Are you relocating to Naples and have young children?
If so, North Naples may be for you. This area includes the neighborhoods Naples Park, Pelican Bay, and Pine Ridge. Great schools and affordable homes make this a fantastic place for families.
Don’t just focus on finding a home; find the right community and environment so you and your family can live their best life!
Schools
Many Naples transplants are drawn to this neighborhood for its excellent schools. The Collier County school system has received an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for three consecutive years.
Some of the highest-rated schools in the district are in North Naples. Here are the public schools available to North Naples residents, and their rating (on a scale from 1 to 10) from GreatSchools.org:
Communities
North Naples is an unincorporated area in Collier County. Neighborhoods in North Naples include Naples Park, Pelican Bay, Coco River, Pine Ridge, Vanderbilt Beach, Four Seasons, Coco Beach, and Vineyards.
Within these neighborhoods, there are countless residential communities – some gated, some not. Most of these planned communities are less than 20 years old, though there are several older, non-gated communities that are highly sought-after due to their large lots and low HOA fees.
Here are just a few of North Naples’ communities:
- Delasol: Just off Livingstone Road, this gated neighborhood features Mediterranean-inspired homes, lakes, and nature preserves. Amenities include a fitness center, tennis, clubhouse with pool and spa.
- Willoughby Acres: With homes built between 1968 and 2012, this non-gated community has a relaxed atmosphere. Most homes have a pool and screened-in porch.
- Wilshire Lakes: This beautiful, gated community had single-family homes, as well as condominiums. It has a clubhouse, heated pool, spa, tennis courts, a fitness center, nature trails, and bike paths on 245 acres of land.
- The Villages of Monterey: Built-in 1990, this planned community of over 400 homes is ideal for families. The property is broken into 4 interior neighborhoods with their own distinct ambiance. Here, you’ll find a 58,000-gallon swimming pool, playground, three tennis courts, a clubhouse with a library, and a fitness center.
Activities
North Naples has numerous destinations for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to visit with the whole family or a place to take the toddler during the weekday, you’ll find a wealth of options.
The Golisano Children's Museum of Naples (known as C’mon) is Southwest Florida’s first children’s museum. Interactive exhibits teach young ones everything from weather patterns to world cuisine. Explore the hedge maze in Johnsonville Backyardville, or make a masterpiece in the Art Studio.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is Collier County’s own waterpark. They have four pools, a lazy river, a splash pad for the little ones, and five exciting water slides. Currently undergoing a renovation, the park will reopen for Sumer 2021.
Shopping
Some of the city’s best shopping can be found in North Naples. Waterside Shops, an open-air mall in Pelican Bay, is a favorite destination for luxury shopping. Stores at Waterside include Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Carolina Hererra, Gucci, Louis Vitton, and more.
Z Gallerie carries gorgeous modern home furnishings, and the showroom at Design West is a fabulous place to find inspiration for your interior decor. A&R Workshop and Vino Picasso are two places where you can express your creativity and create unique pieces for your home.
Treasure hunters will want to head to Flamingo Island Flea Market. Just north of North Naples, in Bonita Springs, this flea market hosts over 600 booths. Support Southwest Florida’s local artists and chefs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all year-round.
Food and Dining
If you love to cook, there are numerous organic and specialty markets in North Naples. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are both located just off the Tamiami Trail. For something different, check out the international flavors of the European Food Market or Taste of Poland Market and Deli.
Oakes Farms, a locally-run agribusiness organization, recently opened the Seed to Table Market. This full-service grocery store has fresh produce from their farms, a butcher shop, a fish market, a 2-story wine section, a bakery, as well as several restaurants.
Being north of the city doesn’t mean leaving world-class restaurants behind. Parmesan Pete’s Italian Kitchen, from Chef Peter Della Rocca, serves “a Big Bite of Brooklyn.” The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort offers fine dining in a resort casual atmosphere. And Silverspot Cinema offers new movies alongside a full restaurant menu.
Making The Move To The North Naples Neighborhood
Excellent schools and pristine beaches are the hallmarks of North Naples. Let the extraordinary beauty of the Paradise Coast can become part of your everyday life.
