moving to Naples (Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Golden Gate: relocation, estate, gated)

[stormy0521]

Hi. I have read a lot of negative things about Naples, but there is a high chance that we will be moving there due to my husband's job. I have some questions. We are in our early 30s and have a 20 month old baby. Are there any places that offer part time child care such as Mother's Day Out? My husband will be working in Naples and we are planning on renting for a year or so before buying. We want to pay $1400 or less. Are there any places to avoid? Also, can anyone recommend churches to visit that are growing and have a fairly young congregation. I lived in Punta Gorda on a boat for 4 years about 15 years ago and I am from South Louisiana originally and I really like hot weather. We love boating and water sports and we are thrilled about this opportunity. I would also love to hear some positive things about Naples. Are there better places to live that are still within a 30 minute drive (during rush hour) from Naples? I mean better suited for families that may be a little bit more reasonable as far as cost to live in? Thanks in advance!

[Tarastomsgirl]

Naples has a lot going on , despite all the negative threads.. I recently moved back to Naples (lived here for 25 years prior to leaving) after moving away for a year to NH and found what real bordem and bad educations systems are..

Firstly congrats on your husbands impending job .. There are many places that offer part time mommy day camps for the kiddies I couldn't tell you any place in particular I would know but start at places like the YMCA. I've seen advertisments but don't pay much attention honestly. There is a place (its church oriented) called The Caring Place / Village School that I know did Mommy Day out daycare so you can try them also..

We have unlimited water sports here, I was just out on the boat Sunday. We have The Pier, Vanderbilt Beach, Wiggins pass (state park) and lots inbetween. You can buy a parking pass for for $10 I believe and park free for the year at any of the beaches.

If the beach is too much for the kiddie we have a water park with a kids area, and most of the playgrounds here come with small water parks built in.. Vineyards and Fleishmans are two off the top of my head. There are tons of resturants and activities for the adults also. And if you need a day off LOTS of spas. Germain Arena is also right up in Estero (roughly 15-20 mins) straight shot right up I-75. The feature tons of concerts, ice skating, kids shows, indoor football, monster trucks etc etc. There is always something going on there. We have shopping up the wazoo, whatever you need we have it.. The waterside shops are great, we have a big mall (with big names like Gucci) Tin city on the water and a lot more I can't get into it all lol.

Most of the negativity coming from this board are from people who have A) Never lived here but know others that have and can only speak through others experiences B) Came here unwillinging (like through forced job relocation) and never wanted to come in the first place and can now only see the negativity or C) moved down with the expectation that they'd be living like they see in the commercials and it didn't turn out that way... However there are some who just are truly unhappy with the area and thats okay too, its for some and not others. I suggest you come to your own conclusions, despite the negativity and take all you hear with a grain of salt.. Decide for yourself what is right for you and your family.

As far as housing, you can find PLENTY for your price range at the moment.. From apts/townhouses to actual homes. IMO dont' rent in places like Laguna Bay (it might also be advertised as Fountain View) or Bear Creak... I personally like The Reserve of Naples, its gated and fully upgraded and within your pricerange.I lived there for a time before moving away for a year. Try to stay out of places like Golden Gate City. Golden Gates Estates is okay , its a drive into town and imo if you can find something in town it'll save you on gas. If you have any questions on places you may find feel free to ask us here on the board there is bound to be someone who knows something..

If by chance Naples isn't your cup of tea try Bonita, which is beautiful (but like other towns has its spots of course) and Estero which is very up and coming and has some very nice housing. Any further up than those two and you're looking at traffic issues with work and other events. You want to think in seasons now... Nov- April roughly is "season" all the snowbirds are down from up north so you can add to your commute time (anywhere from 10mins to 30 depending) how far you are. Thats why I say try to go no further north than estero... Also think about construction/roadwork which can sometimes be issues.

Naples is just like every other American town we are growing and building but despite that we do have a lower crime rate that say our neighbors Ft. Myers. You won't feel the need to lock the doors in Naples every time you drive "downtown". You'll learn the areas that are less kosher than others but even then its not like drive bys happening.

I hope I was able to help you some, I'm sure some are gonna chime in on the negatives so listen to what all have to say and decide for yourself if you love it or hate it.. Don't let others experiences scare you cause whats good for one isn't for the other.. Good luck with everything and we're here to help with any questions you may have

[Rachael84]

LOL NH has a bad educational system??? The New England states rate the best for education. Compare that to Florida where people with experience are getting laid off because of the money the state is losing.

[Tarastomsgirl]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

LOL NH has a bad educational system??? The New England states rate the best for education. Compare that to Florida where people with experience are getting laid off because of the money the state is losing.

