Urban Estates - Naples, FL

The area of Urban Estates grew out of the expansion of the city of Naples after World War II. Naples was founded in the late 1800s and slowly gained popularity among land owners in the United States as they saw a growing interest in tourism and land purchases along the east coast of Florida. As tourism and commercial enterprises populated the oceanfront areas, developments sprawled west along Interstate 75 with the equestrian industry playing a significant role in the business and population.

Visitors can learn the rich history of Naples by visiting one of the five Collier County Museums located within Naples. Annually, the city hosts the Downtown Naples Festival of the Arts, which exhibits artists from across the country for a street art festival.

Residents of Urban Estates must venture along the lightly traveled streets for dining and nightlife options toward the intersection of Immokalee Road and Interstate 75 where several restaurants take residence. Residents and visitors frequent local bars and restaurants for a quick night out or venture further south to Naples to hit the main nightlife scene on Fifth Avenue South.

Begin your day at Skillets Strand, which gives homestyle a new meaning. The old-time decor and friendly atmosphere make this a unique dining experience. Try the skillets — a house specialty combining perfectly crisp skillet-cooked potatoes, eggs and a biscuit. The biscuits and gravy make for a gooey carb overload well worth the calories.

For dinner head over to Gino's Trattoria Per Tutti for fine Italian dining. The traditional Italian dishes have a profound effect on your taste buds. Try the veal chop milanese for an entree that combines tender meat with a light creamy sauce that melts in the mouth. The fresh ingredients, strong Italian herbs and decor make this a well-rounded dining experience.

After dinner you need to burn off some of those calories so be sure to stop by The Blue Monkey Bar and Grill. The impressive food and active night scene attract residents, and the bar also hosts local and regional talent on select evenings. Karaoke takes over in the absence of a band, bringing out aspiring vocalists from the surrounding areas.

Zookie's Sport Pub and Grill provides a lively atmosphere and drink specials daily, helping you enjoy watching your favorite sporting events. Zookie's sits along Immokalee Road west of Interstate 75. If you want a more upscale and populated night out, Fifth Avenue South remains the place to go in downtown Naples. Bars and pubs, such as Paddy Murphy's Irish Pub, can be found along the avenue.

Residents have access to public transportation via Collier Area Transit. The cost of a one-way bus ticket to downtown Naples runs $1.50. You can call for taxi service, but drivers don't frequent the mostly residential area. Uber service is available. When taking public transit, travelers make their way toward Collier Boulevard near the western end of Urban Estates to catch the bus or toward Pine Ridge Boulevard where several routes cross near Vineyards Boulevard. From there, you can access north and south Naples.

The roads in Urban Estates host the occasional biker and jogger with sidewalks present on the main roadway; however, no sidewalks exist on the side streets. The lower traffic count makes these roads safe for bikers, joggers and walkers.

Residents and visitors have direct access to Interstate 75 via Immokalee Road, which connects travelers heading north to Fort Myers and Tampa or east to Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

The neighborhood sits in close proximity to one very large and exciting park. The go-to area for recreation is North Collier Regional Park, which hosts several athletic fields, tracks, trails and water sports. The most enticing draw to this park though, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Collier County's only waterpark, draws crowds from all over the west coast of Florida. The family-friendly park has a number of rides and pools. Though pets are not allowed within the waterpark, there are sections nearby where pets can enjoy a day out with their owners.

Annually the park hosts family days and multiple group outings and can be rented for special occasions.

Toward the west coast, Clam Pass Park takes up a long stretch of ocean real estate. Visitors enjoy sunsets in the park and walks along the boardwalk, which leads to some of Naples most popular tourist beaches.

The cost of living in Urban Estates sits 67 percent higher than the Florida average. Naples residents enjoy a desirable location and an area dependent on tourism, resulting in an increased cost of living. It costs $1.50 via public bus to reach downtown Naples. Taxi or Uber service to downtown costs approximately $25 due to the miles traveled. A one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1030 a month. The typical price of a pint of beer costs $6 at any of the local bars and restaurants. Gas prices sit 17 percent above the national average.

Urban Estates visitors have access to an abundance of shopping and boutique stores. The Coastland Center is home to a variety of national retailers and shops, such as Macy's, Best Buy and Dillard's. Those looking for a more personalized shopping experience can visit one of the many boutiques in the area.

Bio New York was founded by An Vu in New York City where she gained a loyal following. Located along Tamiami Trail and its intersection with Vanderbilt Beach Boulevard, this is the second boutique of its kind. After several years, she expanded to south Florida, bringing her unique shopping experience which combines affordable pricing with hands-on attention and luxury designer garments. Shoppers get vibrant new designs with a guarantee of limited inventory so you won't run into someone wearing the same outfit.

Heart and Soul Boutique sits along Pine Ridge Road just west of Goodlette-Frank Road. The store sells bags, clothing, picture frames and other items. Fine silver dishes and eclectic sea creature handbags share shelf space, making this shop a unique and interesting place to browse.

Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Publix service the locals in Naples and sit just a short drive east of Urban Estates. The Pine Ridge Road Farmer's Market lets you get that farm-to-table fix. Numerous green and farmers markets can be found throughout Naples due to an abundance of rich farm land in the surrounding areas. Local growers open up stands on the weekends with some of the freshest produce in Florida.