News from Naples
Linda's Blog
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4th of July Events in Naples Florida




Just returned from a trip ...

Naples is gearing up for a big celebration this weekend! The annual 4th of July parade begins at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at Third Street South and Broad Avenue, continues to 5th Avenue South, and ends at Cambier Park on 8th Street South.

The fireworks display at Naples Pier traditionally draws tens of thousands to the beach from Lowdermilk Park south to Gordon Pass.  Many boaters enjoy the spectacular pyrotechnics from their vessels in the Gulf. In case of inclement weather, the display will be held on Sunday.


For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit:
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by:  Linda C. Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples FL

Naples Ranks Among Highest Per Capita Income

According to the latest census analysis, Collier County ranks # 20 among the top counties in the nation with the highest per-capita income in 2007. It is the only county in Florida that falls within the top 20.  The state offers many tax benefits for residents. With today's technology, work can be conducted from anywhere, for which reason executives and entrepreneurs choose to live and work in "Paradise." Based on the list below, which state's climate would you prefer?

1. Teton County, Wyo., $132,728
2. New York, $120,790
3. Loving County, Texas, $99,593
4. Pitkin County, Colo., $93,465
5. Marin County, Calif., $ 91,483
6. Fairfied County, Conn., $ 81,576
7. Westchester County, N.Y., $ 81,576
8. San Mateo County, Calif., $ 71,753
9. Morris County, N.J., $71,713
10. San Francisco, Calif., $ 71,342
11. Somerset County, N.J., $ 70,949
12. Alexandria, VA, $ 70,632
13. Arlington County, VA., $ 68,270
14. Fairfax County, VA (includes Fairfax City & Falls Church), $ 67,909
15. Montgomery County, MD., $ 67,525
16. Bergen County, NJ, $ 67,125
17. Hunterdon County, NJ, $66,449
18. Sully County, SD, $ 64,352
19. Blaine, Idaho, $ 64,207
20. CollierCounty, FL, $ 63,207

For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit www.4NaplesRealEstate.com
Posted by:
Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples Fl

Naples Trolley Hop




A new summer attraction in Naples is the First Tuesday Trolley Hop.  Visitors, as well as Neapolitans, can ride the historic trolley to a number of local restaurants for drinks and appetizer specials.  For details, check:
www.experience-naples.com

For extensive information on Naples, visit
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com
Posted by:
Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples Fl

Latest Naples Florida Real Estate Report




CLOSED SALES:

  • April closed sales units are up 6% over April 2008
  • Year-to-date April closed units are up 19% over YTD April 2008.  Volume is down 25%
  • 64% of units closed in April are under $ 250,000
  • Median sales price YTD April is down 37% from the same period in 2008.
  • Median sales price has remained constant since January.

PENDED SALES:

  • Pended sales units in April are up 55% over April 2008 and highest April numbers since 2005.
  • Pended sales units YTD April are up 68% over the same period in 2008.
  • 66% of pended units year-to-date are under $ 250,000.

NEW LISTINGS:

  • Number of new listings taken YTD April is down 11% over prior year period, and the lowest for the period since 2005.
  • Number of new listings taken during the month of April 2009 is the lowest for the month since 2005.
  • Active listing inventory on May 1, 2009 was 12,910 (6498 condominiums and 6412 single family). This represents a decrease of 13% from May 1, 2008.

NOTES:

  • Sustained median sales price ($190,000) since January may indicate bottom for pricing.
  • Largest decrease in inventory year-to-date are condominiums priced between $250,000-$500,000 (down 25%) and single family homes priced from $500,000-$750,000 (down 35%).
  • This report represents the combined Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero market.  Numbers may vary among various areas, so be sure to contact me for research on individual market segments.

Disclaimer:  All information from Sunshine MLS. Accuracy is deemed correct, but not warranted.

To view the complete report, click:  
http://www.myjrw.com/documents/Forms/MarketReportApril2009.pdf

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."


For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by: Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples Fl 

Naples Florida International Film Festival

Naples International Film Festival was created by a group of forward-looking Neapolitans dedicated to the Arts whose mission is "to nurture and support a diverse, artistic and cultural experience with a creative, fun and cutting-edge boutique film festival that showcases the work of independent filmmakers. While the festival will present the finest and most unique cinematic works in the world, it will also provide an outlet for local filmmakers and film lovers in Southwest Florida."  This non-profit organization will hold the three-day event from November 6-8, 2009 at Silverspot, the new theater and European-style cafe at MERCATO.

