With a well-known status as one of the richest cities in the country, Naples, Florida has numerous residential communities where multi-million dollar homes are commonplace. But for a real sense of the wealth here and the caliber of upscale, one-of-a-kind real estate, there are really 5 areas of the city that are the hub of high-end living. We will take a close look at 5 of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Naples.
Naples is ranked second for the number of millionaires who live there, and sixth on the overall wealthiest cities list in the United States, based on per capita income. Countless celebrities, business tycoons and others have chosen to call Naples home, including Judge Judy Scheindlin, Richard Schulze, founder of Best Buy, Shahid Khan, owner of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, and countless more.
Discerning real estate buyers and investors have helped propel a few Naples areas to the top of the most exclusive luxury homes category, with new sales records being set at a brisk pace.
Here are 5 of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods in Naples.
Port Royal / Gulfshore Drive
Located at the very southern tip of the city of Naples where the waters of Naples Bay open into the Gulf of Mexico, Port Royal is known as not only one of the city’s earliest communities but also one of the most exclusive.
A wise former advertising man moved to Naples in 1938 and envisioned a neighborhood on about 2 square miles of raw land in the late 1940’s and began selling 600 homesites there. There was considerable dredging needed to create the many winding canals here, allowing residents to keep very large boats right outside their door. Thus began the legacy of Port Royal.
In the beginning, you could purchase a homesite in Port Royal for around $12,000 at the most. Today, there are very few remaining vacant lots here, unless a builder has torn down one of the earlier homes and is marketing the vacant land alone. Homesite prices here now are around $5 Million, and there are homes in Port Royal that have attained sales prices of over $30 Million.
Just across Gordon Drive is the Port Royal Club, likely one of Collier County’s most exclusive with membership open to Port Royal residents only. To the north and south of the Club is what many Neapolitans refer to as Millionaire’s Row, home to some of Naples’ most opulent estate properties directly on the Gulf of Mexico beach. In fact, the highest homes sale price in Collier County for 2020 was a stunning estate compound at 2700 Gordon Drive which sold for $52 Million. In December of 2021, a home at 4540 Gordon Drive owned by Fresh Market founder Ray Berry and his wife sold for $49.5 Million.
Port Royal and the adjacent, Gulf-front estates along the southern portion of Gordon Drive continue to set the bar when it comes to Naples’ most prestigious real estate.
Aqualane Shores
Slightly north of Port Royal off Gordon Drive is Aqualane Shores, another upscale residential enclave and home to some of the city’s most impressive estate homes. There are approximately 350 luxurious single-family, estate-sized homes here with architectural styles from ultra-modern to classic Bermuda. This desirable enclave also boasts wide canals for accommodating large vessels and was developed in the 1960’s.
Although some of the original homes remain, many buyers opt to deconstruct the existing home and build their new dream home on one of the most sought-after homesites in the entire county. In many cases, this can prove to be more cost efficient than attempting to modernize an existing property to meet today’s standards.
A magnificent new home expected to be completed in 2022 comprises nearly 7,500 square feet of luxurious space, with 5 bedrooms, a den, 6 full and 2-partial baths and a stunning architectural style. Only the finest materials and finishes have been chosen for this residential masterpiece, located on an oversized site, and boasting a 4-car garage and 65-foot long swimming pool. The off-water residence was most recently listed at $18,995,000.00.
Royal Harbor
Directly across the shimmering waters of Naples Bay just east of Port Royal and Aqualane Shores sits Royal Harbor, another of Naples’ most upscale residential neighborhoods.
All of the 400 homes here are on the water, offering no-bridge access to Naples Bay and the world-class fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of the wide canals are also deep enough to handle a deep-draft sailboat. As in many other older neighborhoods in Naples, many buyers are choosing to tear down some of the earlier homes here and rebuild to new, modernized standards. Original homes here sell for around $3 Million while some of the new residences go for $10 Million and above.
Developed in the 1950’s, this waterfront paradise is very close to the chic shopping and dining area of 5th Avenue South in Downtown Naples, making it easy to enjoy a romantic dinner out and a walk on the world-famous Naples Pier.
A stunning, 4 bedroom plus den, 4.5 bath Royal Harbor estate with extensive updates contains 4,450 square feet of living space with incredible views of the wide canal. The home features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, a kitchen designed for a gourmet chef, huge outdoor kitchen and bar and an infinity-edge pool reminiscent of a tropical resort. It was most recently on the market for $8,700,000.00.
Coquina Sands
Head a little further north up U.S. Highway 41, more commonly known as Tamiami Trail in Naples, and you’ll discover the idyllic neighborhood of Coquina Sands. This community was originally the northern-most plat of developable land in the first Naples City land maps, and now is home to the beautiful Lowdermilk Beach Park and the former Naples Beach Hotel golf course. There are 230 single-family homes in Coquina Sands and 660 condominium units. Gulfshore Boulevard and Crayton Road are 2 of the main roads here. Condominiums range from some of the original buildings built in the 60’s and 70’s to some of the most prestigious, newer high rise buildings on the beach.
With development of this part of Naples beginning in the 1950’s, The Naples Company designed a neighborhood of gently winding roads and tropical landscaping that now provides a truly picturesque, tree-lined ambience. There is a Community Association here that invites active participation in the future preservation of this historic community and ensuring the best interests of the residents here.
A masterful 4 bedroom, 8 bath, 6,000-square foot estate home was built on Orchid Drive in 2018 and is the epitome of elegant living in Coquina Sands. The property features a 3-car garage, huge owner’s retreat and a pool, summer kitchen and outdoor entertainment area to rival any private resort. The home is fully automated with smart technology, and the kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, finishes and appointments. It was most recently on the market for $6,999,000.00
Just across the boulevard and steps from the inviting sandy shores of the Gulf you’ll find a 4 bedroom with den, 4.5 bath home with over 4,000 square feet of living area. The owners enjoy private beach access and waterfront mooring for boats up to 35-feet. Relax taking in the stunning sunsets from the western-exposure pool and lanai, and entertain family and friends in the chef’s-grade kitchen with oversized island and the ultimate in appliances, cabinetry, and fixtures. This amazing waterfront gem was last marketed at $5,950,000.00.
Park Shore
The prestigious Park Shore area of Naples is located between Tamiami Trail on the east and the Gulf of Mexico beaches to the west. The incredible vision of renowned Naples developer and real estate pioneer Ray Lutgert and his Lutgert Companies began in 1964, and represents one of Naples’ most successful and well-planned residential communities.
Working with just under of 800 acres of land he acquired, Lutgert started creating a mecca of not only luxurious residential living, but a pioneering blend of upscale retail and dining destinations at the same time. Examples include the incredible Venetian Villas, Mediterranean-inspired luxury residences built directly over the water, an accomplishment unheard of in 1976. Lutgert and his team went on to create The Village on Venetian Bay, an upscale array of some of Naples’ most prestigious shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Some of the city’s most impressive beachfront condominium buildings were developed by the Lutgert Companies, including Vistas, Le Parc, The Enclave and La Rivage, and several more.
Imagine waking up to the expansive Gulf views from a condominium residence with nearly 8,000 square feet of luxurious living space. This home has 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and is in The Regent building, built in 2002. There is private beach access, a 3-car garage, private elevator, and full-time security staff. This breathtaking condominium was last on the market for $9,400,000.00.
The Naples good life is abundant and flourishing in the real estate sector as the wealthy seek a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by all the culture, amenities, business and social opportunities this popular city has to offer.
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