A Glimpse Into The Luxurious Lifestyle of Those Living in Naples Florida

If you’re looking to step into the world of luxury, there are plenty of spots to add to your bucket list. From the floating houses of Bora Bora to the towering skyscrapers of Dubai, there is an abundance of beautiful, must-see places on the planet.

One such spot is Naples, in Southwest Florida, and it’s one of the most luxurious cities in America. In fact, 9% of the population of Naples are millionaires, which should tell you a lot about the area.

If you’re considering living in Naples, Florida, or just want to know more about this beach-side city before you plan a visit, here’s a guide with everything you need to know.

Luxury Real Estate and Modern Mansions

From downtown Naples to Naples Bay, the city is full of luxury real estate. Whether you’re in love with traditional properties full of period features or looking for a beachfront high rise with an ocean view, Naples offers everything. If you’re thinking of investing in property, that’ll definitely come as a bonus. But it can also be overwhelming if you don’t quite know what you’re looking for.

To help you if you’re moving to Naples, here’s a breakdown of the variety of properties available.

Luxury Homes

There is a vast range of luxury properties in Naples that complement different lifestyles and aesthetics. There are plenty of new-build modern mansions with contemporary features, open-plan living, and sleek exteriors. These properties boast all the best of modern-day luxury and blend the light and sunny atmosphere of Naples with a clean, open design.

There are also a number of more traditional mansions available, many of which blend the traditional features of the home with a contemporary lift. Floor-to-ceiling windows illuminate original marble flooring, and iconic design styles of years gone by are clear in the very architecture of the building.

If you’re looking for a luxury home in Naples, then contact concierge realtor Maggie Ives. Maggie is a Naples stalwart who knows how to get the best deal for you whilst removing all of the stresses of moving house.

Boating Homes

Naples is a wonderful city to settle in if you love being out on the water. As it lies along the coast of Southwest Florida, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. That said, it’s not just the oceanfront that you will find attractive. The sea cuts into the land here, with many inlets allowing for large bays to fill the landscape. Along these bays and waterways, you’ll find several stunning boating homes that sit right alongside the water.

The properties are often positioned slightly further back from the water’s edge with a garden that stretches down towards the bay. Where the garden meets the water, there’s an area to moor and store your boat. You can wake up in the morning, open up your door onto your sprawling, sun-soaked garden, and be out on the water before your coffee has had a chance to cool.

Beachfront Homes

Of course, we can’t discuss real estate in Naples without mentioning beachfront homes. The seven-mile stretch of white sand that makes up Naples Municipal Beach is a hot spot for luxury beach condos and houses. These properties often come with uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Mexico and have gorgeous, grassy gardens that lead right down to the sand. 

From sprawling mansions to chic cottages, each home is certainly styled with its prime location in mind. If you prefer north Naples, Vanderbilt beach also has a selection of high-end property and is a little less busy than the main beach, although both areas benefit from the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.

Naples Has Many Famous Beaches

As a coastal city, there’s plenty in the way of beaches in Naples. If you enjoy reading a good book in the sun, dipping your toes in the warm ocean, and walking for miles under the shade of palm trees, Naples is somewhere you’re going to love. Let’s take a look at some of the best beaches in order to fuel your  wanderlust.

Naples Pier Beach

Without a doubt, one of the most popular beaches in Naples is Pier Beach. Yet, despite its popularity, it isn’t overcrowded, and despite its pier, it isn’t noisy or a tourist trap. Pier beach is a serene haven of sand and sea, and the pier provides a gorgeous place to walk out and gaze back at the land or out over the endless ocean. Book a table at Mediterrano for upscale cuisine or end the evening at The Bevy with an expertly mixed cocktail and New American dishes.

Seagate Beach

If you’re a romantic, Seagate beach is a beautiful spot for a sunset walk. It’s also one of the more unusual beaches in Florida, Naples. A large path leads from the car park to the beach, where greenery blends in with the sand and people rush down to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

To get to the beach, head to Venetian Village and make a right onto Gulf Shore Drive. Park at the parking area and walk to the beach.

