Why Consider Living Near Naples Instead of Inside It?
Before diving into the list, here are key reasons many buyers choose nearby gated communities over those within Naples proper:
- Better Value: Homes just outside Naples often cost 15–30% less than comparable properties inside city limits.
- Newer Construction: Most nearby gated developments are newly built, with modern features and energy-efficient designs.
- Larger Lots: Outlying communities often offer more space, nature views, and less traffic congestion.
- Top Amenities: Expect resort pools, pickleball courts, clubhouses, and championship golf.
- Easy Access: Locations like Bonita Springs and Estero are 15–25 minutes from downtown Naples and the beaches.
Best Gated Communities Near Naples Florida
Below is a detailed list of top-rated gated neighborhoods located within 15–40 minutes of Naples, offering a range of price points, lifestyles, and amenities.
1. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club – Estero, FL
Miromar Lakes is often regarded as one of the most luxurious gated communities in all of Southwest Florida — and it’s just 20 minutes north of Naples. This award-winning community is built around a 700-acre freshwater lake with over three miles of private sandy beaches.
Residents enjoy boating, swimming, water-skiing, championship golf, tennis, fine dining, and a full-service spa. Homes for sale range from waterfront estates to luxury condos and coach homes. The community consistently ranks among the top master-planned developments in Florida.
2. The Brooks (Shadow Wood & Spring Run) – Bonita Springs, FL
The Brooks is a collection of upscale gated communities in Bonita Springs, roughly 15 minutes from North Naples. The most notable enclaves include Shadow Wood at The Brooks and Spring Run.
Shadow Wood features two 18-hole golf courses, a private country club, and beautifully landscaped neighborhoods with single-family homes and villas. Spring Run is slightly smaller but offers excellent golf and social opportunities. Residents also enjoy access to The Commons Club with dining, beach privileges, and a wellness center.
3. Bonita Bay – Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Bay is a sprawling gated community with five golf courses, private marinas, a beach park on the Gulf, and over 1,400 acres of nature preserves. Located just north of Naples, it attracts buyers seeking both luxury and recreation.
Residences include high-rise waterfront condos, single-family homes, and custom estates. The community also has one of the most active social calendars in Southwest Florida, with clubs, events, and outdoor fitness opportunities.
4. Pelican Landing – Bonita Springs, FL
Pelican Landing offers a relaxed, natural atmosphere with lush landscaping and private access to a residents-only beach island on the Gulf. Homes are set among lakes, preserves, and golf fairways.
This gated community includes the Pelican’s Nest Golf Club, fitness centers, tennis, sailing, canoe parks, and pickleball. Pelican Landing appeals to both year-round and seasonal residents seeking a quiet, resort-like lifestyle just 20 minutes from downtown Naples.
5. West Bay Club – Estero, FL
West Bay Club combines country club luxury with natural beauty. Located just north of Bonita Springs, this gated community sits on over 800 acres, including a championship golf course designed by Pete and P.B. Dye, private beach club, marina, and resort pools.
Homes for sale include coach homes, condos, and custom estates. West Bay’s emphasis on golf, boating, and social living makes it one of the most desirable gated communities near Naples.
6. WildBlue – Fort Myers / Estero Border
WildBlue is one of the newest and most talked-about gated lakefront communities near Naples. Built around a 1,100-acre lake, it features custom homes from top builders such as Lennar, Pulte, and Stock Development.
Amenities include a resort clubhouse, fitness complex, spa, pickleball, and boating. Homes range from $900K to over $3M, many with private docks. It’s ideal for those wanting a waterfront lifestyle without the high prices of Naples’ beachfront.
7. Corkscrew Shores – Estero, FL
Corkscrew Shores is a gated, non-golf community centered around a massive 240-acre lake. Located about 25 minutes from Naples, it offers resort-style amenities including a clubhouse, restaurant, infinity pool, fitness center, and kayak launch.
It’s perfect for buyers who want lake views, low fees, and modern homes without the added cost of a golf membership.
8. Bella Terra – Estero, FL
Bella Terra is a large gated community with more than 2,000 homes — a mix of villas, condos, and single-family properties. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, resort pool, and over 20 sports courts.
With its convenient location between Naples and Fort Myers, Bella Terra is a favorite among families and retirees looking for a balance of affordability and activity.
