fourplexes into condo units.
Luxury condominium units in Naples can have at least 3,000 or up to 7,700 square feet of space or more. These units also typically come with at least three to five bedrooms and full baths. Some of the most common features in luxury condos include private balconies or porches, walk-in closets, intercom system, surround sound system, high-tech security and home automation systems, large kitchen islands, guest rooms, home office, and a garage.
Luxury condos are typically equipped with some of the latest kitchen appliances and features, such as large pantries, self-cleaning ovens, gas cooktops, dishwashers, and a separate wine fridge. The bathrooms in these units are equally opulent, with some having a jetted tub and multiple shower heads.
Residents of luxury mid-rise and high-rise condo buildings, can enjoy the exclusive amenities in their community, such as private elevator foyers, private beach access, community park, barbecue and picnic area, spa, concierge services, gym, sauna, theater, and tennis courts, just to name a few.
Luxury homes in Naples, FL
There are plenty of luxury homes for sale in Naples, FL, and its nearby areas, such as Marco Island. Some of the most common types of luxury homes in the area include waterfront properties, single-family homes, coach homes, villas, and island estates. The total living area in these luxury homes differ immensely, but you can expect that these homes have at least 6,000 square feet of space. Some of these luxury homes will also have four to six spacious bedrooms and six full bathrooms.
Luxury waterfront properties in Naples, Florida are breathtaking because of their views and proximity to the water. You’ll find listings of waterfront homes indicating the total area of water frontage. Some of these properties come with special features that allow you to enjoy various water activities, such as a boat dock, lift, and even a jet ski dock. Some waterfront properties may even be located on a large piece of land, giving you maximum privacy.
Villas, townhouses, and luxury estates are typically built on bigger plots of land and may include an entirely separate guest suite or guest house. These estates also typically have kitchens equipped with professional appliances, wine cellars, and large kitchen islands. Outdoors, larger luxury homes can have gardens or courtyards, depending on the architectural style of the home.
Some of the most common features that can be found in many of these luxury homes for sale in Naples include large swimming pools, outdoor kitchens and lounge areas, fire pits, and gardens. Inside the home, it’s not uncommon to find private elevators, gourmet double-island kitchens, libraries, whole house generators, multi-car garages, and separate golf cart garages.
Many luxury homes also come equipped with high-tech security and home automation features, as well as generators and surround sound systems. Outdoors, these luxury homes also have large pools, as well as lanais, porches, or decks facing the water.
3. The neighborhoods of Naples, FL
Naples is made up of different neighborhoods and areas. Here are some of the most well-known neighborhoods in this area:
Olde Naples has a very historical and upscale air to it. The neighborhood is characterized by Mediterranean, Spanish, colonial, and coastal contemporary-style homes. The most iconic part of this neighborhood is the Millionaire’s Row, a strip of beachfront properties near Naples Pier that belong to some of the wealthiest figures in Naples.
Park Shore is known for its high-rise apartments, mansions, and waterfront properties. The housing market in this area is booming because of its location in the heart of Naples. Nearby attractions include the Park Shore Beach Park and the Naples Botanical Garden.
A quiet and welcoming neighborhood, Coquina Sands has a lot of beautiful single-family homes and condominiums. This neighborhood lets you enjoy gorgeous views of the water and nature.
Aqualane Shores is a private, waterfront community with some of the best views in Naples. This neighborhood is located between Olde Naples and Port Royal and has some of the most sought-after properties in the area.
Port Royal is one of the top-tier luxury neighborhoods in Naples and in the country. This area is famous for its custom-built luxury homes and gorgeous views. Port Royal is a diverse community, as the place attracts people from all over the world. Enjoy pristine beaches, top-of-the-line community amenities, and some of the best gastronomic experiences in the area.
Pelican Bay offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s one of the most trendy places to live in Naples. Surrounded by mangrove forests, Pelican Bay also has a lot of world-class amenities and attractions, including The Club Pelican Bay Golf Course.
Moorings is another neighborhood that provides residents easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy all sorts of fun activities in Moorings, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating.
Other beautiful neighborhoods and communities in Naples, Florida include:
- Bayview
- Bear’s Paw
- Cutlass Cove
- Gulf Shore
- Lake Park
- Naples Cay
- Oyster Bay
- Park Shore
- Park West
- River Park
- Royal Harbor
- Seagate
- South Gordon Drive
- Sun Terrace
- The Colonnade on Fifth
- Villas Raphael
4. The perks of living in Naples, FL
Shopping
Aside from its many gorgeous luxury homes for sale, Naples, FL offers a plethora of luxury shopping opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The most popular shopping destinations in the area include Fifth Avenue South and Third Street. Both locations are lined with boutiques, antique shops and jewelry shops. After you’ve explored all the stores, you can enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee at outdoor cafes that are within walking distance of the beach.
