Key Takeaways:
- Naples offers a safe, family-friendly environment with top-rated schools and a strong sense of community.
- Year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor activities make it ideal for raising kids.
- The city blends small-town charm with luxury amenities, dining, and cultural attractions.
- Real estate in Naples offers substantial long-term value, especially for custom-built homes.
- Naples is renowned for its exquisite homes and luxurious waterfront estates.
- Partnering with experienced Naples contractors like Carlson Harris ensures your home is designed perfectly for your family’s lifestyle.
Considering a Move to Naples, FL?
If you’re wondering whether you should move to Naples, FL, we can come up with dozens of reasons why you should, but we would be hard-pressed to come up with reasons against relocating. Of course, given that the owners of Carlson Harris General Contractors have been living and working in Naples for decades, we’re a bit biased. Thus, let’s see what another source has to say about living in Naples.
In 2024, U.S. News & World Report named Naples, FL, number one in its “Best Places to Live 2024-2025” ranking, beating 149 other U.S. cities for the honor. In ranking the town against its competitors, Naples ranked highly in the job market (No. 3), desirability (No. 4), college readiness (No. 4), low crime rate (No. 12), air quality (No. 15), well being (No. 26), and quality of life (No. 28) indexes.
Among index items in which Naples ranked poorly was value (No. 108), which considers the cost of housing, standard goods, and services. Of course, the best things in life certainly don’t come free.
We love living in Naples, so we’ll give you some more reasons why you should move here. With decades of building exquisite, custom luxury homes in the area, we’ll also highlight the advantages of crafting a custom dream home to meet all of your family’s needs and lifestyle desires.
Why Naples, FL, Is a Great Place to Raise a Family
Any city ranked number one as the best place to live is obviously a great place to raise a family. So, let’s review some of the reasons why Naples, FL, received this ranking:
- High-Quality Public and Private Education—The Collier County Public School System, which serves Naples, was ranked sixth best statewide for the 2024-2025 school year and consistently earns an A rating from the Florida Department of Education. The 29 private schools in Naples have collectively earned an excellent reputation for their college-preparatory focus, high AP course offerings, and robust college matriculation rate.
- Safety—With crime rates significantly below national and state averages, Naples consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Florida. The prevalence of secure, gated communities further enhances safety.
- Family Friendly—Many Naples neighborhoods have established solid reputations for being welcoming, family-friendly, and fostering a strong sense of community.
- Abundant recreational opportunities—As a coastal community with extensive waterways, Naples is renowned for its water-related activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Numerous clubs cater to a wide range of sports interests, hobbies, crafts, and other activities for both children and adults. There are more than a dozen parks in and around Naples, and the Everglades and its related parks are a close drive away. Oh, and Naples is home to over 90 golf courses, making it the self-proclaimed Golf Capital of the World.
- Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene—Naples is home to numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters, and hosts the Naples National Art Fair and other cultural events.
- Diverse Culinary Offerings—from high-end fine dining to innovative food trucks, and from fresh seafood to international cuisine, Naples offers something for every taste.
- High-End and Local Market Retail—Naples is a shopping mecca, with a wide range of luxury shopping options, designer boutiques, thrift stores, and farmers’ markets.
- Pleasant Climate—With an average of 260 days of sunshine per year and mild winter temperatures, the weather rarely impedes outdoor fun.
- Gorgeous Scenery—With nine miles of beautiful white sand beaches along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, plenty of green spaces, and stunning architecture, Naples is a feast for the eyes.
The Real Estate Advantage in Naples, FL
If you’re thinking about moving to Naples, you probably want to ensure that the investment in your new home will be worth it from a financial perspective, too. If you buy an existing or custom-built home in Naples, you’re buying into a robust real estate market that will undoubtedly support your investment. Consider the following:
- Naples has a solid history of steady property growth, with recent data showing a solid 10% year-over-year increase in median home-listing prices as of 2023.
- Florida and Naples offer a favorable tax environment, with no state income or capital gains taxes, and a city homestead exemption that reduces home property tax values and caps annual assessment increases.
- There are numerous housing options, from luxury waterfront estates to more affordable single-family homes, and lots of varying sizes and price points for those interested in building a custom home.
- Florida’s robust economy and exceptional population growth ensure a strong housing market.
- Naples has a lucrative rental market, which further supports the housing market.
To further support your investment in the Naples lifestyle and housing market, consider opting for the construction of a new custom home over a pre-existing one. Not only does building a custom home in Naples allow you to tailor it to your distinct family needs and lifestyle desires, but new construction homes typically maintain much higher resale values due to their modern design, materials, amenities, and construction techniques.
How Naples Contractors Bring Your Dream Home to Life
Building your custom dream home in Naples will inevitably bring challenges. However, work with an experienced local contractor who understands the Naples market. They can help you successfully navigate the process to smoothly develop a custom home that fits all your needs and desires.
With decades of homebuilding experience in Naples, Carlson Harris General Contractors has established a stellar reputation for its craftsmanship, customization, attention to detail, and transparent communications with clients. We are experts at customizing homes with a full range of family-oriented features, including open kitchens, home offices, outdoor living areas, child-friendly layouts, and other design elements that make your house a focal point of your family’s lifestyle.
Why Now Is the Right Time to Build in Naples
If you’re ready to make Naples your new hometown by building a custom luxury home here, the time is ripe. We’ve highlighted the reasons why in this recent blog post, but to recap:
- The rapidly growing housing market is in a financially favorable, temporary pause.
- A robust economy and growing population will support a strong housing market going forward.
- Attractive financing options and builder incentives.
- Favorable tax benefits for new home construction.
- New construction homes come with modern features, energy efficiency, and fewer maintenance costs, ensuring a competitive resale value.
- Long-term investment potential for families planning to stay.
Carlson Harris stands ready to help turn your dream home vision in Naples into reality. Discover how we closely collaborate with our homeowner clients to deliver outstanding, family-friendly homes on time and within budget by contacting us at 239-352-2460.
FAQ: Investing in New Construction Homes in Florida
Is Naples, FL, a good place to raise children?
Yes. Naples offers excellent schools, low crime rates, abundant outdoor recreation, and a strong community spirit, making it ideal for families.
Are Naples contractors more expensive than elsewhere in Florida?
While top Naples contractors may have higher rates due to premium materials and craftsmanship, the quality and long-term value often outweigh the initial cost.
What is the cost of living in Naples, FL?
Naples has a higher cost of living than the national average, but it offers an unmatched quality of life, safety, and amenities. Housing costs can be optimized by working directly with local contractors.
How long does it take to build a custom home in Naples?
On average, building a custom home takes 8–12 months, depending on complexity. Carlson Harris provides clear timelines and regular updates to keep the process smooth.
Can Naples contractors help with both new builds and renovations?
Absolutely. Experienced Naples contractors like Carlson Harris specialize in both custom home construction and luxury renovations tailored to your family’s needs.
