
Moving to Naples Florida, is a big step, but it’s one that you will be happy you took. There are many reasons why this is a great place for your next move – the weather, the culture and more.
Below, we’ve compiled 10 things you should know before relocating to Naples. Find out what they are!
- 10 Things To Know Before Moving To Naples, Florida
- 1. Eating While Living In Naples Florida: A Foodie City
- 2. Naples Beach and Resorts
- 3. Cost of Living In Naples
- 4. Education System
- 5. Festivals While Living In Naples
- 6. Job Market When Moving To Naples
- 7. Shopping
- 8. Golf Capital of the World
- 9. Gated Communities
- 10. A Great Place to Retire
- Conclusion
10 Things To Know Before Moving To Naples, Florida
1. Eating While Living In Naples Florida: A Foodie City
In recent years the year-round population in Naples has grown, which indeed pave the way for the best dining scene. The culinary culture in Naples attracts people from all over the world, and it is constantly evolving.
Whether you’re a long-time local or just passing through Naples, then Naples dining scene does not disappoint. From bars, brunch, and dinner to your morning cup of coffee and post-beach evening cocktail, indeed, Naples has it all.
Check out some of these five-star rated restaurants in the area:
Coffee lover or not, finding the right coffee shop is a must. Kunjani is an excellent cafe in town that is famous for its coffee, burritos, and croissants.
Also, downtown Naples has a historic marketplace called Tin City. It’s home to 30 charming shops and restaurants including; Pinchers, Riverwalk and Naples Soap Company.
There are three different buildings where visitors can explore. Cool off with ice cream and walk on the boardwalk while watching boaters.
Pancake lovers? Cove Inn Coffee Shoppe got you covered. An absolute favorite amongst the locals. Best know for their fantastic breakfast sandwiches, as well as an excellent selection of omelets.
Naples has excellent Italian restaurants that will satisfy your Italian cravings! Perfect for a classy, midday meal! Famous for their Imported Italian Speck Sautéed Florida Snapper Piccata or the Baked Gulf Shrimp. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
Voted as one of the top restaurants in Naples, FL, year after year. USS Nemo serves up several exciting and outstanding International cuisines selections for every customer’s cravings. USS Nemo has it all, from land to sea, as well as solid options for the vegetarian crowd.
Though this restaurant is primarily known for its seafood, its meat dishes are worth a try.
Antique shops and Gallery Row are located on 5th Avenue South and 3rd Street.
2. Naples Beach and Resorts
Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico, living in Naples means your home could have a nice view of beautiful beaches. It has a lot of incredible beaches to choose from. The Sugar-soft white sands beaches are not only for scenic beauty but also perfect for swimming.
This Gulf Coast city has a wide variety of dining options right in the city limits. Oh yeah, don’t forget about Everglades National Park just a quick ride down the road.
Check out a list of the best beaches in the Naples area:
If you’re looking for a place for bird watching with a beautiful soft-sand beach walking distance from shops & restaurants, then Naples Pier will be your go-to. This beach is picture-perfect with a spectacular sunset view that is so relaxing and stress relieving.
If you want to experience a beautiful white sand beach with mangrove forests, head about 6 miles north to Naples to Clam Pass Park. It is known for its family-friendly beach. It has white sand, small waves, and a relaxed vibe that you will surely enjoy.
If you want to experience the wildlife in the coastal habitat, you can always walk within the boardwalk through the mangrove. In addition, you can take a canoe or kayak and get a more up-close view of the 35-acre park.
The vast and beautiful white-sand beaches of Lover’s Key State Park are just over 30 minutes north of Naples. The enormous and beautiful white-sand beaches of Lover’s Key State Park are just over 30 minutes north of Naples.
It is dubbed as the best beach for pets. This is a great place to let your dog run free in the shallow waters and sandy shoreline with all of their new furry friends.
3. Cost of Living In Naples
With all the beautiful resorts and beaches and elegant world-known restaurants, you would expect that living in Naples would be very expensive with everything we’ve looked at so far. Nope! Naples is the third lowest property tax rate in Florida. It’s easy to find affordable homes, and the property tax percent is very small.
Food and Groceries will vary from person to person, but the average person will spend about $16 per day for food. So for a month, the recommended minimum amount you should budget for is about $400 per person.
For essential utilities, like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 sq ft apartment, it averages about $112. Internet costs for 60 Mbps or more with unlimited data run about $50 to $75 a month.
For transportations, you can live in Naples that is walkable to some establishments, so there is no need to drive a car through; it’s beneficial to have one but the gas as prices are affordable.
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.
Naples has excellent healthcare and medical though it will not go cheap; Healthcare workers are highly trained professionals, so you are at peace that they are highly equipped in their profession. In addition, they have multiple significant hospitals that have has the latest equipment.
