8 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Naples, FL

Naples is known for its upscale coastal living, with access to beaches, boating, shopping, and fine dining. Many neighborhoods stand out due to their walkability, custom homes, access to the Gulf, and proximity to retail and dining destinations. Buyers looking for a home here will find a strong mix of architectural styles, views, and amenities contributing to a quality lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are known for luxury waterfront estates, while others focus more on convenience and residential layout. The best neighborhoods in Naples FL offer a unique mix of natural surroundings and thoughtful planning.

Here are eight standout neighborhoods in Naples. Each has something distinct to offer and remains in demand for seasonal residents and year-round homeowners.

Aqualane is located between Old Naples and Port Royal. The neighborhood is known for its deep-water canals, which offer direct access to Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Many homes feature private boat docks, making it a favorite for boating enthusiasts. The area's layout includes curved streets and cul-de-sacs, which limit through traffic, contributing to a quieter setting.

The neighborhood is close to Third Street South, one of the city’s premier shopping and dining districts. Restaurants, boutiques, and galleries are all within walking distance. Aqualane includes original homes, newly built estates, and updated residences. The neighborhood is well-maintained and features mature tropical landscaping. It offers one of the best combinations of waterfront access and downtown proximity in Naples.

Bay Colony is a private, gated enclave within Pelican Bay known for its luxury amenities and beachfront living. It includes high-rise condominium buildings with Gulf views, single-family estate homes, and access to a private beach club exclusive to Bay Colony residents. The landscaping is well-kept, and walkways are lined with palms and shaded by tropical foliage.

Residents can access tennis courts, fitness facilities, and private dining at the Bay Colony Beach Club. The neighborhood also connects to the larger Pelican Bay system of walking trails and boardwalks. Shopping at Waterside Shops is nearby and offers stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Louis Vuitton. Bay Colony is designed for residents who want privacy, luxury, and convenience with beach access.

Coquina Sands is a coastal neighborhood just north of downtown Naples. It combines single-family homes and condominiums with mature trees and wide roads. Many homes are on large lots and include circular driveways and landscaped yards. Several properties back onto canals or are within walking distance of the beach.

Lowdermilk Park is one of the neighborhood’s main attractions, offering beach access, volleyball courts, and shaded picnic areas. The neighborhood also borders Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, adding to the sense of openness and green space. Coquina Sands offers a walkable location with access to Gulf Shore Boulevard and a less tourist-driven atmosphere than downtown neighborhoods.

Moorings is one of Naples' original waterfront neighborhoods, between Coquina Sands and Park Shore. The area includes beachfront condos along the Gulf of Mexico and canal-front homes with boat docks. Streets are arranged in a grid pattern with mature landscaping and wide setbacks between properties.

The private Moorings Beach Park is available to residents and includes beach access, picnic tables, and parking. The area is close to shopping centers along Tamiami Trail and includes grocery stores, salons, and casual dining spots. Moorings is ideal for those who want waterfront living without the density of high-rise developments in newer areas. The combination of canal access and nearby retail makes it attractive to buyers.

Old Naples centers around Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, offering a blend of historic architecture, luxury homes, and walkable amenities. The neighborhood includes cottages, custom estates, and low-rise condominiums. The streets are lined with banyan trees and have a traditional grid layout supporting pedestrian traffic.

The area is home to the Naples Pier, Cambier Park, and multiple beach access points. Residents can walk to boutiques, cafes, galleries, and weekly farmers markets. Old Naples has a reputation for its charm, location, and sense of history. Many homes have been fully renovated or replaced with new construction that respects the area’s original character. This neighborhood consistently ranks among the best neighborhoods in Naples FL for its balance of lifestyle and convenience.

Park Shore is a coastal community located between Moorings and Pelican Bay. The neighborhood includes high-rise condos along the beachfront, single-family homes along interior streets, and waterfront properties along Venetian Bay. The design consists of landscaped medians, walkable streets, and beach access for residents of the single-family home section.

The Village Shops on Venetian Bay is one of the area’s commercial highlights, offering restaurants, boutiques, and waterfront dining. Boaters in Park Shore have access to the Gulf through Doctors Pass, and many homes include private docks. Residents enjoy private beach parking and access through the Park Shore Association. Park Shore offers one of the strongest combinations of convenience, water access, and shopping proximity in Naples.

Pelican Bay is a master-planned community located north of Park Shore. It includes high-rise and low-rise condominiums, villas, and single-family homes. The area is known for its private beach access, which is reached by electric tram through a mangrove boardwalk. The neighborhood includes parks, lakes, tennis courts, fitness centers, and miles of walking and biking trails.

Residents can access two beachfront restaurants, a private golf club, and multiple tennis programs. The community is well-maintained and includes 24-hour security. Pelican Bay is adjacent to Artis — Naples, a performing arts venue, and the Waterside Shops, an upscale outdoor mall. It offers a planned layout with extensive amenities that support long-term residents and seasonal visitors.

Port Royal is the most exclusive waterfront neighborhood in Naples and is known for its estate homes, private yacht docks, and access to the Gulf of Mexico. The streets are named after Caribbean locations, and the neighborhood is positioned at the southern tip of Naples. Homes are built on large lots, including expansive layouts with high-end finishes and private beaches.

Residents of Port Royal have access to the Port Royal Club, which offers beachfront dining, tennis, fitness facilities, and social events. Properties are custom-built and reflect architectural variety, focusing on privacy and space. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Naples adds convenience without sacrificing quiet. For those looking for prestige and Gulf access, Port Royal remains unmatched and is widely considered one of the best neighborhoods in Naples FL.

Jennifer Valenti and Taylor Canada of Canada | Valenti & Associates bring unmatched expertise, local knowledge, and dedication to every real estate transaction in Naples. With over $160 million in sales in just four years, Jennifer Valenti combines her marketing background and deep understanding of home design to help buyers and sellers navigate Naples’ luxury market with confidence. As a Naples native, Taylor Canada offers lifelong insight into the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods, including Old Naples, Aqualane, Port Royal, and The Moorings.

If you’re buying or selling in Naples, partner with Jennifer Valenti and Taylor Canada of Canada | Valenti & Associates. Contact them today.