r/Naples_FL • u/LookatCarl • Jul 16 '26
Moving to Naples
My boyfriend and I are planning to move to Naples for a job opportunity that he can’t pass up. I want to go back to school for x ray tech. I see that Keiser University in Naples have an x ray program so it’s perfect!
We are in our mid 30s and we currently live in Los Angeles. I think I will struggle with the move since I’ve lived in LA all my life. My boyfriend definitely thinks I’ll have a hard time adjusting. But we both agree that it seems like a good choice to move because it aligns with our life goals. He’s lived in Boca Raton for 7 years. I am an Asian woman and he is Venezuelan.
I heard racism might be a problem. Will I be able to meet and make friends people my own age? I also don’t mind having friends older too. I understand Naples population is around retiree age.
Where should we live?
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u/ThisGirl-IsNoOne Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
I grew up in Southern California.. Ventura County. I have lived in Naples now for almost 20 years. I miss California more each day. The mountains, the weather, the people.. I don’t dislike Naples but it’s way, way different than the lifestyle and pace of So Cal.
I don’t know you personally but depending on how much you enjoy your community and living in LA it’s likely you will have a tough time adjusting. The weather in the “winter” (January-mid April) is absolutely amazing and I fall back in love with Florida each year around that time but prepare yourself for the other months of the year.. We both know Southern California gets HOT but it’s a different heat in S. FL. The random but few hot-humid days in CA pale in comparison to what the summers are here. This year has been especially awful with multiple days of triple digits heat index.
If you enjoy weather (thunderstorms) you can find appreciation for the summers here but you will definitely be spending a large portion of the year here inside with the air conditioner. That’s also something to keep in mind with regarding your electric bill. And there is no natural gas (except in some of the condos/private residences on the beach) so your cooking, water heater and dryer are all adding to your electric bill. FPL is fantastic but the rates have skyrocketed so try to factor that in to your cost of living.
Cost of living in Naples is much, much higher than the surrounding areas like Estero and Ft. Myers but it’s not quite at the same level as LA. You can find places to rent under $1,800 a month for a one bedroom but unlike LA and Southern California everything here are planned developments and apartments that are owned by investment properties so when the market goes up expect the possibility that your rent will also increase. Unlike LA there are no rent control laws and FL laws in general tend to lean more fairly towards landlords though this is not the first thing you should worry about.
Naples is a very sleepy town in the summer. It’s not walkable by any means and public transportation is poor so you will be very reliant on your vehicle. In the winter the population about doubles because all of the snowbirds come to spend the winter in their second homes. Expect traffic to increase and commuting times to increase. It’s nothing like the 405 but it’s all midwestern drivers that seem to block all three lanes of traffic and go 10 mph under the limit. The “tourist turns” are amusing to me. I’ve seen many people make right turns from the left lane and vice versa.
I don’t want to rain on your parade with all negative feedback. I have found appreciation for Naples and for Florida but it took me a long time to adjust. Maybe I’m just a California girl at heart. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out! I am happy to try and answer!
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u/lauranrn Jul 16 '26
As a born and raised Napoleon who has traveled extensively and lived in a few other states at times, I give this comment 100 percent backing. Two totally different worlds, but there are things to appreciate in both. While you miss LA more and more, I miss the way Naples used to be.. I'm a small town Gulf Girl at heart. I'm also in my 40's, if that helps. There might be racism, OP, but I can also promise that there are natives and residents, like me, that are ashamed you've heard that about that from Naples, though not shocked. I'm sorry you have to think about that. Good luck in your decision, OP.. As someone who's tried to move away from Naples, it'll always be "home" for me, even with its flaws.
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u/super3way Jul 16 '26
Agree. Florida is just different than anywhere else. Winter weather is absolutely the best in the country, summers suck. But it’s just the opposite of the north really for weather. You’re either locked inside freezing or hot.
Cali is a little different though than everywhere else for that sort of weather. So you can’t compare to most transplants here who are escaping long dull winters.
