Moving to Naples, Florida

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Palm-lined streets, old-Florida charm and stunning ocean views — welcome to Naples. If you are planning a move to Naples, Florida, you’ll soon discover why it’s one of the best places to live in the county.

History

Naples is a city on Florida’s scenic southwest coast, where the Everglades meet pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches. It was founded in 1885 by Walter N. Haldeman — a businessman from Kentucky — as a winter resort community. When rail service arrived in the 1920s, tourists started flocking to the region, aiding its development. By the 50s and 60s, Naples was booming.

Today, Naples is loved for its year-round balmy weather, gorgeous beaches and upscale amenities. It’s a popular destination for tourists, retirees and anyone who enjoys watersports, golfing, nature and seemingly endless sunshine.

Demographics and Population

In 2022, Naples’ population was estimated to be 19,618 — increasing 2.6% since 2020. There are roughly 1,554 people per square mile.

Other demographic data for Naples includes:

Age: More than half of the population in Naples is 65 or older. About 9% are under 18, and 2% are under five. Approximately 53% of the population is female.
Race: Almost 90% of Naples residents are white, followed by black or African American and Hispanic.
Income and household: The median household income in Naples was $125,306 in 2021. Most households have one to two people.
Education: About 97% of Naples residents 25 or older have a high school diploma or higher. Approximately 62% have a bachelor’s degree or more.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Naples is higher than many other places in the United States. Generally, Naples’ homes closest to the shore are priced higher than ones inland. Still, Naples is more affordable than many other coastal communities in the country, like Malibu or the Hamptons.

Housing is the main factor increasing Naples’ cost of living score. The median home in Naples is valued at around $1,046,000, more than double the average home price in the country.

Rent is also on the higher side in Naples. You might pay close to $2,000 or more a month for an apartment in the city. Renting a single-family home costs around $6,450 monthly.

Although housing costs are generally higher in Naples, some expenses are lower than the national average. For example, Naples residents spend less on utilities and transportation than people in other cities. Floridians also don’t have to worry about state income tax.

Weather

Weather is one of Naples’ biggest draws. In Naples, you’ll enjoy beautiful, sunny weather year-round.

Winters are mild and dry, with temperatures typically in the 60s and 70s. Summers can get hot and humid, but tropical breezes keep the heat in check. It rarely goes above the mid-90s in the summer.

You can enjoy swimming in Naples most of the year, too. The ocean’s water is warm enough for a pleasant swim from April through December.

Like all of Florida’s coastal cities, residents must prepare for the occasional hurricane. Hurricane season runs from June to the end of November. The last hurricane to hit Naples was Hurricane Irma in 2017. It had been the first hurricane in 12 years to impact Naples directly.

The Best Neighborhoods in Naples

The city of Naples consists of distinct communities with a lot of character. Some of these communities have associations that work with Naples leadership to improve the city overall. Neighborhoods and communities include:

Old Naples: Old Naples is the part of the city where it all began. Here, you’ll find historic homes mixed with contemporary condos and walkable tree-lined streets.Old Naples offers access to shopping, restaurants and a historic downtown district. Whether you’re moving to Old Naples or just visiting, be sure to stop at Naples Pier, the city’s landmark, and Palm Cottage — the oldest home in the city.
Coquina Sands: Coquina Sands is one of the oldest communities in Naples. This well-loved neighborhood has roughly 800 single-family homes and multi-family units. It’s also where you’ll find the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club and peaceful Lowdermilk Park.
Park Shore: Park Shore was developed in the 70s by the Lutgert family and features over 600 single-family homes and condos, some overlooking Venetian Bay. You’ll encounter plenty of shopping and restaurants in Park Shore, along with Park Shore Resort. This community is also close to the popular Clam Pass Park.
The Moorings: Set between Coquina Sands and Park Shores, the Moorings is a quiet residential neighborhood perfect for beach lovers. The Moorings has about 4,000 condos and homes and features easy access to the Gulf.
Port Royal: Port Royal is a desirable and exclusive waterfront community. It was founded in 1938 by John Glen Sample, who desired to make Port Royal “the finest place in the world to live.” Port Royal residents take great pride in their homes and enjoy abundant boating opportunities at their doorsteps.

Schools and Education

Whether you’re raising children or are considering going back to school, Naples has what you need. The city is part of the Collier County Public Schools system and has three elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Naples is also home to several highly rated private schools, like Naples Christian Academy and Community School of Naples.

If you’re looking for colleges, you’ll have access to Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Meyers and Florida SouthWestern State College, which has a campus on Grand Lely Drive in Naples.

Employment

As of August 2023, the Naples region had an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Tourism is one of the largest markets in Naples, so many residents work in the hospitality or service industries.

Construction is another big industry in the region. The city continually adds more housing, bringing plenty of construction jobs.

Many locals also work for Arthrex, a medical device manufacturer headquartered in Naples. Otherwise, hospitals and schools serve as major employers.

Overall, the top industries in Naples include:

Leisure and hospitality
Education and health services
Transportation, trade and utilities
Construction

Safety

Naples is one of the safest places to live in the country, with a lower-than-average crime rate. Residents enjoy knowing they can take their dog for a walk or go shopping alone without worrying about safety.

Still, since Naples draws tourists from around the world, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings.

Things to Do in Naples

Naples offers something for everyone of all ages — all year long. Here are just a few places to explore in Naples:

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Do you love observing Florida’s diverse wildlife? As a Naples resident, you can visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary whenever you want to immerse yourself in nature. Corkscrew features a boardwalk over 2 miles long and winds through various habitats, including a marsh, pine flatwood forest and North America’s largest old-growth bald cypress forest. Bring your binoculars and watch birds, alligators, turtles, otters and deer.
Naples Botanical Garden: At Naples Botanical Garden, you’ll feel stress disappear as you wander through lush tropical gardens. It’s the perfect setting for taking a morning stroll, appreciating rare plants or viewing nature-inspired art.
Naples Zoo: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a great way to spend the day with your family. Visitors can see a wide range of animals, including birds, mammals and reptiles, surrounded by old trees and exotic plants. Highlights include Bornean orangutans, African lions and a black bear.
Crayton Cove: Crayton Cove offers everything you need for a day of sailing or fishing. Here, you’ll find Naples City Dock with boats ready to go, plus various restaurants and shops.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Delnor-Wiggins is a well-loved place for enjoying the beach and coastal nature. The parkoffers a mile of pristine, white-sand beach and crystal-clear water. Many activities keep visitors busy at Delnor-Wiggins, including kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing and birdwatching. To spot loggerhead turtles, head to the park during nesting season from May through October.
5th Avenue South: Fifth Avenue is the place to be for high-endshopping, dining and entertainment. In this part of town, you’ll find numerous boutiques, upscale restaurants, art galleries, cafes and more.
Naples Pier: You can’t move to Naples without checking out the pier. This iconic wooden boardwalk stretches 1,000 feet into the Gulf and is a favorite spot for fishing or catching the sunset.
Revs Institute: Car enthusiasts and history buffs must visit Revs Institute. This museum houses rare and innovative automobiles from 1896 to 1995 and hosts fun events like Cars and Coffee.

Ready to Move to Naples?

Naples, Florida, is a coastal paradise. If you’re ready to move to this desirable city, we’re prepared to make your relocation as smooth as possible.

At David McCarthy Moving, we’ll handle every step to make your move completely stress-free, from packing your belongings to safely transporting them to your new Naples home.

Our team is fully insured, licensed, experienced and dedicated to your satisfaction. You can trust that all your belongings, including your most precious valuables, will be handled with the utmost care and attention.