Golden Gate - Naples, FL

Golden Gate began as the concept of a developer who wished to build the largest subdivision on Earth. In the 1960s, he purchased 80 square miles of swamp land and had the entire area drained by creating canals that fed into the Gulf of Mexico. Plots were originally sold via telemarketing, but lack of major interest caused the initial developer to lose out and cash in. Development didn't start in earnest until the 1970s. Due to a lack of any sort of neighborhood association, the area didn't develop any sidewalks, street lights or other amenities common to most neighborhoods. Golden Gates remains rural today, but the 2-square mile namesake area has developed significantly more compared with more eastern areas. There are no museums or major art scenes in the neighborhood.

Golden Gate contains a decent selection of restaurants, featuring a wide variety that includes Peruvian, Chinese and Caribbean cuisines. Most restaurants can be found along either Golden Gate Parkway or Collier Boulevard.

For some Southern food with attitude, head on over to Nana's Diner for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Come in early for a hearty breakfast burrito, filled with sausage, eggs, peppers, onions and cheese with your choice of home fries, hash browns, grits or a potato cake. For an evening visit, order the house specialty Nana's famous fried chicken, battered using a homemade recipe fried fresh daily with mashed potatoes and a side of veggies.

Head to Nemo's Sports Bar for comfort food snacks like mac 'n cheese wedges to go with your draft beer and big-screen sports. Spanky's Speakeasy features 20th century antique decor and a varied wine list.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include driving and walking. Hailing a cab can be difficult if not impossible on the street, but you can always call a local cab company for a ride. Uber does not provide ride share coverage in the area. Public parking can be found easily and without cost. Access to expressways and Interstate 75 allow for easy commutes and access to other areas within southwest Florida. Walkability in Golden Gate scores fairly low, but some restaurants and errands can be accessed within walking distance. Bike lanes are non-existent, making commuting this way less safe and less practical.

Golden Gate doesn't contain any parks within the neighborhood bounds, but two parks within less than 10 miles provide two very different outdoor experiences. Parks remain free of cost with an annual state pass and allow dogs on leashes.

Kids love Clam Pass Park, which provides sandy beach access and a beautiful boardwalk to the east of Golden Gate. The area contains 35 acres of coastal habitat filled with marine life, wildlife and many species of birds and butterflies. The boardwalk cuts through mangrove forest, allowing for nature viewing and a relaxing stroll.

Picayune Strand State Forest is an expansive natural wilderness area with equestrian, hiking and cycling trails providing access to wildlife and peaceful natural settings. Bird watchers come to see woodpeckers and storks, while nature enthusiasts marvel at the massive trees, many of which are over 100 years old. Animals including panthers, black bears, eagles and more have been spotted in this gorgeous wild area.

There are no major annual events in the parks surrounding Golden Gate.

Renting in Golden Gate is not only convenient but also pocket-friendly. Typically, a one-bedroom apartment boasts an average monthly rent of around $1,800, providing a comfortable and cost-effective space to call home. Renting a house is an enticing option if you envision a touch more room and a dash of suburban living.Houses for rent in Golden Gate typically range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, offering you not just extra space but also the joy of a serene backyard retreat. For those with homeownership dreams, the average house price is approximately $410,000, setting the stage for a thrilling path to becoming a homeowner. Golden Gate provides diverse rental options, from cozy apartments to spacious rented houses.

Shopping areas can be found throughout the neighborhood and surrounding areas but are mostly limited to practical goods and big box retail stores. Some high-end and boutique stores can be found in and around downtown Naples, less than 5 miles from Golden Gate.

Modern ladies love Francesca's, a boutique women's clothing retailer also featuring bags, shoes, accessories and more. Designs are tastefully modern and playful with a range of styles from evening wear to no-frills day wear. Bag options include youthful throwback designs and tasteful modern styles, all for low prices. Francesca's also features a great selection of boots, so shoe fans should be careful not to get carried away by the bargains.

Grocery options in the area include Winn-Dixie and various local ethnic markets such as Super Latina Food Mart and the Caribbean Food Store.