Naples

Aqualane Shores is a luxurious waterfront community whose large, stately homes are as scenic as the surrounding turquoise waters. Development began in the 1950s, leading to a neighborhood known for its striking architecture and expansive estates. Most houses have intracoastal water access, making Aqualane Shores a boater's paradise. However, those who wish to stay on land are within walking distance of famous Naples amenities. “It is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods due to its proximity to the pristine beaches in the Old Naples area and the proximity to the fine shopping on Third Street South,” says Andrew Christopher Arreola, Luxury Properties Specialist at Willaim Raveis Real Estate. One stroll down Aqualane Shores’s heavily forested streets, and it's easy to see why home values rise into the multi-million-dollar range. The average square foot size of a single-family home in the neighborhood is over 1,000 more than the national average. Recent changes have shifted the neighborhood’s architectural style. “What’s really been sought after over the last decade has been a push to coastal contemporary, transitional tropical and Caribbean contemporary,” Arreola says. These styles often draw upon influences of the area and come with tiled roofs and well-manicured lawns with colorful flowers. Midcentury moderns with rows of windows are also available. 90% of houses sit on navigable water, and boat docks with luxury yachts are a common sight. Prices for off-water properties range from $7 to $20 million, while expansive waterfront estates can top $30 million. The neighborhood was directly hit by Hurricane Ian in 2022, with numerous older houses being damaged or destroyed. Recovery work has been quick and substantial, and many of the updated houses weathered the storm. “The FEMA codes for newer properties worked very well,” Arreola says. “The interior of the homes was not affected; water did not get inside any of the newer properties.” Residents have year-round sunshine to explore the surrounding area's coastal waterways and sandy beaches. Many walk to Naples Beach for a relaxing day under the sun along 9 miles of coastline. For sports-oriented recreation, Cambier Park has various athletic facilities ranging from baseball fields to tennis courts. And what Florida neighborhood would be complete without easy access to golf? Residents can drive or boat across the bay to the scenic golf course at Windstar at Naples Bay. Third Street South, known as “the birthplace of Naples” is a colorful, vibrant shopping district within walking distance of most residents. Eclectic boutiques and upscale shops line the tightly packed street, and multiple art galleries highlight creative endeavors from local artists. Sports cars drive up and down the road, and live music provides the soundtrack, echoing from multiple venues. Campiello has become a dining staple thanks to its classic Italian cuisine and chic courtyard setting. Fresh Florida produce and craft artisanal goods are abundant at the weekly Third Street Farmer’s Market – just one of the numerous events held throughout the year. The Aqualane Shores Association is not an HOA, but members who join have access to numerous benefits, including social events, newsletters, and political outreach. The association aims to preserve the community by keeping the neighborhood and waterways clean while fostering neighbor relations. The Holiday Party and End of Season Wine Tasting are two events that bring residents together to celebrate Aqualane Shores. Transportation routes are available by land or sea and most houses have piers backing up to connected canals. Homeowners can use these channels to access the calm waters of Naples Bay close by and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico beyond. Those remaining on land use bicycles and golf carts when traveling short distances to shopping centers or beaches. Interstate 41 links to Fort Myers to the north and Miami to the east, while Naples Airport is 5 miles away. Parents are drawn to the highly-ranked schools in the Collier County Public School District. Collier County Public Schools received an A rating on Niche and was voted the fifth-best school district in the state of Florida. Lake Park Elementary School serves younger students and received an A rating on Niche. Gulfview Middle School and Naples High School are options for older students, and both received an A rating on Niche. Naples High School has over 1,700 enrolled students but maintains an impressive student-teacher ratio of 22:1. Four distinct academies are offered to students to enrich their curriculum, including biomedical sciences, engineering, teaching and information technology.

