Naples boasts some of the worlds most prestigious neighborhoods.  Whether you desire an exclusive private enclave or something situated squarely amidst the bustle of downtown Naples, there is something here for you.  Michael specializes in luxury waterfront properties and here is a list of his favorite Naples, Florida communities.

About Collier County....

NAPLES, AS A PART OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA,has a rich historical background dating back to the prehistoric ages.  Florida was shaped by centuries of flooding during the Ice Ages.  The limestone and sandy sediment found all over Collier County today was created by the reformation of polar ice sheets near the sea level.
FOSSILS FOUND in this area have shown that camels, mastodons, mammoths, bison, deer and wild horses all roamed this great land.  Gradual changes in climate and vegetation gradually contributed to their extinction.  The first humans reached Southwest Florida about 10,000 years ago, when the climate was colder and much drier.  The earliest archeological evidence of man in Collier County was discovered in 1980 at the Bay West site, northeast of Naples.
BY THE 1700'S, small bands of Creek Indians from Georgia and Alabama began arriving into Florida.  Eventually, these groups of Indians joined to forge a new identity as the Seminole.
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA REMAINED INHABITED only by the Seminoles until after the Civil Was when hundreds of farmers began making their way south.  Many of these pioneers made their living by farming, hunting and fishing.
THE FIRST TRADING POSTS were started by Ted Smallwood and George Sorter, and were located in the Chokoloskee Island and Everglades City, respectively.  These posts became important gathering places for the few isolated Indians and settlers in the area.
THE RELAXING BEAUTY of the area soon became the talk of wealthy northerners looking for a place to vacation.  By the 1800's, Naples and Marco Island were already gaining popularity as a vacation destination for these people.
COLLIER COUNTY WAS CREATED in 1923.  Its early economic growth has been associated with a millionaire from Memphis, Barron Gift Collier.  Mr. Collier had acquired his fortune through streetcar advertising.  When Collier came to the area, he introduced paved roads, electric power, telegraphs and many new businesses to the people of the area.  These new additions attracted more and more people to the area; more and more people who began to call it home.
A MILESTONE IN COLLIER COUNTY'S HISTORY was the completion of the Tamiami Trail, an important railway,in 1928.  This trail allowed the region to expand its agricultural and resort industries.  More industries began to flourish; the first commercial oil well in 1943, and Collier County's cypress logging industry in the 1950's.
IN THE SHORT SPAN OF 30 YEARS, Collier County's population grew dramatically.  In 1950, the number of residents was 6,488.  By 1980, the number had grown to 85,000.  This growth, coupled by a sustained growth in tourism, agriculture and industry has labeled Collier County as one of the fastest developing areas in the nation today.

Aqualane Shores

This neighborhood of 350 estate-size homes is just north of Port Royal, placing it just blocks from the beach and the exclusive shops and restaurants of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.  Developed by Forrest Walker & Sons in the late 1950s, all but 30 of Aqualane Shores' home sites sit on the water, either deep-water manmade canals or Naples Bay and hailed as a boaters paradise.  Like its neighbor to the south, the 300-acre Aqualane Shores is prized for its mature, tropical landscaping and tree-shaded streets; however, many of those early Walker & Sons homes (home sites originally cost just $2,500) are being torn down and replaced by mega homes.  Homes, both old and new are priced from about $1.5 million.

Bay Colony

The jewel of Pelican Bay, Bay Colony is a prestigious, guard-gated community framed on the west by the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by the splendor of nature. This special community is located just to the South of the Ritz-Carlton, five-star, Hotel and Spa. Residents enjoy a private tennis and beach club as well as the ultimate in privacy.  Residences range from exclusive, beachfront estate homes to high-rise living with beautiful views of the colorful sunsets and the surrounding area. If high-rise luxury living, with its panoramic views, is your cup of tea, then Bay Colony should be your destination of choice.

Grey Oaks

Residents of Grey Oaks are offered an incomparable mix of Mediterranean-Styled estate homes and villa neighborhoods nestled amongst three championship golf courses, each unique in design and landscape.  This amenity rich community includes a 62,000 square foot clubhouse, tennis center with lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, heated lagoon pool, fitness center and childrens playground.  Grey Oaks is considered by many to be one of the most exclusive golf communities in all of Southwest Florida.

Marco Island

Situated at the northernmost point of the picturesque Ten Thousand Islands and south of Naples, Marco Island, is your island in the sun.  Graced with many powder-white beaches, luxurious real estate, beautiful year-round weather, sumptuous restaurants, fine shopping, dining, lively entertainment, attractions, plenty of recreational activities from boating and fishing, to golf and tennis and more. All set amid the stunning subtropical beauty that is unique to Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.  The coastal Italian architecture graces more than 1,100 feet of waterfront with a 77 boat-slip marina.

Olde Naples

In this charming historic downtown area, homes range from Old Florida style cottages to low-rise condominiums, villas and single-family estate homes.  Quaint, Olde Naples, is the home to world-class shopping and dinning districts that are within walking distance to the beach and Naples popular fishing pier.  This beautiful little city also includes a bounty of art galleries and many tasteful entertainment choices for the discerning mind. This resort-style shopping, performing arts, and world-class dining have helped create Naples' cosmopolitan atmosphere and renown as a cultural center.

Park Shore

Located between the Gulf and U.S. 41, Park Shore is an artful mix with inland and waterfront single family homes, villas and luxury condominiums. Most of the condominiums are located on the Gulf or Venetian Bay and 90 percent of the residences have swimming pools.