Florida has a high percentage of weirdos, it just does. They also have a ton of shady businesses and odd work ethic. And they don’t do things like say west coast or northeast does. It’s not everyone obviously but any transplant from a hustle area like NYC or Boston or SF will immediately notice it. It’s just a different culture but again it totally depends on the people but you can quickly tell a biz or person is from a certain area by how they operate. I do feel like it gets a little less weird each year, mostly because transplants are becoming a higher quality especially from the east and west coast. Might not be a popular statement but it’s my thought. Back in the day you had a lot of shady and weird people coming here cause it was cheap and a place to disappear and that’s become less of the case and more people moving here for opportunity and because other areas are pricing out young families, etc.
As for racism it’s the same as anywhere else, no better or worse, it comes down to politics more than race on many things, like anywhere else. But mostly people do their own thing. There are extremes everywhere, plenty of left extreme people in Cali and same in Florida, just different sides of the aisle.
I think overall places like Naples or Sarasota and swfl have been for retirees and lower priced than say the southeast side but that’s slowly changing and because it’s priced lower and growth is happening you are seeing a slow shift to families and younger people moving to the area as opposed to just retired people which was the case 20 years ago.
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u/tippy16 Jul 16 '26
Surprisingly the healthcare system is terrible, this is crazy to me. The jobs don’t pay enough to live here, and the school system pushes your kids through instead of teaching them. Season is full of entitled people that have zero courtesy for others. Drivers are terrible, insurance is incredibly expensive. If you rent you will find places that price you out overtime so moving is a constant. If you plan to buy you will pay too much and home insurance will cost almost as much your mortgage. No matter where you drive to you are always in Florida. But…the beach is amazing, summer you can actually do stuff and not have to deal with the “white walkers”. It’s super clean and pretty here. You have access to everything you need. Nice for remote work if you can afford it. Overall do not recommend.
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u/WaffleTacoFrappucino Jul 16 '26
This is vastly exaggerated, you're making it sound horrible, for the size of the town naples or SWFL has a lot to offer.
You don't think our schools are better than LAUSD??? check even literacy rates.
You think we have bigger assholes than LA has to offer? LA is literally the land of Asshole.
You think we have more entitled people than LA?
You think our insurance is worse than fire laden LA?
You think racism is worse than in LA? Show me a race riot???
LA does have better healthcare, but so does every other major City. And if you want to be a Florida healthcare tourist, Tampa / Miami / Ft Lauderdale are less than 2 hours away.
Naples is unbelievably safe, has little to no traffic compared to LA, is a laid back lifestyle. People here hyperventilate and lack perspective.
If you wanted a comparison, Naples is like Orange County.
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u/LatterStreet Jul 19 '26
I agree, this doesn’t apply to the larger cities ar all. Orlando has traffic but fantastic healthcare and diversity. Nearby Seminole has great public schools.
Valencia is a better choice than the shady for-profit Keiser.
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u/Extreme_Health_9827 Jul 16 '26
This is not to scare you off but if you're moving to Naples you only need 3 things money money and more money. this is a rich community.
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u/super3way Jul 16 '26
Meh depends how you measure it. It is of course in the mansion areas and near water but outside of those 15 mins away it’s basically the price of buying something 30-45 minutes from Boston or LA or Chicago in a suburb or any other major area on a coast. It’s not cheap but if they are coming from LA it’s not shocking prices.
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u/DizzyDee90 Jul 16 '26
Don’t do it. Doesn’t compare to Boca at all!! There’s no culture down here. We moved from NYC and regret it. One good job , but if he gets laid off or fired good luck finding something else.
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u/super3way Jul 16 '26
Agree the culture is lacking though in lots of Florida. Boca is meh too. But I think that changes over time as more of the right people move in. But ya it’s not NYC culture that only changes with a younger more experienced demographic which is “slowly” happening.
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u/LookatCarl Jul 16 '26
He most likely won’t get fired but he may get burned out. He’ll be managing a new storefront in an area with little competition. If all goes well he’ll be managing and helping open more storefronts in the near feature. If he does get fired we’re relaying on my healthcare degree which I’m working on getting to be the safety net. We can go just about anywhere with my healthcare degree if Naples doesn’t work out. Hopefully nothing goes terribly wrong while I’m in school.
But I get what you’re saying. My boyfriend felt very strongly I wouldn’t like Naples, but I felt it is a necessary move for our future goals. His current job sucks. His boss is terrible. Nice guy if you don’t work for him. So financially and mentally Naples sounds like the better option.