Just 5 miles from the sunny Gulf Coast of Naples, seclusion and resort-styled living are part of Bears Paw's everyday lifestyle. A community characterized by its exclusive country club, the neighborhood keeps its quarters to itself but connects residents to a wealth of shopping, dining and natural destinations. The area's gated aspect means the community is fairly guarded, as displayed by its CAP Index score of two out of 10. Centrally located, this luxury neighborhood balances solitude and recreation amid the fertile South Florida landscape. Mediterranean-inspired villas and newly renovated condos are standard in this exclusive gated community. Homebuyers must keep an eye on the market to snag one of these luxury estates or course-side condos. "The real estate market is hot here," says Bill Safrin, real estate agent with William Raveis Real Estate and Bears Paw resident. "Properties get sold up right away, and the value of homes is rising because the area is so desirable." When actually on the market, homes typically sell between $600,000 and $800,000, but some offerings on the western side cost between $1 million and $2 million. Bear's Paw Country Club is at the center of these luxury homes, offering private golf courses, recreational spaces and other premium amenities. Bear's Paw Country Club is the neighborhood's main attraction. In fact, according to Safrin, the neighborhood is "a bundled golf community, meaning residents are required to join the club to live in the neighborhood. There's a waiting list for acceptance into the community, and only a limited number of residents from surrounding communities are also admitted into the club." The club, which has been around for over 40 years, features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship Golf Course. It also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, an informal indoor/outdoor dining space and waterfront access. "The club rents out its docks and slips along the Gordan River, which gives members deep water access," Safrin says. "Boaters can hop on their vessel and make it to the Gulf of Mexico in about 25 minutes. It's a nice little ride." Natural landscapes surround Bears Paw. Freedom Park has bike trails, over 50 acres of freshwater marshlands and a 3500-foot boardwalk where visitors can admire wildlife and native plants. The park is named after the Freedom Memorial, a stately brick and stone construction commemorating war heroes and victims of 9/11. Across the street, Gordon River Greenway Park's 140 acres showcase the natural ecological beauty of South Florida. People primarily hike along its trails, but there are also fishing piers and kayak launches at visitors' disposal. For some family fun, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens has been a popular outdoor destination for over a century. The zoo has over 70 species of animals on site, as well as a botanical garden and island boat tours. Next door is the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a wildlife conservation center with interactive exhibits and boat tours. When locals want to lay out on the sand, Safrin says Lowdermilk Park's clear waters draw in all the locals. Under 3 miles east, the public beach sits between the gulf and amenities like a bathhouse, concessions stand and volleyball courts. Locals typically venture outside Bears Paw to experience Naples' expansive retail and dining options. Coastland Center shopping mall, situated right outside the neighborhood, features 130 department stores, boutiques and restaurants. Although 5 miles north, Safrin says Waterside Shops, a high-end shopping mall off Tamiami Trail North, is another popular spot for some retail therapy. For a bite, Spanky's Speakeasy to the neighborhood's southeast serves classic American fare in a nostalgia-filled space anchored by a Model T. Two streets over is Whiskey Park, an energetic tavern offering craft beers, whiskey and bar grub. Locals like playing a game at the pool tables, listening to live music or chatting on the patio. For international fare, Saigon to Paris Café is an eclectically styled restaurant with a Vietnamese and French fusion menu. Customers can pick between warm bowls of pho and freshly baked pastries and bread. Within 2 miles are Food & Thought in The Gateway of Naples shopping center and Publix Super Market in Naples Plaza. Students can begin their education at Poinciana Elementary School, which has a gifted program and an A-minus rating on Niche. Older students can attend Gulfview Middle School, the third-best public middle school in Collier County, followed by Naples High School. The school offers a variety of academies, including the Academies of Biomedical Sciences, Engineering, Information Technology and Teaching. Both schools earn an A rating on Niche. Public transportation is minimal in Bears Paw. There are a few Collier Area Transit bus stops along the northern and eastern borders, but most residents rely on cars to get around. Airport-Pulling Road North and Goodlette-Frank Road are main thoroughfares that can be noisy during peak traffic hours. U.S. Route 41 is roughly 2 miles west, while the closest Interstate 75 onramp is 2-1/2 miles east via Golden Gate Parkway. The neighborhood is about 4 miles north of the regional Naples Airport. Residents may be exposed to occasional noise from air traffic due to proximity, but the area isn't overly affected.