Marina facilities are located directly on Venetian Bay, and residents of the area have a private beach entry in addition to several public beach access points.

You can browse the world-class boutique shops at the Village on Venetian Bay, enjoy waterfront dining in one of the upscale restaurants or take in one of the special events planned at the Village throughout the year.  The boat parade is an annual favorite as visitors and residents gather to watch the festive boats, lighted and decorated for the holiday season, sail through the bay waters as musicians, carolers, Santa and other entertainers stroll the walkways.

Pelican Bay

Pelican Bay is framed by 3 miles of beach and the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), Naples Grande Resort, and the Ritz-Carlton.  Rich in amenities, the area offers residents beach parks, walking paths, fine dining, golf and tennis. Home to Naples cultural icon, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Pelican Bay offers a wide choice of home styles including garden style villas, single-family homes, beachfront estates, and high-rise condominiums. Upscale dining and shopping are just a short distance away from this centrally located community of paradise living. 

Pelican Marsh

Located on the northern edge of Naples, Pelican Marsh is a 1,326-acre master planned guard-gated, golfing community which includes 133 acres of wetlands.  A recreation center houses lighted tennis courts and a full time tennis director.  There is also an 18-hole championship course designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect, Robert von Hagge.  Homes include condominiums, coach homes, villas, and single-family estate homes.  Pelican Marsh is just minutes to beaches with boat dockage opportunities available nearby at Pelican Isle Yacht Club.

Port Royal Waterfront Single Family Homes

Port Royal, a prestigious landmark of Naples, is considered one of the finest neighborhoods in the world. The community was developed by John Glen Sample, one of America's most dynamic and innovative advertising entrepreneurs.  The streets and harbors of Port Royal are appropriately given names reminiscent of the pirates who formerly used South Florida as a haven between scavenging expeditions; Rum Row, Gin Lane, and Morgan's Cove are indicative of the colorful titles.

The first phase of Port Royal was completed in 1950.  Today it is a community of approximately 600 single family homes, the majority with access to the Gulf of Mexico.  It is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on the west, Naples Bay on the east, Jamaica Channel on the north and Gordon Pass on the south.  The premium yachting community enjoys a deep-water yacht basin and no bridges to impede large vessel access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Ten Thousand Islands.  Port Royal is near downtown Old Naples, the City Marina, specialty shops and waterfront restaurants.

One of the focal points for the area is the elegant Port Royal Club, located on a serene stretch of gulf-front beach directly across from the Galleon Drive entrance to the community.  Membership in the club is primarily limited to Port Royal property owners, and it features 9 tennis courts, complete formal and informal dining facilities, and an Olympic pool plus a state-of-the-arts fitness center.

Today, the upscale community of Port Royal is revered as one of the most desirable boating and aquatic playgrounds in the world.

Royal Harbor

This charming waterfront community of single-family homes offers the boating enthusiest direct, deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico through Gordon Pass. Framed by Haldeman Creek and Naples Bay, Royal Harbor is convenient to the Gulf Beaches and Olde Naple's upscale dining and shopping area.  Located just across the bay from Royal Harbor is a bevy of eclectic bayside shops and seafood restaurants. If you don't feel like a short drive in your car, then take your boat across the bay for dinner and another beautiful Naple's sunset.

The Moorings/Coquina Sands

With more than 960 acres, 840 homes and apartments, The Moorings/Coquina Sands neighborhoods are centrally located, and stretch from US 41 to theGulf of Mexico.  Much of the area is waterfront, especially in The Moorings, with boat docks and shimmering views from both single-family homes and condominiums.

These communities were primarily built in the '60s and '70s, and reflect a quiet elegance befitting a premier lifestyle.  The streets are lined with fichus, banyan and palm trees, and neatly manicured lawns are in abundance. Architectural styles are dominated by the traditional Florida designs, and many of the older homes have undergone renovations or complete reconstruction as the land value has steadily increased.

The Moorings Country Club is located at the center of the Moorings on Crayton Road, with beautiful golf course views for many surrounding homes.  Residents have another special bonus in The Moorings' private beach.

Every home in neighboring Coquina Sands is within walking distance of the beach and Gulf-front Lowdermilk Park, which features public parking, concessions, large covered picnic pavilion with restrooms, outside picnic areas, children's playground, and the gorgeous waters of the Gulf.  Both The Moorings and Coquina Sands are located within the city limits of Naples.

Information from www.moorings.net

The Strada at Mercato

With the introduction of Mercato to Naples, the entire community is buzzing with anticipation for what this sophisticated and amazing development will bring to North Naples.  And for the fortunate few lucky enough to call The Strada at Mercato home, it will mean a lifestyle of ease and understated elegance not yet experienced in Naples.  Whole Foods Market, high-end national fashion retailers, exceptional restaurants and a luxury movie theatre, life at Mercato is more than a matter of convenience; it's about surrounding yourself with life's everyday activities and they will be just downstairs!

Vanderbilt Beach

Vanderbilt Beach is one of the fastest growing communities in Naples proper.  Located in North Naples, Vanderbilt Beach features white sandy beaches, bay waters, and protected preserves to the north. Single-family homes and condominiums are mixed throughout the community with many enjoying bayfront and beachfront locations. The Ritz-Carlton, a five-star resort & Spa, lies just south of the Vanderbilt public beach access while Delnor-Wiggins State Park is located on the north end where residents and their guests can enjoy a day at the beach; sunbathing, grilling, fishing or boating.