Naples in Particular
 

To Neopatrick or any others who care to help. I looked at vrbo for Naples rentals, but it is devided into about 8 areas- West, Olde, etc. Which area would be nice for 60s who want less than wild time, with 2 small dogs? thanks. near beach if possible, just a bit less congested than some areas. thanks

Well, NeoPatrick is the man, but after 6 winters in Naples, I can contribute something.

The big factor is being west of US 41. East of US 41, unless your primary purpose is golf, you might as well be in Iowa, only it is warmer.

Beach access is easy from much of Old Naples, from the Landings, from Vanderbilt Beach, parts of North Naples, Pelican Bay, and the strip of high and mid-rises near Venetian Village.

Use Google Maps to find the property when you get serious, and you will see exactly how far you are from the beach.

One really nice thing in Naples is that all beaches are open to the public, and every street in most of Old Naples has a block of metered parking right next to the beach. Mid day you may have trouble finding a space but early or late, it is easy.

It is a beautiful place!

NeoPatrick is definitely the man. I agree with most of Ackisland says, but not all. I've spent a lot of time just east of US41. Unless your are right near the beach and can walk, you'll need to drive to the beach anyway. Adding 5 more minutes to cross US41 really isn't a big deal.

There are a lot of developments (yes, on golf courses) just east of US41, so that could open up a lot of options. Many have a mix ranging from streets (mini-developments) with large houses to those with smaller townhouse/condo type units - duplex or quads, community pool, etc.

"East of US 41, unless your primary purpose is golf, you might as well be in Iowa, only it is warmer." WHAT?? Don't know where you went but I live E. of 41 and don't see a thing that resembles Iowa. Let's not hurt the people who have beautiful rentals that might be in that area.

The purpose of this forum is to offer information and opinions to the traveler, not to protect those with properties to rent.

Should we advise them to rent in Golden Gate because there is a lot of available property there?

If your primary interest is in golf or sitting around the pool, east of 41 is fine. If you want to avoid congestion, by which I assumed the poster meant traffic congestion, east of 41 is less desirable. How many light cycles does it take to get across the intersection of Pine Ridge Road and 41 in February?

The poster is presumably intelligent enough to balance my opinions, the opinios of others, and the authoritative opinions of NeoPatrick with their own interests and budget and come to their own conclusion.

NeoPatrick(does that mean you are a new Patrick), we need you.

Patrick has a long and glorious history here on Fodors regardless of the nom de plume du jour. He must be traveling as he's normally a daily presence here.

Gee, I've posted a dozen or more times today, but missed this -- I think I was just clicking my previous posts, working on a summer trip myself.

OK, there is nothing wrong with east of 41, but there is a major reason property is so much cheaper there than west of 41 -- yes west of 41 is generally much preferred, budget restraints excluded. Although calling that Iowa is a bit of a stretch!

Since I have lived in Olde Naples for 31 years, I guess I'm partial, but that would be my choice and seems to be what you are suggesting as well. Nice area for walking, away from congestion, close to the beaches with lots of public access.

What time of year are you coming?

Hopefully, last few weeks of Feb, having a bit of trouble finding housing that is pet friendly and reasonable.I have tried vrbo, but there is not much on there right now. Driving from PA.

Have you seen this. It's a great location, a short stroll to the shops and restaurants of Third Street South and just two blocks to the beach -- small, but fairly charming and pet friendly.

http://www.vrbo.com/161119

If you find anything, let me know and I'll be happy to check it out for you.

I did notice that many "Olde Naples" condos on VRBO are not in Olde Naples at all, but up to two miles away!

That unit was very nice and so reasonable. I could not determine how close to the beach. We would be willing to pay a bit more and have a heated pool.Thank you very much for your help.