With its white sands, Mediterranean-style homes and beachfront condominiums, Coquina Sands is a luxurious neighborhood where locals can walk to the Gulf of Mexico. It’s an active residential area that was the northernmost section of Naples when the city established in 1887. Locals start their mornings with beach yoga, play volleyball with neighbors and ride their bikes up and down the streets. Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its sugar white sand beaches and aquamarine waters, where the waves aren’t as choppy as their east coast counterparts. It’s a slower-paced lifestyle than Miami and Daytona Beach, and Naples is the ultimate beachfront relaxation spot for those who can afford it. Coquina Sands locals can walk to Lowdermilk Park, a public park and beach with volleyball courts and gazebos. The area is bike-friendly, making riding on wide, well-paved roads easy. “Residents are very active in Coquina Sands,” says Michele Klinowski with the Naples Golf Guy Team at Downing-Frye Realty Inc. “They’re walking, running and biking. They’re playing tennis and pickleball.” Naples is known for its top-tier Florida architecture, and Coquina Sands is no exception. Bayfront penthouses can go for $7 million, and brand-new stucco mansions can cost $12 million. Many homes have Mediterranean influences, but Key West and coastal homes also exist. Newer homes emphasize floor-to-ceiling windows and infinity pools. As beautiful as it is, things can get dicey during hurricane season. Hurricane Ian, for example, caused widespread damage in 2022, and Naples is still recovering. Coastal Florida and inland areas near rivers are all susceptible to storm damage. Coquina Sands is already luxurious, but more glitz and glamour is coming. Four Seasons will manage a new, under-construction facility planned to replace the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Developers plan to scale the current structure from 319 rooms to 216 and add condo towers facing the beach and the nearby golf course. But the city of Naples intervened to make sure the resort development fits right in. The new resort will bring attention to the neighborhood, but the city still wants to maintain the local charm. “The city is very focused on ensuring that, aesthetically, it still has the charm and significance of what Naples has to offer,” says Klinowski. Nearby is Tamiami Trail, a Florida roadway that runs – as its name suggests – from Tampa to Miami. Stores like Publix, Pet Supermarket and PGA Tour Superstore sit right outside the neighborhood at Naples Plaza. At Coastland Center shopping mall, people eat at the Cheesecake Factory and see movies at CMX CineBistro on rainy days. Locals eat kebabs and sip Turkish coffee in the wooden dining room at Vourla Mediterranean Grill & Café. Kids in Coquina Sands can attend Collier County Public Schools. Lake Park Elementary School, rated A by Niche, is nearby. Gulfview Middle School and Naples High School are also rated A. Coquina Sands sits about 15 minutes from the Naples Airport, which saw more than 200,000 passengers between October 2022 and September 2023. It’s also about 20 minutes from Interstate 75, a Gulf Coast highway that runs north to Fort Myers and turns east in Naples to Fort Lauderdale.

With its warm weather and welcoming beaches it would be easy to think of East Naples as mostly a vacation destination for snowbirds, but locals will quickly tell you that this south Florida community offers so many amenities and natural wonders that year-round living is the way to go. “There’s a rich culture in East Naples as, along with great restaurants and bars, there's a large international presence with people from all over the world,” says Jon Hunt, waterfront specialist with Coldwell Banker Naples. “When it's cold and snowy elsewhere, it's warm and tropical here.” Variety is the name of the game for East Naples’ housing. Residences range from newly completed waterfront condos to colorful ranch-style builds from the 1970s. Oceanside houses often come with boat docks. Gated communities like the one found at Foxfire Golf & Country Club present a different opportunity for homebuyers. Manicured lawns are a common sight, and homes often sit under the shade of bright green palm trees. Housing prices are just as varied as the styles. Multifamily townhouses begin pricing for $450,000, while larger Spanish Revivals with tiled roofs top $1.5 million. Residences near Naples Airport may experience air pollution, though aircraft size is limited. Access to Collier County Public Schools, rated an A on Niche, is a large draw for families looking to move into the area. Options include Avalon Elementary School and East Naples Middle School, rated B and B-plus respectively. Lorenzo Walker Technical High School received a B-plus rating on Niche and offers various career and apprenticeship programs. Parents looking for a private school option may consider Mason Classical Academy, which received an A-plus rating on Niche. The abundance of sunshine also brings an abundance of outdoor recreation. Residents of East Naples are never far from golf courses, pickleball courts or the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. “Everyone here is either a boater, a fisher or a golfer,” Hunt says. The area has many fishing opportunities, including guided trips like those at Naples Fishing Charters. Naples Pier used to jet out far into the water and offer Catamaran tours, but the structure was severely damaged following Hurricane Ian in 2022. However, plans to restore it are underway. Members of the Windstar Naples Bay Country Club can compete on an 18-hole golf course surrounded by scenic ocean views. The course was distinctly selected as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” in 1998. And for classic family fun, residents can head to East Naples Community Park to play on the basketball courts and soccer fields. The Naples Towne Centre South anchors the neighborhood's commercial section, and residents will find many shopping and dining locations. Publix Super Market is available for weekly groceries. Saint Paul’s Farmers’ Market offers an array of fresh Florida produce and artisanal craft goods. Renowned eateries in the neighborhood include Alice Sweetwater’s Bar & Grille and Celebration Park, a waterfront hub for dining complete with revolving food trucks and open-air bars. East Naples has quietly made its name as the center of one of America’s fastest-growing sports. Visitors travel from long distances to attend the Annual Minto US Open Pickleball Championship, which is held in East Naples Community Park. While the event certainly boosts the neighborhood, the large influx of people can be slightly overwhelming at times, says Hunt. The championship occurs once a year, but pickleball players can still play year-round at multiple courts throughout the neighborhood. The Collier Area Transit system provides public transportation, and bus stops can be found throughout the neighborhood. Commuters are under 3 miles from downtown Naples' vibrant shops and restaurants. Naples Airport is in the northwest corner of the community. Those looking for farther excursions may hop on Interstate 75 and travel 43 miles north to Fort Myers or 111 miles west to Miami. Hurricane Ian was the costliest hurricane in Florida’s history, and East Naples was hit directly. According to data from the National Weather Service, the Category 5 storm cost the city of Naples an estimated $989 million. The road to recovery has been long, but numerous ongoing efforts reflect the area's resiliency. “Naples has made a strong comeback,” says Hunt. “We are seeing newer, higher-end construction coming in.”

