Longtime lurker here, I'm a teacher here and With a population of 19,421, Naples is a small town. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Jack Smith
I've lived in Old Town for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Theodore Hall
I've lived in Westside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Jeremiah Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 13 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
Benjamin Martin
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Springfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Cameron Watson
thanks for sharing
22 upvotes
Ellie T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Adeline
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
sf_ezra
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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