Naples Florida - Poor Man's Paradise or Rich Man's Retreat
Naples Florida, in Collier County, has unfairly been called a place that only the wealthy could afford and the average man could only dream about. While this southwestern city in the state has the second largest population of millionaires, growth in the last twenty years has favored people across the income stratus.
This gateway to the Everglades has become a destination for ecotourists and those looking for a warm climate to live, relax and play in. Plus there are dozens of things to do in Naples Florida today and every day.
Naples, Florida once was a winter destination mostly for those who could afford the elegant shops and restaurants along 5th Street and 3rd Street South. Today, the options go well beyond the upscale district to all parts of the city.
In the last ten years, the population in Collier County has grown by over 20 percent. Much of that growth has been in the suburban area of Naples with a median housing price of $340,000, according to the US Census Bureau. Golf communities seem to be springing up in all areas of the county.
Celebrities in Naples Florida
- Larry Byrd, a former famed NBA superstar.
- Mike Ditka, the Chicago Head coach and everyone’s spokesman.
- Fuzzy Zoeller, retired PGA star.
- Alex Lifeson, lead guitarist for Rush.
- Shahid Khan, owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- “Judge Judy” Sheindlin, famous TV judge.
- Bob Seger, a legendary rock star.
- Sean Hannity, Fox News anchor.
- Jane Seymour, movie actress.
- Rick Scott, senator from Florida.
These and a couple dozen more notable people are residents or former residents of Naples Florida.
Naples Florida Facts – Economy Flourishes
People are discovering that Naples offers a moderate year-round climate, affordable housing, recreational opportunities, and a lower-than-average unemployment rate. New residents are headed for this corner of Florida more frequently. Tourists have found Naples to be a place with sandy beaches, reasonable resorts, a range of good restaurants and friendly locals to guide them around the city.
Of course, as the tourist industry grows, jobs and opportunity is not far behind.
Between the tourists and new residents, Naples’s economy is flourishing. This southwest Florida city has it all. Location, great weather, exceptional shopping, a wide range of watersports, good infrastructure and new businesses around the county.
What To Do in Naples Florida Today
- Start the morning with a walk on the beach at The Naples Pier.
- Head over to the Naples Botanical Gardens for a mid-morning stop.
- If parks are on your agenda, the Collier-Seminole State Park is a great choice just a few miles east of Naples. You can learn about the walking dredge that helped forge a way through the Everglades.
- Spend a leisurely afternoon on 5th Avenue while parting with a few hard-earned dollars.
- Of course, you could shop at the Venetian Village Shops.
- Lunch at one of the several fine restaurants at Venetian Village.
- If watersports are on your mind, go down to the riverfront by Tin City where you can charter a fishing boat, rent a pontoon, and Kayaks and paddle boards are also available.
- Other recreational options available on your list of things to do in Naples Florida today include, eco-tours, everglades airboat rides, sandy beaches, parasailing and sailboat cruises.
As you can see there are many things to do in Naples Florida today and every day of the week.
Good Restaurants in Naples Florida
Good restaurants in Naples are numerous. You can find them all from Cuban, Italian, Irish and Greek, but seafood is still king in this coastal community.
Who can resist fresh stone crab claws at Kelly’s Fish House on the River?
Then there is The Boathouse on Naples Bay which has been serving great shrimp cocktails forever and their steaks aren’t bad either!
Speaking of steaks, don’t pass up Stoney’s Steakhouse at Bayfront!
The lobster bisque at T-Michaels at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay is the best you will find.
Our favorite restaurant is Riverwalk.
Located just at the entrance to Tin City, Riverwalk combines great food, a waterfront view, friendly staff and active boat traffic to make a great experience. Their oysters are the freshest and best in town!
You can stop off at Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant and Bar for some food and shopping. Both are just west of downtown.
Next time you are thinking of a weekend getaway in Florida, keep Naples in mind.
Our choice for a quick weekend getaway is the Bayfront Inn.
The Bayfront is clean and affordable, but the real attraction is the convenience. The Bayfront is located on the Gordon River at the bridge that crosses the river on the Tamiami Trail (RT. 41).
From Bayfront Inn you can walk under the bridge to Tin City, Riverwalk and it’s about a half mile to downtown Naples.
You can stay on your side of the bridge for Stoney’s Steak House, and all the water sports and boat rentals just outside the hotel.
Other hotel options in Naples include the elegant Naples Beach and Golf Club, The Naples Grande Beach Resort and, of course, there are plenty of chain hotels all along the Tamiami Trail.
Coming to Naples by boat? Don’t forget The Cove Inn at Naples Marina for a quaint place to stay near your boat.
Where is Naples Florida Located
Naples Florida is located in southwest Florida on the Tamiami Trail (Rt. 41).
Naples is a great place to stay on your way to the Florida Keys, traveling to or from Miami or just hobnobbing around Florida.
Check out Naples day trips to places like Everglades City, Loop Road and Key Largo.
Naples Florida is located on the Tamiami Trail (rt. 41) in southwest Florida.
