K.D. - 7/16/2006

Paradise. Naples is so very clean and well maintained, low crime, beautiful, green, wonderful weather and a great place to call home. Maybe the best place to live in the United States.

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Great place to live - 7/7/2006

Very clean, low crime, expensive housing

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Housing - 6/23/2006

Naples is one of the most expensive places to live that I have been. It is primarily a "Snowbird" community and affordable housing for those who need to work here is very scarce. We have experienced talking to persons who have been bused in from distant areas just to work in the area because of the housing situation.

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Overpriced Cultural Wasteland of Chain Stores, Rac - 5/23/2006

The Good - beautiful climate, particularly the florida nights - low crime - no traffic - good schools (though they are far too traditional and rigid imho) - nice, quiet beaches The Bad - mostly mediocre overpriced restaurants - crappy art galleries - everything is expensive - too many old folks and bored cops means that the youth get hassled alot. - bad drivers - flat, boring geography The Ugly No soul! this city has no soul, no culture, no life. They call it the playground of the rich, but these are not your progressive, cultured educated wealthy. This is Mayberry with money. Their taste is about five years behind. The local businesses are five years behind. You can not have a democratic or green party bumper sticker on your car without fear of being ostrasized. This is a town full of racism and ignorants folks - even the 'rich'. This town is not for the liberal minded. If you love Boston, Portland, New Hampshire or San Francisco, you'll hate Naples. What they don't tell you is that there is a deep chasm in this town. There are the 'wealthy' and the people who serve the wealthy. So, if, like us, you are an educated, professional middle to upper middle class family, you will find yourself wondering where all your peers are. The help in the stores is understaffed, unrefined, and often downright rude with a crappy work ethic. Also so many people working at the stores don't even speak english, which is annoying as heck. Hurricanes are a drag. Housing is outrageous. We paid $600K for our home and we live in a neighborhood that, in my opinion, is not that desireable. The kids in our neighborhood are a little rough around the edges, are allowed out at all hours of the night, and are much faster then the kids back home in Portland. Our neighbors tend to be working class, mechanics, waitresses, insurance guys, etc. There is nothing wrong with that - but still, paying $600K to live in a working class neighborhood!!! The thing that I hate most about this town is the racism and the fact that it has no soul. I don't know how to explain or describe it. You would have to be here to understand.

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housing - 5/18/2006

One tof the worst places in the country to find an affordable place to live

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Bring lots of $$$$ - 2/28/2006

Housing is outrageous - as a result, restaurants, retail stores, everyplace seems to be understaffed. The working person cannot afford to live here anymore. Can't wait to leave in 6 years!!

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Paradise with great schools - 11/12/2005

If you can afford it, Naples is paradise. Great schools, lots to do, low crime, lots of sun and absolutely gorgeous landscaping in every part of city (thanks to the abundance of ground water to irrigate during the dry winter season). Traffic can be heavy in winter during rush hour, but I think the roads are far better planned here than most cities. Collier county planners have done a great job keeping up with projected population growth. Downtown Naples is safe and beautiful with a thick canopy of tropical trees and there is plenty of free beach access and lots of bike paths. The only drawback I guess is the hot rainy season and the high cost of living. Houses are extremely high, averaging about $450,000 for your basic 3 bedroom 2 bath but neighborhoods are very nice, gated, and have all the amenities. You get what you pay for I guess. Also, the pay is a little low here for it to be so expensive. That may change in the future.

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naples resident 2005 - 11/6/2005

Excellent climate if you like subtropical. Expensive housing. Job growth good. Not many people under 45. Great fishing spot.

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Very lovely but extremely expensive - 9/14/2005

No matter what cost of living statistics say, housing is still your biggest expense and housing in all of Collier County is extremely expensive. Property has appreciated rapidly and there is now very little that would be considered livable for under $400,000 anyplace in the county. This means that folks who sell probably will have to move to a different area as they probably cannot afford to buy anything comparable. Moreover, they are likely to be subject to the capital gains tax as profits often exceed the $250,000/$500,000 threshold. Pay is rather low, so teachers, service workers, paraprofessionals, etc. are having to commute increasing distances from communities where they can afford housing. We're leaving after 21 years.

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real estate - 8/10/2005

Naples and surrounding areas considered Naples e.g. North Naples, Naples Park, East Naples etc. have become very expensive with an average home costing more than 200K. In fact, for 200K you can get a small condo-maybe. Naples, which is in Collier County is beautiful and beaches are so easily accessible which is only a small part of this area of "Paradise". The nearest county north of Naples, is Lee county. It is also "Paradise" with prices almost as high as Naples.

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A nice city to live in. - 8/10/2005

Of the two years that I've lived in Naples, my impression about it is that is the best place to live in Florida. I have lived and visited different cities in Florida and this is just about the best place there is in every sense. Even though there are people from all over the world here, everyone seems to get along. I see smiles on many faces. Overall, Naples is the best to live in Florida.

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