For relaxation, Naples residents can visit one of the area’s many spas, located in some of the country’s top hotels and resorts. And there’s even a salt cave located in north Naples, where salt-infused air inspires natural health and healing.
4. Education System
Excellent schools are one of the factors that make Naples such a great community. The Naples area enjoys a robust public-school system balanced by an equally strong number of private schools.
There are currently 171 universities in the entire state of Florida to choose from; each of these universities has its specialty that will surely help the students land a better job in the future.
Check out the list of the best universities in the Naples area:
Florida SouthWestern State College is a public college with its main campus in Fort Myers, Florida.
The academic calendars run on a semester basis where the student to faculty ratio was 31:1.
- Florida SouthWestern State College has the most budget-friendly tuition and fees in Southwest Florida, with 70% of the students graduating debt-free using financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
They also offer study abroad programs, internships, and fine arts programs. They provide an on-campus residence hall exclusively for first-year students. They have multiple clubs and activities that I’m sure that everyone will enjoy.
Hodges University is a private non-profit University in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida. They were founded in 1990 as International College. The school’s academic performance is challenging, but it has an excellent reputation in Southwest Florida.
The chances of being employed after graduating with a degree are limitless. Hodges Grads are highly considered by both large corporations, professional firms, and small businesses as well.
Ave Maria is an above-average private, Catholic university located in Florida. The close affiliated community atmosphere makes Ave stand out above other universities. It is an excellent school with a lot to offer in academics, spiritually, and athletically.
Despite being secluded from a bigger city or town, Ave does not lack in local activities. The student board puts on many significant events throughout the semester so students can have fun on campus, and there are also athletic events as there are many sports at the school.
5. Festivals While Living In Naples
If you want to get into the culture of Naples, the best way to do it is to experience one of their unique 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 highlights professional artists from around the country. It was ranked one of the 200 top art shows of the past ten years (2010 – 2020).
- Naples’ Children and Education Foundation founded the southwest Florida Nature Festival. All proceeds from the festival are given to the foundation. The foundation is committed to supporting charitable programs for underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County, Florida.
- Naples Craft Beer Festival is one of the most popular events in Naples. People gather year after year for the free taste for over 100 tasty craft beers pair it with mouth-watering food from local restaurants. Not to mention great local, live music bands. Oh, boy! who wouldn’t want to miss it. In addition, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to charity and benefits projects of the Naples North Rotary Club Foundation. It’s no wonder tickets can only be purchased in advance, and patrons come from near and far to attend.
6. Job Market When Moving To Naples
Naples has a higher population of millionaires than other states, but if you’re not a millionaire, don’t worry. It’s effortless to find jobs in Naples that suit your profession. In addition, it provides excellent opportunities for its residents and non-residents.
While many jobs are popping up in the service field, Tourism always plays a vital role in the market. Naples is a trendy vacation spot which is why many residents work in hospitality and service.
Health care jobs are on the rise as well. One of the best-paying jobs in Naples. Health care goes beyond doctors and nurses; there’s also a high demand for people to fill positions available in healthcare.
Medical technologists, Physical Therapists, Radiologists are also in need in big hospitals in Naples. It is predicted to continue growing rapidly within the job market.
Technology has been the backbone of most of the country this past few years, so jobs in Technology and Data Analytics also stand out. Information Security Analyst, IT manager, and Computer Systems Analyst are also on the lead.
The construction industry, Real estate, and any rental leasing businesses are also on the list. The area also goes through systematic development and redevelopment, so other notable sectors like retail trade, finance, and insurance will undoubtedly demand.
7. Shopping
Need some shopping therapy? Then prepare your wallets! Naples is home to great outdoor malls with an outstanding balance of upscale stores and top-rated designer shops.
If you’re in the market for some shopping spree in Naples, then put this shopping location on your itinerary.
Fifth Avenue South: the Heart of Naples Shopping
Just as Fifth Avenue is the shopping capital in New York City, Fifth Avenue South is a can’t-miss destination in Naples. The downtown shopping district is home to locally-owned art galleries, specialty shops, clothing boutiques, and more.
You can even find a fashion expert to dress you with the latest trends at Marissa Collectins. Customer service is also a top priority in many boutiques along Fifth Avenue, so many visitors can enjoy world-class shopping with the personal touch that small businesses provide.
Beyond Fifth Avenue South: Citywide Passion for Fashion
Just two blocks away, another great Naples shopping spot for fashion finds is Third Street South. Since the 1930s, it has been a destination for everything from clothing and jewelry to fine art and wine.
If you prefer a mall setting, check out the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay; you can find selected shops, including Hermes, Gucci, Lacoste, and Apple.