Naples, Florida, is known as the “Paradise Coast,” and Grey Oaks is a big reason why. The private gated community features luxurious estate homes and easy access to ample recreation, including three championship golf courses. On-site dining provides residents with a convenient lifestyle, yet residents traveling farther will find they are well located to some of Naples’s premiere attractions, like 5th Avenue South, just 8 miles away. With year-round sunshine and year-round recreation, residents can live where they play in Grey Oaks. “It's just a great community,” says John R. D’Amelio, a local broker associate with Sotheby’s International Realty. “It's gorgeous, the facilities on sight are gorgeous, and you’re next to downtown Naples.” Golf is the name of the game in Grey Oaks. The country club offers 54 award-winning holes of golf across three championship courses including the recently renovated Pine Course, designed by renowned golf course specialist Andrew Green. “We redid everything from tee to greens, with new irrigation and new drainage,” says Kathy Bryant, Director of Membership at the Grey Oaks Country Club. Golf accounts for only half of the amenities, as court sports, swimming pools and a fitness center are also available. Country club membership is available to both residents and non-residents. Beyond the gates, nature lovers can lace up their hiking boots and head to the Gordon River Greenway’s miles of walking trails that cut through the wild landscape of Southwest Florida. While wildlife is common here, it is much easier to spot some rare species at the nearby Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. And, of course, a day on the beach is never far, as the lapping shores of Lowdermilk Park are just 5 miles away. Grey Oaks’s has varied and distinct housing across its 19 different subdivisions, yet no matter where homeowners end up, they are surrounded by scenic views of glistening ponds or golf courses. Well-manicured front lawns and extensive landscaping sit in front of Coastal Contemporary-style estate homes with glass facades. Spanish-Revival villas are another popular housing style found throughout the palm-tree-lined streets. Most residences have screened-in backyard pools and multicar garages. Coach homes and condos present a multifamily option. Many houses were built in the 2010s and are well above the national average for single-family home sizes. Prices range from $2 million to $5 million, with larger lakefront estates topping $10 million. The Estuary at Grey Oaks is an adjacent gated community offering similar amenities and housing with prices running between $7 million and $12 million. Multiple levels of membership are available to homeowners, though prices vary, and wait lists are often multiple years long. The area is prone to hurricanes, but Grey Oaks’s inland location and updated construction codes have protected residences from stronger storms. Residents have easy access to fine dining as the Grey Oaks Country Club features three restaurants, each with a different atmosphere. Pool Café is an indoor-outdoor eatery with lounge seating and cozy fire pits, while the East Clubhouse pairs upscale dining with scenic views of the golf course below. Just down Airport Pulling Road, Michelbob’s Championship Ribs and Steaks is an award-winning local favorite serving tasty barbecue and sides. Residents also enjoy proximity to some of Naples’s premiere commercial areas. The Coastland Center is under 4 miles away and features 130 shops and restaurants. Visitors can peruse the name-brand stores or catch a flick at the adjacent movie theatre. Walmart and Target provide the neighborhood with fresh produce and groceries. Physicians Regional – Pine Ridge is just down the road and serves the area with award-winning medical care. Collier County Public Schools serves the neighborhood and was ranked the fifth-best school district in Florida by Niche. Poinciana Elementary received an A-minus rating, while Gulfview Middle School received an A rating. The A-rated Naples High School offers numerous academic and athletic opportunities including the Florida Gulf Coast University Accelerated Collegiate Experience – a program designed to allow high schoolers to attend the university as full-time students and earn college credits. Naples High School was also ranked the best high school for athletes in Collier County. St Ann Catholic School is a private school option for parents to consider. Grey Oaks hosts numerous community events throughout the year, from golf tournaments to Memorial Day pool parties. The social calendar has over 1,000 annual activities for residents to enjoy. Yet, events are happening outside of the gates as well. On Sundays, visitors flock to the Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market to peruse the stands of fresh Florida Produce, artisanal goods and baked treats. The market is open year-round on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grey Oaks is pedestrian-friendly, and golf carts are the preferred method of transportation. Those traveling farther are just 8 miles from the historic shops and restaurants of downtown Naples. Naples Municipal Airport is just south of the neighborhood, allowing for easy access to general aviation and private flights, although it can sometimes get noisy. Southwest Florida International Airport is 30 miles away and offers the closest commercial flights.

The tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico nearby provide a steady tempo for life in Lake Park, one of Naples’s oldest neighborhoods. The palm-tree-shaded residences serve as a great home base to explore some of Naples’s finest attractions and natural wonders. “People come primarily for the location itself,” says Blair White, Realtor with John R Wood Properties, Christie's International. “You’re half a mile to Downtown Naples, 1 mile to the beach and have access to a great school zone.” Year-round residency is more common than in surrounding neighborhoods as community events and local eateries encourage homeowners to stick around. Residents are surrounded by city parks and expansive green spaces. Fleischmann Park serves as the hub for recreation and features numerous sports facilities ranging from lighted baseball diamonds to court sports and soccer fields. Across the street, The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is home to about 70 species of animals, including African lions, Malayan tigers and the local Florida panther. The zoo also features a botanical garden, and admission is free for Collier County Residents on the first Saturday of each month. The Gordon River Greenway is a 140-acre nature trail that runs parallel to the neighborhood and winds through the lush Florida landscape and winding canals of the Gordon River. Many residents walk or bike to the beach as the lapping shores of Naples Beach are under 2 miles away. The neighborhood was initially developed in the 1960s, with towering palm trees shading classic ranch-style homes. While the midcentury builds remain scattered throughout, renovations have become commonplace. “There are just over 520 homes in the neighborhood, and empty lots alone sell for a million,” White says. “There are lots of teardowns and remodeling.” These remodeled homes feature coastal contemporary and ultra-modern design elements with large glass facades and brightly colored exteriors. Most houses have backyard pools, and some come with lakefront views. There is no HOA, which is a rarity for Naples. Prices for older builds range between $1 million and $2 million while larger, lakeside houses can top $4 million. The area is prone to hurricanes, with associated risks of flooding and wind damage. Updated building codes have provided protection in recent years, but homeowners are encouraged to research Flood Insurance policies and other safety measures. Lake Park Diner is an award-winning neighborhood staple that operates under the mantra “The Diner with a Conscience.” The restaurant serves organic casual eats like sandwiches, salads and weekend brunch. The Coastland Center anchors commercial activity and features over 130 shops and restaurants. Visitors can also catch a movie at the adjacent CMX CinéBistro Coastland. While there is ample shopping and dining within the neighborhood, residents enjoy traveling into the vibrant areas of downtown Naples. “Most people take their golf cart or bike to Fifth Avenue South for all the fine dining,” White says. The historic avenue is lined with boutiques, art galleries and upscale restaurants such as Vergina and L’Olivo. Wynn’s Market and Publix provide the neighborhood with weekly groceries. Riverchase Dermatology is one of numerous medical facilities in the area. The Collier County Public School District serves the neighborhood and was ranked the fifth-best district in Florida. Lake Park Elementary sits in the neighborhood and received an A rating. Gulfview Middle School also received an A rating and has been designated as a positive behavior model school with a gold rating by the Blue Zones Project. The A-rated Naples High School offers four engaging career academies: biomedical sciences, teaching, information technology and engineering. Students can also elect to go to Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, which allows them to earn college credits and graduate with technical endorsements. Mason Classical Academy is an A-rated private school option for parents to consider. Art Fest Naples is an annual festival that showcases the best creative endeavors of local and national artists. The event is hosted in Fleischman Park, and visitors can purchase paintings or sculptures that catch their eye. A portion of the proceeds benefit local charities. The Tamiami Trail runs parallel to the neighborhood and connects to downtown Naples, less than 2 miles away. Residents are conveniently located next to the Naples Municipal Airport, though air traffic can get noisy at times. Southwest Florida International Airport is the closest spot for commercial flights, 33 miles to the north. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bikeable, but those looking for public transportation can catch a ride on the Collier Area Transit Bus.