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Breakfast
Joe’s Diner
For 15 years, Joe’s has served one of the best breakfasts on the Paradise Coast. New York bagels, giant pancakes, and crepes are menu highlights. Their Famous Crunchy French Toast is coated in Frosted Flakes and granola – a unique and delicious combination that stands out in a sea of boring breakfasts.
Skillet’s
Skillet’s aims to elevate breakfast to new heights. Their unique flavor combinations take center stage at this unfussy eatery. Monthly specials highlight seasonal ingredients, like ginger cranberry pancakes in December. Besides their eponymous egg-and-potato skillets, you must try the potato pancakes, served with hot cinnamon apples and sour cream.
Lunch
Fit n’ Fuel Café
This unique café is partnered with the next-door cycling shop, making this a one-of-a-kind experience. Fit n’ Fuel boasts “the best coffee in Naples,” supplied by Panther Coffee in Miami. The café menu has breakfast and lunch staples like smoothies, omelets, sandwiches, and flatbreads. While you’re here, pick up a beer growler and browse for bikes.
Jimmy P’s Charred Bistro
Jimmy P’s butcher shop is the continuation of a family tradition. Three generations of the Pepper family have grown this deli into a family of restaurants. The newest, Charred Bistro, offers small plates with a focus on shareable options. Jimmy P’s is known for their Wagyu beef, Heritage Berkshire Pork, veal, and exotic game meats. Here, exceptional ingredients meet exceptional chefs.
Seed to Table Market
Oakes Farms, a local agribuisiness organization, recently opened this full-service grocery store. It offers fresh produce from their farms, a butcher shop, fish market, 2-story wine section, a bakery, and several restaurants.
Taste of Poland Market and Deli
Fresh breads and pastries, kielbasa, schnitzel, and pierogi are just a few of this Deli’s exceptional selections. Browse their wide selection of European chocolates – over 30 varieties. Specials change daily and are prepared in-house.
Dinner
Baleen
This romantic restaurant is at La Playa Beach and Golf Resort. Dine on the sand at a beach table, or in the stunning modern dining room. The Chef’s Signature special is a blackened gulf grouper with king crab, a charred corn truffle risotto cake, and a champagne citrus beurre blanc.
The Bay House
Dine overlooking the Cocohatchee River at this spectacular waterfront restaurant. Seafood and southern fare mingle on this menu – make sure to try the World’s Best Pimento Cheese and the High Rise, a chilled seafood tower fit for a king.
Capital Grille
Known nationally for dry-aged steaks and exceptional seafood, Capital Grille in Naples Park is as elegant as it is delicious. Menu highlights include cherrywood double-cut smoked bacon with tomato jam and a bone-in ribeye with 15-year aged balsamic.
Deep Lagoon Seafood
This restaurant and oyster bar was formerly known as Randy’s Fish Market. This casual restaurant celebrates the flavors of the Gulf in a relaxed atmosphere. Specials include the chili rub tripletail and hogfish lagoon-style.
Joey D’s
The menu at Joey D’s ranges from pizza to pasta aglio olio. The “leading Italian restaurant in Naples” is a no-frills spot for a date night and a great spot for the whole family.
Maguro
Maguro Sushi is a beloved North Naples eatery. Known for their dedication to using high quality ingredients, this innovative restaurant reinvents the classics. Sashimi, specialty rolls and hibachi favorites will please everyone in your party.
New York Pizza and Pasta
The dough at this pizzeria is made daily, and that attention to detail is present throughout the menu. Craft cocktails, like the Pickled Again Pepperoncini, will knock your socks off. The vast menu will please picky kids and adventurous eaters alike.
Parmesan Pete’s Italian Kitchen
This restaurant from Chef Peter Della Rocca serves “a Big Bite of Brooklyn.” The sauces are made fresh from imported Italian plum tomatoes. Panko-breaded rice balls and Faroe Island salmon over brussel sprouts are two of the menu’s standouts.
