The University of British Columbia recently surveyed respondants from U.S. metropolitan areas about their life satisfaction and ranked Naples, FL, as the fourth-happiest place in the United States. No other Florida city made the study's top 10. Just two years ago in 2012, Naples was also ranked #2 for America's Happiest Seaside Towns by Coastal Living Magazine. Clearly, Naples is overflowing with happiness!
Although Naples is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, "To say money is the main factor (for this happiness) would be incorrect", according to Naples psychologist Parker Mott. We all know there are numerous factors to happiness. Naples' nearly 365-day a year of gorgeous sunny weather plays a big factor. The beautiful beaches and surreal sunsets are two more reasons why Naples is one of the happiest places to live. The lifestyle that Naples offers which includes endless golf, numerous planned green spaces like city parks as well as private walking and biking paths within individual communities, vibrant urban areas with a variety of restaurants and excellent shopping opportunities, a high percentage of waterfront communites for the boating and kayaking enthusiasts, regular citywide community events such as Thursdays on Third, Jazz Concert Series at Cambier Park, fine art & craft shows, and in general an outdoor clean-air living makes Naples a thriving "happy" city.
Naples' recent job growth could be another reason for residents to smile. This past summer, Forbes Magazine predicted Naples will have the fastest job growth among the 200 largest metro areas with an annual rate of 4.1 percent through 2016, according to Moody's Analytics. Collier County had the fastest job growth in the state in 2012 as well.
The population growth Naples has experienced over the past 30+ years is also a distinct indication of something magical here. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1980, the population in Collier County was 85,971. In the most recent census in 2010, our population is 321,520. In addition to that, the seasonal population estimate 2015 projection for Collier County is 414,282. Wow! The appeal of Naples is attracting all ages too. When the 2010 census was taken, the median age in Collier County was 46.9 years old. More than 80.1% of the population is younger than 65 years of age.
Naples has a tremendous amount to offer, and I'd like to help you find a piece of the magic for yourself. Call or email me anytime at 239-961-1801 or [email protected]. Also, check out our site at www.finersideofnaples.com to discover more about Naples.
*Sources: www.colliergov.net, news-press.com, Naples Daily News, Collier County Comprehensive Planning Department 6/2012.