Market Conditions, Florida

Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Naples Florida

Retire In Naples Florida
Published on April 16, 2014

One of the most breathtaking locations on the west coast, Naples has some of the Gulf of Mexico’s best beaches in Florida. This once sleepy beach town known for its large retirement population has transformed immensely over the years turning it into the perfect spot for those retirees still seeking adventure. From exquisite golf courses and sport fishing to delightful boutique shops and premiere dining on condominium lined waterways, Naples has something for everyone.  

Culturally diverse families have been making their way over to this Gulf Coast town for decades now, contributing to the ever-changing need of arts and culture, festivals and more. Whether you're seeking a beachfront condominium or estate in a gated Naples Florida golf community like Grey Oaks Country Club, Mediterra, or the eye catching Miromar Lakes in Estero, ask us for a free Naples Florida relocation information to plan your future, today!

Here are the top 10 reasons to consider owning Naples real estate at retirement:

FLORIDA’S MOST  BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Sanibel Island is located about 45 miles north of Naples and is a tropical paradise with shelling filled beaches, starfish and sand dollars right at your feet. The protected natural habitat showcases wildlife quintessential to Florida’s varietal ecosystem. No matter what you fancy, Naples will be sure to please your style.  Having over 10 miles of white sugar sand beaches that are engaged in an endless dance with the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico will offer you some of the best beaches in Florida. Here are some of the most popular beaches in and around Naples:

  • NAPLES PIER is a historic feature of Naples and is ideal for fishing (no license required) White sand beaches. Volleyball courts. Exquisite sunsets.
  • HIDEAWAY BEACH & TIGERTAIL BEACH are known for shockingly crystal clear waters located on The Marco Island inlet.
  • PARKSHORE BEACH A.K.A HORIZON WAY BEACH is known for high rise waterfront condominiums and private boardwalks as well as, the lovely Venetian Village provides upscale shopping and dining.
  • VANDERBILT BEACH located in N. Naples has upscale hotels, dining and shops watersport rentals, public parking and restrooms. crysta clear water with fragmented shells. Wear your sandals!
  • RESIDENTS BEACH is a private beach known for white sands and is great for shell enthusiasts.

SPORT FISHING

How about some fly, spin, plug or bait fishing? Basque in the warm Florida sun as you trolley through Naples Bay and 10,000 Islands all the way down to  Everglades National Park for some of the best off shore and back water game fishing Florida has to offer. Naples is a premiere destination for retired folks to enjoy the plentiful waters of the Gulf Coast and catch some of the best Grouper, Snook, Redfish, Trout  and Tarpon available.  If tournaments are your style, show off your fishing techniques at the annual Gene Doyle Fishing Tournament, where you compete for the Grand Champion Trophies for most unusual catch, best photograph and the Trash Can Slam. Perhaps you prefer to be judged in categories like baiting techniques like that found in the yearly Red Snook Catch and Release Tournament. Whether you're an experienced or first time fisherman, the southwest Florida coast will appease all skill levels.

SUNSETS THAT LAST FOREVER

Imagine calm emerald green waters softly swaying against powder white sands as shimmering spectrums of blue, pink and orange dance along the coast enchanting your deepest visions of sunsets found only in dreams. Time slows down as the soothing sound of conch blowing eases your mind while you are raptured by picturesque sunsets that are second to none. All this while relaxing on the balcony of your beachfront high rise condominium like those available in Pelican Bay. Lowdermilk Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida showcasing some of the most mesmerizing sunsets the west coast has to offer.  

RICH ARTS AND CULTURE

Naples Florida has an incredible art scene that is, not only alive, but flourishing with culture. The Baker Museum features a wide array of avant garde visual arts from a myriad of countries, including, lectures, free community events like art after hours, workshops for the youth; perfect for visiting grandchildren! If you enjoy the performing arts, let the Italian Symphony wisp you away at the Naples Philharmonic or indulge in your favorite broadway show. Catering to a culturally divergent population,  the Naples art and culture scene never falls short of anything less than spectacular!

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Third Street South is home to many annual and weekly festivals that appeal to all. Every Saturday between Third St South and Gordon Dr, the Farmers Market greets the sunrise with fresh produce, flowers, grass fed beef, dog treats, fresh coffee, soaps and many other homegrown favorites. Every third Thursday on Third Street South live bands perform from 6:00pm- 9:00pm ranging from jazz, folk, steel drum and many other genres to bring the community together for some “dancing in the street”. Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, whatever the holiday, the city of Naples brings fun for all ages to enjoy! In February, Naples’ oldest areas like Crayton Cove, The City Docks and The Pier transform into canvasses for local artist to paint historical buildings with messages resounding in the importance of community.