Sushi Thai
This delectable spot combines the best of Thailand and the best of Japan. Tai favorites like nam tok compliment Japanese soba and udon dishes. The sushi rolls are not to be missed. Try inventive options like the Beauty and the Beast Roll, Salmon Skin Roll, and Kimchee Roll.
Tacos and Tequila Cantina
This is not your average Tex-Mex joint. Tacos and Tequila Cantina offers a wide array of authentic Mexican tacos, as well as concoctions like the Chicken Pancake Taco – featuring buttermilk chicken battered with pancake mix, cheddar jack cheese, and maple syrup.
The Turtle Club
This establishment at Vanderbilt Beach Resort offers fine dining in a resort casual atmosphere. Sip a glass of wine with your toes in the sand while the sun sets and enjoy an unparalleled dining experience.
Flamingo Island Flea Market
Just north of North Naples, in Bonita Springs, this flea market hosts over 600 booths. Support Southwest Florida’s local artists and chefs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all year-round.
Mercato Shops
Mercato has a wide selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Sur La Table is a home cook’s dream come true, featuring cookware and kitchen gadgets from leading brands. The showroom at Design West is a fabulous place to find inspiration for your interiors. And Z Gallerie carries gorgeous modern home furnishings and décor. While you’re here, stop by Narrative Coffee Roasters for a freshly-roasted cuppa, or grab a pastry from Le Macaron.
Waterside Shops
This open-air mall in Pelican Bay, is a favorite destination for luxury shopping. Shops at Waterside include Lululemon, Lily Pulitzer, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Carolina Hererra, Gucci, Louis Vitton and more.
Clam Pass Park
This is one of the most popular beach entry points in the Naples Metro area. This beautiful park has 35 acres of coastal preserves. The three-quarter-mile boardwalk is a perfect place for a sunset stroll.
Delnor Wiggins Pass
Explore gorgeous vistas of the Gulf of Mexico and Turtle Bay at this pristine park. Here, you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and beach umbrellas and chairs. Sunbathe on the beach, go fishing, and paddle down the Bay.
North Collier Regional Park
This park surround’s Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Collier County’s own water park. Amenities include tournament fields, an exhibit hall, and the adventurous Can u Dig It playground. Past community programs have included pirate lunches and talks leads by shark and wildlife experts.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Collier County’s only waterpark is the centerpiece of North Collier Regional Park. This aquatic playground for the whole family has four pools, a lazy river, a splash pad for the little ones, and five exciting water slides. Currently undergoing a renovation, the park will reopen for Sumer 2021.
Vanderbilt Beach
This is one of the most popular beaches in Naples. This prime white-sand beach sits between some of North Naples finest hotels and is close to incredible restaurants and shopping. Though this access point has a private parking garage, it fills-up quickly during the busy season. Try to arrive before 10 am during peak season if you want a parking space.
Veterans Community Park
This park hosts dozens of community activities for people of all ages. Kids after-school programs, senior aerobics classes, and special events make this park a social hub of North Naples. Amenities include a community center, 3 lit softball fields, a lit baseball field, bocce ball court, 4 lit tennis courts, 4 lit racquetball courts, a playground, a lit soccer and football field, 8 pickleball courts, a covered multi-purpose rink, and a dog park.
Vineyards Community Park
This park is popular with families, as it has an interactive splash pad where kids can play in the water. Large green spaces are perfect for picnics. Other amenities include a community center, 2 meeting rooms, 2 lit softball fields, 3 lit soccer fields, 4 lit tennis courts, 2 lit basketball courts, a walking trail, 5 picnic shelters, 3 pavilions, a playground, and rest rooms.
A&R Workshop
This hands-on studio allows you to express your creativity and create unique pieces for your home. Join an instructor-led class in woodworking, knitting, or screen printing. Or book a private party where you and a group of friends or family can learn together. You can even pick-up a kit and make projects at home.
Burn by Rocky Patel
Enjoy the exotic atmosphere of this cigar lounge that draws from Mediterranean, Asian and Cuban cultures. Stop in for a drink and a premium cigar from Rocky Patel Premium Cigars and many other leading brands. You can even rent a private locker on-site to store your cigars in perfect condition between visits.