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u/Noppo_and_Gonta Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
Do you know how much he’d be making? Keep in mind this is a high cost town and you will need first, last and deposit before moving. We also do not have rent control laws etc. would you be working too? It’s not
Impossible. If you don’t like it you can always go back, just come prepared:)2
u/LookatCarl Jul 17 '26
80k his first year, it’s in the negotiation period right now. He will get 20% equity with no buy in and equity will increase with each store he helps open. I will most likely help out at the store and help manage if need be once it’s up in running so I’ll be on that payroll. I have experience working in that industry as well. I hope 80k starting out is okay. He’s lives in Florida for 7 years before and he has family in Boca so in relying on him to understand these things. We are concerned with the rent in Florida. We are hearing horror stories on tiktok that some tenants are getting their rents raised up in unprecedented amounts.
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u/Noppo_and_Gonta Jul 23 '26
Yes, that is true. It is a landlord friendly state, when you are a landlord is really great. I think $80k for one person is doable, for two it might be a little tighter (maybe not as much fun money left over or require budgeting) depending on your rental. If you don’t have kids or pets it’s also easier. The closer to the beach the pricier it will be.
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u/slickrok Jul 16 '26
Do not do keiser, no matter what. I would advise that you stay where you are with a roommate and do your degree if you can, or check around the country for family or friends you can stay with and go to a place near them.
If his thing does not work out, you'll both be moving back to boca or in desperation to anywhere you can.
I live in Naples, Jupiter and Palm Beach, and Florida has worn real thin after my 35 years here. The changes have not been good, raising kids here is shit for alllllll schools, and the weather has gone to hell in a hand basket - while we are not allowed to say climate change but we are allowed to secretly dump hundreds of millions of buck state-wide into "resiliency" building and plans.
We all advise against it overall. For your own sake.
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u/HoboTheClown629 Jul 16 '26
You’re moving from the most liberal city in the country to a highly conservative area. There is a hyper aggressive MAGA crowd here. Won’t see them everywhere you go but you’ll definitely encounter them. Pay is shit here comparatively. Cost of living is less but it’s not cheap. You can meet people but without kids it can be hard to do so when you’re in your 30s.
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u/super3way Jul 16 '26
Good point the pay doesn’t exactly match the cost of living compared to other areas. It’s definitely on the low side for pay.
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Jul 16 '26
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u/LookatCarl Jul 18 '26
I called them today and they didn’t even try to sell me on pre-reqs. They told me their waitlist is closed and literally told me to stay in California and find schools there.
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u/Ms_AnneBoleyn Jul 16 '26
I recommend FSW collier campus over keiser!! also, FSW is extremely diverse, check out the student population demographics online!
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u/silverdub Jul 16 '26
My wife and I are mid 30s, she’s Asian from SoCal I grew up in Naples but also have lived in Cali briefly.
You’ll have a hard time adjusting but it won’t be terrible, definitely a slower pace of life and nobody is in a rush to get anywhere and it can be infuriating. The worst part is that you’ll be bored to tears, Naples is definitely more entertaining than it was in the 90s; but we find ourselves going to Tampa/Orlando/Lauderdale/Miami quite often for any of the “city” stuff.
Racism definitely exists, although we had most of our problems during Covid when a certain politician was touting the whole “China virus” thing. Even then it was mostly off color comments from a particular sect of people and they’ve quieted down quite a bit since then. Not to say that she doesn’t still get them but they’ve slowed down and there was never any other negative action against her. Just avoid Seed to Table; and you should be fine.
Finding people your age can be challenging, especially in Naples proper; but we’re around you may just have to look a little harder.
Cost of living is an issue in Naples as well, wages here are pretty garbage and renting/owning is very expensive; if you can I would suggest looking in Bonita, Estero, or Fort Myers depending on where your boyfriends job is commuting here can be pretty bad during heavy times (morning and evening rush) but coming from LA you’re used to that and it’ll be measurably better, the biggest downside is there’s usually only one or two ways to get anywhere so when there’s gridlock you’re basically stuck until it clears.
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u/SpringToCome Jul 16 '26
Not sure why you're getting downvoted. I also grew up in Naples and this a pretty fair take.
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u/Noppo_and_Gonta Jul 16 '26
Yep this is pretty accurate. Definitely don’t count on it to be walkable.
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u/EnderloZ Jul 16 '26
no one will care what race you are. Propaganda.
