[davewhit]

I'm a 32 year single guy who is considering making a move from Jacksonville to Naples in July 2007. I was hoping to get a few questions about that area answered from some of the residents in the Naples/Fort Myers area. First, am I crazy for wanting to move from a Florida city that hardly ever gets hit with a hurricane, has a nice job market, and has a pretty cheap cost of living to someplace that is the complete opposite? Am I wrong in any of these assumptions regarding Naples? I know the weather is completly beautiful there and it is a very clean, safe place to live. I am going there for a week in april to kinda of scout out the jobs there and a couple apartment complexes I've seen online. So basically what I would like to know is the following: Is the job market as bad as it seems in Naples/Ft/Myers? Where in Naples would you suggest a person like me live? How is the traffic? I would sincerely appreciate any insights from Naples or ex-Naples residents could give me! Thanks!!

[CHEWY12]

Hi Dave,

I think is is a great idea that you make the visit first so you can see first hand what you are getting your self into smart thinking on your part.
I won't give you my opinion of Naples at this time because your needs and desires will be different than mine.
Best of luck to you what ever your decide.

[gypsychic]

davewhit - you might want to look through this forum and read some of the recent postings about Naples.

I guess I am curious why you would want to move, and why Naples? You do realize it is one of the most expensive areas to live in Florida, and from what I have learned on this forum, it is not a place of high-paying jobs, generally speaking.

A good thing for folks to remember, is that no matter how beautiful or wonderful a place seems at first, the novelty wears off real quick when you can't afford basic living, or get a decent-paying job, among other things. Sometimes the novelty wears off after a few months, sometimes a couple years - the thing to do is really check it out, if you can get a job you are happy with, and find a place you can afford, deal with the slow snowbird traffic, etc.

Good luck!

[davewhit]

Hi Gypsychic,
Thanks for the insights. I guess I just want a change of scenery. The type of work I do (accounting), I can find pretty much anywhere. I check several job websites daily to look at what is available in the Naples/ Ft.Myers area. Like I said, I'll be going there for a week in April and register with alot of staffing agencies and tell them my timeframe of when I'll be looking to move. If in that week, I decide that Naples is the place for me, I'll then go forward on trying to land a job before I move. If not, then nothing is lost and I stay in Jax. Believe me, I'll make sure all my ducks are in a row before moving there. I was just hoping I could get some inside info from residents there. Is it a nice, safe place to live? What side of town is the best? Is it true that 80% of the people there are twice (and sometimes) three times my age??

[marverc]

I visit Naples and Fort Myers once a month , and I myself , would choose ,
Fort Myers , Punta Gorda , Port Charlotte.
The cost of living is very expensive and yes there are many retirees.
The traffic is horrendous in season , once April gets here it will be slowing down again.
Granted I do not live here full time , but I am there a lot .
If deciding you want to try out Naples , I would definitely look for a apartment complex very near to work , that way you would not spend anytime , getting to work , and could take a bike or walk.
Naples if beautiful , and the beaches are beautiful .
The best of lucky to you in discovering SW Florida .

[hiknapster]

Naples is riddled with LOTS of older people or the incredibly rich, many of them the nouveau riche, which equals tacky. Horrible cost of living. I don't think it is beautiful at all. I don't find Fort Myers to be a better choice, either. Still high cost of living and more crime. There are not many people your age in the entire region. I would rethink it.

[dreamofmonterey]

Originally Posted by davewhit

Hi Gypsychic,
Thanks for the insights. I guess I just want a change of scenery. The type of work I do (accounting), I can find pretty much anywhere. I check several job websites daily to look at what is available in the Naples/ Ft.Myers area. Like I said, I'll be going there for a week in April and register with alot of staffing agencies and tell them my timeframe of when I'll be looking to move. If in that week, I decide that Naples is the place for me, I'll then go forward on trying to land a job before I move. If not, then nothing is lost and I stay in Jax. Believe me, I'll make sure all my ducks are in a row before moving there. I was just hoping I could get some inside info from residents there. Is it a nice, safe place to live? What side of town is the best? Is it true that 80% of the people there are twice (and sometimes) three times my age??

I can only offer my honest thoughts. I thought it was a beautiful area, with beautiful beaches. My husband and I first visited in 2000. We bought our house in Boca Raton, but my Dad had already lived there. (My Dad is 82) (I was a late child, as this was his 2nd marriage, and I am under 40)

If you are okay with capital, and not really concerned about work, I would say its great. Many people on this forum who struggled to make ends meet are just trying to offer you their stories as well. I am being completely honest, in that, my husband had more of a hard time with the area, the snowbirds, etc. If you are not working everyday to survive South Florida can be great. Just my 2 cents!

sunny

[gogetta69]

I'm considering moving to Naples as well. The company that I work for is expanding. I'm a female in my late 20s. I'm a little conserned about the cost of housing. I understand that it is an afluent region and unfortunately the company doesn't pay quite that well.

[hiknapster]

Low pay vs. Naples cost-of-living is going to be very tough.

Where are you from?

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by gogetta69

I'm considering moving to Naples as well. The company that I work for is expanding. I'm a female in my late 20s. I'm a little conserned about the cost of housing. I understand that it is an afluent region and unfortunately the company doesn't pay quite that well.

Housing has ALWAYS been more expensive in Naples, even before the recent frenzy. Prices are coming down but it in no way equates with the local salary scale.

Naples is a town run by wealthy retirees for wealthy retirees.

You are a step ahead by already having a job before you get here.

If you give a little more information about your situation we can give more specific advice as to where to live etc.