Naples is a city of second homes that many people make their first when they retire. Naples neighborhoods range from the upscale communities with very expensive houses to modest communities with cottage-style family houses. That is to say, your neighbor can be that unknown self-exiled bohemian artist or a celebrity like “Judge Judy” or Jane Seymour.

There are many, really, many, but some of the top upscale neighborhoods are Bay Forest, a gated community in the northernmost part of Collier county, just a short drive to Bonita Beach Road,  known for its lush scenery, multiple lakes where residents can fish or ride their kayaks or canoes, and beautiful pathways. Bay Forest does have some upscale housing that was built after the first part of the development was completed. However the condos in the highrises, that were built during the first phase, are pretty old and rather cramped. The main drawback to Bay Forest is the small size of the pools in some of the newer parts of the development. Other, more upscale developments are  Bay Colony, with private tennis and beach clubs; Pelican Marsh, where great golf courses and marina’s facilities ensure the resident enjoy the authentic Florida upscale experience; Pelican Bay, one of the most beautiful and most expensive communities in Naples and the most expensive of them all, Port Royal, surrounded by water from the Gulf, Gordon River, Naples Bay and Aqualane Shores.

In a different tone, Old Naples is a historic neighborhood encompassing the range from modern multi-million dollar estates to simple fisherman style cottages (which themselves are very pricey).  This charming area of shade trees and interesting people borders miles of beach and also encompasses Gallery Row and the famous Fifth Ave. and Third Street shopping areas. It's Naples’ hub for great shopping.

Park Shore, another neighborhood by the Gulf of Mexico, is also comprised of  the modest and the rich with family houses and luxurious condominiums.Another, less well known community in Naples is Royal Harbor, a lovely community made up mostly of single family homes, many of which are built right on the water.

Just across Sandpiper street from Royal Harbor is East Naples where there are a number of condominium communities that were built in the late 1970's. Anyone wanting to rent anything in this part of Naples should be aware that some of the owners ask ridiculously high rental prices  for their units because they are ajacent to Royal Harbor. Anyone interested in renting in this area should be especially wary of renting in the community of Royal Arms Extension on Georgetown Blvd. Although the units are spacious and most have lovely views onto two artificial retension ponds, it can be noisy and may not be the most welcoming neighborhood in the Naples area.