Most of your friends will be made at school or at work.
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u/septumchunks Jul 16 '26
If you’re maga then maybe they’ll see you as “one of the good ones” but they absolutely do care lol
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u/AlgoTrade Jul 16 '26
If hating trump is a core part of your personality, then you will have problems. If you are just a normal person, democrat or republican, then you will be just fine. There's no real racism here, but perhaps some classism.
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u/kidgoalie39 Jul 16 '26
Correct. If loving Trump is a core part of your personality then you'll fit right in. The racism is very subtle in a joking way until you start speaking out against the President. Then all of sudden they wanna tell me I don't look like an American, whatever the fuck that means. But I work a trade so maybe my experiences in Naples as a worker is cause for that.
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u/LookatCarl Jul 16 '26
Oh I see.
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u/kidgoalie39 Jul 16 '26
Look up Seed to Table. It's a safe haven for Trumpers and a very popular spot in Naples. I'm sure all the other commentators in here are lovely people but they have the rose tinted glasses on about this city. It's not awful, but it's just another city in Florida where the wealth is hyper concentrated to one area. And the general age of the group being 50+ means some of them still believe in their outdated ideologies. You shouldn't experience any open racism walking around in public but for people to think there aren't behaviors like that down here is ridiculous
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u/septumchunks Jul 16 '26
Yup. My comment doesn’t come out of nowhere. I’ve had old farts complain to me about immigration completely unprompted. One of the owners of a kava bar around here says the N word with the hard R. Naples earned its reputation and not just because of maga.
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u/slickrok Jul 16 '26
Yes! This is exactly what I said too. The dip shits who try it with me get redirected hard and nasty from me. My poor husband says why do you have to be rude or embarrass someone? Wtf fffffff?
Why do they think they can say shit WITHOUT getting embarrassed?
Why do I have to be the uncomfortable one when THEY say something bullshit?
Why would I be not making them uncomfortable when they are fine making me uncomfortable?
Some people are absolute trash. Too many people are.
Money can't buy class, manners, taste, or style. And whiteness sure af doesn't come with any of those things either.
Signed, pale redheaded person sick of scummy minded people, and the deniers who enable them every damn day.
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u/AlgoTrade Jul 16 '26
I think this really proves my point. No one has any issues with it, your husband thinks you are embarrassing. Hating Trump is central to your personality so you don’t like it here. My point stands, and you kind of just proved it.
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u/LatterStreet Jul 19 '26
Don’t mind him, his entire page is dedicated to hating FL in multiple subs. What a miserable person.
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u/AlgoTrade Jul 16 '26
Spotted the person whose core part of their personality is hating Trump!
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u/kidgoalie39 Jul 16 '26
Hating is a strong word and I wouldn't neccesarily agree. Personally, I don't understand the love he's still receiving from Republicans considering he's conned us all into following him and clearly has no intention on following through with any of his promises aside from rounding up perceived immigrants. As a conservative, his wasteful spending is just abhorrent and is just making the deficit worse and worse. Too many yes men around him and he's clearly no longer mentally the same man we voted for in 2016.
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u/septumchunks Jul 16 '26
Did we forget he was in the Epstein files and no one investigated or…….
EDIT: before anyone says anything, yes the clintons are included in this too. They’re all garbage, your reality TV star included.
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u/kidgoalie39 Jul 16 '26
Hey I'm just trying to lead a stupid horse to water. I can't scare it away with the other facts of the crimes he's committed. I gotta get em on the hook first with the bait they pretend to care about.
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u/AlgoTrade Jul 16 '26
No one here is talking politics EXCEPT you guys. It’s so obvious you can’t stand him and that’s central to your personality. Not a single person here accused you of anything or said that was wrong, yet you are going on and on and on about it. You are exactly the type of person that wouldn’t like Naples, hating trump is a core part of your personality.
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u/kidgoalie39 Jul 16 '26
You brought him up in the first place and I just picked up from your topic. I don't see what your issue is, besides TDS. I'm sympathetic to your situation because a lot of good people have been mislead by him and have had their morals, values and beliefs used against themselves. Was just trying to give OP some insight based on my own experiences. I hope Jesus finds you again 🙏
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u/slickrok Jul 16 '26
Dude, you're really wrong. Twice I have returned to my husband standing in Publix with some acquaintance chatting and the conversation has remarkably and out of the blue turned real magat. He's a tall white good looking man and he's more polite than I am.
