If you close your eyes and imagine the perfect destination, there’s a good chance that you conjure up images of beautiful white sand beaches...
4 min read
Whether or not you have spent a substantial amount of time exploring Southwest Florida, you probably already know the highlights.
This part of the state boasts unparalleled warm weather, access to some of the most attractive beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, a friendly atmosphere and a variety of real estate opportunities.
However, it is important to note that there are a number of unique neighborhoods found throughout Southwest Florida.
Whether you ultimately buy a home in Estero, Bonita Springs or Downtown Naples will all depend on your lifestyle choices.
The following are the major factors to keep in mind when choosing your home.
Do You Plan to Spend Lots of Time at the Beach?
When it comes to buying or renting property in Southwest Florida, the beach is a major draw for many potential residents.
However, it is important to be realistic about how important access to the beach really is for you.
Of course, real estate prices tend to go up the nearer your home is to the water, so you’ll pay a premium to be able to watch the sunset over the water from your balcony.
However, if you are an avid surfer, you plan to start every day with a morning walk along the beach or you simply desire a home on the sand, then looking at communities with beachfront property is the right move for you.
Consider a Naples high rise condo in Coquina Sands or even a luxury home in Captiva Island if the beach is a priority for you.
Do You Have Young Children?
All kinds of people move to Southwest Florida and make the area their home. You’ll find an exciting mix of young single professionals, families with children, couples and retirees.
If you are moving to the area with young children, or you are planning to start a family in the near future, then you will have a unique set of lifestyle factors that might influence where you choose to live.
Ideally, you will be able to find a neighborhood that feels safe and is home to a number of other families. This allows your children to easily make friends and utilize community amenities like a swimming pool, a playground or a clubhouse.
Another key factor to look for is the nearby education facilities. Thankfully, cities like Naples, Estero and Bonita Springs all boast exceptional public and private schools, but you may gravitate toward one school district or another based on the needs and ages of your children.
Do You Want to Interact Often With Your Neighbors?
Another key thing that could impact your choice of where to live in Southwest Florida will be how you feel about close neighbors.
There are all kinds of properties available in the area, and budget will be just one factor in your decision making process.
You should also think about whether you want to live in a smaller community where residents interact often and are part of a homeowners association.
This can encourage community spirit and make the area feel more inclusive, but that doesn’t mean it is right for everyone.
Some people prefer the more private feel of a single-family home that is not in a gated community, and still more residents appreciate the anonymity that a highrise condo can provide. Ultimately, the decision will be up to you.
Will You Be Commuting to Work on a Regular Basis?
Although some of the people who purchase property in Southwest Florida plan to use it as a vacation home or a place for retirement, many people live and work full-time in the area.
If that sounds like you, then you might want to consider how much of a commute you are willing to undertake on a regular basis.
Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and several other cities are all major hubs for employment, and where you choose to buy a home might be impacted by how long you spend in a car each day.
While traffic isn’t particularly bad in Southwest Florida, the highways are prone to rush hours just like anywhere else in the country.
Do You Spend Most of Your Time at Home or on the Go?
As is the case in almost any popular real estate destination, there are some parts of Southwest Florida where prices per square foot are higher than in others.
If your life involves spending lots of time at home and your hobbies include things like gardening or cooking, then investing in a larger house in an inexpensive area could net you the greatest overall happiness.
Conversely, there are many people who have a busy lifestyle that leaves them little time at home.
In this case, a better idea might be to invest in a convenient condo in the center of it all, which cuts down on transport time and lets you have all the major amenities right at your fingertips.
Do You Require Close Proximity to Hospitals and Medical Facilities?
Since many of the potential buyers of homes in Southwest Florida are thinking about retirement, the healthcare facilities throughout the entire region are outstanding.
No matter where you happen to live, you will always be just a short drive away from an emergency clinic, a major hospital or a variety of private practitioners.
If medical facilities are an absolute must for you, then you might gravitate toward a location close to either the Downtown Naples Hospital Campus or the North Naples Hospital Campus.
Both facilities are leaders in the world of healthcare and are highly ranked for residents living in Southwest Florida.
Would You Prefer Dining and Nightlife Options Nearby?
Another consideration should be how close you’d like to be to major dining and nightlife destinations in the area.
Naples City Pier and Downtown Naples are two hotspots offering a range of eateries and bars, but that is certainly not the only place to unwind with a drink and a great meal.
Bonita Springs and North Naples all have vibrant hubs where you can find something to do in the evening.
Unsurprisingly, homes or condos close to the best restaurants in the area may be slightly pricier than those located a few miles away.
If you are young, single or you prefer to spend your evenings at a hot new cafe than in your own living room, then seeking out a vibrant destination to call home can greatly improve your quality of life and fit in with your preferred lifestyle.
Your lifestyle will almost certainly influence where in Southwest Florida you should call home.
Whether you have a family with young children, you want to enjoy the beauty of the nearby beaches or you want close proximity to nightlife, you’ll find the right neighborhood somewhere in Southwest Florida.
