Is Naples, Florida Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Concerns

Naples, Florida, is a city of unparalleled beauty located on the Gulf of Mexico, with lots of outdoor fun and attractions for its residents and visitors. The city is known for its luxury lifestyle and stunning beaches.

It is also home to many exciting attractions, including the Naples Zoo, the historic Naples Pier, and the thriving gardens at the Naples Botanical Garden.

In addition to its natural beauty, Naples also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. But like every other city, it has its share of crime. So, is Naples, Florida safe?

If you’re planning a visit to Naples, here’s everything you need to know about the risks. You can enjoy all Naples offers while staying safe and sound with a bit of care and awareness.

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Is Naples Safe to Visit in 2023?

Overall, Naples is a relatively safe city. In fact, it’s well-known as being one of the safest cities in Florida. The crime rate in Naples is significantly lower than the national average, and violent crime is almost non-existent.

Of course, no city is immune to crime. And when it comes to Naples, there are a few safety concerns you should be aware of. For example, pickpocketing and petty theft are the most common occurrences, so keeping your belongings close while visiting, especially in crowded areas, is a must.

In addition, while the beaches are generally safe, there have been reports of rip currents or simply rips. A rip current is a localized, narrow current of water that flows away from the shore.

These currents are created when waves break near the beach, and the resulting water flows back into the ocean through a channel of low water pressure. The flow can be strong enough to carry swimmers out to sea.

The local wildlife is also a safety concern in Naples. Alligators, snakes, and disease-carrying insects call the rivers and swamps of Florida home, so use caution when hiking or swimming in areas where these animals may be present.

Warning signs are typically posted in these areas. And finally, hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding are potential risks like anywhere else in Florida.

These natural disasters can cause property damage and threaten your safety, so pay attention to the forecast. Luckily, Naples enjoys a lower risk of hurricanes than other parts of Florida, thanks to its location on the Gulf of Mexico.

Common Crimes in Naples

The violent crime rate in Naples is far below the national average, and the property crime rate is also lower than average. That being said, no city is entirely free of crime, and Naples occasionally has its share of problems.

Some reports have been of burglary, theft, and even occasional violent crimes such as assault and battery. Property crime, while the most common crime affecting tourists, is still well below the national average.

In fact, the likelihood of you becoming a victim of property crime while in Naples is 1 in 69. In 2019, the property crime rate was 100.1, with the U.S. average being 178.6, which has consistently declined since 2011.

And when it comes to violent crime, Naples is again much safer than the average American city. The violent crime rate in 2019 was 35.8, while the U.S. average was an astounding 205.8.

Moreover, there was only one reported murder in Naples that year. How’s that for a low crime rate? One unfortunate statistic we want to share is that Naples does have 245 registered sex offenders living there as of 2022.

This means the ratio of residents to sex offenders is 90 to 1. While this doesn’t necessarily make Naples an unsafe place to visit, it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re traveling alone or with young children.

Avoiding Crimes in Naples

Of course, even though the crime rates are relatively low, you’ll still want to be smart about your safety and take precautions to avoid any potential problems.

One of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a crime while in Naples is to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. For example, don’t leave your belongings unguarded on the beach or in your car.

If carrying a purse or bag with you, ensure it’s closed and not easily accessible to pickpockets. Also, avoid showing off expensive jewelry or taking large amounts of cash if possible.

Vehicle break-ins can also be a problem in Naples, so keep your car locked and don’t leave any valuables in plain sight. These are strictly crimes of opportunity, so the more you can do to make your vehicle an unappealing target, the better.

When it comes to your accommodation, always remember to lock the doors and windows of your hotel room or rental property, even if you’re just stepping out for a minute.

In addition, consider using the safe provided by your hotel to store any valuables. And finally, as with any city or situation, be wary about inviting strangers to your room.

Avoiding Bad Neighborhoods

Despite the overall safety of Naples, there are a few areas you’ll want to be extra careful in, especially at night. These include the city’s northeast section around Goodlette-Frank Road and Gulf Shore Boulevard to the west.

This area is known for being more dangerous, with higher crime rates. The main area to be aware of is Old Naples. This historic district has many high-end shops and restaurants.

Still, it can be considered dangerous after dark due to the number of people who hang out there. In addition, drunkenness and fighting are not uncommon, so it’s not a good place to take young children and teens.

Another area worth mentioning is Sun Terrace. While this family-oriented neighborhood is not especially dangerous during the day, it has a property crime rate 37% higher than the national average.

So if you’re driving through Sun Terrace, particularly at night, keep your doors locked and windows up, and don’t stop for anyone.

Things to Consider

When deciding whether or not to visit Naples, Florida, safety should definitely be a factor in your decision. However, it’s important to remember that all cities have some level of crime.

In addition, there are other factors to consider, like weather, your budget, and what you’re looking to do on your vacation. Weather-wise, Naples is a great place to visit if you want to escape the cold.

The average highs in January and February are a balmy 78 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lows only dip to around 50 degrees.

