OLD NAPLES NEIGHBORHOOD

Guide to Old Naples Homes

From premier shops to fabulous restaurants, Old Naples, also known as downtown Naples, is a highly sought-after destination. Given how small and charming Old Naples is, residents find themselves walking to almost every fantastic amenity that is available to them. The lush greenery, stunning properties, beautiful beaches, and luxurious lifestyle add to Old Naples’ unmatched appeal. Honored with numerous accolades, Naples has been ranked as the #1 small arts town in America, #1 for well-being, #1 cleanest, #1 for luxury travelers, #1 happiest and #1 best beach town to live in, there is clearly something very special about this unique Floridian coastal destination. Whether you prefer to enjoy a day browsing opulent boutiques, playing a game of golf, or sunbathing on Florida’s white-sand beaches, Old Naples has every diversion your heart desires.

Many celebrities, including William Stone and Mary Carillo, call Old Naples home. Learn more in our blog post: Celebrities & Entrepreneurs Who Call Naples/Southwest Florida Home.

Read below, A Guide to Old Naples Homes.

A Brief History

Founded in the late 1880’s as a winter retreat and sport fishing destination, Old Naples is a beautiful historic town with a rich history. The Naples Pier construction in 1888 was a vital expansion, creating the town’s only entry point via boat access. With the addition of Highway 41 in 1929, the population and development of Old Naples continued to grow. As of the 2020 census Check out the various educational programs and visit the Historic Palm Cottage preserved by the Naples Historical Society to learn more about the town’s history.

Old Naples neighborhood, along with the greater Naples area, is more than luxury shops and diverse architecture. The Big Cypress National Preserve, located directly East and South of Naples, is home to 80% of Florida’s natural preserves, a 729,000-acre region that boasts a freshwater swamp ecosystem and numerous lush green areas, with millions of annual visitors captivated by its beauty. Today, the Old Naples we know and love is home to some of the most upscale properties in the country and remains a highly desirable neighborhood which residents flock to, reveling in the lush green surroundings, abundant sunshine, and luxury amenities to boot.

Properties

This charming enclave comprises spacious, extravagant properties and quaint beach cottages, with some homes dating back to the early 1900s. Single-family homes adorn the coastline, situated amongst hundreds of towering coconut palms, banyan trees, and exclusive new construction properties. Old Naples is a 1.5 square-mile region that houses an estimated 2,850 residences, approximately 1,100 single family homes and 1,750 condominiums. With smaller lot sizes and buildings topping out at only 3-4 stories, Naples has a closely knit village feel but is not overly dense, allowing plenty of open space for lush landscaping. The array of condos and single-family homes ensures people of varying lifestyles can find a property suitable for them.

Affluent inhabitants reside here, with the average price of single-family homes sold in 2020 being just over $4 million and sprawling just under 4,000 square feet. Condominiums sold in 2020 were sold for an average price just short of $1 million and offered about 1,500 square feet in size. As you can see, the cost of living is high, matching the fabulous amenities Old Naples provides its well-to-do residents. Learn more about the market trends of Old Naples with this market report (see page 21) and view available properties for sale in Old Naples.

Map of Old Naples:

Beautiful Beaches

Living in Old Naples means having access to stunning white-sand beaches. Inhabitants relish scenic sunsets, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, and over ten miles of coastline. Each avenue provides quaint city parks with benches where locals appreciate getting in touch with their families and the ocean.

• Old Naples beaches boast 1.75 miles of picturesque shoreline with 20 public access points, the most popular being the cherished Naples Pier. Locals and tourists alike adore the vibrant green-blue waters and the 1,000-foot boardwalk. The pier is an ideal location to spot majestic dolphins splashing about, watch native birds soaring, catch a sublime sunset, and get some fishing underway.
• 2.8mi South of the Naples Pier, Gordon Pass is a popular waterway used by boaters to flow in and out as they please.
• Just North of Old Naples, in the Coquina Sands neighborhood, Lowdermilk Park is a fantastic beachfront park with a host of recreational opportunities. Bring your family and friends for a full day of sand volleyball, picnicking, and watching your little ones climb and frolic on the two playgrounds. A concession stand is available if you’re looking for a snack, and you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. This park has two pavilions for rent, perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or a special event.

Parks & Recreation

Old Naples is home to an array of parks with various recreational opportunities. Residents love the plethora of options to get outside, get active, and bond with their families. With leading a healthy lifestyle being a priority, it is quite common to see inhabitants outside biking, walking, and taking advantage of the beautiful outdoor scenery. Naples is considered a Blue Zone Project, being one of the healthiest and most leisurely cities in the United States, where people lead longer, happier lives. With so many opportunities to get outside and get your body moving, it is no wonder why locals are so joyful and fit.

