This post is part of my Market Closeup series, where I profile the cities where HouseLens does business.
As you know if you’ve been following my blog or that of my colleague Jim Griffin, HouseLens has grown by leaps and bounds this year. Part of that growth was an expansion into South Florida, starting with the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area.
We’ve now hopped the width of Florida and expanded into the Naples-Ft. Myers area, which is located on the state’s Gulf Coast.
Naples and Ft. Myers are both beautiful cities, full of gorgeous luxury homes that are really just the icing on the cake for the sunny Florida lifestyle.
One of many beautiful Naples-Ft. Myers listings HouseLens has helped to market
History
Naples is a seaside town, while Ft. Myers is located inland, on Florida’s stunning Intracoastal Waterway. Both have a long history of Native American and Spanish settlement and saw action during the American Civil War, as Confederate and Union troops jockeyed for position in the area.
Official incorporation took place in the 1880s, with Ft. Myers named for a nearby fort and Naples named for the Italian city. Tourists immediately began flocking to the area to enjoy the mild climate, wildlife, and water. New infrastructure, such as the Atlantic Coast Line and Tamiami railroads and Ft. Myers’ Royal Palm Hotel, boosted tourism traffic even more.
Naples served as an Army Air Force training base during World War II; the airfield is now the city’s municipal airport. A 1945 hurricane caused damage in the area, but dredging and repairs soon returned activity to normal and even enabled the creation of new parks and neighborhoods.
The area has since grown steadily and, in addition to a core of year-round residents, now attracts tourists and luxury second-home buyers from around the globe.
Fun Stuff
It’s no surprise that people come to Naples-Ft. Myers primarily for its beautiful weather and waterside location. Both visitors and residents enjoy boating, fishing, and all the fun and relaxation that comes from luxury waterfront living.
Eco-tourists love the region’s many nature preserves, including Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The combination of swamps, forests, and sea make for unique terrain and wildlife that captivate visitors.
Cultural offerings include local theatre and historic architecture. Past famous residents include Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose winter homes now function as museums and are open to the public.
And for those who want the energy, culture, and nightlife of the big city, Miami is just 2 hours away. Music, food, shopping, beaches, and world-famous Art Deco architecture: it’s a great place to escape for a fun weekend or even just a day.
Of course, these are just the highlights of living in or visiting Naples-Ft. Myers. If you live or work in the area, what do you love about it?
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