Sunday, June 26, 2016

City on the SPOT: Naples, FL - BOY, Though LOVELY... I'm Bored!

Naples, Florida.
The Italian-named jewel of the Southwest Coast of Florida.
The Retirement Capital of the US for the old, rich, or both.

Ah Yes, Naples is very family friendly for the most part.
Very nice. Very lovely. Very..., er... Beachy.

http://www.laplayaresort.com/naples-florida-beach-resort-webcam.aspx - Live Web cam courtesy of
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL 34108
RESERVATIONS: 800-237-6883 HOTEL DIRECT: 239-597-3123


http://www.enaplesflorida.com/ ~ Live web cam courtesy of
Sun Realty: Graham Ginsberg
3757 Tamiami Trail North, 34103, Naples Fl Tel:239-404-4221

Like any city, there are some areas more desirable than others, and no, despite any articles to the idea, the streets are NOT paved in gold.
:)
However, they are very clean in comparison to some other area cities.  Punta Gorda gulf area might be comparable to in cleanliness. Port Charlotte is nice, but dull. Immokalee is growing, but besides the Seminole Casino, kinda far from... everything else.

Some areas are prone to some crime, such as theft and vandalism, but you do not hear about it often, and when you do... it's big local news. Areas like Marco Island, Ava Maria, Port Richey... hardly any real crime. That you hear of locally, anyways. There is big money and subsequently, big lawyers/ law firms.


So. NOT. New York City.
More like Manhattan, eh Upper New York State. Parts of New Jersey, minus shore smell. Elizabethtown comes to mind.


Much more friendly than some parts of Fort Myers, which is our next closest big city. Although I have found that some residents in Lee county area (Bonita Springs, Estero, San Carlos) can be equally, if not MORE friendly, there are many areas of Naples that still have that down-home, slightly country feel that makes you welcome to walk in and hang about for a while.
 Especially any dive bar. The one of Pine Ridge Road, for example.

NICE.

The Naples area boasts many elementary, middle and high schools to choose from; my best suggestion is to contact the schools personally and vet them as if your student already attends the school. Skip all the fluff, get to the real facts.

Some things to keep in mind: If you are looking for a very active city, with lots of family-friendly activities, and tons to do every weekend - I would be looking in a different area. Unless you LOVE (and I do mean - LOVE A LOT) many watersports, as it boasts an ENDLESS variety; Fishing, skiing, scuba diving, boating, fishing, jet skiing, swimming, and did I mention?

FISHING.
Not. My. Forte`.

It does have some annual and holiday/festive activities, mind you; however, I would judge the level of activity based on your preferences and level of busyness you currently enjoy. There is a zoo, a kid's museum, a lovely park in downtown area, several parks actually... some fantastic beaches (once you live here, you may not visit as often, AKA= THE HEAT INDEX) , a waterpark (open most of year-not all) and BUNCHES AND BUNCHES of shopping areas.
Ha.
That.
More MY speed.

The central mall is Coastland Center, and next is closest is only about 20-30 minutes North, out of Naples, depending on traffic.
The most active and newest shopping center out of the bunch is Mercato, which is centrally located off of Highway US 41, AKA Tamiami Trail North, AKA 9th St North in Naples (yes, it goes by several names, this road.)
Well, anyways, hope this helps a bit in your search. It really is a quiet, nice place to rest your head and know the kiddos are all right.

Anyways, my little blogga-dos, I will check in again. See how are ya holding up.
I'm alright. Just. HOT.

Have a lovely air-conditioned summer, y'all.

~ Vous petit- Cherie,
Caro B.

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