Naples and Collier County
Collier County is among the most sought-after relocation destinations in the world. The area uniquely blends the hospitality and charm of a small town with the sophistication of a large city, all in an environment of exceptional beauty and year-round tropical weather. Smithsonian named Naples one of “The 10 Best Small Towns in America” in 2012. When selecting a new home, Collier County offers many different areas to choose from – each with its own style and approach to living. There are several types of housing options available with a wide range of price points, including family-friendly single-family neighborhoods, condominiums, and master-planned communities that offer golf, tennis and other amenities. Housing with lower price points are generally found outside the City of Naples (and closer to Arthrex), while higher price points are found within the City of Naples and along the coast.
The School District of Collier County has 29 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 8 high schools, a PreK-12 school (Everglades City School), and three charter schools. The school district and all of its schools are accredited by AdvanceED, the parent organization of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Additionally, there are two career/technical centers: Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology and Immokalee Technical Center; as well as several esteemed educational institutions for higher learning: Florida Gulf Coast University, Edison State College, Hodges University and Southwest Florida College.
Naples is known for its pristine beaches (and scenic Naples Pier!), world-class golf and recreational amenities, and a variety of entertainment and cultural events – all providing residents with limitless activity options. The year-round sunny weather is perfect for boating and fishing enthusiasts, and for exploring the outdoors. Families enjoy miles of public-access sandy beaches, as well as numerous attractions, such as the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Naples Zoo, Tigertail Beach Community Park on nearby Marco Island, the Conservancy Nature Center’s guided boat tours, Naples Botanical Garden, and the popular Swamp Buggy Races held annually every January, March and October.
Naples and surrounding Collier County still maintain many of its natural features and is home to an impressive ecosystem. Rent a kayak or canoe for the day and journey through the unspoiled bays, inlets, estuaries, and mangrove forests that house many natural resources. Or, take an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, for sightings of crocodiles, Florida panthers and other wildlife. Other natural attractions that are a must-see include Big Cypress Preserve, Rookery Bay and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Naples is also home to some of the most dynamic cultural venues and night life – take in a performance at the world-class Philharmonic Center of the Arts or tour the many galleries at the adjacent Naples Museum of Art. Additionally, Mercato offers a city chic atmosphere with shopping, dining and a fabulous night life entertainment scene, while Fifth Avenue South – the Heart of Downtown Naples – is famous for its beautiful banyan-laced sidewalks, Mediterranean architecture, galleries, wineries, fine restaurants, charming outdoor bistros and cafes, friendly Irish bars and exclusive boutiques.
Other great destinations for shopping and dining include:
• Third Street South – Naples’ oldest commercial district – perfect for spectacular art galleries, shopping, and dining at places like Tommy Bahama• Tin City – an open-air center along the docks of Naples Bay
• Bayfront – in the heart of Old Naples – offering the sophistication of a seaside European town
• Waterside Shops – featuring some of the finest designer-brand retailers from around the world and set among cascading waterfalls and captivating architecture
• Village on Venetian Bay – a quaint collection of nearly 60 shops situated directly on the waterfront
• Coastland Mall – for the traditional mall experience
Ave Maria
Ave Maria is an exciting new Southwest Florida hometown where residents can play, shop, dine, learn and work in a naturally beautiful environment. Designed as a self-sustaining town, Ave Maria provides all the essential services. Homes span a wide array of styles and prices in six affordable neighborhoods, and recreational amenities include a water park, nature trails, golf course, sport fields and much more. La Piazza, Ave Maria’s Town Center, is filled with boutiques and restaurants, as well as a Publix Supermarket.Ave Maria is home to the nation’s newest Catholic university – Ave Maria University. The university provides the town with a youthful energy and an array of educational events. Additionally, an on-site Kindergarten through 12th grade parochial school is open. Collier County Public Schools will build an elementary and middle school on site as the community continues to grow, but in the interim, children who live at Ave Maria can attend Estates Elementary, Corkscrew Middle and Palmetto Ridge High School.