Guest Blog - There is No Better Place to Live Than Naples
In my twelve years of selling real estate, I have been blessed to have met some of the top agents around the world and in the US. In fact, I have friends in fifty-seven countries and in every state in the United States. Since many of my clients that I meet working for ONE Sotheby's International Realty are interested in all parts of our nation, I decided to have some of these agents write a guest blog for me.
This guest blog is written by Sotheby's International Realty luxury agent, Agnes Zak. She has been selling luxury real estate for over fifteen years and specializes in selling homes in Naples, Florida. Hope you enjoy the blog.
The crown jewel of Southwest Florida, Naples is nestled on the sun-drenched beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Known for world-class shopping, dining, and challenging golf courses. It is steps away from island seclusion and the untamed tropical wilderness of the Everglades.
Naples makes a splash with water lovers and recreationists from around the world thanks to the beautiful sands and calm waters. Enjoy friendly parks whether you’re a sports enthusiast looking for a round of disc golf or a picnicker who simply wants to enjoy lush green spaces. No matter where you are in life, you can make Naples your home or home away from home.
Shopping, Dining, and Golfing in Naples
Naples has played host to many major state, national, and professional golf tournaments over the past several decades and continues to expand its role in the world of competitive golf. The winter months are so mild that tourists and residents flock to golf courses across the area. Golf Advisor named Naples the “Golf Capital of the World” in 2014. These events, the beautiful weather, and golf courses like Tiburon’s Golf Club and Naples Grande Golf Club, continue to attract golf enthusiasts to Naples every year.
Shopping and dining in Naples are available for every budget, lifestyle, and family. Special events call for Truluck or Chops City Grill. For a more casual outing with the kids and grandkids, there’s always Brook’s Gourmet Burgers and Dogs or E.J.’s Bayfront Cafe. There’s no appetizer like fresh air. After a day enjoying the beach, golf, tennis, or shopping at Waterside Shops or 5th Avenue South, you’ll find something delicious to suit everyone’s tastes.
Want to have fun at night without the kids or while you're hanging out with friends? Naples has a rich, exciting night life. Head over to the Mecca of the Naples nightlife: Mercato. Check out Blue Martini, Cavo, Wine Loft, or Burn. Or if you have a designated driver and nowhere to be the next day, try all of them! Go for happy hour and stay for a great night out.
Naples: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
Naples is Nature’s playground. Whether you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground or you wake up ready to hit the warm waters of the Gulf, there’s always something fun to explore and do. We’re known as the Paradise Coast for a reason. Make plans to enjoy the beautiful parks scattered around Naples with your family and friends at Fleischmann Park or Gordon River Greenway Park, and of course, take your furry family members out for some fun at the Naples Dog Park. Enjoy local special events, performing arts programs, and athletic events - as a spectator or a performer.
For the anglers out there, you can enjoy fishing year-round thanks to the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Fish offshore over old wrecks or stick the backwaters, there’s something available for every preference. Naples is a boat lovers paradise, but if you haven’t invested in your home on the water yet, you can always visit any number of marinas to rent a boat for the day.
Make sure you head over to Naples Pier, an iconic location since 1888 great for fishing or dolphin-watching. If you take your rod and reel out to the Pier, you won’t need a fishing license as the City of Naples purchased a bulk fishing license for the pier.
Living in Naples
Did you know Naples was named one of the happiest and healthiest cities in America? Naples, including Marco Island and Immokalee, were listed at the top of the Gallup-Healthways State of American Well-Being: 2015 Community Rankings report. The report was created from surveys of residents from 190 different areas around the country. So why do those of us who live in Naples love it so much?
Waterfront living is at a premium in Naples, with developers capitalizing on the breathtaking views by building skyward. If you’re looking for luxury Gulf front living, stylish condominiums like Pelican Bay and Park Shore are two prime examples. Pelican Bay offers a private beach club, while Royal Harbor is famous for single family homes with private boat slips to keep you close to the Gulf and to all that Naples has to offer.
Raising a family in Naples offers plenty of advantages. Beautiful single family homes can be found throughout the area, from family-oriented gated communities to rural neighborhoods like Golden Gate and Rural Estates. No matter what you're looking for, existing or new construction, there's a perfect neighborhood for your family.
Naples schools are some of the best in the state and the country. Some of the top-ranked schools in the city include Pelican Marsh Elementary, Sea Gate Elementary, Pine Ridge Middle School, and Barron Collier High School.
Want to take the kids - or grandkids - to have plenty of fun and experience new things? Naples is full of family-friendly activities and places to explore. Don't miss the Naples Zoo. You can buy tickets online or in-person or become a member and at no additional cost for a year. Enjoy fun in the sun and let the kids splash and play at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Naples' waterpark.
When the heat is too much or they need a change of pace, head over to the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples where they can have fun with hands-on exhibits and other kid-friendly activities.
Naples was recently named the #1 Small Art Town in America for good reason. The city is home to more than 100 art galleries and is well-known for the Philharmonic. Artis Naples, one of the country’s finest cultural programs, provides year-round venues to celebrate Naples’ rich artistic culture. The natural beauty of the area inspires artists of all types, and those of us who live in Naples are fortunate to enjoy the fruits of their creative labor.
Naples was recently named the #1 Small Art Town in America for good reason. The city is home to more than 100 art galleries and is well-known for the Philharmonic. Artis Naples, one of the country’s finest cultural programs, provides year-round venues to celebrate Naples’ rich artistic culture. The natural beauty of the area inspires artists of all types, and those of us who live in Naples are fortunate to enjoy the fruits of their creative labor.