NESTING IN

NAPLES BY R.M. FLATT

People from around the world naturally gravitate to Naples’

CLEAR BLUE CRYSTAL WATERS and its SPECTACULAR BEACHES that rest against the WARM GULF OF MEXICO. At one time we snowbirds were divided when it came to travelling to Florida. Younger families flocked to the eastern side to see Mickey Mouse, while empty nesters and retirees relished the west coast. Today, affluent families of all ages are all now realizing the benefits of vacationing and buying prime real estate in Naples, Florida.

Naples, Marco Island, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero and Bonita Springs are the six towns that make up the region. According to Travelchannel.com, the only tough decision you’ll have at the beach here is deciding which way to look, with rolling waves to one side and the mansions of Millionaires’ Row on the other.

Nine miles of pristine beaches span the area, which routinely rank in top 10 lists of the best beaches in the entire USA. The average temperature reaches a balmy 77 degrees F. July, August and September are the hottest months and the best weather months are November through May. The gorgeous Gulf water temperatures range from the 60s in wintertime to the mid 80s from spring until fall.

You can feel completely safe and sound day and night since the crime rate is well below the national average. Areavibes.com says, “the crime rate in Naples is less than 69 per cent of the cities in Florida and Naples is safer than 56.8 per cent of the cities in the nation.” It has an old-fashioned community feel rarely seen anywhere else where you don’t have to feel paranoid if you happen to forget to lock up. It’s the people that live here that you can thank; they’re

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friendly, helpful and orderly, hailing from all over the world but all appreciating the peaceful, vibrant culture created here. Neapolitans are particular about their community, which is easy to see from the litter-free streets, unobtrusive signs or advertisements, clean beaches and expert landscaping. Homes in Olde Naples still have unobstructed views of the Gulf and aren’t enclosed by tall, characterless buildings. Maintaining the Neapolitan architecture and tropical greenery are a definite priority. Naples is home to some of the most luxurious waterfront estates and condominiums in the world. According to the November 2014 Market Report, released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR®) overall pending sales activity rose 11 per cent for homes priced

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