Moving to Naples, Fl....feedback (Golden Gate, Pine Ridge: section 8, apartment complexes, to rent)

[Mateo3882]

Hi, new to forums and looking for some feedback on my relocation down to Naples. I have a job lined up in the hospitality industry in Naples that starts in August and have been reading up on the community and area in general. Just few questions about some apartments I've researched. Planning on heading down to check them out and the area in general during middle of July. Some apartment complexs that I'm seriously looking at:
-Naples 701
-Meadow Lakes
-Windsong Club
-Waverly Place
-Whistler Cove
-Summer Wind

I'm late 20s moving from up north (New England) but have vacationed in Florida for many years so weather shouldn't be problem. I know that Naples is known for retired rich but other than that, any other community features and descriptions that come to mind. I'm low key and love the ocean so lack of nightlife is not a buzzkill. I've noticed gas prices are lower than up north; how's grocery bills? taxes? water bills? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[RMD3819]

I don't want to be a buzzkill, but here goes...

All apartment complexes in Naples are ghetto, some more than others.

Naples 701 changed its name from Cricket Lake when they went condo. It is in an undesirable part of town, although it is improving. Their website lists condos starting at $59,900, which is unheard of in Naples. There is a reason for that.

Meadow Lakes-ghetto

Windsong Club- so-so. Directly on Immoaklee Road which has tons of traffic.

Waverly Place and Whistler's Cove-Both in Golden Gate City. Ghetto.

Sumnmerwind-On Pine Ridge Road which is busy but this is a convenient location. They are also so-so. I would pick this one if I was forced to choose from your list.

I would consider renting a private condo if I were you.

Where will you be working? The commute can be a killer in the wintertime. I would factor this into your selection.

I've lived here so long I can't really compare prices for you. I will state that Naples usually has high gas prices because they charge the maximum local option gas tax.

[BigMunch]

Dead on correct with the apt. info,
Look for a condo to rent if you can, or a house you could split or share with someone.
most of the places you mentioned are very small in size, if you have a king bed or a large entertainment center they will not fit.

[swflchick]

River Reach and Wild Pines are very affordable, convenient, in the middle of town, and not "ghetto" - just working class. What's wrong with that? Working people? Sheesh. You won't find much entertainment, but the Mercato area is where young people chill. Lot of snobbery in this town, be warned.

[Fingerprint_me]

just about all those apt complexes are ghetto or section 8 housing

if the apartemnts are under $900 they're ghetto pretty much or section 8 housing. U can try The Oasis they're okay if you must have an apartment but u'd be better renting a condo or a house.. don't expect to probably pay under $900 for anything halfway decent at all. Its not like New England down here. In New England I rented an entire cape house for $850.. down here that'll get u a so so one bedroom apt.

[Chicken Wing]

Originally Posted by swflchick

River Reach and Wild Pines are very affordable, convenient, in the middle of town, and not "ghetto" - just working class. What's wrong with that? Working people? Sheesh. You won't find much entertainment, but the Mercato area is where young people chill. Lot of snobbery in this town, be warned.

I'm starting to think that everyone of these posters that say blanket statements like "every apartment in Naples is ghetto" is an old person who is too used to paying someone else to mow and manicure their lawn.

It's really not that bad, people. Jeez.

[tmozer]

There are a couple apartment complexes along Airport Road in North Naples I see when I ride my bike to Lowes/Costco. They look ok to me.

[Fingerprint_me]

No I'm not old, rich or have people mow my lawn but I've lived here long enough to see what a nice apt complex looks like and a "ghetto" / dirty one looks like... Waverly Place, Whistlers Cove and Windsong are section 8.Tuscan Isle is another last year a teenager was stabbed and killed in the parking lot. Brittany Bay is another, the kid was shot and killed. Those are all within the price ranges you are looking and are all Section 8. Waverly place and Whistlers Cove frequently have police patrols and numerous calls to the police made from them.. IMO North Naples would be the best bet to get something decent and nice..or maybe Kings Lake in East Naples. You can try Positano (sp?) place is not bad either...

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by Chicken Wing

I'm starting to think that everyone of these posters that say blanket statements like "every apartment in Naples is ghetto" is an old person who is too used to paying someone else to mow and manicure their lawn.

It's really not that bad, people. Jeez.

I'm one of those people who says apartments in Naples are ghetto-some worse than others. I am under 50 and mow my own lawn.

Why do I say that? Because, in my opinion, it is true.

How can I say that? Because I have been to every single one. My job takes me there.

OTOH I give swflchick credit since she lived in Wild Pines and has the perspective having actually lived there. I would never suggest anyone move there (or River Reach either).

Fingerprint_me is right on target.

[jdurgin]

Hey was just researching Naples myself because I'm in the same boat and came across your posting. Just got a job down there which also starts in August. I also will be moving down from New England, grew up in RI, went to school and have been working in NH the past two years. Was planning on getting a cheap 1 bdrm apartment for myself but it sounds like it would be easier to get a nicer spot with a roommate. Not sure if you were considering having a roommate but if you are I would be willing to try and make something work. I'm in my mid twenties, will be working for the Florida Forest Service and will be trying to get accustomed to living in Florida. Figured it may be easier to live with someone who was also coming down from New England. Let me know if you are interested.