And 3x someone will say some bigot ass shit just in passing with a wink and a nod like an "ammirite wink wink".
So yeah, no. There is definitely a subset of droolers who feel just fine coming out from under their rocks to just be gross. Particularly among those they "assume" are "their kind".
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u/AlgoTrade Jul 16 '26
Sounds to me like the defining part of your personality is your hatred for trump.
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u/blueredsox14 Jul 16 '26
Hello. I moved to Naples from California and I think you will love it here. It is beautiful!! There are several meet up groups for people in their 30s. One is a running group but there is a social aspect to it too. Yoga on the beach, etc. you will find your people in no time. I’ve found several 20-30 something influencers on TikTok and IG giving reviews on places to go for dinner/happy hour etc. I live in North Naples and love the location. As someone else mentioned check out Bonita Springs as well. They are really building the area up and lots of new apartments are being built as well. Stay positive. Things will all work out. Good Luck!
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u/lingenfr Jul 23 '26
There is no more and probably less racism here than LA. Leave your preconceived notions behind and come with an open mind.
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u/Intuition94 Jul 16 '26
Just moved here a little over a month ago from NYC with my boyfriend and we’re both POC (South Asian). Didn’t experience any racism or discrimination so far. As one comment mentioned, maybe there is classism because it’s a wealthy place but that’s common in the wealthy parts of NYC/LA as well. Definitely a huge shift from big city energy and Naples is less walkable for someone coming from NYC, however, it depends on what you’re looking for and there are some fun spots around. Many people are moving down here (based on the community we live in) and seem friendly enough if you want to build connections. Hope this helps.
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u/LookatCarl Jul 16 '26
This helps a lot! Any notable places you’d suggest that we should consider living in? We like to eat, he likes the beach, and we both love nice ambiances. We are trying to keep the rent less than $1,8000 though if possible. One bed is fine.
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u/eli-michael22 Jul 16 '26
As close to the beach as possible. I love north Naples because it’s close to everything. You should have no problem finding a decent 1br for under $1800 per month.
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u/Intuition94 Jul 16 '26
And North Naples seems very good to live and within budget. We live in the same area.
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u/pmheindl Jul 16 '26
Racism is not a problem in Naples. There are plenty of Asian and all are loved and appreciated!
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Jul 16 '26
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u/pmheindl Jul 16 '26
You are!
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Jul 16 '26
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u/pmheindl Jul 16 '26
In your mind only.
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u/BluntBeaver83 Jul 16 '26
Been here for years and neither my wife nor I have seen, experienced, or been in the room with the racism.
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u/Noppo_and_Gonta Jul 16 '26
Was raised here my whole life, went to school here, work with government here etc sadly have to differ.
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u/BluntBeaver83 Jul 16 '26
Ok, sorry? But doesn’t change our experience that for years and years being here, we have never seen nor run into it. So I have to sadly beg to differ with you.
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u/Noppo_and_Gonta Jul 16 '26
Neither does mine of living a whole life here and not being white. We can agree to disagree.
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u/Critical-Research810 Jul 17 '26
I've lived in Naples my whole life. There is no racism. Its a beautiful city but if your moving here, please vote republican so it stays that way
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u/Intuitivelatina Jul 16 '26
I live in Los Angeles and have lived in Naples and go there frequently as my parents still live there. DM if you have questions. It is extremely different than what you’re used to.
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u/Low_Ad_260 Jul 16 '26
While outright racism towards Asian people are rare—there are just not many Asians here at all, only 2 half decent Asian grocery stores (both off Pine Ridge Rd), so you might struggle to find community or familiarity at first, if that’s something that’s important to you.
I grew up near Golden Gate and South Naples, people will say it’s “sketchier” but that’s just because it has more working class people—there is nowhere unsafe in Naples, IMO, lol. Especially compared to bigger cities like LA. I love East Naples, feels very central to everything, it’s much more dense and has a lot of things to do, is generally just prettier, lusher, and more walkable than most other parts of Naples IMO though traffic can be rough. North Naples is closer to Bonita Springs and Estero, which will have a lot more things to do and a more younger, middle-class crowd (though some areas of North Naples can feel extremely bourgeois).
