When you tell someone that you live in Naples, it may conjure up an image of boats, beaches and the lively scene on Fifth Avenue South.
But the reality is that your piece of paradise in “Naples” could be almost anywhere in Collier County. And Collier County spans an area larger than the state of Delaware, with over 2300 square miles of land! Another reality: Almost all of Collier County has a Naples mailing address. (The exceptions are the communities of Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee, and Ave Maria.)
Within that huge area known as “Naples,” home buyers will discover diverse neighborhoods and home options. You’ll navigate the area more efficiently if you learn a bit of the “local-speak” for various areas of town. Real estate listings often use these terms to give a general idea of where a home is located.
Here is a bit of a guide to finding your way around and honing in on the home listing that is in exactly the right spot for you:
City of Naples: Naples “proper” includes only 14 square miles of downtown. Naples’ meandering eastern boundary include the City Dock, Tin City and the Naples Airport. Many downtown activities center on Fifth Avenue South and Cambier Park.
Olde Naples: Within the City of Naples, Olde Naples includes the area of Naples’ original settlement. It’s an easy walk to shopping, dining, and the beach. Olde Naples is home to the well-loved Naples Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Naples Pier.
Park Shore: Also within the City of Naples boundaries, Park Shore lies west of US 41 between Golden Gate Parkway and Pine Ridge Rd. This area offers highly desirable homes close to the beach and major retail centers.
North Naples: Traditionally defined as the area north of Pine Ridge Road and west of I-75, North Naples stretches about six miles north to Immokalee Rd. and now encompasses the area as far east as Collier Blvd. Here you will find major shopping areas and popular residential communities. North Naples is known for convenience and amenities with a “neighborhood” feel.
Pelican Bay: West of US 41 between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Pelican Bay is a large development of homes and condominiums featuring private beach access.
East Naples: Located along US 41 east of the Courthouse complex (known as “The East Trail”), stretching to Collier Blvd. East Naples includes a mix of new construction, resort communities such as Lely resort, and established “old Florida” style communities.
Golden Gate Estates: Located east of Collier Blvd. along Golden Gate Blvd., Golden Gate Estates offers large parcels of land and a more rural lifestyle. “The Estates” stretches north to the town of Immokalee and east to DeSoto Blvd.
As you become more familiar with Naples and Collier County, you will discover that many residents identify their home’s location by the name of the development or by the nearest main crossroads. (For example, “We’re in Park Shore,” or “We’re just off of Livingston and Vanderbilt Beach.”
A future blog will help navigate Naples roadways to find the best ways to get around town.