The Golisano Childrens Museum of Naples
Known as C’mon, this is Southwest Florida’s first children’s museum. Interactive exhibits teach young ones everything from weather patterns to world cuisine. Explore the hedge maze in Johnsonville Backyardville, or make a masterpiece in the Art Studio.
My Gym
My Gym is a kid’s paradise. Their play areas are a safe, exciting space for children ages 7 months to 6 years. Regular classes introduce gymnastic moves, sports concepts, refine fine motor skills, and strengthen problem-solving. My Gym also hosts birthday parties and special events.
Paragon Theaters
This isn’t your average moviegoing experience. Large, comfortable recliners are arranged in stadium setting. Plus, you can pick exactly where you want to be with reserved seating. The Lot Bar & Lounge has an expanded menu, so popcorn isn’t your only concession option. Order a pizza or pasta dish and bring it right into the theatre to enjoy while you watch.
Silverspot Cinema
This upscale theatre offers movies alongside a full restaurant menu. 12 theatres feature over 1,100 stadium seats, Barco Laser Projection and Dolby Surround Sound. View new Hollywood blockbusters, festival favorites, foreign films, and special event broadcasts. Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is served from 11 to 3, including a bottomless drink option.
Vino Picasso
This locally-owned studio is the perfect place to express your creativity and let your hair down with friends. Our classes are BYOB; have a glass of wine or two while a trained artist takes you step-by-step through the process of painting a masterpiece. Not an experienced artist? No problem! These classes are tailored so beginners don’t miss a thing.
January
Naples Winter Wine Festival
This event was named one of the top 10 arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans by the Luxury Institute. This lavish event is a fundraiser for the Naples Children & Education Foundation. Their aim is to improve the lives of Collier County’s underprivileged children, specifically through funding the gap in pediatric oral health, medical intervention, early childhood education, social welfare, and after-school programs. Come to the Festival and enjoy amazing wine and gourmet food for a good cause.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 45th Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on Saturday, March 13, 2021. This parade began as an informal event, led by Naples residents. Now, the annual event draws over 40,000 participants and spectators.
April
Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships
Pickeball is a Naples favorite. The 5th annual event was postponed due to COVID-19. But plans are already underway for 2021’s triumphant return. Over 2,600 competitors and 13,000 spectators are expected to attend.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks
This annual show takes place on Naples’ most recognizable landmark: the Naples Pier. Spectators sit on lawn chairs along Naples Beach to take in the display. In fact, you can see the fireworks from just about any spot in downtown Naples.
Independence Day Parade
The Naples 4th of July parade is a boisterous affair, lasting over two hours from beginning to end. The route travels across Broad Avenue South, Third Street South, 5th Avenue South, and 8th Street South, passing City Hall.
October
Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show
From October through April each year, ArtCrafters hosts monthly art shows in Cambier and Fleischmann Parks. Presenting artists are chosen by a panel of judges, and featured mediums include painting, pen and ink, pastels, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and textiles.
Brew Ha-Ha Craft Beer Festival
Mercato Shops in North Naples hosts this festival featuring over 60 craft beers. Participating breweries include SweetWater, Wicked Weed, Motorworks, 3 Daughters, and many more. Proceeds from this event go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida.
Stone Crab Festival
Tin City’s premiere event is a celebration of Florida’s native stone crab, as well as other incredible regional seafood. Live music and plentiful food make this a can’t-miss event!
Swamp Buggy Races
Golden Gate Estates is the home of the Swamp Buggy Races. For over 70 years, this annual event has drawn crowds from all over Florida. The “swamp buggy” is an all-terrain vehicle that was first invented to traverse Southern Florida’s challenging landscape. Informal races eventually grew into a time-honored tradition that spans two centuries.
December
Christmas Boat Parade
This festive display travels along Naples Bay, spreading holiday cheer in its wake. Grab a waterfront seat anywhere along the route to take in this tradition. Some of the prime places to view the parade are Landings and Bayview Parks, the Naples City Dock, Tin City, Kelly's Fish House, and The Boat House Restaurant.