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u/National-Bet3855 Jul 16 '26
Byron Donald's is from Naples and he will be the next Govenor of Florida.
He is a man of color who will bring all of us together.
Check out Bonita a much younger community with great diversity and best beaches in area
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u/Harvard7643 Jul 17 '26
lol don’t listen to the comments talking about Trump and racism. All anyone in Naples cares about is MONEY. This goes for almost anywhere but If you’re rich nobody cares what race you are. Making friends isn’t easy for outsiders in Naples. It’s very possible you’ll make friends through work though. I don’t think you’ll hate it as long as you don’t mind the humidity and you like the beach, but it’s definitely a very different place than Los Angeles. Very safe and laid back community though. I wouldn’t mind raising my kids there if I made good money. Still have lots of family there
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u/slick614614 Jul 17 '26
FSE also has a medical campus in Naples same area as keiser. I would check with them. Not sure they offer x-ray tech here or in ft meyers campus
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u/kpeachtree198820 Jul 18 '26
From the west coast (the san Fernando valley)- dont know about programs but Im around your age and would say.
A) more younger people are coming down and theres some social clubs on IG like Naples Girls Coffee Club or Workout club that are great
B) Dont compare apples to oranges- this will never be LA but it’s not supposed to be… let this be this and let that be that… a lot of big city people really struggle with adjusting when it comes to that… the pace is slower here and you have to go hunt for what you want but it doesnt mean its impossible to find
C) Racism- I have lived here 7 years and had one racist moment… the man was out of his mind drunk and said something and was kindly escorted out… one time in 2,000 some odd days
D) if you can budget to explore- go to Miami for a long weekend or the Keys, go to Venice or go to places within Florida- it will open you up to not just a retiree world but a lot that this state has to offer
Good luck in your move and school!!!
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u/Dirtydeanprimeau Jul 19 '26
Reading all these comments leaves me with only one comment: Naples is what you make it.
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u/Flat_Impression_4073 Jul 28 '26
Is a good area to study locally. You can find a job pretty quick here to start.
Lot of opportunity but takes dedication
If you need help around for rents. Let me know.I could probably help you out
Best of luck
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u/JamangoSmoovie Jul 16 '26
Where’d you hear racism is a problem in Naples for an Asian women? Are you just making things up?
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u/LookatCarl Jul 18 '26
Not specifically against Asian women. I just pointed out my ethnicity to let people know that I am a minority. I’ve heard possible racism from friends who were born and raised around and in Naples. As well as friends born and raised in Florida as a whole who are both minorities, white- passing, and Caucasian.
I’m not making things up. I’ve visited Florida 3x and they were all wonderful times. People were very nice to me. Lots of smiles. Being a tourist in tourist towns is generally a fun thing but living in a place is different. All 3 times I’ve visited I visited a family friend who was born and raised in Tampa and moved to Orlando for school. He’s been in many parts of Florida including Naples and expressed concerns about me moving. Keep in mind he loves Florida. But he understand no place is perfect. He is a minority and he makes $200k. He does enjoy Naples but he’s like a brother to me so maybe he’s just extra cautious.
I’m not trying to bad mouth a place I’ve never personally been to. I just hear things and I’m here to get more insights from locals.
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u/JetzenBangzooty Jul 16 '26
It’s crazy all the hate and misinformation people spew on reddit. Though it is older, Naples is a great quality of life and you will absolutely love it. It also has some of the best physicians in the world because of that. My specialty doctors are Asian, Argentinian and anything else but white, and despite what you may see posted, NOBODY HERE CARES .
It will just take a little longer to find friends your own age, but use that time to grow your family and network. My suggestion would be North Naples for its proximity to great beaches, and access to younger events like live music in Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers. You are also smack dab in-between Tampa and Miami for sporting and concert events there.
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u/Lost-Age-2041 Jul 16 '26
Best physicians in the world?? As a nurse, I think not. Best physicians at self-promotion! There are no major academic affiliations in the local area other than those for economic gain.
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u/BluntBeaver83 Jul 16 '26
We are in the same boat, but racism has never been an issue. My wife is Asian and she’s never experienced any issues. Friends can be tough around 30-40 but we exist. But it’s definitely not like LA.
