Naples, Florida, is a community of about 20,000 that is located along the southwestern Florida Gulf coast. This Collier County city is one of the most affluent in the nation. Many residents enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, whose waters lap up onto expansive powdery white sand beaches.

History

Two prominent Kentucky citizens came to the area in the late 1880s to partner in founding what is today Naples. John Stuart Williams was a former Confederate general, and Walter Haldeman was the publisher of one of the state's major newspapers, the Louisville Courier-Journal. For years Haldeman's paper had run stories of the attractive climate and the abundance of wildlife. The development was touted as facing out on a bay that surpassed that of Naples, Italy, so Naples was adopted as the name of the growing community.

Parks and Recreation

Naples' beaches stretch for 10 miles from Seagate Drive on the north to Gordon Pass to the south. Residents and visitors alike sunbathe, swim and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Watersports and beach volleyball are popular. Anglers can head to the Naples Fishing Pier, which is located at the west end of 12th Avenue South. The pier extends over 1,000 feet out into the Gulf.

Delnor Wiggins State Park offer many amenities, including a boat ramp, observation tower, bathhouses, grills and other picnic facilities. Vanderbilt Beach is just south of the state park, and it also offers premium beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Lifeguards are on duty at select times, and a boat ramp is provided for recreational boaters, fishermen and others. There's also an observation tower, bath house and complete picnic facilities.

Attractions and Activites

It is easy to spend almost a full day at the Naples Zoo, thanks to the many activities and attractions. The facility is one of only five in the country to exhibit African honey badgers. The primate exhibition cruise, baby alligator feeding, and the historic tropical garden are all memorable experiences to be enjoyed here.

Events

Residents with Naples FL homes look forward to the annual Naples Winter Wine Festival that occurs late in January. Over three-dozen vintners and over a dozen widely acclaimed chefs appear at this event hosted by the Ritz-Carlton Resort. The three-day-long festival raises funds for area children's charities.

Although beachfront Naples properties luxury high-rise condominiums are popular in the city, there is very affordable real estate in Naples as well. Overall, the homes for sale in Naples can range from the $200,000 range to well over $10 million. The selective Naples home buyer seeking dynamic Naples real estate will also find homes set against a backdrop of gorgeous golf courses. A Naples real estate agent with thorough local knowledge will prove to be indispensible as you come to better understand the Naples FL real estate market. Regardless of your budget and tastes, a local Naples realtor will be able to show you appropriate Naples homes for sale.