Overview

The specific location of any home or community in consideration should be examined in direct relationship to its proximity to areas of need and/or interest. These areas might include beaches, marinas, parks, recreational facilities, schools, hospitals, performing arts centers, dining and shopping spots, etc. There might also be serious consideration as to where friends and/or family live in Naples, the populations of particular areas, environmental considerations and more. The location you live within can have a highly meaningful, day-to-day impact on your quality of life in Naples.

If you have used our Advanced Naples Real Estate Search or Naples Communities Search you know that we offer Naples real estate search capabilities based upon specific locations within Naples. And every one of our over 600 community pages indicates what location the community resides within. There are nine locations in total.

Below, please find brief, general overviews of the nine Naples locations you might consider buying real estate within. Each are accompanied by Highlights, Considerations, and Quick Take feedback aimed at helping you understand each location a little. Should we spend time together exploring real estate options that meet your interests, needs and price range you will learn much more about each location directly from me.

Naples Locations

For our purposes, a location is defined as a clearly mapped area with set boundaries, as well as unique features, characteristics or otherwise.

With the exception of the City of Naples, please know that each location that follows is unique to our site. The ability to search real estate by Naples location is site exclusive, as are the way we define Naples locations. The reasons for this are that Naples locations as currently defined, if defined at all, are dated, confusing, and in some cases completely inaccurate. Because a current, mutually agreed upon Naples locations map that is beneficial to potential buyers does not exist, we decided to create our own.

All maps can be expanded via a click.

1. City of Naples

Quick Take

With the exception of those who want to buy within a gated golf community, the City of Naples is usually the first location choice of buyers who have the means to purchase here. It is the crème de la crème of Naples and Naples real estate in whole. In fact, the real estate here is amongst the most highly prized in the world. This said, some areas of the city are less desirable than others and some are a bit further away from a beach access point, dining and shopping than others.

Communities of note include: Aqualane Shores, Coquina Sands, Moorings, Olde Naples, Park Shore and Port Royal

2. Central Naples West

Quick Take

West of I-75 and centrally located, Central Naples West is an ideal location for many. There is a lot to like about an area that provides relatively quick access to most of the top destinations within Naples. The area is rather diverse. There are very high-end communities, as well as older condominium developments. Some specific areas are very quiet with beautiful tree-lined streets. Other areas are heavily commercial and busy. The land west of Route 41/Tamiami Trail is dominated by Pelican Bay. Unless a resident here, the closest beach access points will be on either the north or south ends of it.

Communities of note include: Grey Oaks, Monterey, Pelican Bay, Pine Ridge and Wyndemere

3. North Naples West

Quick Take

Of all locations, North Naples West is likely the most diverse. From some of the highest end gated golf communities and new luxury towers on the Gulf, to older Florida cottages near the beach and condominium complexes well past their age, this location has a wide range of real estate opportunities. The character of the area also varies significantly. Southern portions maintain the Naples “vibe,” especially at Mercato, a prime dining and nightlife destination. New development on/around Vanderbilt Beach is booming. Some northern portions of the area lack appeal for many.

Communities of note include: Colliers Reserve, Kalea Bay, Mediterra, Pelican Marsh, Tiburon and Vanderbilt Beach

4. South Naples

Quick Take

South Naples is defined by old and new. The area immediately to the east of downtown Naples was one of the first to be developed as Naples grew beyond city limits. This has left some portions of South Naples in need of updating. Other portions of the area have seen new communities built, and new shopping and dining plazas opened. Some areas are also being redefined like our “new” and popular Bayshore Arts District.

Communities of note include: Isles of Collier Preserve, Lely Resort, Treviso Bay, Royal Harbor and Windstar

5. Central Naples East

Quick Take

Most of Central Naples East can be divided into two unique sections. Vineyards, a large HOA golf and country club community occupies one section. The other consists of homes on 1 acre + lots within the non-HOA communities of Logan Woods and what some refer to as western portions of Golden Gate Estates. Within the latter are few opportunities for shopping and dining. Furthermore, roadway landscaping upkeep can be lacking.

Communities of note include: Berkshire Village, Forest Park, Logan Woods and Vineyards

6. North Naples East

Quick Take

North Naples East is heavily populated by mid-to-large sized gated golf resorts and a handful of HOA communities sans golf. The area has seen a large uptick in commercial development over the past decade or so. New plazas filled with shopping and dining opportunities have been built to meet demand in the immediate area, as well as points further east of it that are seeing major residential development.

Communities of note include: Esplanade, Olde Cypress, Quail Creek, Quail West and The Quarry

7. Southeast Naples

Quick Take

Much of Southeast Naples is undeveloped and will see somewhat limited future development. This is due to water flow needs and restoration efforts to nearby preserve lands. This said, there are a handful of well-regarded mid-to-large sized communities, as well as a handful of new developments currently underway. New plazas containing shopping and dining options have been developed to meet demand over the past ten years or so.

Communities of note include: Caymas, Fiddler’s Creek, Esplanade By The Islands, Naples Reserve, Winding Cypress

8. East Naples

Quick Take

East Naples is very large and extends fairly far east within Collier County. The northeastern edge of this location is an approximate 45 minute drive to downtown Naples. The area has a handful of HOA communities, but is primarily comprised of 1 – 3 acre plus homesites within the non-HOA community of Golden Gate Estates. If proximity to top destinations is less important than having land to do what you want with (within reason), Golden Gate Estates might be a perfect fit.

Communities of note include: Golden Gate Estates, Orange Blossom Ranch, SkySail, Twin Eagles

9. Other Locations

Quick Take

While most of our customers and clients prefer to be well west of Other Locations within Collier County, there are those that find opportunities here most appealing and/or a better financial fit. This vast area of the county is not without HOA communities, but there are very few at this time. This said, there are current plans underway to build three villages with a total of 10,000 homes along the western section of this location. Where there is land and demand, opportunity awaits. This effort will require decades to complete.

Communities of note include: Ave Maria

In Closing

Many that visit Naples or begin investigating it as a potential place to buy a home are surprised when they learn how large and spread out it is. The City of Naples is somewhat small, but when you examine the entirety of Naples – that which includes our five unincorporated Collier County districts that are also referred to as Naples – it is fairly large. Even when you narrow locations down to the western portion of the county, where most of my clients end up buying, it is an area that is approximately 20 miles long and 12 miles wide. That is over 15,000 acres.

Location really matters. You may have heard the phrase, “location, location, location.” Real estate is defined by location. Property values are significantly influenced by location. And the location of a home can have a highly meaningful impact on your day-to-day life in Naples. There is much more to know about locations within Naples. I am just scratching the surface here. This said, it is my hope that the development of our Naples locations, and the ability to search both listings and communities by them are beneficial to you. What Naples location might be best for you? If you would like my assistance in helping you determine the best fit, please let me know.