If Florida is the epitome of a retirement destination, then Naples is the quintessential retirement city. Naples doesn’t just have a carefree population, but the culture of the city is one that embraces an unworried, mellow lifestyle. The only thing that Naples takes seriously is its commitment to being a pleasant place to call home.

This city of about 20,000 residents is situated on the southwest tip of the Florida peninsula and boasts many attractive features, which draw thousands of visitors and new residents each year. Here are just some of the reasons why people love Naples, Florida.

Climate

The climate in Naples is arguably better than in other parts of Florida. The area has more than 2,900 hours of sunshine every year and temperatures that typically hover between a temperate 64 degrees and a toasty 83 degrees throughout the year. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means ocean breezes keep residents cool and comfortable most days.

Luxury

Naples is one of the wealthiest cities in the state and in the country. This gives visitors and residents near-constant access to all the high-end luxuries that life can offer. In Naples, you’re just as likely to be sitting at a light next to a Maserati as you are likely to dine next to a millionaire at lunch.  Some of the best shopping on Earth can be found right here in Naples, which may be why some very famous people choose to have a home in Naples, including Bill Gates, Barbara Walters, and Buzz Aldrin.

Life on the Water

Nowhere is it easier to enjoy life on the water than in Naples, Florida. Predictably, yachts can always be seen in the harbor, but most residents have their own private boats, too. In fact, it’s common for residential real estate in Naples to include a private boat dock and water access. That’s in addition to the inground pools that are in nearly every backyard. Naples residents enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, and diving. On an average day, the water off the coast of Naples is an enticing shade of aquamarine; warm, fresh, and inviting. For kids, the Naples Water Park offers a fun day out with friends in an exciting, water-filled environment.

Abundance of Nature

Big Cypress National Preserve

Naples residents value nature so much that they have not one but several nature preserves within proximity. There’s the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, essentially a 2.5-mile boardwalk through an everglades ecosystem. Big Cypress National Preserve contains almost 730 acres of natural habitat for subtropical plants and wildlife. Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is just 20 miles east of Naples city center and offers refuge for the endangered Florida panther, as well as other wildlife. Nature lovers can also visit the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Picayune Strand State Forest. For a tamer wildlife experience, the Naples Zoo is the perfect attraction.

Culture

The Naples Players perform "42nd Street" / Photo by Coachman76 / CC BY-SA

Residents and visitors alike love Naples for its culture, too. Culture aficionados have access to opera, live theatre, orchestra, fine art, and history through places like the Holocaust Museum, Gulfshore Playhouse, and numerous other cultural centers.

A Relaxed State of Mind

Naples is definitely a retirement city. Over 42% of the residents are over the age of 65 and 30% are aged between 45 and 65. As such, you won’t find a lot of hustle and bustle in the city. The Naples area itself is home to dozens of 55+ communities, making it a perfect place for a more laid-back and tranquil experience. People come to Naples to relax and get away from the chaos of other urban areas. The state of mind in Naples permeates everything from peaceful, meandering walks on the beach to the calm traffic situation.

Naples is one of the top destinations in the U.S. for all of these reasons plus a whole lot more. Why not see for yourself all the best things in life that Naples has to offer?