In Naples, the real estate market is climbing steadily.
A combination of buyers interested in a second home and a local workforce interested in buying means that there is plenty of demand, and developers are putting up new homes in record time.
While you might be ready to take the plunge and invest in your own piece of real estate in beautiful Naples, Florida, it is important to step back and ask some key questions first.
The following eight questions are things any potential buyer will want to ask before making an investment on property in Naples, Florida.
1. What is the Weather Like in Naples, Florida?
This is often one of the first questions people ask about Naples, especially if they are not familiar with Florida’s climate.
Yes, Naples boasts incredible weather and plenty of sun, but potential buyers might want to go into a little more detail.
During the summers, Southwest Florida enjoys hot temperatures, long days and frequent rain in the evenings.
As summer progresses to fall and winter, the temperatures drop and become a little more comfortable, and the climate is often a lot drier.
This makes winters in Naples truly exceptional and perfect for outdoor activities like jogging, cycling or playing golf at one of the many clubs and courses in the area.
2. Is There a Good School System in the Area?
Whether or not buyers have children who are the right age to attend local schools, it is still important to know more about the surrounding school system.
The city of Naples falls within the District School Board of Collier County, and there are more than two dozen public and private schools at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Even if you don’t have children, you’ll be happy to hear that Collier County boasts some of the most highly-ranked schools within the state of Florida.
Great schools often translate to homes with higher overall values, a definite perk for anyone ready to buy in the area.
3. What is Traffic Like in Naples?
If you’re buying a second home to use for vacations or you are planning to retire in Naples and you won’t need to work, traffic might not be a major concern for you.
However, those who will be commuting to work or driving their children to school each day may want to learn more about the traffic in Naples.
Like any city in the United States, traffic fluctuates heavily depending on the time of day. Even during rush hour, however, getting around is relatively quick, and you won’t have the hassle of navigating packed highways if you are lucky enough to call Naples your new home.
4. What Makes Naples Unique?
If you’re already sold on the idea of living in Southwest Florida, you might wonder why Naples, in particular, is a great place to be.
Although nearby destinations like Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers offer similar weather, there is something truly special about being in Naples.
Along with beautiful sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Naples boasts canals, stunning public fishing piers and a historic downtown area. Tin City, for example, is the name given to the area near Downtown Naples where you’ll find a combination of antiques, souvenirs and historic memorabilia, and the whole area was once a fisherman’s wharf.
The heritage and culture, along with all of the modern amenities you could need, makes Naples the ideal place to live in Southwest Florida.
5. Where is the Hub of the City?
Technically, the city of Naples has a population of just 20,000 people. However, the area that is often referred to as Greater Naples, or the Naples-Marco Island Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area, is home to more than 330,000 residents.
That means that many homeowners want to know whether they will actually be living in Naples, or if they will be in one of the many surrounding neighborhoods.
The area considered to be Downtown Naples, which is the hub of the city, is called the Riverwalk.
5th Avenue and 3rd Street are less than one mile from the waters of the Mexican Gulf and is home to a number of restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
6. What are Property Taxes Like in Naples?
There is a common misconception that property taxes in Florida are astronomical.
Thankfully, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, because many homes in Naples have such a high value, the overall percentage of property tax is actually lower than in many parts of the country.
Currently, property tax in Collier County, where Naples is located, is at 1.2 percent.
If you are interested in buying property a short drive away from Naples and you happen to be in Lee County, property taxes will be at a slightly higher 1.7 percent, although overall home prices will be slightly lower as well.
7. What Healthcare Options are Available to Residents?
Whether you are planning to spend your winters in Naples or move to the area full-time, you will likely need some kind of healthcare or medical treatment in the future.
Buyers are often curious about what types of medical facilities are in the area and whether they will be suitable for their health needs.
Since Southwest Florida is home to a number of retirees, there are a variety of geriatric care physicians in the area.
However, there are also several fantastic hospitals, private practices and all kinds of medical facilities.
Most of these locations accept several types of health insurance, which guarantees that you’ll be able to get the very best medical attention when you’re living in Naples, Florida.
8. What Types of Properties are Available in Naples?
Another key question that potential homeowners have about Naples is what kinds of properties are available to buy.
Thankfully, the answer is that just about any kind of home you could want is available in the Naples area.
For those on a budget or who don’t want or need a lot of space, a condo or a small apartment could be the perfect fit.
If you are interested in owning your own piece of land but you are still limited financially, a townhouse gives you the best of both worlds and doesn’t require a substantial amount of regular maintenance.
Finally, there are a staggering number of single-family homes in all kinds of locations.
From golf course homes to homes right on the canal with private docks to houses located right on the beach, Naples truly does have it all.
Buying a home in Naples can be a big decision, and potential homeowners should go into the purchase with as much information as possible.
These eight questions are the keys to understanding the area and being prepared to make a great investment.