Barefoot Beach

If you prefer quiet, secluded spots, take a wander down to Barefoot Beach. It often tops the list of most beautiful beaches in the state, and it’s well worth a look. The drive towards the beach is also home to some of the most gorgeous luxury homes and mansions in Naples, so if you’re property hunting, then it’s ideal. The beach itself is long with wide stretches of sand and shallow water. There’s also a one-mile nature trail where you can spot turtles in the summer. The calm water also makes it a perfect spot for paddleboarding.

Celebrity Neighbors 

If you’d enjoy living by Naples beach, you’d be in good company. Famous residents include:

• Judge Judy
• Sean Hannity
• Jane Seymour
• Bob Seger
• K.C. Schulberg
• Mary Carillo
• Brett Baier

That’s just a few of the celebrities you could be living side-by-side with on the gulf coast.

Arts And Cultural Activities

Aside from the properties, what is Naples, Florida, like?

To start with, Naples is a hub of art and culture, giving residents and visitors a plethora of things to do throughout the year. Alongside the quiet condo community and sprawling mansions is a hive of activity waiting to be explored.

Highlights of the arts include the Naples Art Association, a non-profit that hosts exhibitions, classes, and workshops; the Marco Island Center for the Arts, a free gallery; and the Naples Art District, which is an area that prides itself on its abundance of independent artists. From sculptors and ceramicists to painters and photographers, you can find them working in their studio galleries and explore their work. Third Street South, Fifth Avenue South, and Crayton Cove all sport prestigious and highly acclaimed galleries.

You can also find Artis-Naples, the top spot for the arts in Southwest Florida, which blends performance and visual arts. Watch performances at The Naples Players theater after a day of browsing galleries and immerse yourself in a wonderful story.

There is not just art to keep you occupied in Naples. There’s a vast array of historical museums to explore too, including:

• The Collier County Museum – watch the land change throughout time with prehistoric versions of Florida’s coastline and learn about the area’s first settlers, the Calusa.
• Marco Island Historical Museum – Uncover the history of Marco Island, moving from the time when it was home to the Calusa right through to the modern-day.
• Historic Palm Cottage – the oldest property in Naples (built-in 1895) is also home to the Naples Historical Society, where you can find old art and antiques that breathe life into the early charm of Southwest Florida.
• Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Robert’s Ranch – learn more about the early cattlemen who inhabited Florida and head back in time.

In terms of sights and landmarks, be sure to visit Naples Pier, Naples City Dock, Collier Seminole State Park, and Celebration Community Beach Church.

Fine Dining At Naples’ Top Restaurants

When it comes to the Naples dining scene, this South Florida city puts prominence on fresh seafood and flavors from around the globe. The dining here is certainly upscale and offers visitors a taste of truly fine food, reflecting the luxurious nature of Naples. If you’re a bit of a foodie, here are some of the top-rated restaurants that you absolutely must visit:

Truluck’s

The chefs at Truluck’s serve traditional seafood dishes, executed precisely and presented beautifully. From Florida Stone crab to Ora King salmon, each dish is made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced and on your table less than 24 hours after they’ve been caught. Diners frequently mention the high level of service at this fine-dining spot as well as the sophisticated interior.

Ocean Prime

The seafood-based menu at Ocean Prime changes daily to reflect the local catch of the day, ensuring the freshest ingredients and an innovative, evolving menu. In the heart of Old Naples on Fifth Avenue South, the restaurant is ideally located. Take a wander around world-class galleries and browse independent boutiques before stopping here for award-winning cuisine. If you don’t always find yourself in the mood for seafood, try their prime cuts of steak paired with a wine from their extensive wine list.

Campiello

Italian dining is some of the finest in the world, and Campiello certainly doesn’t let the side down. This beautiful, upscale restaurant offers a blend of traditional and contemporary, rustic Italian dishes. The menu is constantly changing to reflect the variety of delicious dishes Italy is famous for, with savory meats, wood-oven pizzas, and – of course – plenty of pasta. Enjoy your meal from the beautiful open-air seating area, where strings of lights and vibrant greenery lend a romantic feel or opt for The Clubroom inside for more traditional elegance.