• Cambier Park is a local favorite, boasting a softball field, a children’s playground, two bocce courts, a basketball court, five shuffleboard courts, a covered pavilion, the Norris Community Center, and the Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center. This 12.84-acre space is more than lush green picnic areas and sports endeavors—the Concerts in the Park series is held here throughout the year, adding to its community appeal.
• Baker Park is another favorite, teeming with features locals adore. This gem offers bike paths, a boat dock, a kayak launch, an outdoor fitness facility, playgrounds, picnic areas, a performance stage, and more! On the first Saturday of every month from November until April, the free Art in the Park event is interchangeably hosted at Baker Park and Cambier Park, showcasing the work of up to 48 local artists.
• Naples City Dock at Crayton Cove offers numerous charters for fishing, sailing and sightseeing. Demolished and completely rebuilt in 2018, this perfectly maintained facility offers 84 slips on floating docks accommodating 30 to 60 foot vessels with deep water, high speed diesel and ethanol free gasoline, free pump out, rest rooms/laundry room/outdoor lounge area and is located close to shops, restaurants and ship store. Enjoy the view of the marina and a meal or drink at The Dock at Crayton Cove, established in 1976, this popular waterfront restaurant is a little piece of Naples’ history.

Golf, Boating & Country Clubs

Credit: The Old Collier Golf Club

World-class golf is synonymous with Southwest Florida, with tourists and locals alike reveling in the stunning surroundings and championship golf courses that follow. Private clubs are studded throughout Naples with a host of recreation and social activities available to members. You’ll never find a dull or lonely moment in the all-encompassing Old Naples.

• Naples National Golf Club is a well-known, invitation-only club that has won several awards. It was named one of the Top 100 Modern Courses in America in 2015-2017 by Golfweek. The course is manicured to perfection, and members are treated like royalty.
• With over 80 championship golf courses in Naples alone, it’s hard to pick which ones to highlight, but here is a list of some of the best private courses.
• If you love to boat or have a vessel of your own, you will be in good company in Southwest Florida. We have taken the time to detail the most popular yacht clubs and marinas here. Also, if you’re considering building your own boat dock, check out our blog post on The Real Costs of Building and Maintaining a Backyard Boat Dock.

Shopping & Dining

Credit: Third Street South

If you prefer to shop ‘til you drop, fear not. Old Naples is perfect for that. There are many great retail and dining opportunities accessible via Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South.

• Third Street South lies just two blocks from Naples Pier and is brimming with boutiques and bistros. Head to Barbatella for a glass of wine and an authentic plate of creamy bucatini pasta. If you prefer American fares and ice-cold brews, head to Old Naples Pub. Shopping is a fun and easy venture with the eclectic offers at Third Street South. For unique jewelry, head to Pierre & Harry, Unique Boutique, and Cleopatra’s Barge. Leisure clothing, swimsuits, and tropical-themed pieces can be found at Tommy Bahama. All your home goods can be found at the interiors and garden shops. There are so many shops, eateries, and services attainable at Third Street South—you can easily spend the day relaxing, eating, and shopping to your heart’s delight.
• Fifth Avenue South has everything you need, from fine dining options to resort apparel and casual cafes to fine art. Terra Nova and Chico’s are excellent shops for summer-ready clothing finds. Relish some much-need massage therapy and spa services at 5th Avenue Spa before heading to The Cafe for a casual meal where you can view the beautiful Downtown Naples landscape. Enjoy an unforgettable date night filled with high-quality seafood, steaks, and cocktails at Ocean Prime. You simply cannot go wrong with a visit to Fifth Avenue South, whichever shop or restaurant you choose.

If you’re looking to indulge in waterfront dining, explore our blog post on Upscale Waterfront Restaurants in Naples. And if you’re looking to enjoy a day of spa pampering, be sure to check out our blog post on High-End Spas in Southwest Florida.

Visit

There are several fabulous hotels to book your stay in Naples. Some favorites include the Inn on 5th, Bellasera Resort, and Cove Inn on Naples Bay. Each destination has its appeal and luxury amenities that guests cherish. These premier hotels are perfect options for exploring the endless gifts of Old Naples. Nearby communities of Port Royal and Aqualane Shores also offer a plethora of lavish features and are excellent spots to visit in proximity to Old Naples, so you can experience the entire region as you please.

Live

If you are outside of Southwest Florida and desire an equivalent top real estate agent, contact Matt Brown at William Raveis Real Estate. Matt has a vast network of other trusted luxury real estate specialists nationwide from his two decades in the business and through affiliated companies such as Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, and Luxury Portfolio International.

Looking for a luxury real estate agent Naples Florida, Matt Brown has the luxury market experience you desire, a vast network of clients and buyers, the in-depth market data knowledge you appreciate, the connections to aid in smooth transactions, and the relationships to help find your next luxury home, even before they hit the market. Contact Matt Brown at (239) 580-8864 or fill out the Let’s Connect form. You can also review his client reviews to get a better understanding of Matt’s qualifications.