Tampa or Naples (Orlando, Sarasota, Bonita Springs: transplants, low crime, landscaping) - Florida (FL) -Collier County - City-Data Forum

Rodoxo · 10-29-2013, 12:32 PM

We live around the Tampa area and don't really care for. It's dumpy and redneck and rundown and full of crime. I was pretty much ready to roll on from Florida, since I have the means and ability to live anywhere, but I thought Id ask if Naples was a good place for a family. I know its a small town, which is is good. I know it has nice beaches and is hot year round. I also know its chock full of NY snowbirds. Does it have good schools? Is it full of crime like most of Florida appears to be?

jsun556 · 10-29-2013, 12:40 PM

You have the means and ability to live anywhere, but picked a dumpy, crime ridden part of Tampa?

There ARE nice places in this area. Naples is boring. Your kids will leave when they are able to.

Rodoxo · 10-29-2013, 01:48 PM

Indeed. I would say Florida is the biggest mistake move I've ever made. That's why I want out. But, I'm willing to see if there's a nice part I simply have overlooked. I've met lots of people who've said Florida is a dump, but I didn't realize an entire state more or less could be in such a way. Now I know.

Of course, its all relative. From some rusted out place, FL probably still looks good. By nice I mean good schools, strong community and low crime. Haven't seen any place in the whole state which can satisfy this.

Rodoxo · 10-29-2013, 02:10 PM

Having read some past posts, I'll think I'll safely put Naples in the not family freindly category.

Good luck snow birds. Your going to need it in Florida. Sarasota is most likely Naples future once the newness and niceness wears off in 20 years. Jmho.

mquintana · 10-29-2013, 02:54 PM

South Tampa-much to do, good area, great schools.
Naples is more of a retirement area (nothing wrong with that)

Hawaii4evr · 10-30-2013, 12:02 AM

Naples can be bland unless you're a retiree. The weather, besides a few cold days, is nicer than Tampa year-round, with higher water and air temperatures. The beaches are practically Caribbean. It's beautiful. But you may want to explore Sarasota first...it has more going on.

FLBirdwatcher · 10-31-2013, 06:48 PM

I have lived in Naples for over three years. Crime here is very rare. The area is beautiful with lovely landscaping and architecture. The beaches are pristine.

As for New Yorker's, I haven't seen any. I think the eastern snowbirds go to the east coast. Naples is an international city. We have many Europeans who live here. It is one of the richest areas in the country.

There are plenty of families who live here. It is a small town, so the choices for entertainment do not compare to a large city like Orlando. Some schools are great and others are not as good. If you have the means, you might want to look into sending your children to a private school.

Naples is not hot year round. Last year, we had some very chilly weather in the winter. The cool temperatures do not last very long though.

camjunkie · 10-31-2013, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodoxo

We live around the Tampa area and don't really care for. It's dumpy and redneck and rundown and full of crime. I was pretty much ready to roll on from Florida, since I have the means and ability to live anywhere, but I thought Id ask if Naples was a good place for a family. I know its a small town, which is is good. I know it has nice beaches and is hot year round. I also know its chock full of NY snowbirds. Does it have good schools? Is it full of crime like most of Florida appears to be?

Naples is a draaaaaaag. And yes, it's full of snowbirds - whoever says otherwise is living in a fantasy world. Naples/Bonita Springs is a ghost town until the on-season - and then you cannot even get into the Olive Garden on a Saturday night. Everyone you meet here is from MD, NY, ME, MA, etc. - SNOWBIRDS. No way I would leave Tampa to move here. Just my $0.02.

mquintana · 11-01-2013, 11:13 PM

What area in Tampa do you live in? I live in South Tampa which is a nice area. Hyde Park would offer you excellent schools, families around you as well as professionals. You can actually walk the streets at night without looking over your shoulder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodoxo

We live around the Tampa area and don't really care for. It's dumpy and redneck and rundown and full of crime. I was pretty much ready to roll on from Florida, since I have the means and ability to live anywhere, but I thought Id ask if Naples was a good place for a family. I know its a small town, which is is good. I know it has nice beaches and is hot year round. I also know its chock full of NY snowbirds. Does it have good schools? Is it full of crime like most of Florida appears to be?

naples_florida · 11-03-2013, 07:48 AM

I love Naples and I think it is a wonderful place to raise a family. There are several family oriented gated communities. The public schools are good. Some are the best in the state. There are sports youth leagues, Naples Performing Arts Center , The Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, Naples Zoo. The beaches are gorgeous. The weather is superb.

I do not think there are lots of New Yorkers in Naples. I meet lots of transplants from Midwest (like ourselves). There are many Germans and Canadians as well.