Top 9 Neighborhoods To Live in Naples

Naples is an idyllic city in southwest Florida with the perfect combination of climate, culture, and amenities. You may think of it as a retirement destination, as it’s often ranked in the top ten places to retire by the U.S. News and World Report. However, with its miles of white sand beaches and plenty of attractions, Naples is a great place to call home for people of all ages.

Let’s present a brief profile of Naples before diving into its best neighborhoods.

Why live in Naples?

Naples has a reputation as an affluent area, as many wealthy figures and celebrities have bought waterfront real estate nearby or on the islands. Some famous names include Donna Summer, Janet Evanovich, Judge Judy, Sean Hannity, and Jane Seymour.

The truth is the largest city in Collier County has something for everyone, whether you enjoy outdoor activities or prefer high-end shopping and dining.

Naples is world-renowned for its white sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. It’s also considered one of the best shelling spots in Florida, offering an opportunity to find shark teeth or hunt for colorful, rare shells.

Away from the soft sands awaits a vibrant art scene, with world-class museums and galleries, plus plenty of live music events throughout the year. The thriving dining scene serves globally inspired cuisines using the wealth of freshly caught seafood. Dine on the beach as you experience a cool breeze from the sea.

Naples has no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy. With more than 90 golf courses –30 of which are open to the general public–hit the links with some of the world’s best players. Several nature preserves are ideal places for spotting the endangered Florida Panther, and the Everglades National Park is a day trip away. That’s only on what is on shore; Naples waterfront activities run the whole gamut from sailing to deep sea fishing.

Some of south Florida’s best shopping awaits in Naples. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury brands or boutique shops along Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South, there’s a retailer to serve your fashion and home decor needs.

Now let’s dive into our picks for Naples’ most desirable neighborhoods. Whether you want to live full-time or are seeking a second home, Naples has the real estate options to accommodate.

Aqualane Shores

This exclusive waterfront neighborhood is situated on Naples Bay and has picturesque streets lined with historic estates. Aqualane Shores developed in the 1950s, making it one of the oldest neighborhoods in town. Here you can find waterfront homes tucked away among lush mangroves, as well as luxury condos surrounded by lush landscaping. Deepwater canals provide easy access to the ocean for the residents’ boats and yachts. The Gulf Beaches are just 200 yards from the neighborhood borders.

Many residents enjoy its closeness to Third Street South Shopping District. Pop over to browse the farmer’s market, wine stores, or hang out at one of the many cafes.

Waterfront homes in this luxurious neighborhood cost anywhere from $5.7 million to a whopping $39.5 million in December 2022, and they come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll be spoilt for choice with beautiful views guaranteed, private docks for your convenience, and tons of different architectural styles!

Coquina Sands

Coquina Sands is another established Naples neighborhood, with some of the first homes built in the late 1960s. Tucked away between Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this luxury community is beachfront.

A near-central location makes it convenient for Naples’ many amenities. The neighborhood is bordered by Orchid Drive to the north, The Naples Beach and Golf Club to the south, and Tamiami Trail N (U.S. 41) to the east. Getting around by car is convenient and easy.

The crystal-clear shallow Gulf waters are accessible to the public from Lowdermilk Park. The waters are ideal for sunbathing, fishing, and water sports.

This high-end neighborhood with tree-lined streets boasts large custom estate properties on generously sized lots and condos right on the beach. Thirteen distinct homes were available for purchase in December 2022, with a median list price of $8M.

Indigo Lakes

The family-friendly community of Indigo Lakes is a great place to call home! Located off Immokalee Road east of I-75, this Naples neighborhood has plenty of amenities and a great location close to Naples’ attractions.

Many residents enjoy the neighborhood’s centrally located community center with its pool, lighted basketball and tennis courts, fitness center, and playgrounds. You can also stroll around the picturesque lakeside paths or just relax in one of the idyllic butterfly gardens.

Indigo Lakes is well connected to the Naples metro, with U.S. 41 nearby and the Naples Airport. Shopping centers make picking up groceries and sundries easy. Add top-rated schools like North Naples Middle School, and you have a well-rounded neighborhood to call home.

If your budget is more limited, but you are still interested in a single-family home, look into Indigo Lakes. This gated neighborhood with 397 homes northeast of Naples had houses starting at $750,000 in December 2022.

The Moorings

This beachfront residential Naples neighborhood is situated along the Gulf of Mexico and Doctors Pass. With high-rise condos and single-family homes available, The Moorings is popular with families and retirees. Residents can join the Mooring Property Owners Association, which provides Moorings Beach Park parking privileges and access to member events.

The Moorings Golf & Country Club is a private golf club for members only, with an 18-hole championship course in the neighborhood. Besides the private beach access, public beach access and a public park are at Lowdermilk Park.

Outside The Moorings awaits first-class shopping at Waterside Shops and Venetian Village as well as top restaurants, from casual to gourmet. With easy access to Tamiami Trail, this neighborhood is conveniently near Naples beaches, hospitals, schools, and parks.

