Is Naples, FL a Good Place to Live?

Naples Voted  #1 Place to Live 2023

As a Naples native, one of the most frequent questions I’m asked is, “Is Naples, Florida a good place to live?”

You may be thinking, “Is Naples, FL safe?, “Is Naples a good place to move or relocate or retire?” or “Would I be happy living in Naples seasonally or year-round?” Those are just some of the many questions that may be on your mind if you are thinking of moving to Naples to retire, as a second home, vacation home, or permanently with your family.

When considering living in Naples you may be wavering between the Gulf Coast vs the East Coast of Florida. You might wonder, “what is it that sets Naples apart from other cities in Florida like Sarasota?” Soon, the differences become crystal clear. The benefits of living in Naples over other Florida areas are tremendous in most every way.

Without further ado, here’s the top ten reasons why Naples, Florida is hands-down the best place to live, own a 2nd home or retire in 2023.

10. Best Beach Town! –Naples, Florida is knows for its beautiful white sandy beaches. Named the Best Beach Town by WalletHub as compared to 227 other cities in the United States. Naples has some of the cleanest sand and Gulf waters that you will ever experience. There are 17 miles of beaches in Collier County. The Naples beachfront is highly rated and sought after. Naples often makes the top 10 lists of the best beaches across the globe. From Delnor Wigging State Park at the North end of Vanderbilt Beach to Seagate and the Naples Pier, our beaches are some of the best in the world.

9.   Safety & Low Crime. Is Naples, FL Safe? – The short answer is a resounding Yes! Naples is a very safe city in 2021 compared to the rest of Florida and the Nation. Low crime rates and safe downtown streets are the norm in this small Gulfcoast town.

Naples consistently receives an A+ rating for low crime rates as compared to the rest of US cities.  Naples crime rate is far below both the Florida and National averages for all crime. Naples is safer than most cities in the United States. “Violet crimes in Naples are 76% lower than the National average.”

8.   Beauty Abounds – Nobody can argue Naples is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Unobstructed views of the beach and Gulf of Mexico are a city hallmark. Homes in Old Naples are not surrounded by tall, overbearing buildings that block the sun and skyline.

City leaders have gone to great lengths to keep your focus on the Neapolitan architecture and natural, tropical greenery of Naples. Local government has placed 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 30 foot high signs 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.

7. Dining – Dining in Naples, FL has been likened to a sport, with each chef competing for your tastebuds.

The classic beachfront dining at The Turtle Club directly on the beach can’t be replicated. Park your toes in the white sand while enjoy oysters on the half shell and seared sea bass.

Not directly on the beach but equally as delicious is Sea Salt in Olde Naples on Third Avenue South. Chef-restaurateur Fabrizio Aielli  infuses various dishes with 130 salts from around the world with incredible attention to detail.

And, a bit off the beaten path but a dining experience not to be missed is 21 Spices by Chef Asif. This epicurean adventure takes you on an exploration of classical Indian cuisine featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients with a modern presentation and innovative culinary techniques. It is a culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

6. Clean Streets – The word, pristine, comes up often when explaining Naples to an outsider. In another word, clean. 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.

Naples is free of graffiti, pornography and seedy strip clubs that increase crime and lure in undesired behavior. Those types of establishments are prohibited and find homes further North in cities like Ft. Myers and Tampa.

Neapolitans respect their piece of paradise and work hard to ensure its everlasting beauty.

5.Boating, Fishing, Golf –  Naples has a plethora of things to do in the great outdoors. Fishing and golf are not hobbies here, they are ways of life. Naples has some of the best waterfront in the world. 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!

Waterfront of Naples Bay

And then there is the golf. As a top golfing destination, Naples has over 70 golf courses to choose from. Many homebuyers want to live in Naples golf communities regardless of their level or desire of play. Many of the higher-end luxury homes are in golf communities like Talis Park, Mediterra, Grey Oaks, Collier’s Reserve and Quail West. There’s something about being able to drive your golf cart from your garage right to the first tee without getting in the car.

4. Sunsets – Sunsets in Naples are very special. This is something you will never get on the East Coast of Florida. If you venture down any of the downtown avenues that end at the Gulf around the time of the setting sun, you will enjoy one of the best, free shows of natures beauty you’ll ever witness.

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.”

3.   Weather – Naples, Florida has average annual air temperature 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.

2. Downtown Olde Naples – Olde Naples is the heartbeat of the city. Don’t let the name fool you. Nothing in this downtown area looks “old.”

Olde Naples is the cultural essence of the city. It’s where Naples began as a tiny fishing village back in the 1900’s. Among the new estate homes and updated buildings, several historic beach cottages still remain. These old fishing cottages add to the cultural charm of downtown and stand as timeless reminders of the early history of Naples.

Today, Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South districts define the modern Neapolitan lifestyle. Specialty shops and outdoor cafes dot the sidewalks in this quaint, yet sophisticated local hot spot. Strolling down 5th or 3rd, you’ll find plenty of dining, dancing and a bit of nightlife. And don’t be surprised to find live music and art festivals taking over the downtown area on many weekends throughout the year. & Drumroll ………

1. Happy, Healthy People – Neapolitans come from all around the world – mid-westerners, East coasters, Canadians, Europeans and everything in-between. Naples is a global melting pot with one common denominator: happiness shows on the suntanned faces of most everyone you’ll meet.

It’s easy to see why Naples, FL residents’ sense of well-being has been ranked #1 for years. Naples is voted the happiest and healthiest city in the US. “Residents have the lowest levels of stress in the country and eat healthy on a daily basis,” according to Gallup report.

Additionally, Naples healthcare is outstanding with NCH ranked as a top performer in cardiac care for over five years in a row.

All this health and well-being shows up in the demeanor and attitudes of people all around town. Everyone is happy and grateful to live in this little piece of paradise.

And if all that is not enough to convince you, Scholaroo just ranked Naples, FL the Best City to Live in the US in 2023. Scholaroo took 8 factors – Crime & Safety, Affordability, Economy, Quality of life, Healthcare, Education, Opportunity, and Infrastructure to arrive at Naples, Florida as the overall winner and reigning champ!

Once you’ve experienced it for yourself, I’m sure you will agree that Naples, Florida may be one of the best places to live and retire you could ever find. You may even decide to buy your own piece of paradise and become a neighbor and fellow Neapolitan.

If you’d like to see current homes for sale in Naples, FL including New Construction, please feel free to browse our MLS Listings.