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.

Approximately 8 miles from the Naples coast is Sapphire Lakes, named after the gated community of Sapphire Lakes that comprises much of the neighborhood. This area also has several other private residential communities, including Blue Heron Condos and The Sanctuary. Much of the Sapphire Lakes community is centered around the Blue Zones philosophy, which asserts that frequent recreational and social activities help extend and fulfill people’s lives. Because of this philosophy, Sapphire Lakes hosts regular community gatherings: “We have big events, small events – mostly seasonal but about 20% year-round,” says Suzanne Foster, property manager at the Sapphire Lakes Master Association. This gated community is also home to the Pineapple House, an assisted living facility that was rated by the U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Memory Care Community” in 2023. Physicians Regional Medical Center on Collier Boulevard is a 5-mile drive south and offers 24-hour emergency room services. The gated community of Sapphire Lakes has nearly 600 residential units, including condominiums, carriage houses and attached villas. Units here are situated on palm-tree-lined winding roads that encompass four small neighborhood lakes. Clusters of units are grouped together to form 15 sub-associations that all fall under the Sapphire Lake Master Association. Residences all feature flourishes of Spanish Mediterranean architecture, giving the community a uniform appearance. Home prices typically range between $400,000 and $650,000, and Sapphire Lakes HOA fees start around $450 per month and differ depending on the unit type. At The Sanctuary by Blue Heron, residents can find Spanish-inspired villas with paved driveways and garages that start around $425,000. The Blue Heron Condos community is located adjacent to The Sanctuary and offers two and three-bedroom condominiums. In Sapphire Lakes, residents don’t have to go far to find outdoor community amenities. “We have beautiful landscaping and a natural preserve area, here,” Foster says. “Residents love the walking paths, they love the lakes – we also have several swimming pools with cabanas, which have become popular spots for residents to play card games.” Foster adds that many residents take advantage of Sapphire Lakes’ private athletic amenities and love to play tennis and pickleball. Outside the Sapphire Lakes gated community, at the nearby Palm Springs Park, residents can play a game of disc golf and enjoy a picnic. This neighborhood is also home to HeadPinz Naples, a bowling alley and entertainment venue that also features an arcade and a laser tag arena. Many of the events in this neighborhood are organized and hosted by the Sapphire Lakes Master Association: “We put together kayak trips, fishing trips, community walks… we also have our ‘Wine at 5’ events,” Foster says. “All these events keep people active, especially at an older age.” Wine @ 5 is hosted twice a year during the winter season and is Sapphire Lakes’ premier social event. The communal activity allows residents to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the Blue Zones philosophy. “At the ‘Wine at 5’ events, everybody drinks, listens to music and is happy. We sometimes have over 100 residents show up to the event,” Foster says. Berkshire Commons shopping mall is located just a block outside the neighborhood; residents can go here to do their weekly grocery shopping at Publix Supermarket and pick up prescriptions at Walgreens Pharmacy. There are several chain eateries in Berkshire Commons, including Starbucks, Tropical Smoothie and First Watch, a café chain offering a variety of breakfast, brunch and lunch menu options. Residents can also grab a slice of pizza from Naples Pizza, a family-owned dining spot established in 1996. For some classic pub grub, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is an Irish-themed chain restaurant and sports bar. Students in Sapphire Lakes are served by Collier County Public Schools, which receives an overall A rating from Niche. Young learners in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade can attend Calusa Park Elementary, an A-minus-rated primary school. For grades six through eight, students might go to either East Naples Middle or Golden Gate Middle School, which are rated B-plus and B, respectively. Golden Gate Middle then feeds into Golden Gate High School, a B-rated institution that offers Advanced Placement coursework and 13 athletic departments. Interstate 75 runs along the northern boundary of the neighborhood and travels north towards the Fort Myers area and east towards Fort Lauderdale. The Naples Airport is a 4-mile drive west via Radio Road and features a flight school. Fixed bus routes are operated by Collier Transit, and multiple bus stops can be found along Radio Road and Santa Barbara Boulevard.

