Naples Florida - Retirement Paradise on the Gulf of Mexico

This time of year, folks looking to escape the harsh winter season, often look towards the options offered in the sunshine state of Florida.  Florida has become one of the most popular retirement destinations in the country for multiple reasons.  White sandy Naples beaches, glorious sunsets, first-class dining, and impressive resort-style communities are drawing Baby Boomers country-wide to this spectacular retirement destination in a state that has great weather year-round and no state income tax.

When it comes to choosing a tropical destination to live on the coast of Florida, Naples stands out as one the best places to buy or build a home on the Gulf.  Here are some of the reasons Naples is found on the list of top places to live in Florida:

• One of the reasons Naples rises to the top of the list of superior retirement destinations is the fact that they have some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the world.  There are seven miles of pristine shoreline that makes this stellar community one of a kind.
• Low crime rates and a non-commercial community makes this place appealing.  The ocean and skyline are protected by local government regulations that preclude billboards, building heights and obtrusive signage from blocking the skyline and ocean views.
• Dining in Naples is a dream with some of the best restaurants anchored in the community like Trulucks, Chop City Grill on 5th and the Turtle Club.  Naples has some incredible eateries that offer fresh seafood, outdoor cafes, local and high-end chains offering an abundance of choices for healthy residents.  This is one of the ideal places to enjoy beach activities, great food, glorious sunsets and spectacular year-round festivities for an active and fulfilling retirement. The architecture is splendid and the landscaping captivating for an island lifestyle in the beautiful seaside resort town of Naples found on the Gulf of Mexico.
• Living a seafaring life is one of the reason folks love living in the pristine city of Naples.  Besides boating and fishing, golf is one of the favorite past times with over 70 amazing golf courses to choose from.  Many of the incredible golf communities scattered throughout Naples offer great places to not only live but to enjoy this sport year-round popular with active Boomers.  Boating is a great way to explore the impressive waterways surrounding the city and is another activity that can be enjoyed living near the Gulf.  Gulf and golf are two major reasons this town is so popular with retirees.
• When it comes to spectacular sunsets, one of the best places to see sunsets radiating in glory is over the Gulf of Mexico on the beaches found in Naples.  When the sun sets over the sea, there is a plethora of restaurants to choose from while enjoy this captivating experience any or every day.  From locally resourced cuisine to a wide variety of ethnic choices, there are some awesome places to enjoy excellent seafood and refreshing cocktails along the beaches found in Naples.  Enjoy the finest that life has to offer at this beach haven found in Florida.
• When it comes to great winter weather, there is no better place to be than relaxing on the beach or by the pool at one of the premier all-inclusive resort communities found in Naples. The average temperature throughout the year is 77 degrees and during the winter the temperature of the gulf ranges from the 60’s to 70’s.
• Another reason Naples is one of the hotspot destinations in Florida, is the rich cultural core that gives this “tiny fishing village” a heartbeat.  From New Yorkers, Canadians to Europeans this city rocks with an eclectic blend of residents year-round that make this place captivating and alive throughout the seasons.
• Add the festivities of Olde Naples and the formula is complete.  The local lifestyle is highly interactive and full of activities.  From Third Street South and Fifth Avenues South, residents can enjoy local hotspots.  From unique boutiques to outdoor cafes, there is never a dull moment living in Naples.  Dancing, fine dining, live music, outdoor concerts and art shows are all available for residents of this rocking beachfront town.  There is an energy like no other which is drawing folks all over the country to discover this amazing city.  It’s no surprise this town has become one of the top places to retire in the state of Florida for discerning Boomers.

There is so many happening spots to enjoy as a resident of Naples. This town is alive 365 days a year and residents of this cultural city have come to know that there is never a dull moment living in Naples.

For botanists and garden enthusiasts, the Naples Botanical Garden located at 4820 Bayshore Drive is an impressive 170-acre garden oasis that features tropical and subtropical plantings from Brazil to Southeast Asia.  A journey through this 90-acre restored natural habitat offers an interactive Children’s Garden, walking trails and a butterfly Garden to enjoy the splendor of the naturally preserved space designed for entertainment for all ages.

Another great place to enjoy in Naples is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary found at 375 Sanctuary Road.  Open daily from 7am to 5:30pm, visitors will find a preserved and gentle wilderness that dates back more than 500 years.  There is a 2.25-mile boardwalk that folks can use to explore the pine flatwoods, impressive redwoods, marshes and a wide variety of wading birds, songbirds and other exotic wildlife including; alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles.  Residents and visitors alike enjoy this journey outside Naples.  Get some fresh air, exercise while enjoying the beautiful scenery of this local favorite.

