Strolling down the street of Fifth Avenue in Naples nobody wonders that this city is home for the most Millionaires in the United States.

The city’s first residents were the Calusa Indians. Followed many years later in 1860’s, the first settlers, Roger Gordon and Joe Wiggins came to the area to crave a new life for their family. A river was named for Gordon and the famous Wiggins Pass was named for Joe Wiggins.

In the 1870’s and 1880’s, Naples, named after the Italian peninsula, began to be promoted in newspapers and magazine for its sunny mild climate and beautiful beaches. As the news spread, Naples became a winter resort for the wealthy and the Naples Hotel became the social life for the town. The Naples Hotel played host to many celebrities and a few you may have heard of are Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and Rose Cleveland, who was the First Lady during her brother Grover Cleveland Presidency.

In early 1900’s the area attracted wealthy Barron Gift Collier. On a visit he and his wife fell in love with Southwest Florida and on a trip he purchased Useppa Island for $100,000. The island was named Useppa by the famous pirate, Jose Gaspar for his favorite female captives. He built one of the most exclusive sporting clubs in the world on Useppa named Izaak Walton Club.

Collier began to move South and was responsible for building the Tamiami Trail (US 41) to connect Florida’s two largest cities, Miami and Tampa. By promising Florida legislature to build the highway, the legislature created Collier County and made Naples the county seat. Growth was greatly anticipated after the railroad reached Naples and the Tamiami Trail was completed. Unfortunately the Depression and WW II hampered the growth. In WW II the Army Air Force even built a small air field and used it for training purposes and it is now Naples Municipal Airport.

After the opening of the Tamiami Trail, a new night club, Club 41, became a haunt of Hollywood Stars. Some enjoying Naples Club 41 are said to have been Greta Garbo, Gary Cooper, Hedy Lamar, Lawrence Tibbets, Gertrude Lawrence, and Gloria Swanson. Another famous visitor to Naples made a unique approach to Naples. In 1932 Charles “Lucky” Lindbergh landed his plane on the small golf course that was at the end of Fifth Avenue. His trip was to pick up supplies for his retreat in Sanibel.

Fast forward from Naples history and you find the spectacular and cultured cosmopolitan present city of Naples, the gem of Southwest Florida. Naples is all that and much more. From the palm tree lined famous 5th Avenue that features top rated restaurants and irresistible boutique shopping, you are drawn to explore what Naples has to offer. As you stroll around the side streets you find other interesting shops and art galleries. The Inn on Fifth in in the heart of Fifth Avenue is a stunning Mediterranean inspired style boutique hotel providing impeccable service and amenities. Naples is truly a vibrant cosmopolitan city that will impress the most discerning visitors and residents. Now with its airport, Naples has become a destination for the jet-set from around the world. Naples will continue to attract the wealthy and famous personalities.

Naples Art Association in conjunction with The von Liebig Art Center hold annual juried Art Shows bringing award winning artisans from all over the world. Stroll the streets in Naples and you will find some outstanding art galleries. Some you will enjoy are Weatherburn Gallery, DeBruyne Fine Art, Shaw Gallery, and Gallery One. Naples Museum of Art’s mission statement is to inspire creativity and awaken curiosity. They have 15 galleries to inspire and awaken curiosity. The Museum’s Persian Ceiling done by glass world renowned artist Dale Chihuly is a feast for the senses.

Shop 'til you Drop is an experience you can have in Naples. From Fifth Avenue and historic Third Street South are only the beginning. The Village on Venetian Bay is a canal setting you could find in Italy. The Mediterranean colorful structure is filled with more than 40 shops, restaurants and art galleries. Waterside Shops is a world class outdoor shopping mall. You will find Tiffany, Gucci, Kate Spade, and Saks Fifth Avenue just to mention a few of the 60 shops and restaurants. The Mercato is another outdoor mall with high-end national retailers, restaurants, and luxury movie theater.

Naples has many exclusive properties. The Venetian Village, located on Naples Bay, offers gourmet restaurants and exclusive specialty shops. Around the Venetian Village you will find luxurious high rises featuring spectacular views, concierge service, and the white sugar sand Gulf beaches. Bay Colony, Park Shore, and Aqualane are some the condominiums. Port Royal is one of the most exclusive areas in Naples. Port Royal’s waterfront estates are multi million dollars estates.

Naples’ real estate property price ranges are from multi-millions to under $300,000. Search property, find the property that will match your criteria and make Naples your next address. Naples provides many gated communities with choices of villas, single family homes, and condos. The gated communities have great amenities from golf, fitness centers, club house, and tennis. Lely Resort, Hammock Bay, Indigo Lakes, Vineyards, Tiburon, and Glen Eagle are only a few. Naples also offers championship golf courses: Tiburon, Bonita Bay East, and Naples Grande Golf Club are only a few.