Naples ranks as one of top 5 in destinations for snowbirds

Luis Zambrano, Naples Daily News
·2 min read
The setting sun's last rays cast a warm glow in North Naples.
The setting sun's last rays cast a warm glow in North Naples.

Notice more out-of-state plates in Naples?

Naples ranked 4th in the top destinations for snowbirds, alongside seven other Florida cities, according to a study released by StorageCafe.

Here's what we know:

What are Snowbirds?

The term "snowbirds" commonly refers to people who move to southern areas during winter months, according to the study.

"Snowbirds often stay in these warmer destinations for several months, and then return to their primary residences when the weather in their hometowns becomes more favorable," the study states.

When they come to Florida depends on several factors, but generally, the season runs from November through April.

What are the top 10 snowbird destinations in the US?

Eight of the top 10 snowbird destinations in the U.S. are in Florida.
Eight of the top 10 snowbird destinations in the U.S. are in Florida.

Florida snatched eight of the top destinations for snowbirds in the United States.

  1. Venice

  2. Vero Beach

  3. Fort Pierce

  4. Naples

  5. Lake Wales

  6. Mission, Texas

  7. Apache Junction, Arizona

  8. Tarpon Springs

  9. Fort Myers

  10. Clermont

Additionally, 42 Florida cities make up the top 100 cities.

What was said about Naples?

The small Florida city has the highest share of vacant housing units marked for seasonal use, 89%, among all cities analyzed, according to the study.

Naples, which touts itself as the "Golf Capital of the World," offers opportunities for high-end shopping and to enjoy culture at the local museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues.

According to the study, it also has the largest number of medical organizations per 1,000 residents among the cities.

Though the city comes at a premium.

"The city primarily caters to people who appreciate the finer things in life – and have budgets to match," the study states. "The median rent in Naples is 6% higher compared to the state's median rent, while the median house price is north of $1M."

How did the company make the list?

The study analyzed and ranked 215 U.S. cities across 11 snowbird-friendly states

According to StorageCafe, snowbirds are looking for amenities, mild climates, and affordability.

These include:

  • Snowbird-friendly surroundings (October to March average temperatures, rainfall, and air quality)

  • Beaches found within a 10-mile radius of each location

  • Park space per capita

  • Golf courses per capita

  • Availability of both rentals and housing allocated for seasonal use

  • The cost of renting an apartment and the cost of buying a home

  • Availability of RV parks

  • Number of restaurants

  • Self-storage prices

  • Local internet speed

  • Safety

  • Healthcare-related factors (Medicare pricing for new patients, and availability of hospitals, other medical organizations, and medical professionals)

Related This Florida city is the No. 1 destination for snowbirds. Here are the top cities

More: Where does Fort Myers rank in this national list of popular destinations for snowbirds?

Digital producer for USA Today Network-Florida Cheryl McCloud contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Naples is one of the most popular destinations for snowbirds.