Naples, FL

Naples, Florida, is historically a wealthy retirement community; however, over the past few years, younger families have begun moving into the area, increasing the diversity and livelihood of the city. Located in Collier County, Naples has a population of more than 20,000 residents. Still a relatively elderly community, the median age is 61. Naples's main industry is tourism, and residents take pride in the many upscale hotels and vacation rentals available.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Naples consists of four main communities, each with a number of neighborhoods and gated communities.

• Downtown Naples features historic, single-family homes. Many of these houses are waterfront properties in upscale neighborhoods, and they're often fully gated and highly landscaped, providing additional protection and security.
• Golden Gate City is a diverse community with affordable, single-family homes and apartments.
• Golden Gate Estates offers out-of-the-way, country living where no lot is smaller than one acre. Most of the homes are set far off the road on large, tree-filled properties. Until recently, this neighborhood had only one gas station; however, the community is developing and is now home to a shopping center.
• North Naples is a moderate-to-upscale area with many gated communities. Spanning from the Gulf of Mexico to I-75, North Naples offers the Ritz Carlton hotel and North Naples Community Hospital and Wellness Center.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The economy of Naples is largely based on tourism. Along with Marco Island and the Everglades, the city makes up the popular vacation area known as the Paradise Coast.

The town is well-known for its large number of Fortune 500 CEO residents. Fortune 1000 company Health Management Associates is located just north of the city limits.

The city is home to the Naples Municipal Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport also serves the area.

Naples has a population of more than 20,000 residents, and the median household income is about $79,000; the median house value is more than a million dollars. The most common industries in Naples are healthcare, construction, professional, scientific and technical services, real estate and rental, leasing and finance and insurance.

EVENTS

• Fine Art/Craft Show is held annually, free to all, at Fleischmann Park; it features local artists.
• Taste of Collier, held each May, offers live entertainment, performances, games and food from local restaurants.
• Boat and Seafood Fest combines the best of the sea, featuring boats and seafood. Held in Renaissance Village, this annual event is free for children under 12 and costs $10 per adult.
• For Thursdays on Third, locals gather every Thursday evening to enjoy music and entertainment.

FAMILY FUN

• Everglades National Park is the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states. The park serves nearly 1 million visitors a year. The park protects a number of species, among them the Florida panther, American crocodile and the West Indian manatee. Around 350 species of birds, 300 species of fish, 40 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles also call this park home while enjoying the protection it offers.
• Caribbean Gardens and Naples Zoo offer exotic wildlife, entertaining shows and education in Downtown Naples. All residents receive free admission the first Saturday of the month.
• Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is a 26,400-acre area that is now home to fewer than 100 Florida panthers. With a small staff (fewer than 20), this refuge aims to protect the remaining panthers from extinction.
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary aims to protect the bald cypress, pond cypress and North American trees that have traditionally been victims of the logging industry. It offers visitors a boardwalk that runs through 17 square miles of wetlands.
• Big Cypress National Preserve is 720,000 acres of land located in Collier County. The traditional home to the Miccosukee and Seminole Native American tribes, the area now preserves indigenous wildlife.
• Downtown Naples offers two main shopping experiences, 5th Avenue and 3rd Avenue, both featuring upscale shopping and fine dining. Additionally, the two shopping areas are close to the 12th Street pier, a favorite haunt of locals, offering opportunities for fishing and sunset strolls.
• Waterside Shops are open-air boutiques, department stores and restaurants located in North Naples. The center's more notable stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry and Nordstrom. Valet parking is available.
• Tin City is located on the water and is a fun place to shop for unusual gifts and antiques.
• Bay Front Shops, located across from Tin City, offers patrons upscale shopping and dining. Unique to this Center is an outdoor gazebo and bar, a popular place for locals to relax after work.
• The Village on Venetian Bay offers upscale shopping and dining along the Gulf of Mexico.

EDUCATION

• Edison Community College offers associate degrees in a variety of fields. It also partners with several local, four-year colleges, allowing students easily to continue their educations.
• Hodges University offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a variety of fields.

GETTING AROUND

Naples Municipal Airport is a private airport with few commercial flights, serving mainly small jets and private aircraft. The Naples Airport also runs DayJet, which provides passengers with nonstop flights to cities south of Naples. The Yellow Air Taxi offers flights to and from Key West.