After being raised in California and attending the University of Arizona, I still craved a life of warmth and sunshine afterwards! I saw the sun icon over Florida every day on the weather channel and decided I would move to Florida, a state I had never even visited. I just knew I would love it.
I ended up doing just that... and never looked back!
The warmth, the sun shining nearly every day, the gorgeous beaches, the happy vacationers, the gorgeous tropical landscaping, the endless water sports, the active lifestyle, and the proximity to so many other fun international locations
...I immediately fell in love with everything about it!
After living in the Fort Lauderdale area, and doing a lot of traveling during my career as a Flight Attendant, I chose to raise my children and make my home in Naples because of the beauty of the city, the pristine Gulf beaches, the highly rated schools and the safety of the town.
Having lived in three different areas of Naples and having children in so many different schools, sports and activities, I can provide a lot of insight for other families that are also wanting to live in paradise and make sure it works for their lifestyle too!
I absolutely love Naples and you will too!
When I first moved to Naples I lived right in the heart of downtown, where the two best streets, 5th Ave South and 3rd Street South, meet. I lived in a gorgeous condo building where I could walk to restaurants, night life, the beach, the farmers market, and anywhere else I wanted to go! It was carefree condo living in the heart of it all!
I later moved a bit farther North, which is now considered "central" Naples, into a home with a large yard, pool, a great street my kids could ride their bikes on... another beautiful location!
I eventually decided to build a home in North Naples, where there are fewer seasonal "Snow Birds" and its known to be more of a "family atmosphere." Although I still love the downtown excitement, I have found that the rapidly growing North Naples area is also wonderful!
No matter which part of town suits your lifestyle the best, you will find that Naples has so much to offer and so many great areas! You will also find that a short Uber ride can easily take you to any other parts of town that you wish to go to!
Since I have raised five children with a 14 year age span, and now lived in three parts of Naples, I have had children in a LOT of different schools!
The Collier County Public Schools have fantastic ratings and I have had great experiences with all of them! I have also been a "Room-Mom" and involved with the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) at all of theses schools, so I am able to really give you first-hand knowledge of the inner workings of them!
My children have attended the following Preschools and
Collier County Public Schools:
*First Presbyterian Preschool
*Heavenly Day Preschool
*Lake Park Elementary School
*Laurel Oak Elementary School
*Vineyards Elementary School
*Gulfview Middle School
*North Naples Middle School
*Oakridge Middle School
If my children didn't attend a certain school, we surely have friends that did! There are so many amazing schools in Naples
-Public, Private, and Charter-
that your children will be able to flourish at, no matter
where you decide to enroll them!
Naples has a reputation for being a sleepy retirement town, but the best kept secret around is that it is actually wonderful for families as well! The "Snow Birds," as the seasonal crowd that comes from the Northern parts of the country are called, are often times the most fun and active ones around! They come back during our best weather and are blooming with excitement.
Our main "season" is considered Halloween to Easter and that is when Naples is bursting with the best farmers markets, festivals, car shows, art shows, movie's on the lawn, and so much more!
I have always been very active and constantly take my family and friends to these fun social events!
I am here to guide you with information about Naples and anything you may be interested in while you are here! Here are
some things I can help you with:
*Beaches: beauty, sport rentals, seclusion or sunset
*Boating: where to buy, rent or go
*Events: festival's, gala's, holiday's
*Farmer's Markets
*Parks: for children or dog's
*Night life
*Rentals: paddleboards, kayaks, boats, cabanas
*Restaurants: Wining & Dining
*Shopping
*Social club memberships
*Sporting Events/ Running Races
*Stay-cations
*Tours: dolphins, fishing, gators, romantic or sunset
...or anything else you are interested in!
I have always been very active and social, and so have my children! They have grown up in Naples so I know the in's and out's of the best places to go with a family. On top of countless festivals, parades, children's gym's, beaches and parks, my children have also participated in countless sports organizations. This is another huge piece of information that I can help other families with!
At one point my children were in SEVENTEEN after school practices every week. So, needless to say, I am very familiar with the sports leagues around town!
Here are the sports organizations my children have participated in:
*Basketball: Greater Naples Basketball League
*Basketball: Naples Youth Basketball League
*Basketball: YMCA
*Baseball: North Naples Little League
*Baseball: Cal Ripken League
*Cheerleading: Naples Hurricanes
*Dance: Dance Arts By Maria
*Dance: Dance City Productions
*Flag Football: First Baptist Academy
*Flag Football: Under Armor, Under The Lights
*Football: Naples Gators
*Football: Naples Hurricanes
*Gymnastics: Naples Progressive Gymnastics
*Gymnastics: Gymnastics World
*Karate/ Martial Arts: Tiger Rock Martial Arts
*Soccer: Optimist Soccer League
*Soccer: Azzurri Storm
*Swimming/ ISR: ISR Fernanda Whitney
*Swimming: Monterey Swim Team
*Swimming: T2 Aquatics
*T-Ball: YMCA
*T-Ball: YMCA
They have also participated in countless summer camps
and other activities around town.
I am always happy to answer any questions you may have
or guide you in any way!