In December 2022, The Moorings had 84 homes ranging from $175K to $16M for a custom waterfront estate.

Old Naples

For those who want to be right in the center of Naples’ attractions, historic Old Naples is the place to be. It’s an eclectic mix of high-end homes and low-rise condos between Tamiami Trail N (U.S. 41) and Naples Bay.

The downtown Naples area is a local gathering spot. It features some of Naples’ best restaurants and exclusive art galleries along the Fifth Avenue South shopping district. Fifth Avenue is a popular spot for street festivals and outdoor concerts. Third Street South Shopping District offers fashionable boutiques, wine stores, cafes, and a farmer’s market.

From Old Naples, residents access beaches along the Gulf of Mexico via Naples Pier or the public Naples Beach. Naples Bay also has some waterfront options.

The area mixes old and new homes, mature tropical landscaping, and palm trees. In December 2022, the median price for condos and single-family homes in Old Naples was around $1.9M. There were 229 properties ranging from $47K to $21.9M.

Park Shore

If you want an exclusive Naples lifestyle with beach access, then Park Shore is just what you need! It’s a luxurious neighborhood developed in the 1970s and 1980s between The Moorings and Vanderbilt Beach. Amenities include tennis courts, boardwalks, bike paths, a yacht club, and more.

Park Shore’s main attraction is its waterfront, both the private white sandy beach and along Inner Doctors Pass. Residents have easy access to sunbathing, swimming in crystal-clear water, or boating.

With easy access to Tamiami Trail N (U.S. 41) and I-75, residents can easily explore all Naples attractions. The Village Shops on Venetian Bay is the nearest premier shopping center with a waterfront venue, fine dining, and boutique shops.

Park Shore has 600 single-family homes, 25 high-rise condominiums, and more mid- and low-rise condominiums for your housing options. Some prevalent architectural styles are Bermuda and Mediterranean villas. Association members receive exclusive access to Park Shore beachfront.

In December 2022, Park Shore had 100 properties on the market ranging from $400K to $35M for a waterfront estate. The median price for single-family homes was around $2.5M.

Pelican Bay

Master-planned Pelican Bay is at the top of the list for premier luxury waterfront living. With two luxury high-rise towers and mid-rise condos, estate single-family homes, and exclusive amenities access, residents have a well-rounded lifestyle on 2,300 acres.

Pelican Bay is on the north side beside Naples Bay and Clam Pass. The resort-style living delivers numerous amenities such as championship golf courses, two fully equipped tennis facilities, private beaches, and more. Leisurely walks along nature trails will take you to Naples’ famous Ritz Carlton Golf Resort, an anchor in the community.

Living in Pelican Bay is a self-contained world with all the necessary amenities. Locals say the tram system is as good as Disney’s, and many residents never leave the property because there’s everything they need on the property. But if you do want to venture out, Waterside Shops offers a beautiful open-air shopping experience, and Artis Naples hosts nationally-renowned shows and concerts.

The properties available in Pelican Bay range from luxurious condominiums to multi-million dollar custom homes. It’s perfect for anyone wanting resort-style living with the Naples lifestyle! There are 60 sub-neighborhoods in Pelican Bay, including gated communities and luxury custom estates.

Pine Ridge

The Pine Ridge neighborhood is situated by Pelican Bay off U.S. 41. The vibe here is laid back and calm, as the developers aimed to deserve a natural feeling with abundant pine trees and lakes.

Residents are minutes away from Waterside and Mercato shops, as well as a short drive to Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South’s fine dining, world-class shopping, and entertainment. Nearby attractions include Vanderbilt Beach and some top golf and country clubs, like the Country Club of Naples.

The community offers single-family and estate homes, all situated on large pieces of land ranging from one to seven acres. If you enjoy the equestrian lifestyle, you’ll fit right in; some of the properties come with stables for horses.

Pine Ridge had 30 homes for sale in December 2022. Prices ranged from $360,000 to $11.5 million, with a median list price of $3.2 million.

Port Royal

For those seeking Naples’ finest waterfront lifestyle, look no further than Port Royal. This exclusive gated Naples community is located at the southernmost tip of Naples and has some of the most luxurious homes in the area. Gordon Drive is the only road in and out, but residents can access anywhere they like by boat.

Port Royal’s amenities include tennis courts, a yacht club, parks, and private beaches. The streetscape presents an old-world charm with pirate-themed street names and lush tropical landscaping that makes you feel like you’re in another world.

The 500 housing options in this neighborhood are breathtaking, all being custom-designed estate single-family homes. Properties range from $8M to over $31M, with a median list price of around $22.4M. Bays deep enough for yachts and sailing ships to enter are found throughout the community.

Best Places for Living in Naples

Naples has it if you’re looking for a single-family home, upscale estate, or luxury condo. With its white sand beaches and limitless amenities, Naples makes the dream of Florida waterfront living come true. Each neighborhood has unique offerings; these featured neighborhoods are just some of Naples’ best! A local real estate agent can help pinpoint the right place to live in Naples for you.