Lamoraga

Lamora is a unique, Mediterranean fusion restaurant that offers traditional Spanish tapas alongside various classic Mediterranean dishes. Each plate is beautifully presented, and the menu itself has been curated with the utmost care. Everything at Lamoraga is executed with passion, and the love the chefs have for creating unique culinary concepts makes this one of the more unique restaurants in Naples. 18-month aged ham, locally caught lobster, and shrimp with orange-ginger chilli sauce are just some of the many exquisite dishes on Lamoraga’s extensive menu.

Annual Events

Naples’ social calendar is always jam packed. There’s plenty to keep you, your family, and your friends entertained throughout the year, with some events better suited to adults and others that are certified family-friendly. Here’s a quick look at just a few that you should add to your diary to give you a taste of life in Naples.

Naples Winter Wine Festival

This yearly event takes place in January and is the perfect way to beat those New Year blues. A charity event, this multi-day festival offers an auction, a wine tasting event, and a celebration brunch.

Naples National Art Show

One of the top art shows in the country, The Naples National Art Show, showcases the work of a number of artists across 17 different categories. The event is at the forefront of the Naples arts community and attracts visitors from around the world.

Southwest Florida Nature Festival

Spanning a weekend in October, the nature festival in Naples takes place during peak migration season. With professional seminars, family-friendly workshops, and expert-led trips, you can learn more about the ever-changing natural landscape of Naples, Florida, and the animals that call it home.

Naples Shakespeare Festival

If you’re a fan of literature and count Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest among the best works ever written, the Shakespeare Festival is definitely one for your calendar. The event celebrates his works and brings together lovers of Shakespeare to share their passion. It also puts a focus on educating those who may not be familiar with this great English writer.

Golf Communities in Naples

With a wealthy community and plenty of sunny weather, it’s no surprise that Naples has become a center for professional golf. There are many clubs and courses in the area, so if you love to get around a few holes every day, then Naples will definitely keep you happy. Whether you love the country club lifestyle or just want a place to enjoy the sport in peace, here’s a run-through of some of the top golfing communities.

Tiburon Golf Club

As the golf capital, you certainly have your pick of golf courses in Naples, but Tiburon is a must-visit. Hosting the PGA Tour’s QBE Shootout, the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship, and constantly ranked among the top courses in Florida by Golf Digest, it’s a well-known club for professional golfers. The course is part of the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, which is adjacent to the courses and provides many luxury amenities. The course’s own clubhouse is ideal if you don’t wish to book into the Ritz, offering three dining rooms, lounge areas, and an award-winning golf shop.

Heritage Bay Golf Club

If you’ll be playing golf in Naples, Heritage Bay is ideal for all skill levels. Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time and could use some professional lessons, or you’re a seasoned golfer looking for some trickier holes, it has something to suit everyone. The 27-hole championship golf course will certainly offer enough challenge for pro golfers, and the country club lifestyle lends an air of luxury to the community. With a gorgeous landscape, a grand clubhouse, and upscale dining, it’s a place you can feel at home.

Hammock Bay Golf Course

Located in Southeast Naples, Hammock Bay Golf Course keeps things a little more simple and focuses on great golf on a lush green course. The site was rebuilt in collaboration with PGA Tour player Peter Jacobsen and has since received plenty of praise for its strong design. It’s even received the Gold Sustainable Signature Community Designation from Audubon International, the 9th WCI Community in the world, to receive the accolade. It’s a brilliant course that should please every golfer with wide, open fairways, seven sets of tees for all abilities, and access to The Rookery Golf Club.

Is Naples Florida a Good Place To Live?

Whether or not you’ll enjoy living in Naples isn’t a question we can answer with a simple yes or no. But, if you enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Coast, a thriving arts scene, an exquisite selection of fine dining, and professional golf courses, then Naples is the place for you. Under the sunny Florida sky and with an abundance of sandy beaches on your doorstep, it’s the epitome of idyllic living.

If you’re moving to Naples or starting to look for a luxury property investment – whether it’s a modern beachfront bungalow or a grand, traditional mansion – add Naples to your list of cities to visit, and you won’t be disappointed.