Once known as a sleepy fishing town for snowbird retirees, Naples, FL, has t
converted into one of the country’s most prestigious retreats
— dubbed the new Palm Beach.
Ultra-wealthy billionaires are scooping up beachfront mega-mansions in record numbers, building a quiet empire of wealth along the Gulf Coast.
Boasting unspoiled shores, zero state income tax, and an Old-World allure, Naples has transformed into a haven for affluent investors, bankers, and property magnates.
In 2024, US News & World Report designated this city as the top choice for wealthy, influential individuals who prefer warmer climates when considering places to retire.
named it the top location to reside in America
.
Currently, it’s known as the
Palm Beach of the Gulf Shore
.
The entire world is at your fingertips right here,” luxury realtor Angela Lutzi Dellatorè from Naples stated, adding that “it’s a highly culturally rich area that remains relatively low-profile.
Judge Judy Sheindlin, Papa John’s creator John Schnatter, Best Buy originator Richard Schulze, and Jason Bourne novelist Robert Ludlum all reside in Naples.
A notable transaction involved an $85 million recently constructed estate, initially conceived for a private individual, which has been acquired by the wealthy entrepreneur David Hoffmann.
The sale didn’t even set the highest record.
In a private transaction, a colossal estate comprising three individual beachfront properties spread across 15 acres recently sold for $225 million, making it Florida’s highest-priced residential sale to date, as reported by Zillow. That one’s for you, Palm Beach.
Last year, another stunning
A nine-acre property listed for $295 million
.
“It has become Billionaire’s Row,” states Naples luxury real estate agent PJ Smith.
It’s a serene haven for upscale living. The celebrities and ultra-rich reside in Naples discreetly and they thoroughly enjoy it.
Naples boasts some of the most esteemed and exclusive areas, such as Port Royal, renowned for its luxury waterfront estates featuring personal beaches and private docks perfect for yacht enthusiasts.
Other upscale areas such as Park Shore, Pelican Bay, and Grey Oaks provide water views, premier golf courses, exclusive beach clubs, and luxury facilities designed for sophisticated preferences.
It’s renowned for its top-notch facilities and the laid-back way of life.
The community offers residents the chance to indulge in high-end culinary experiences, sophisticated retail areas such as Fifth Avenue South and Mercato, cultural spots, and luxurious leisure pursuits including golf, tennis, pickleball, boating, and beautiful sandy shores.
The lively social atmosphere and cultural attractions of the city offer a refined but laid-back ambiance.
Naples provides an extensive selection of upscale residences ranging from majestic mansion-style homes featuring large open-air entertainment areas and state-of-the-art culinary spaces to lavish condominiums offering breathtaking views of the Gulf.
Gated communities providing restricted entry ensure both privacy and safety.
Minimal criminal activity offers the security that wealthy people look for.
Personalized concierge services in Naples ease the lives of affluent locals by handling tasks, organizing events, coordinating well-being activities, and gaining special entry into premier locations, enabling inhabitants to savor their luxurious existence with peace of mind.
The location and climate are significant attractions as well.
The premier Gulf Coast position of Naples provides beautiful beaches, consistent sunlight throughout the year, and a mild climate that encourages an energetic outdoor lifestyle, which is greatly appreciated by wealthy retirees and those who own vacation homes.
Naples ranks number one for having a notably joyful populace according to the Gallup Well-Being Index.
It frequently appears at the top of multiple rankings for ideal retirement spots, happiest places to reside, superior golfing destinations, and prime locations for boating within the U.S.
It is also recognized as the Pickleball Capital of the World, featuring 64 courts spread throughout the city.
The attraction of this location largely stems from the downtown area’s proximity to the waterfront – with numerous small coves ideal for boating, Dellatorè, who runs her own company, explains.
‘Slightly head north and you’ll find restaurants, shops, and museums. There’s also a fine arts center that hosts Broadway shows. It’s quite a culturally rich area.’
Wealthy residents have access to a private airport that can whisk them off to New York or Europe with no hassle.
Ferries travel down to the Florida Keys (alternatively, you could use your own boat like numerous local residents), and it’s not difficult to drive without encountering one of the region’s top-tier golf courses.
A Ritz-Carlton exists in Naples, and construction is underway for an additional high-end lodging facility just north of the town. This new establishment will offer gourmet dining choices upon completion.
Dellatore points out that Naples is a location where millionaires can leave their business attire behind and enjoy lunch wearing flip-flops and shorts.
There are numerous affluent individuals who reside here, and they opt for Naples because no one draws attention to them,” she explained to the Daily Mail. “The ambiance is quite laid-back.
If you’re looking to flaunt your riches, there are exclusive member-only country clubs and upscale car dealerships close by.
The Artis–Naples performing arts center is the go-to venue for performances and serves as the headquarters for the Naples Philharmonic.
Naples has also received certification as a ‘Blue Zone,’ placing it among the select global areas renowned for their significant number of residents who live beyond 100 years.
These geographical regions boast an unusually large number of individuals practicing healthy lifestyles, frequently reaching centenarian status, usually exceeding 100 years old.
Researchers who have studied these regions have found residents share lifestyle choices that contribute to longevity, like a healthy diet, robust exercise regimens, social connections and a sense of purpose.
Dellatore stated that Naples has been highly engaged in efforts to assist individuals in understanding how they can lead a long and healthy life.
A majority of nearby eateries along with the well-known local business, Seed to Table, have pledged to offer produce untreated by any chemicals, thus promoting healthier dietary habits within the area as a whole.
Downtown is bustling, and the first luxury high-rise apartment building opened there recently.
The ascent at Metropolitan Naples, featuring residences with views of the Gulf of Mexico, was inaugurated with an extravagant event for its affluent purchasers.
Naples provides beach access throughout the year.
It boasts some of the nation’s top hospitals and accommodates religious organizations from various denominations.
The city offers numerous outdoor activities, featuring several parks and bicycle paths. Throughout the year, you can enjoy yacht exhibitions and food festivals.
As a result, an increasing number of ultra-luxury homes are being built, featuring helipads as a common feature.
In the meantime, as the extremely wealthy keep going
congregate in specific areas of Florida
Other regions are precariously close to experiencing a housing market collapse.
Experts warn that the
Miami housing market is on a knife-edge
as spiraling numbers of homebuyers pull out of deals.
It’s the
most recent region in the Sunshine State
in danger of an accident.
The inventory is inundating the marketplace, prices are being reduced, and sales are stagnating—reflecting the president’s impact.
Donald Trump
‘Tariffs spark concerns about an economic downturn.’
“Pending sales for April are significantly lower, and the situation is expected to worsen further next month,” stated the local agent.
Florida
realtor Jeff Lichtenstein.
In March, 18 percent of the pending home sales in Miami did not go through, as reported by Redfin.
That gives the city the 20th-highest cancellation rate among the 50 largest US metropolitan areas.
‘The collapse in demand in Miami’s housing market is breathtaking,’ real estate analyst Nick Gerli, CEO of real estate analysis platform Reventure App, wrote on X.
‘Sales are down 50% from pandemic peak, and are 30 percent below the long-term average for March.’
But not for the billionaires.
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