Waterside Shops is another upscale shopping destination that features luxury retail stores such as Nordstrom, Saks, Hermès, Gucci, and Tiffany & Company. Other must-visit shopping areas include Tin City, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, and Mercato.
Dining
Naples, Florida has plenty of exciting dining options. With its location, you can expect plenty of freshly-caught seafood at waterfront cafes as well as locally-owned independent restaurants and five-star restaurants. For starters, one of the best local places to get a Cuban sandwich is the Rumba Cuban Cafe at Promenade Plaza.
Some of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Naples include The Turtle Club, which offers fresh seafood and steaks in an oceanfront beach setting. There's also Mediterrano, which offers Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine; Sails Restaurant, which brings superb dishes from France, Italy, and Greece to your table; and Caffe Milano, a restaurant serving authentic Italian food.
Car dealerships
Since many residents of Naples use their personal vehicles to get around, knowing which car dealerships are nearby is also important. Naples has plenty of car dealerships, including Hyundai, Mazda, Honda, Acura, Audi, and Chevrolet. If you want to purchase luxury cars or if you have a luxury car that needs repairs, there’s also the Naples Luxury Imports located at 900 Tamiami Trail North.
Health and fitness
One of the many advantages of settling down in Naples is the abundance of hospitals, nursing homes, and wellness centers. Naples has two major hospitals, the Naples Community Hospital and the Physicians Regional Medical Center. There's also the Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center, LLC, The Willough at Naples, and the Lee County Memorial and Children’s Hospital in nearby Fort Myers.
Some of the most well-known nursing homes in Naples include the Bentley Care Center, Heritage Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, and the Lakeside Pavillion Care and Rehabilitation Center.
As for spas and wellness centers, a few highly-rated establishments include the diVINE SPA in Olde Naples, Spa 41, The Om Spa, Massage By Puccini, and the Purely You Spa.
Beaches
Naples has more than 30 miles of beautiful, white-sand beaches. Many of Naples’ beaches are open to the public and are relatively easy to visit. Some of the most famous beaches in Naples include The Beach at Naples Pier and Lowdermilk Beach.
The Beach at Naples Pier extends 1,000 feet into the ocean. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes as well as beach shops nearby. Lowdermilk Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is especially known for its watersports and water activities, such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Other beaches and nature reserves in Naples include Clam Pass Park, Delnor Wiggins State Park, and the Barefoot Beach Preserve.
Art
If you appreciate art, you’ll enjoy Naples’ local art scene. Over 500 artists and entertainers reside in the area. Naples has over 75 galleries and artist studios and more than 1,000 arts and culture events held annually, many of which are free and open to the public. Naples also has plenty of festivals to enjoy, including the Craft Beer Festival, Stone Crab Festival, Shakespeare Festival, Winter Wine Festival, and the National Arts Festival.
Golf
Naples is a Golf mecca, with more than 70 golf communities and 97 golf courses. In fact, Naples has the most holes within a region than any other location in the country. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find a course that you can visit and enjoy.
Cruising
If you enjoy going on cruises, Naples is one of the best places for you to purchase a luxury home. The Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour is a one-and-a-half-hour trip that lets you see the beautiful sights of Keewaydin Island. The Gulf of Mexico Sunset Cruise sails toward the Gulf of Mexico, Keewaydin Island, and Port Royal. Both of these cruises leave from Tin City.
5. Work with the best luxury real estate agent in Naples
Naples, Florida is a gorgeous place that attracts many luxury homebuyers from all over the US and the world. If you want to know what the local luxury real estate market in Naples has in store for you, it’s best to work with an experienced luxury real estate agent in the area.
Monica Small is a real estate agent with over 13 years of experience specializing in luxury real estate in Naples and Marco Island. Monica herself is a Naples resident. As such, she has her finger on the pulse of Naples’ luxury real estate market and is perfectly positioned to assist you in finding your perfect place in the sun.
Monica and her team provide bespoke services and the highest quality representation to their clients. Whether you're looking for waterfront homes, condominiums, and golf residences in locations such as Port Royal, Olde Naples, or Marco Island, Monica and her team can help you achieve your real estate investment goals.
Explore the best luxury homes for sale in Naples, Florida with Monica Small and her team. Get in touch with her today by calling 239.331.6677 or by sending an email here.
