Tax-friendly, and health-minded, Florida’s coastal lifestyle attracts droves of baby boomers from snowbirds to empty nesters with one city, in particular, coming out on top in all its white-sanded glory. Rated the number one city by the Gallup Well-Being index, and featured by Forbes, and Kiplinger as one of the best destinations to retire, Naples is as close to paradise as it gets.
Located 40 miles south of Fort Myers, this gulf town is one of the few places where balmy tropical breezes, flip-flops, and beach days are enjoyed even in the dead of winter. Retirees are not only attracted to the flawless aesthetic of Naples with its palm-lined streets, upscale plazas, and colorful Neapolitan architecture, but the lifestyle itself is one that promotes healthy living, rich culture, and a positive perspective. With a laid-back vibe, and clear aquamarine waves brushing up against the white sand, it’s easy to understand why they call it the Paradise Coast.
Naples puts the active in active adult living with an endless array of outdoor activities from kayaking, boating, and sports fishing, to world-class golf. The Naples and Marco Island vicinity is home to more than 80 postcard-worthy golf courses with Colusa Pines ranked the second-best in the entire state by Golf Digest. It isn’t difficult to log 10,000 FitBit steps while living in Naples because one can walk virtually everywhere. Places like the Naples Botanical Garden and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offer a tranquil setting for nature lovers to take a stroll while Olde Town Naples is the city’s true focal point. Between Fifth Avenue, and historic Third Street South, small-town ambiance meets the sophistication of Rodeo Drive. From fashionistas, and foodies to art enthusiasts, wandering through Olde Town offers a smorgasbord of specialty food stores, fantastic restaurants, and a variety of art galleries.
It could be the abundance of vitamin D and dazzling ocean sunsets, but Naples is well known for nurturing healthy, happy people. Retirees describe this upscale town as welcoming, and immaculately maintained, with an outstanding reputation for safety, and quality of life. Home to more than a dozen active adult communities including Pelican Bay, and VeronaWalk, a multitude of art galleries, and a climate that averages 77 degrees, it’s no wonder so many seasonal residents are taking the plunge to live the resort life all year long.
