Naples for kids, families - thinking of moving and need some local advice (Golden Gate: transplants, apartment complexes)

[amanamist]

Hi, my husband and I are considering a move to Naples from South Florida and would like to get some input from locals or those who lived there on whether it is a nice place to raise YOUNG children. I have a 1 and 3 year old. We are vegetarians, so a nice network of natural food stores/choices would be ideal, as well as an abundance of parks, bike paths, anything outdoors. Does Naples support this kind of lifestyle?

Also, we will need to rent and are thinking about renting a 4 bedroom apartment. I noticed the prices are really good (under $1500 for a 4 bedroom in most places). We like the idea of an apartment that takes care of everything for us. Any advice on particular apartment complexes?

Crime is a concern- compared with Broward County, not sure how Lee County compares. Any personal experiences/ knowledge of this?

I would need a good preschool in Naples for the kids- any recommendations?

Finally, what is traffic like around Naples? My husband would be commuting to his job from Naples to Big Cypress Park about 70 miles east on 75. . .is the traffic okay in the morning and evening along alligator alley?

Thanks so much!

[RMD3819]

Naples is not a young person's town. It is primarily a wealthy retirement town run by wealthy retirees. The economy and political machine reflect this. Wealthy retirees don't want to spend their money on kid things since their kids are grown. The indoor roller skating rink closed down and a bingo hall opened in its place.

That said, there are plenty of families here and plenty of decent places to live. You just need realistic expectations.

A vegan restaurant just opened here, which surprised me. I have no detailed knowledge of the health food store network here. There are plenty of outdoor things to do.

I don't know the crime stats but nearly all of Naples is relatively safe. There are pockets to avoid.

Preschool-My kid went to Grace Community but that was long ago.

Traffic: Hell in the winter, deserted in the summer. The alley will be OK but it is the commute between your house and the alley will be the challenge.

I strongly suggest renting a house or condo. Apartment complexes in Naples are all ghetto, some worse than others.

If you post street names or complex names we can give better advice.

[amanamist]

Thank you for the response. Currently we pay 1400/month for a 2 bedroom, so I was looking at paying 1500-1600 for a 3 or 4 bedroom apartment in Naples. When I searched for rental apartments I found the following two- in our price range and seemingly really nice. Can you provide insight?

Thanks so much!

Falls of Portofino

7047 Ambrosia Lane (Clubhouse) Naples, FL 34119

and

Malibu Lakes

2115 Malibu Lake Circle Naples, FL 34119-8718

[RMD3819]

The Falls:
-Condos, not apartments-this is a plus.
-Nice area near shopping center
-Further south that Malibu but further from the Interstate
-Overall I would say good.

Malibu Lakes:
-Apartment complex. I thought these went condo during the boom but apparently not. Rule of thumb-apartment complexes in Naples are ghetto-some worse than others. This one falls into the better side.
-Close to the Interstate and everything else.

Is your husband working at the park office on 41 in Ochopee?

Unless you really don't care about the commute I would look more south.

[pilgrim7578]

We recently moved to the Naples area. Been here about 5 years. We have two children 5 and 2. I am also a teacher. From experience I can tell you that the schools are ehhhhh ok, the farther west you live, the better off you will be. Once you head over 75 youll run into a worse crowd.. You want to find a place between 41 and 75... You will run into 90% of population is over 65.... The othr 10% is made up of 5% transplants, the other 5% locals...
Roads to stay close to for nicer nieghborhoods... Vanderbilt drive, gulf shore drive, pineridge road. Immoklee road close to 75 say 3 miles either way...
For a nice 3 bedroom home your looking at $2000+ in a nice neighborhood with a good school..
Stay away from Golden Gate...
Bonita springs has some nice parts , as well as Estero close to 41...cheaper as well
brother has a nice development $1400 for a nice house and pool etc...close to beach...

[pilgrim7578]

Originally Posted by amanamist

Thank you for the response. Currently we pay 1400/month for a 2 bedroom, so I was looking at paying 1500-1600 for a 3 or 4 bedroom apartment in Naples. When I searched for rental apartments I found the following two- in our price range and seemingly really nice. Can you provide insight?

Thanks so much!

Falls of Portofino

7047 Ambrosia Lane (Clubhouse) Naples, FL 34119

and

Malibu Lakes

2115 Malibu Lake Circle Naples, FL 34119-8718

Both of these are OK... Very busy intersection at Immoklee rd and 75 area the one near Malibu Lakes..

Looks like your on the right track....

I would choose the Falls over Malibu just becuase of location and that is in the heart of a nice nice area..

Dont forget though... Naples area is much older in ages compared to South Florida...

We have 2 children and are leaving for younger pastures.. Everything is for the older generation.. We have one waterpark.. and thats about it...

[pilgrim7578]

Originally Posted by amanamist

I would need a good preschool in Naples for the kids- any recommendations?



Thanks so much!

Mrs Hamricks Preschool off Vanderbilt and Bonita Beach RD north naples... 3 hours a day.. $380 a month... various classes with 5 students to 1 teacher in seperate nice classrooms...

[amanamist]

wow, thanks everyone, you really have me thinking. . .not quite sure what we are going to do yet but will certainly take all into consideration, as well as read up on all the posts regarding Naples (keeping an open mind of course!).

[swflchick]

I hear the private schools are good, but the public ones are so-so to crap. There are all kinds of tutors and retired private teachers that are famous for their art or music or whatever. The dance schools are great, as are the art classes downtown.

[TANaples]

I agree Naples is not a family oriented community.