Built around seven lakes (hence the name), Berkshire Lakes offers residents an array of resort-style amenities. Verdant with a variety of trees and vegetation, streets meander around the lakes, which offers waterfront views from many homes. “The best part is that it’s well-priced for Naples,” says Realtor Dona Schrim with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, who began representing buyers and sellers in the Naples area in the 80s. “It’s a serene paradise. Lots of birds, lots of nature. It’s a beautiful lake setting, and it’s definitely affordable.” Home prices range from $275,000 to $1 million. Almost 700 of the more than 1,600 residences in Berkshire Lakes are traditional single-family homes built in the Spanish Mediterranean architectural style featuring terra cotta roofs and decorative brick driveways. Three-bedroom homes typically occupy a price range between $750,000 and $900,000. “Most people are looking for winter homes in this area, but we also have a lot of full-timers,” Schrim says. “More people are coming down from up north and staying longer, so they are buying the single-family homes.” Similarly styled attached villas and coach homes are budget-friendly, ranging in price from $350,000 to $550,000. The rest of the community’s housing consists of various condominiums ranging in price from $325,000 to $500,000. Those on the higher end of the scale include private entrances and garages. HOA fees can run as low as $45 monthly and go into the $400s. Residences in this area are zoned for the Collier County Public Schools district, which offers advanced studies and academic competitions. Many students can bike or walk to Calusa Elementary, which has an A-minus grade from Niche. East Naples Middle School has a B-plus grade, and Naples High School has an A, offering the STEAM program and advanced placement classes. “This area is more family-oriented than the East Coast [of Florida],” Schrim says. “A lot of families are coming here.” Most neighborhoods provide residents with private amenities such as pools, tennis courts and fishing piers, but the lakes and other recreational centers are open to the public. Central to the community is the Berkshire Lakes Clubhouse, which hosts activities that include regular card games and meetings of the longstanding women’s club. The master pool, courts for tennis and pickleball, and the lake path provide additional recreational options for all residents. The community’s social calendar is full year-round, even on holidays. The Golden Gate Community Park, a 2-mile drive on local streets, offers many amenities to the public, including an aquatic complex, community center, fitness center, soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and picnic tables. Many residents shop and dine at the Berkshire Commons, a neighborhood commercial center anchored by a full-service Publix. “You can walk to the grocery store, and there are a lot of restaurants there, too,” Schrim says. “It’s a nice, convenient location.” The adjacent Countryside Shoppes is a smaller mall with an Aldi and the locally popular Trattoria Mangia, a family-run eatery serving authentic, homemade Italian specialties in a rustic setting. There are several Collier Area Transit (CAT) bus stops in the community, and the neighborhood is bordered to the northeast by Interstate 75, making this location a commuters’ hub. Southwest Florida International Airport is a 30-mile drive via I-75 North.

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.

Year-round sunshine and year-round recreation are guaranteed at Cypress Woods. The gated community in Southwest Florida offers tons of amenities ranging from a challenging but rewarding 18-hole golf course to lakeside views in grand waterfront estates. The neighborhood’s social scene is vibrant, but the proximity to sandy shores is what really makes Cypress Woods stand out. “It's special because of its location,” says Lauren Faby, Realtor at John R. Wood Properties. “Most bundle communities are further away from attractions, but this one is only 10 minutes from the beach.” The neighborhood also has access to Collier County’s highly-rated public schools. Interstate 75 runs parallel to the neighborhood, and residents are just a short commute away from Downtown Naples's eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Southwest Florida is prone to hurricanes and flooding, but Cypress Woods’s inland location protects it from the widespread damage seen closer to the coast. Cypress Woods is a bundled community, meaning every resident can access the 18-hole golf course. The course was initially opened in 1999, but a redesign in 2012 has led to increased playability with widened fairways. The rolling fairways and towering cypress trees may draw golfers in, but the community has numerous other recreational amenities to offer. Pickleball and tennis are very popular, and the bocce ball club holds championship events every spring. Active living is a priority as the fitness center is open 24 hours a day, and residents often cool off in the clubhouse pool nearby. While there’s plenty of fun to be had within the community, Cypress Woods’s prime location allows residents to travel to sandy beaches like those found at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, just 7 miles away. Events are common throughout the community, as the different sports and clubs hold numerous social gatherings and happy hours. The nearby Vanderbilt Farmer’s Market is open throughout the summer and fall and provides visitors with colorful fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Member-only dining is available at the newly remodeled clubhouse, and an executive chef-curated menu may be enjoyed indoors or outdoors on the Terrace Patio. Drinks and stories are shared during the clubhouse's weekly happy hour, serviced by a full liquor bar. The clubhouse hosts numerous special events, ranging from banquets to weddings and everything in between. More extensive shopping and dining may be found at the Green Tree Center nearby, where weekly groceries and fresh produce are provided to the neighborhood by Sam’s Clubs. Naples has famous commercial districts centered around Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, though a longer car ride is required to reach them. “There are all different home types at different price points,” Faby says. “For the area, it's very reasonably priced.” Prospective homebuyers will find six distinct gated communities within Cypress Woods. Single-family homes line the streets of Bradford Lakes and Jasmine Lakes, often utilizing Spanish-Revival or Mediterranean design styles. Swimming pools with lanais are common, and most houses have scenic views of the rolling golf course and tranquil waterways. A 2,000-square-foot single-family home begins pricing for $600,000, while large builds with three bedrooms can top $800,000. Luxurious condos populate the Cypress Trace neighborhood and offer numerous amenities, including covered parking and a neighborhood pool. For more multifamily options, coach houses with tiled roofs may be found in the Grand Cypress, Laurel Greens North and Laurel Greens South neighborhoods. These coach houses have four to six residences within each building but come with private two-car garages and screened lanais. Prices for multifamily options range from $300,000 to $700,000. Manicured landscaping and colorful flowers are common throughout, and most residences sit in the shade of towering palm trees. Getting around the community is easy as most houses are within walking distance of the points of interest. Golf carts and bicycles are also a common sight. Interstate 75 conveniently runs parallel to the neighborhood and connects north to Fort Myers and east to Miami. Southwest Florida International Airport is 23 miles away. Access to the highly-rated Collier County Public School District is a significant draw for parents looking to move in. Veterans Memorial Elementary and North Naples Middle School serve the community’s younger residents, and both received an A rating on Niche. The first students walked through the halls of Aubrey Rogers High School in August 2023, as it was the first new school to open in Collier County in 19 years. Aubrey Rogers has brand-new facilities, including a state-of-the-art engineering academy and a performance arts center with over 1,300 seats. Mason Classical Academy is a viable private school option for parents to consider.