Just returned from Naples

[chief38]

So my wife and I just got back from Naples Florida last night and I was pretty impressed with the City. Clean, upscale, every restaurant and store imaginable, and the people were just so nice and friendly. While anything within a half mile of the Gulf is priced out of sight (up to 70+ million for at least one I drove by and 15 - 25 million was common on Gulf Shore Blvd and Gordon Blvd) the "regular homes" are still very expensive in the desirable parts of town. What I really couldn't help from noticing right off was the beautiful landscaping - not only in the residential neighborhoods but on the main roads and shopping malls as well. We saw a few homes that we really liked in Pelican Bay and must go back down at least a few more times to see if there is something we can really feel comfortable in and won't have to sell my collection to afford.

I am still very concerned with the summer heat in FL and still don't know how I can deal with not being up North for the Fall and Hunting Season. I really want to seek out a gun friendly place that we could be happy in, I guess I just need to be realistic about the trade offs we'd have to make.

If anybody plans to visit Naples you must go to Chops Steak House on 5th Ave South for dinner, Blueberry's on 41 for breakfast, Bone Fish for Happy Hour, and take a nice stroll down 5th Ave after dinner and watching the sunset & Dolphins at The Pier.

We stayed at the Naples Golf Club and Beach Resort which was convenient and right on the beach, but I would not suggest eating there as their pricing is ridiculous and choices not nearly as abundant as is available off the Hotel grounds. We also spent time on Sanabel & Captiva Islands (beautiful by the way) and went to Marco Island for a few hours. From what I understand from the Locals, Naples has had no major hurricane damage in over 50 + years, and many of the newly constructed homes are built to deal with storms and flooding. All in all, I was very impressed with Naples and can eventually see myself down there if I can find something both affordable and viable for our needs.

Chief38

 

[DeathGrip]

Look west.

Golden Gate.

You can get deals on acres of land and still be minutes from Naples Beach.


Oops. I should have said east. It's west from me. I live at the other end of Alligator Alley.

 

[chief38]

I will have to look into that - Gracias!

 

[Naples22]

I've lived in Naples for almost 10 years, its the safest part of Florida. The term "affordable" has to different meaning to everyone. If your serious about Naples PM me, give me a ball park figure of what you'd like to spend. There are about 6,000 new homes going up in the next few years, in all price ranges. I can make a few recommendations.All new construction is built to Miami-Dade hurricane codes, the most stringent in the country.

 

[Brian41]

We visited there a few years ago and stayed in the same hotel. Our room overlooked the golf course and the front entrance. I enjoyed watching all the high end cars you seldom see elsewhere pull up for valet parking.
We found most everything there rather pricey too but were on vacation and expected it. Yes the hotel restaurant was very expensive.
I'd go back again and would expect to spend serious money too. My wife suggested once she retires it'd be a good place to stay winters and care for the old folks there as she's an RN and sure she could find part time employment.

 

[Rangerpat]

Golden Gate is one area that has a history of very bad wildfires, make sure you look at areas that are Firewise communities. The local Florida Forest Service office in Ft. Meyers can answer any questions about Firewise communities in the Golden Gate area.

 

[JohnK]

Talk about ZERO tolerance !

I came through Naples, about 15 years ago.

Bought a local paper, and the front page had a headline about stopping a NEW crime wave.

They had a picture of a SWAT team, handcuffing a scruffy looking Mexican.

He was arrested, and escorted to the county line, and told not to return.

His dastardly crime ? He was drinking out of an open container, in public.

I swear this is a true story.

Naples must have the lowest crime rate in the nation.

 

[chief38]

The ONLY activity I witnessed by LEO's in the 8 days I was there were a few traffic stops, ticketing cars at the Pier for expired meters, and 2 automobile accidents. Seems like a very safe place to me.

 

[Rule3]

Naples is indeed beautiful. Clean, safe and as you found expensive. Along with the high initial price also comes Taxes.

The wonderful landscaping also come at a maintenance price.

With money comes crime. Recently a series of violent home invasions. I think they caught the guys. (still a safe place to live) Good fire and police departments.

Golden Gate is not "Naples" as you saw it. I can not say more here on the forum.

SW Florida is true Sub Tropic climate. Coconut palms will grow here but not 150 miles North, say in Clearwater.

It is very hot and humid, but the saving grace is the breeze from both the Gulf and from the Atlantic on the other side.

The Summer is very long and hot, no real change in seasons. That's why lots of folks live 6 and 6. Still beats shoveling snow and driving on ice!

Went to the range yesterday, it was brutal and not really summer yet.

 

[Erich]

I enjoy visiting Naples and look forward to returning - great chow! My wife (6 years older than me) mocks me because it's such an "old folks" kinda place, but I enjoy visiting Naples more than Miami Beach.

Hey, and my friend Alan Bogdan of Remora Holsters lives there - he says it's a great place for hunting sports! Holy smokes, drivers there are a caution, though!

 

[chief38]

Erich,

There was a HUGE lack of cars on the road because all the Snow Birds have flown North. Traffic was minimal and had no instances with any bad drivers. I am sure that in-season, you are correct - as I have been warned by others as well as yourself.

 

[Rule3]

Sir,

Come down in December for a traffic check (NY. MI, OH, Canada and a lot from overseas) and do come in August or September for a true weather check

 

[Rule3]

Sir,

Come down in December for a traffic check (NY. MI, OH, Canada and a lot from overseas) and do come in August or September for a true weather check

If you move here, you must buy a white mini van and put a scrunchy on the antenna)

The State car used to be a white Crown Vic or Grand Marquis.

 

[Naples22]

Taxes in Naples ( Collier County) are the lowest rate in the state
( 1.25%) the rest of the state (66 counties) is between 1.50 & 4.0 ). 2/3 of the residents are seasonal. Golden Gate is not Naples, there is only one town like it in Fl. Expensive, thats a subjective term. I will not try to look in to anyone wallet. You can buy a home in Naples from about 200K to over 25 million. Like any city, location dictates price.

 

[Florida J Frame]

If you like the area but find the Naples prices a little scary take a look at Cape Coral about a half hour north. I've lived in the Cape for years and we love it. It has more available single family homes and lower pricing. With over 400 miles of canals it's easy to find waterfront property. I'm a licensed Realtor here and I'll try to answer any questions.

 

[Nick B]

Hey Chief: My offer still stands .With 57 years here in Naples I feel I know the area well .
Wish you would of gave me a call while you were here .
Oh well,maybe next time .
Nick

 

[chief38]

Hey Chief: My offer still stands .With 57 years here in Naples I feel I know the area well .
Wish you would of gave me a call while you were here .
Oh well,maybe next time .
Nick

I would have if I had an i-phone or an i-pad, but I am still in the stone age and only have a "regular" old style flip phone. I did not have any way to retrieve your email address. I SHOULD have emailed you before leaving but my wife booked the trip in a moments notice and just plain did not think of it. If nothing else, we could have had a drink. Sorry! AND THANK YOU!