Budget Shopping: Casual Fun
Not on a budget? Don’t worry! They also have some budget-friendly boutiques that some visitors on a budget can come away with treasures, too. Just go directly to Naples Design District. It’s home to antique, resale, and thrift stores that can be a goldmine for furniture, home decor items, clothing, and other finds.
8. Golf Capital of the World
Golf lover? or maybe interested in learning? With a beautiful coastal landscape and nearly perfect weather all year round, Naples is home to some of the best golf courses. It is dubbed as the “Golf Capital of the World. Naples was able to produce 80 championship golf courses. According to the National Golf Foundation’s 2013, there are 1,530 golf holes, making Naples number one nationally for golf holes per capita.
Check out the best golf courses in Naples:
TPC Treviso Bay is a resort-style lifestyle located in the heart of Naples. TPC Treviso Bay boasts 18 holes of scenic and beautifully maintained golf course. Treviso Bay also offers professional tennis courts, a fitness center, and two private clubhouses that include fine dining, shops, and spa services.
Cedar Hammock is a private 6680yard with 72 courses that two legendary golf course architects designed. It offers excellent views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level, but that makes it all the more fun to play! This environmentally friendly has its lakes, wetlands, and wildlife corridors that will surely help you relax.
Their restaurant is open to the public! Just let the gate guard know you are going to the restaurant, and viola! You have access to their best seller menus. They have a good variety and excellent quality from sandwiches to dinners.
The Raptor Bay Golf Club is an excellent 18-hole course in Bonita Springs and the first resort course to receive Audubon International’s Gold Signature Certification. You will be amazed by their carts. In addition, their carts come with GPS, so you know how far you are no matter where you are!
The layout is exciting and a little bit challenging yet playable for the average golfer. They also have a lot of wildlife around the course. You will be amazed by their birds, wild boars, and alligators. The food menu is also a must-try. They serve international food that will cater to your every craving.
9. Gated Communities
The majority of the residents in Naples, Fl, live in a gated community. Gated communities are an excellent option for those who want to add a sense of security to an already peaceful Naples and the convenience of lawn services and amenities.
The walls offer protection from the outside world. Non-residents are carefully checked and filtered through the gate. For security, only residents and approved guests can get in, so this contributes to the peace of mind of everyone.
Check out the gated communities in Naples:
It was built as a family-friendly community, with great amenities, including two swimming pools, a heated spa, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, fitness room, and two meeting/activity rooms.
Autumn Woods proudly became the first community in Collier County to receive a Certificate of Achievement for “Community Forest Designation” by the Florida Division. With its location, beauty, and amenities, Autumn Woods continues to be one of the most picked communities in Naples.
Banyan Woods is an exclusive, gated community located off Airport-Pulling Road in Naples, Florida. Upon entering, you are greeted by a magnificent Banyan tree, setting the tone for this beautifully landscaped community.
The clubhouse offers various recreational activities that you will love. Including a 1,200 square foot fitness center, different activity rooms, gazebo, and heated pool and spa. Close to 5th Avenue shopping and dining.
Bridgewater Bay is located off of Orange Blossom, in between Livingston and Airport-Pulling Road. Bridgewater Bay focuses on a relaxed lifestyle. Flourishing landscaping with 12 lakes will surely give you peace.
Bridgewater Bay is in the heart of Naples. So most establishments are reachable. Very close to private and public schools, churches, the Collier County Public Library, fine dining, and shopping. And just a 5 mile drive to the beach!
10. A Great Place to Retire
It was dubbed the Best Place to Retire and ranked on the “Best Cities for Early Retirement” list year after year. Moving and retiring to Naples is like living out your golden years on a luxurious vacation. Not only will residents get to enjoy all of the benefits of Florida’s no state income tax, but why not spend retirement in the warm and upscale environment that Naples offers.
Florida’s Sunset is one of a kind. It leaves all your worries behind, and enjoy life. Those who live here also have a habit of clapping when watching the Sunset. Living here is simple and easy, and its residents don’t take that for granted.
Florida tends to maintain a warm temperature throughout the year with a slightly lower temperature during the winter. Summers are long in Florida. The climate in Florida is influenced by the fact that the state is a peninsula.
Naples also experience a wet and dry season throughout the year. During the wet season, a high level of humidity might be experiencing, followed by thunderstorms. In contrast, the state experiences a low level of moisture and clear skies during the dry season. Therefore, the chances of rainfall are less during this period.
Conclusion
Naples is a beautiful place, full of culture and history. It’s also been ranked as one of the best places to live in America by US News & World Report for 2019. This article has outlined some reasons why you might want to consider making your next move to this amazing destination.
Hope you enjoyed this article about moving to Naples Florida. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read all about what makes living in Naples such an incredible experience. If you enjoyed reading this post, then please share it on social media!
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