Residents relish Lowdermilk Beach found at 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd which is a park in the heart of Naples that has plenty of parking, a gazebo, a pavilion, refreshment stand and above all a beach that is to cherish.  Here residents can enjoy white sand beaches and easy access to the parking for a picnic lunch or dinner while enjoying another beautiful sunset in the sparkling and happening city of Naples.

Looking for the perfect place to drop anchor for a relaxing day at the beach?  Try Clam Pass Park located at 465 Seagate Drive. This is a beautiful beach that offers white sandy beaches for a stroll and seashell hunting to preserve the experience.  There is an awesome restaurant and bathrooms available and the journey provides a perfect way to spend the day exploring the wildlife that inhabit the shoreline of Naples.  There is shuttle service available and an easy way to get to the sea shore along the Gulf.  If you are a birdwatcher, this is an awesome vantage point to view some spectacular local exotic species.

Looking for the best eateries and shopping venues in Naples, try a journey to the historic 3rd Street South.  Here is where residents enjoy great restaurants, local and regional, awesome cafes, outdoor dining, handcrafted breweries, art galleries, unique boutiques and provides an incredible place to “people watch” folks enjoying living in South Florida.  This neighborhood is beautifully landscaped and represents an oasis like no other found in the country.  Explore the Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning from 7:30 to 11:30am for the best selection of fresh fish, meats, home-baked goods and freshly ground coffee, come enjoy this weekly tradition where friends get together.  This is one of the reasons residents love living in Naples, a city that has it all, including perfect weather for being outdoors year-round!

The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is another way to enjoy living in this resort town.  Spend the day exploring the wildlife and tropical gardens at this historical nationally accredited zoo.  Malayan tigers, African honey badgers, monkeys, lemurs, lions, rare striped hyenas and alligators can all be found here.  It is a great way to spend the day and enjoy being outdoors in this tropical resort town, the ideal place to retire in Florida.

Looking for a master planned community directly on the beach in Naples?  Check out Pelican Bay where residents enjoy beach living offering tennis, golf, restaurants and exquisite living at the 2,100-acre neighborhood that features a 530-acre nature preserve connecting the community to the white sandy beaches found here.  There are protected mangrove habitats that are strategically located between the residences and the beach at Upper Clam Bay, Outer Clam Bay an Inner Clam Bay.  There are raised boardwalks that meander through the estuary system that allow the perfect place to stroll, bike or take a tram offering club members easy access to the beach and the two beach clubs that complement the community.

For waterfront dining, the Sandpiper Beach Café is a short ride on the north end of the property and the Sunset Café on the south.  Residents never have to leave this home site for enjoying the finest life has to offer.  There is 27-hole golf course designed by the acclaimed Arthur Hill, private golf club, fitness centers, 18 tennis courts and an active social life found at the community center.  Staying active is a breeze at this resort style community.  The three fitness centers offer strength training and classes indoor, outdoor or beachside, there are two tennis centers, and spa services are available for pampering.  There are also four exquisite eateries for Pelican Bay members to enjoy. Here is the complete list of amenities offered residents of Pelican Bay:

PELICAN BAY NAPLES AMENITIES

• 27 Hole Arthur Hills Championship Golf Course
• Golf Clubhouse
• Tennis Center
• 18 Tennis Courts
• Two Oceanfront Beach Clubs
• Three Fitness Centers
• Community Center
• Private Beach
• 3 Mile Walking Trail System
• Tram System

Pelican Bay offers a wide variety of housing choices with 6,700 properties built.  Single family homes, low maintenance villas and luxurious high-rise condos are all offered at this resort community.  Whatever style of living space you need, the selection is stellar and the architecture is impressive for an ideal retirement nest.  There is also the convenience of shopping near the property.  On the north side residents can enjoy shopping at The Marketplace, with Publix as the anchor along with other shops. Waterside Shops is offered on the south side.  For cultural enrichment, the Philharmonic Center offers events throughout the year to entertain discerning Boomers who call this place home.

Baby boomers looking for a tropical place to retire in Florida with great restaurants, white sandy beaches, awesome weather, rich culture, exotic landscaping should consider the resort lifestyle offered on the Gulf of Mexico, in the beautiful and cultural beach town of Naples. There are dozens of great neighborhoods to choose from.

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