TOP GOLF COURSES 

After a competitive day on a private signature golf course designed by master architect Arthur  Hills, retire in your Portofino style home at the lovely Miromar Lakes Beach and Golf Club in Estero. This gated Naples Florida golf community is located in north Naples. Inspired by Italy, this vignette community resides on Lake Como and provides all the luxury services of a resort resting on the outer banks of the Italian Riviera.  Prices start around one million dollars, ensuring an upscale quality of living sure to please your retirement wishes. Maybe you prefer the Estuary golf course in Grey Oaks Country Club, where you are surrounded by beautiful and big Cypress, Pine and Oak trees and are in close proximity to the beaches. This sophisticated golfing community enjoys three award winning golf courses challenging  professionals and amateurs alike. Mediterra is another award winning community boasting a Tom Fazio designed golf course and five very distinct neighborhoods for luxurious home settings that offer no bounds beyond the imagination. Naples has been a golfers paradise for decades now and continues to be home to some of the country's premiere golf clubs.

Here are some of Naples Florida top ranked golf courses:

  • TIBURON GOLF CLUB located at The Ritz Carlton, two Greg Norman layouts
  • NAPLES GRANDE adjoined with The Tiburon featuring a Rees Jones design
  • THE ROOKER at Marco Island is redesigned by Bobb Cupp of a Joe Lee original
  • HAMMOCK BAY Jacobson/ Hardy design
  • TPV TREVIS BAY Arthur Hills/ Al Sutton design

SHOPPING MECCA/ SOPHISTICATED RESTAURANTS

Naples offers all styles of shopping from malls, outlets, boutiques and galleries. For the more modest shopper, Coastland Mall or Miromar outlet offers over 240 department stores to fill your closet with all your favorites. For the more extravagant shopper spend your time perusing through some of Naples wealthiest boutiques and galleries at Mercato located at Vanderbilt and Tamiami Trail North to adorn even the most refined style. Bayfront Shops at the end of Fifth Avenue on the Gordon River provide upscale shopping as well as waterway dining that will suffice any appetite.  Speaking of appetite, enjoy some of Naples delectable cuisine!

Top restaurants in Naples include:

  • INCA’S KITCHEN  authentic Peruvian food
  • SALE E PEPE fine Italian cuisine in Marco Beach Ocean Resort is recognized as a AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant every year since 2006!
  • GUMBO LIMBO located at the Ritz Carlton on Vanderbilt Beach is a taste of Caribbean cuisine.
  • EJ’S BAYFRONT CAFE located on Naples Bay offers American style Breakfast and Brunch
  • USS NEMO located in Naples. Asian fusion, seafood. out of 200 reviews 4 ½ stars out of 5 is impressive!

PROGRESSIVE MEDICAL CARE

Naples has two medical facilities within 30 miles of the city. HealthPark MC/ Lee Memorial located on South Hampton Drive in Fort Myers and Lee Memorial Hospital on Cleveland Avenue, also in Fort Myers. Both have received America’s 50 Best Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence Emergency Medicine Award.  Low mortality rates, according to healthgrades.com scores are very high in medical procedures concerning heart failure, heart attacks, respiratory failure and obstructive pulmonary disease. Having progressive medical services makes Naples a choice that can suit many needs.

UNTAMED WILDERNESS

In close proximity to Marco Island and Lely Resort, the Florida Everglades is one of the most important World Heritage sites ever known.  Subtropical and temperate plants, meet in a rare occurrence, turning The Everglades into one of the most unique habits in the world. Known as the “River of Grass” this moving wetland begins its journey just below Orlando in the Kissimmee River flowing downward to Lake Okeechobee and then exiting out the Florida Bay, slowly traveling over 100 miles and is approximately 60 miles wide.  As the largest subtropical wetland,  it is home to many endangered species like the Florida Panther, American Crocodile and manatee.  As well as dolphins, black bears and thousands of birds. Characterized by estuaries, mangroves, forests, Cypress swamps, and beaches, this diverse ecosystem is truly an educational goldmine. The Cartagena Treaty protects many designated areas by bringing awareness  about  how vital the preservation and conservation of The Florida Everglades is for everyone.

NAPLES PARKS

Having over 30 miles of trails for biking riding, Naples is a nature lovers hotspot. A city built along the Florida Everglades, Naples has many parks ideal for kayaking, walking trails, bike riding, including, community parks with basketball and volleyball courts, softball and soccer fields.  Take a jog through East Naples Community Park on its scenic exercise trail, perhaps, a game of racquetball at Fleischmann Park. Take advantage of  Pelican Bay Community Park for a hike lakeside and finish up watching the grandchildren play in the children’s play area. Catch up on your bird watching at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve then finish up at the Environmental Learning Center for a close look at a marine laboratory. Brigg’s Nature Center has guided nature boat and canoeing tours, educating  the whole family on the native species of Naples.

Retiring in Naples is the right choice for many reasons, beautiful parks and beaches, gated Naples Florida golf communities, shopping, restaurants and so much more.

Ask us for free Naples Florida relocation information and be part of the adventures the west coast of Florida has waiting for you!