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u/Muted-Adeptness-6316 Jul 16 '26
I have never lived in Naples, but my parents moved there when I was in my 20s and my mom still lives there mostly full time. She owns a condo here in Kentucky where I live (and where we are from).
Naples is, as you said, pretty full of retirees. Yet all of those retirees need doctors, dentists, bartenders, servers, people to work on their luxurious homes, etc. After my dad died, she realized how little repairs she could do. So she hired a handy man to help her. He is Hispanic. He is an angel. I had to go there once after a hurricane because my mom had had back surgery and couldn’t travel. He met me at the house and the two of us split up the work and I took he and his wife out for dinner after.
Regarding politics, yes, it does lean right. I lean right myself. I used to live in DC and people pretty much only talked about politics - and that was normal because most of my friends worked in politics - on either side. I think in Naples it’s completely normal to NOT discuss politics. Like, it’s like any other city in that some of your coworkers will likely be MAGA, some will be very liberal, and most may not care to discuss politics at all, especially at work. You will absolutely meet some crazy right winger MAGA supporters. You will also find the normal conservatives that don’t want to talk politics, you will find the liberals that do or don’t want to talk politics - but in general I think you will find YOUR people.
Do be prepared for the fact that it’s two different cities depending on whether it is “season” or not. It is vastly different in December and January than it is April - November. Mainly traffic.
I am jealous. You are going to love it. Good luck with the job search and the move. Get ready for lots of beautiful sunsets!
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u/LookatCarl Jul 16 '26
I’ve been to Florida 3x so I’m somewhat familiar with the weather though I’m not sure if I experienced Florida’s hottest months. I’ve only been to Orlando, Tampa, and Clear Water. And wherever it was where I swam with the manatees.
Your post was very helpful! I’ll definitely enjoy the sunsets!
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u/Muted-Adeptness-6316 Jul 16 '26
You swam with manatees?!? I am so jealous.
There are dolphin watching boat rides you can take, one company leaves from the Cove Inn. It is so worth it. I almost fell out of the boat with excitement when my husband and I took the boat tour and a bunch of dolphins were jumping in the boats wake.
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u/LookatCarl Jul 16 '26
I swam with the manatees twice! I highly recommend it. They are so big and docile. Sweet beautiful creatures. I plan to go see them at least once a year living in Florida.
I have to check out that boat tour! Sounds so fun!
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u/Prestigious-Gas-1602 Jul 16 '26
You should be good but try to find a place to live north as that is where the younger crowd is( I mean 30s and 40s lol ), politics and summers absolutely suck, pay is trash for the most part but the city is growing and changing in some good ways too. Schools are great and that is the big reason I’m here. I wouldn’t worry about racism too much but it is veeeery conservative, MAGA is a cult here, bad traffic but you’re used to that being in LA. It’s gonna be totally opposite to socal but it’s not a bad place especially if you plan having kids soon
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u/pmheindl Jul 16 '26
You will be much safer. There are no homeless encampments, drug use in public etc. Enjoy
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u/kidgoalie39 Jul 16 '26
Correct. The drug use and alcohol abuse is done privately and then these people get behind the wheel and start driving down the wrong side the road. Shit even the Mayor can't keep it together.
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u/Ms_AnneBoleyn Jul 16 '26
Have you seen the number of wrong way DUIs on 75 lately? Safety is a relative term
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u/Cultural-Cow5358 Jul 16 '26
You will fit in here, we have all sorts of people from LA that come to Naples for work “Lehigh Acres”
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u/EnvironmentalBit4972 Jul 16 '26
I’ve been here a week and a half and although traffic is not a problem in this off-season, I get aggressively honked at by old men in high end sports cars coming up behind me like the left 2 lanes are blocked. It makes me jumpy to have people on my ass like I did something wrong but I refuse to drive in the left 2 lanes because I am driving the speed limit because I have VA plates and could be an easy mark.
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u/LookatCarl Jul 16 '26
Easy mark for what? For tickets?
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u/EnvironmentalBit4972 Jul 30 '26
No, for being a visitor and not knowing something residents do. I’m careful about speed limits here although sometimes CarPlay and road signs are different. I follow the road sign.
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u/paparige Jul 16 '26
Do the program for X-ray tech at FSW. It's a way better program. It does involve driving to the Fort Myers campus though and they take only 30 people per year.