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."


For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by: Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples Fl

"Avenue of the Arts" Slated for Naples

A major new arts complex will transform an 18-acre property on Bayshore Drive in Naples.  The idea is to create a cultural/performing Center for the Arts with a theater, galleries and workshop area that would cater to amateurs, as well as professionals.  The project will be spearheaded by Erich Kunzel, internationally renowned conductor hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "the Prince of Pops." The new cultural/performing and visual arts center will be home to the Gulfshore Playhouse, as well as Opera Naples.

"The Avenue of the Arts," as it will be known, will be located across from Windstar, to the north of the new Botanical Garden.  The property is already owned by the county and taxpayers will not foot the cost, although they will certainly patronize the events.  This is what makes Naples so special: Neapolitans are visionary individuals who generously give back to the community.  They see a need and make it happen.  What an exciting new endeavor!

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."



For extensive information on Naples Florida, visit:
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com
Posted by:

Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples, Fl

The Turtle Club in Naples Florida



 

With the price of waterfront land in Naples today, one of the last vestiges of casual beachfront dining is the Turtle Club on Vanderbilt Beach.  This charming tropical enclave is the ideal place to enjoy a lunch of the best grouper Cesar salad you've ever tasted.  Under an umbrella with sand beneath your feet, you'll be tempted to kick back and pretend you are in Jimmy Buffet land!  With temperatures in the 80's and a delightful Gulf breeze, today was a typical reminder of why Neapolitans always say, "Another day in Paradise!"

If you plan to go to The Turtle Club for dinner, be sure to make reservations and specify if you wish to dine inside with air conditioning or under the stars.  The outstanding cuisine and casual, inviting ambiance has afforded it the honor of being consistently voted the area's "top restaurant for waterfront dining."

The Turtle Club:   
http://www.windwardhospitality.com/naples/index.html

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."


For extensve information on Naples Florida, visit www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by:

Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples, Fl

Botero Exhibit at The Naples Museum of Art




Once again in 2009 American Style Magazine ranked Naples among the "Top 25 Arts Destinations for Small Cities and Towns." Residents of Naples have traditionally provided generous support for a multitude of art galleries and museums.

One of the finest examples is the Naples Museum of Art, which recently brought to town a phenomenal exhibit by Fernando Botero, the most famous Latin American artist alive today.  It was the first major Botero exhibition in the U.S. in almost 30 years.

On the last day it was open to the public, I rushed to the box office an hour before it was to close.  There were others in line behind me.  The attendant dutifully explained to each of us that we had only an hour for viewing.  No one complained because everyone was well aware of the cultural treat we were about to experience.

It was a real delight to view 100 Botero masterpieces, including enormous oil paintings, intricate sketches and massive bronze sculptures - placed by cranes at the entrance and in the museum's courtyard.  As Neapolitans, we are so very fortunate to have such opportunities.

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."


For extensive information on Naples, Florida, visit www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by:
Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors, Naples Fl

Boston Red Sox New Spring Training Complex

Lee County commissioners have reached a decision as to a location for the new Boston Red Sox spring training complex. The 126-acre site, north of Daniels Parkway and the Southwest Florida International Airport, is practically ready for construction.  The new stadium will surely be a boon for Lee and Collier Counties' tourism, as it will attract loyal baseball fans to the area. 

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."


For extensive information on Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida, visit:
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com


Posted by:

Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples Florida
 

"Taste of Collier" Slated for May 3




Another summertime Naples tradition entering its 26th year is the "Taste of Collier." This Sunday afternoon at Bayfront you can taste delicacies from 35 local restaurants for as little as $ 2-$ 5, after a $5 admission charge.  Stroll the Bayfront area, listen to music, and watch chefs demonstrate their culinary skills.

To learn more about the unique lifestyle that Naples offers, scroll to the bottom of this page and
click "older entries."


For extensive information on Naples, Florida, visit:
www.4NaplesRealEstate.com

Posted by:
Linda Loomis, Realtor
John R. Wood Realtors
Naples, FL