[Individualism-120]

Back again for another discussion.

I'm moving to Florida in a couple of months and I'm stuck choosing between Naples, and Marco Island.
I prefer to live on the beach, but could sacrifice that if it means acquiring more square footage further inland. I've done my research and am planning to visit both place very soon. I'm looking for an all-inclusive condo unit (all amenities included in HOA), welcoming community, laid-back lifestyle, and amazing weather.

I'm also planning on acquiring two properties, one to live in, and the other to rent out. Any recommendations on where I can get more bang for my buck?

Thank You.
Individualism 120

[Corrie22]

//www.city-data.com/forum/naples/

[logybogy]

I think you will find better values on Marco Island in prices. There's a lot of older renovated high rises there where you can get 2br/2ba oceanfront condos (many with views) under $500k and the HOA fees are not too insane.

Naples is very expensive. It's a more central location for "stuff" to do but you'll pay for it.

[LifeIsGood01]

Marco Island was hit hardest by Hurricane Irma. It's the first land mass after key west where people live is the storm goes straight up, plus it's very prone to flooding.

[logybogy]

From what I understand, other than trees, landscaping, pool cages, and some minor roof damage here and there, things were pretty much back to normal soon afterward.

The building codes are very good.

[LifeIsGood01]

Originally Posted by logybogy

From what I understand, other than trees, landscaping, pool cages, and some minor roof damage here and there, things were pretty much back to normal soon afterward.

The building codes are very good.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/new...way/652302001/

Hurricane Irma made landfall on Marco Island shortly after 3:30 p.m. Sunday with recorded winds of 130 mph and storm surges that caused extensive damage.

[logybogy]

There was a lot of "fake news" during Hurricane Irma that got a lot of dramatic headlines but here is the real story.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/wea...rma/754014001/

Marco Island all but normal six weeks after Hurricane Irma

Marco Island is going to be wiped off the map. Obliterated. Annihilated. Gone.

That’s the thought many islanders and Southwest Florida residents had when Hurricane Irma came barreling toward the island as a massive Category 5 storm; however, much to everyone’s relief, Irma weakened to a Category 3 before making landfall on the island at 3:35 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10.

Not only was the city not destroyed, but now, just six weeks after the storm, it’s nearly impossible to tell that the hurricane ever passed over the island.

In fact, life is all but back to normal on Marco; hotels are slowly starting to fill with tourists, restaurants and shops are bustling and the beaches are as busy as ever. Piles of debris are the only reminder of Irma’s wrath, and even then, many sections of the island have already been cleared.

[Psychoma]

Just adding on the Irma part of topic: National Hurricane Center released their final report on Irma in March. Although we don't have data every square mile the following recordings were verified:
Marco Island:
-112mph sustained winds (highest recorded on mainland FL)
-131mph gust
-3-5ft storm surge

Naples:
-93mph sustained winds
-142mph gust (highest recorded on mainland FL)
-3-5ft storm surge (note: winds before storm center passed pushed water out to 4.8ft below normal, then rose 9ft in 3hrs to end up at 3-5ft above normal tide levels)

[LifeIsGood01]

Originally Posted by logybogy

There was a lot of "fake news" during Hurricane Irma that got a lot of dramatic headlines but here is the real story.

https://www.naplesnews.com/story/wea...rma/754014001/

No one said it was destroyed and 6 weeks later is a long time.