The point is not about how great the schools are in NE or how terrible they are.. they are asking about places to live, and POSITIVITY about Naples. EVERY state has a recession, EVERYONE is getting laid off because people are not traveling due to high gas prices and higher costs in general. Please don't make this out to be solely a Floridian/Naples problem.. This is a national crisis.

Please lets try to stick to the OP's request

[121804]

Originally Posted by stormy0521

Hi. I have read a lot of negative things about Naples, but there is a high chance that we will be moving there due to my husband's job. I have some questions. We are in our early 30s and have a 20 month old baby. Are there any places that offer part time child care such as Mother's Day Out? My husband will be working in Naples and we are planning on renting for a year or so before buying. We want to pay $1400 or less. Are there any places to avoid? Also, can anyone recommend churches to visit that are growing and have a fairly young congregation. I lived in Punta Gorda on a boat for 4 years about 15 years ago and I am from South Louisiana originally and I really like hot weather. We love boating and water sports and we are thrilled about this opportunity. I would also love to hear some positive things about Naples. Are there better places to live that are still within a 30 minute drive (during rush hour) from Naples? I mean better suited for families that may be a little bit more reasonable as far as cost to live in? Thanks in advance!

Been there, done that, with a 20mn old in SWFL We lived in Punta Gorda & my dh worked in Fort Myers & in our early 30s.

Basically, you are going to learn how to be creative really quickly. This part of FL is lacking when it comes to things for families with YOUNG children.

I am not sure if there is a MOMs Club in Naples. I know there is an active chapter in Punta Gorda, but you need to live there to take part. There is a website you can request info about MOMs. It's a neat organization.

There is a Gymboree in Naples, but it is pricey. There is not a Little Gym or Kidz Zone.

Suggest calling the YMCA, library & city rec center & seeing what sort of Mommy & Me things are offered. At 20 months, as you probably know, mostly everything will be "Mommy & Me".

My toddler LOVES water so every weekend we would take him to the beach before it got too hot. We would go to the pool in our development for a little bit too.

The water park in Cape Coral is not worth the effort & beyond crazy crowded.

But, if you want to go to a really nice hotel for the day with a GREAT TODDLER friendly pool, the Hyatt in Bonita is spectacular plus is has a lot of acitivities for all age groups. It is quite expensive, though, at about $350 but may be worth it if you need a break.

Being at the beach all day or out on a boat all day with a 20 mn old is probably not going to work plus keeping a child that age out in the elements is quite dangerous during "summer" months of June-Oct. If you guys love to boat, I am sure you can get out on the water with your child for an hour or two.

We lived in a condo development b/c we were renting initially & I suggest being VERY aware if there is green space. If there is, watch out for fire ants which love chemically treated crab grass. If there is little green space, be ready to spend a lot of time on concrete b/c I am sure your 20 month old is like every other infant almost toddler & wants to run, run, run. Found fire ants to be a big problem at the parks, so just make sure socks & tennis shoes...not sandals!

Just be ready to think outside the box in order to enjoy time with your child & to keep your sanity. We made adventures out of going to Publix....

There is always the "Found in every city USA" kiddie play area in malls. They work when need be. Go at the right times & it's not a feeding frenzy of cooped up kiddos & moms talking on their cell phones

Not sure where you are coming from, but best of luck.

If you ever had sleep deprivation, you learned really quickly how to get through the day. Same thing with living with a toddler in SWFL. You'll figure it out.

[ChrisA70]

Positive.... Hmmmm? They have 2 Tropical Smoothie Cafe's!!! That's all I have...

[Tarastomsgirl]

Originally Posted by BacktoFLigo

Positive.... Hmmmm? They have 2 Tropical Smoothie Cafe's!!! That's all I have...

wow backtofl I'm sorry you're having such a hard time in Cape Coral. You were so excited to come back to Florida just a couple months ago. I hope you are able to return to New England soon and hopefully find some happiness.

[yachtcare]

Originally Posted by BacktoFLigo

Positive.... Hmmmm?

Naples........It isnt Cape Coral

[ChrisA70]

Originally Posted by yachtcare

Naples........It isnt Cape Coral

Lived/live(CC) in both, never cared for Naples too much.

[ChrisA70]

Originally Posted by Tarastomsgirl

wow backtofl I'm sorry you're having such a hard time in Cape Coral. You were so excited to come back to Florida just a couple months ago. I hope you are able to return to New England soon and hopefully find some happiness.

I know, I was really happy to come back, then realized things were not as good here. I even documented my ride here, I reread it, and it made me kind of sad, I thought I was going to be happy...

I sent you a direct message.