Collier County: A Top Retirement Destination in Florida

As a long-time REMAX agent in Naples, Florida, I’m not surprised that Collier County continues to rank among the best places to retire in the Sunshine State. With its breathtaking Gulf Coast beaches, vibrant communities, and endless recreational opportunities, it’s easy to see why so many retirees choose to call this part of Southwest Florida home.

In a recent survey conducted by SmartAsset, Collier County earned the sixth spot on the list of top retirement destinations in Florida. This recognition further highlights the area’s appeal for those looking to enjoy their golden years in paradise.

What Makes Collier County a Great Place to Retire?

Several factors contribute to Collier County’s high ranking, including:

• Low tax burden
• Top-notch medical care
• Abundant recreational opportunities
• A wide range of active retirement communities

These elements combine! ...

The real estate industry is undergoing significant transformations following a groundbreaking settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major brokerages. This settlement, which resulted in a payment exceeding $950 million, aims to bring more transparency to how brokers and agents are compensated. However, these changes have sparked debates and concerns about their potential impact on market dynamics and relationships between buyers, sellers, and agents—especially in hot markets like Naples, Florida.

Key Changes Impacting the Real Estate Market
• Removal of Commission Listings on MLS: One of the major shifts is that offers of compensation can no longer be listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Now, sellers must independently decide whether and how much to compensate a buyer’s broker. While this information can no longer be published on the MLS, it can still be communicated informally via phone calls or social media.

• Man. ...

Great news for New Englanders planning a trip to Naples and the Southwest Florida area! It's never too early to talk about the upcoming season in Southwest Florida, especially if you're a commercial airline planning new routes from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers.
New Routes from JetBlue
In the last month, several airlines have announced new routes to and from Fort Myers, with the most recent being JetBlue. On Wednesday, July 24, JetBlue revealed its plans to expand its service, introducing new routes that will connect more New Englanders to premium leisure destinations, including Southwest Florida. This is fantastic news for tourists and snowbirds who spend their winters in Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral, as highlighted by Mark H. Bickel of Naples Daily News.
JetBlue's New Additions to RSW
JetBlue's winter schedule includes an average of 18 new daily departures from New England and six new routes between New England and Florida, with two of these . ...

Naples, Fla. – The Naples real estate market witnessed significant changes in June 2024. According to the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), overall inventory surged by 59 percent compared to June 2023. However, this increase in options didn't translate to more closed sales, which fell by 17.3 percent, from 859 in June 2023 to 710 this year. The data, encompassing home listings and sales in Collier County (excluding Marco Island), also revealed a slight decline in the overall median closed price by 0.8 percent, dropping from $600,000 in June 2023 to $595,000 in June 2024.

Pricing Adjustments and Market Trends

Broker analysts emphasize that a consistent number of price reductions and more realistic pricing by sellers are essential for the Naples market to find its new “sweet spot” for home buying. The June report highlighted 1,351 price reductions compared to just 94 price increases. With a 95 percent list-to-sale price ratio, it appears se. ...

When it comes to choosing the perfect retirement destination, Naples, Sarasota, and Boca Grande in Florida are among the top picks, according to MarketBeat. This financial media company surveyed 3,000 retirees or soon-to-be retirees to compile a list of the top 130 retirement destinations, with all three Florida locations making it into the top 50.
While the Wailea area in Maui, Hawaii, took the number one spot, Naples was a close second, as highlighted in a recent article by Elizabeth King of The Business Observer. MarketBeat praises the Pelican Bay neighborhood in Naples for its “environmental conservation efforts and luxury living,” featuring “private beaches, fine dining, and active social clubs.” Marco Island, located south of Naples, also made an impressive showing, ranking ninth on the list.
Survey participants were asked to choose their ideal retirement neighborhood if money were no object. On the Gulf Coast, Sarasota’s Bird Key neighborhood ...