Lived in Naples for almost 11 years before moving to The Villages and absolutely loved it. If you want to live on or very near the beach, then yes, it's very expensive. We lived in North Naples, west of 1-75, but less than a 10 minute drive to the beach. We were in a lovely gated community of 800 homes and condos, had a 2200 sq. ft. house on a lake, with a pool, and paid more for a similar house here in TV, without a pool. HOA fees were about $3200 a year, BUT they included landscaping, irrigation, cable TV and internet. Taxes were about the same as here, BUT, no bond. Yes, insurance was a bit more, restaurants a bit more expensive, BUT we find the cost of living here higher overall. If you're a golfer, that cost in Naples is high, especially in season. If you live in Naples year round, traffic is definitely heavier December through March, but really isn't an issue, as the roads certainly are well equipped to handle it. And the rest of the year is great ! Beaches, shopping, convenience to airport are real bonuses. Why did we move here ?? Still second guessing ourselves on that one. BUT, the activities here in TV are unending, golf is included, and it's a fun place to live. Some really nice gated communities in North Naples are Island Walk, Carlton Lakes, Cypress Woods, just to name a few. Good luck with your search !
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