Anyone familiar with Naples, Fl?

[JasonDVC]

My wife and I are seriously considering buying a condo in Naples, Fl. Does anyone live there or is very familiar with the area that can recommend a part of town to look in? We have done some research but not having been there so we're not sure exactly which part of the greater Naples area to focus our search in. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[DawnCt1]

DH and I are thinking about the same thing. I have heard "west of Rte 75". There are a lot of gated communities to chose from. We drove through Naples and were very impressed. It is a beautiful city. We are also considering the Sarasota area too but haven't made any trips there to check it out.

 

[JasonDVC]

DH and I are thinking about the same thing. I have heard "west of Rte 75". There are a lot of gated communities to chose from. We drove through Naples and were very impressed. It is a beautiful city. We are also considering the Sarasota area too but haven't made any trips there to check it out.

That's what I was thinking too. While looking at maps it seemed to me that was an area to look at.

What about north and south of the city?

Anyone else?

 

[DawnCt1]

That's what I was thinking too. While looking at maps it seemed to me that was an area to look at.

What about north and south of the city?

Anyone else?

We did the drive from Ft. Meyers to Naples and a bit beyond. It seems like a nice area although certainly more congested and more commercial than Naples. Do a search on Bonita Springs, etc. One of my friends lives in Naples and she said to avoid parts south. I can't remember why.

 

[Bearvet]

We did this last year - bought a condo in Naples. We have a timeshare in Ft Myers Beach and love the SW Florida area. DH did a lot of research before our vacation last Feb (2009) and found a realtor (Dean Rose) he felt he could work with. While we were there he looked at 8 places - none of them worked out, but it helped give us a better idea of what we wanted/could afford.

We finally purchased a 2-bedroom condo about 5 min. from the ocean, near shopping, restaurants, etc. We are west of I-75. The financing was a nightmare - we almost lost the place, so be prepared because it's difficult to purchase property in FL (at least it was a year ago). We basically ended up using a line of credit and buying it ourselves (no bank involved).

Once we got that all squared away, we found a management company and they rented it out fairly quickly. We consider this an investment in our retirement, which is still 10+ years down the road. But when we're ready to spend winters in FL, we'll be all set. Right now, the full-time tenant is helping us pay for the initial purchase.

Also, be prepared to deal with HOAs. That was a new experience!

I can't remember the name of the gated community we're in, but it's on Wading Bird Circle (maybe Palm River?). We paid under $100,000 for a place that a few years ago sold for triple that amount. It's not the fanciest place we looked at, but it's what we felt comfortable paying (and is certainly nice enough). We liked the location too.

Dh's dream is to buy another place in Myrtle Beach area for Spring and Summer seasons......

 

[JasonDVC]

We did the drive from Ft. Meyers to Naples and a bit beyond. It seems like a nice area although certainly more congested and more commercial than Naples. Do a search on Bonita Springs, etc. One of my friends lives in Naples and she said to avoid parts south. I can't remember why.

So basically I should narrow my search to central Naples and north while staying West of I-75. I'll check out Bonita Springs too.

We finally purchased a 2-bedroom condo about 5 min. from the ocean, near shopping, restaurants, etc. We are west of I-75..

This sounds ideal. You guys are being really helpful!

 

[DawnCt1]

We did this last year - bought a condo in Naples. We have a timeshare in Ft Myers Beach and love the SW Florida area. DH did a lot of research before our vacation last Feb (2009) and found a realtor (Dean Rose) he felt he could work with. While we were there he looked at 8 places - none of them worked out, but it helped give us a better idea of what we wanted/could afford.

We finally purchased a 2-bedroom condo about 5 min. from the ocean, near shopping, restaurants, etc. We are west of I-75. The financing was a nightmare - we almost lost the place, so be prepared because it's difficult to purchase property in FL (at least it was a year ago). We basically ended up using a line of credit and buying it ourselves (no bank involved).

Once we got that all squared away, we found a management company and they rented it out fairly quickly. We consider this an investment in our retirement, which is still 10+ years down the road. But when we're ready to spend winters in FL, we'll be all set. Right now, the full-time tenant is helping us pay for the initial purchase.

Also, be prepared to deal with HOAs. That was a new experience!

I can't remember the name of the gated community we're in, but it's on Wading Bird Circle (maybe Palm River?). We paid under $100,000 for a place that a few years ago sold for triple that amount. It's not the fanciest place we looked at, but it's what we felt comfortable paying (and is certainly nice enough). We liked the location too.

Dh's dream is to buy another place in Myrtle Beach area for Spring and Summer seasons......

I have heard that. I have heard that if the condo building is "underoccupied", banks will not lend on them due to the maintainence of the building falling on 'too few owners". Does that sound right?

 

[2Kds2K9]

We have a place in The Landings in Ft. Myers and absolutely love it! It's a gated community with all the amenities. What is nice about The Landings is that there are several villages that offer different housing. There are homes, town homes and condos. Plus, each village is self goverened and has their own HOA and fees. Some village fees are less than others, but you still get all the same amenities.

There is a golf course, main pool, and tennis courts. The grounds are award winning! Just gorgeous! There is the main club house and then the Wheel House that sits on the river. Both offer great food and service.

The Landings is right on the Caloosahatchie River and about 15 minutes from Sanibel Island and Ft. Myers Beach.

We purchased our condo 5 years ago and have maintained our value. There is a large rental population in The Landings during the winter, so you would have no problem renting. Ours is a two level condo with a garage in Harbortown. We are spitting/walking distance to the marina and can see the river from our kitchen window. Our village pool is about 75 steps away. In fact, we really don't drive too much when when we are in residence there.

Unless you are committed to Naples, take a look at The Landings and see what you think.

Good luck!

 

[JasonDVC]

We have a place in The Landings in Ft. Myers and absolutely love it! It's a gated community with all the amenities. What is nice about The Landings is that there are several villages that offer different housing. There are homes, town homes and condos. Plus, each village is self goverened and has their own HOA and fees. Some village fees are less than others, but you still get all the same amenities.

There is a golf course, main pool, and tennis courts. The grounds are award winning! Just gorgeous! There is the main club house and then the Wheel House that sits on the river. Both offer great food and service.

The Landings is right on the Caloosahatchie River and about 15 minutes from Sanibel Island and Ft. Myers Beach.

We purchased our condo 5 years ago and have maintained our value. There is a large rental population in The Landings during the winter, so you would have no problem renting. Ours is a two level condo with a garage in Harbortown. We are spitting/walking distance to the marina and can see the river from our kitchen window. Our village pool is about 75 steps away. In fact, we really don't drive too much when when we are in residence there.

Unless you are committed to Naples, take a look at The Landings and see what you think.

Good luck!

You make it sound great! I'll definitely take a look. It's not a 55+ community is it?