However, if you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, you may want to avoid visiting during the hot months, when temperatures and humidity levels can be pretty high. Naples is also a relatively affordable city, especially compared to other Florida destinations.

Hotel rates are reasonable, and there are many free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as relaxing on the beach, taking a walk through a nature preserve, or visiting one of the city’s museums.

Regarding activities and attractions, Naples definitely has something for everyone. In addition to the beach, there are golf courses, hiking trails, shopping centers, and a wide variety of restaurants.

So whether you’re looking for a serene beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it in Naples. Insects can also be a consideration when visiting Naples. Florida is home to mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika and West Nile.

These are most commonly transmitted during the summer, so if you’re visiting during this time, consider investing in quality insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.

Frequently Asked Questions

After reading all this, you may still have questions about what to expect when visiting Naples. Rest assured, you’re not alone. That’s why we’ve gathered some commonly asked questions and their answers.

Is it worth visiting Naples?

Absolutely! Naples is a beautiful city along the appropriately-named Paradise Coast. It’s consistently rated as one of America’s Best Vacation Spots, and for a good reason!

In addition to its stunning beaches, Naples is home to many restaurants, shops, museums, and outdoor activities. Seriously, is there anything more you could want in a vacation destination? There’s no shortage of things to do in Naples.

From the white sand beaches and clear blue waters to the shopping and dining of upscale Fifth Avenue South, there is something to appeal to every visitor.

Naples is also home to various cultural attractions, including art galleries, museums, and performing arts centers. And, of course, no visit to Naples is complete without taking a tour of the historic homes and gardens in the Old Naples Historic District.

What is Naples known for?

Naples is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury golf courses, and high-end shopping. Being a coastal town situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and soft white sand.

The city also hosts the CME Group Tour Championship, making it a mecca for golf enthusiasts from around the globe. In addition, its many outdoor attractions, ranging from parks and nature preserves to fishing and dolphin-spotting, make it a popular destination for families.

And, of course, let’s not forget the shopping. Naples has many upscale shopping centers, from high-end boutiques to outlet malls, where visitors can find everything from designer clothes to fine jewelry.

When is the best time to visit Naples?

If you’re interested in spending time outdoors, the spring and fall months are ideal, as the weather is mild and comfortable. However, if you want to enjoy the beach, you’ll want to visit during the summer, when the weather is warm enough to swim.

Remember that Naples is a popular destination, so you can expect crowds no matter what time you visit.

So if you’re looking to avoid the public, you may want to plan your trip during the shoulder seasons (March-April and October-November), when tourism is lower than usual.

Is Naples a good area to live?

Yes, Naples is a great place to live and was named the #1 place to retire in 2018 and 2019. The most recent ranking comes from SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company that provides online tools for personal finance.

The study bases its rating on three categories: tax-friendliness, medical care, and social life. In addition to its beautiful weather and scenic beaches, the city offers residents a high quality of life.

For example, it’s ranked as one of the safest places in the U.S., with a low crime rate and excellent schools. So if you’re looking for a sunny, beachfront community with plenty of amenities, put Naples at the top of the list.

Is Naples a wealthy town?

Yes, Naples is considered a wealthy town. In fact, it’s among the most prosperous cities in the United States. It’s lovingly referred to as the “Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida.”

Of course, this is because of the luxury and sophistication, from high-end shops and restaurants to golf courses and private beaches. As a result, it has the sixth highest per capita income in the United States.

Where do the rich live in Naples?

Old Naples is the city’s most expensive residential area and even features Millionaires’ Row, a series of beachfront homes owned by wealthy individuals. It’s also the oldest neighborhood dating back to the late 19th century. 

Do any celebrities live in Naples?

Yes, the chances of spotting a celebrity in Naples are relatively high. Several well-known actors, musicians, and athletes are attracted to the city for its luxury lifestyle and world-class amenities.

Some notable names include the actress Nicole Kidman, country singer Keith Urban, singer-songwriter Steven Tyler, and former head coach Dave Wannstedt.

And even if you don’t see any celebrities while you’re in town, you’ll definitely feel like a star at one of the city’s many luxury hotels or resorts.

Has a hurricane ever hit Naples?

While Naples is often spared a direct hit from hurricanes, the city has experienced its fair share of storms. For example, Hurricane Irma was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

When it made landfall in Florida’s Cudjoe Key on September 10, 2017, it caused widespread damage across the state. In Naples, the storm blew roofs off buildings, flooded streets and homes, and downed power lines.

As a result, businesses and schools were forced to close for several weeks while the community worked to recover. Naples was also struck by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The storm caused an estimated $19 billion in damages, making it the third-costliest cyclone in Florida history.

If you’re visiting during hurricane season, keep up with the latest weather reports and heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. And, of course, stock up on supplies like food, water, and batteries in case of a power outage.

So, Is Naples, Florida Safe to Visit?

Naples is generally a very safe city. However, you should always take sensible precautions no matter where you are, such as locking your doors and not walking alone at night.

With that said, Naples is a great place to visit, with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. So go ahead and book that ticket – you won’t regret it. Happy travels!