9. Ave Maria – East of Naples
Ave Maria is a master-planned town about 35–40 minutes east of Naples. It includes several gated neighborhoods such as Del Webb Naples (55+ active adult) and Maple Ridge (family-oriented).
Residents enjoy a championship golf course, town center with shops and restaurants, fitness facilities, and year-round community events. Homes here are newer and priced more affordably than coastal Naples, attracting both retirees and young families.
10. Fiddler’s Creek – South Naples / Marco Island Corridor
Though technically still a Naples address, Fiddler’s Creek is located south of downtown, closer to Marco Island, and offers a resort environment with gated security, golf, spa, and dining.
Homes for sale include condos, villas, and custom estates. It’s ideal for buyers who want proximity to both Naples and Marco Island in a fully gated, amenity-rich community.
11. Marco Island Gated Communities – Marco Island, FL
Just 25 minutes south of Naples, Marco Island features several gated neighborhoods, such as Hideaway Beach Club, Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club, and Lesina at Hammock Bay.
Hideaway Beach Club offers beachfront living with private golf, tennis, and fine dining — one of the most exclusive gated communities in the region. Hammock Bay combines golf and condo living with spectacular views of Ten Thousand Islands.
12. The Place at Corkscrew – Estero, FL
The Place at Corkscrew is one of the most active and modern gated communities near Naples. It features a massive clubhouse, resort pool with water slide, fitness center, and casual dining options.
Homes for sale include spacious single-family floor plans designed for family living. Its lively atmosphere, amenities, and proximity to I-75 make it popular among both seasonal and full-time residents.
13. Verdana Village – Estero / Fort Myers Border
Verdana Village is a new master-planned gated community by Lennar, located near the Corkscrew corridor. The development includes resort pools, fitness facilities, restaurants, tennis, pickleball, and multi-purpose fields.
It’s a sister community to The Place and WildBlue — offering newer homes and a family-friendly vibe. Prices range from the $500Ks to $1M+.
14. The Colony Golf & Bay Club – Bonita Springs, FL
The Colony is an exclusive gated community within Pelican Landing, known for luxury high-rises, villas, and estate homes. It features an 18-hole golf course, a private beach park, and fine dining with panoramic bay views.
This neighborhood combines waterfront beauty, golf, and security — all within a short drive to North Naples.
15. Grandezza – Estero, FL
Grandezza is a gated golf community just minutes from Gulf Coast Town Center and Southwest Florida International Airport. It features a championship golf course, tennis complex, resort pool, and an active social scene.
Homes include condos, carriage homes, and custom estates with lake or fairway views, offering luxury at more moderate pricing than central Naples.
Summary Table: Gated Communities Near Naples Florida
| Community | Location | Lifestyle Focus | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miromar Lakes | Estero | Waterfront & Golf | 700-acre lake, 5-star amenities |
| The Brooks / Shadow Wood | Bonita Springs | Golf & Wellness | Two golf courses, Commons Club |
| Bonita Bay | Bonita Springs | Golf & Boating | 5 courses, marina, beach park |
| Pelican Landing | Bonita Springs | Beach Access | Private island beach, preserves |
| West Bay Club | Estero | Golf & Marina | Golf + boating lifestyle |
| WildBlue | Estero / Fort Myers | Waterfront | 1,100-acre lake, luxury homes |
| Corkscrew Shores | Estero | Lakefront Resort | Infinity pool, restaurant, kayaking |
| Bella Terra | Estero | Family-Friendly | 20+ sports courts, resort amenities |
| Ave Maria | East of Naples | Family & 55+ | Town center, golf, affordability |
| Fiddler’s Creek | South Naples | Golf & Resort | Golf, spa, dining, near Marco Island |
| Marco Island Gated | Marco Island | Beachfront | Hideaway Beach Club, Hammock Bay |
| The Place at Corkscrew | Estero | Family Resort Living | Massive clubhouse, water slide |
| Verdana Village | Estero | New Lifestyle Community | Pickleball, sports complex |
| The Colony | Bonita Springs | Luxury & Golf | Bay views, private beach park |
| Grandezza | Estero | Golf & Country Club | Active club, central location |
Choosing the Right Gated Community Near Naples
When choosing among these gated neighborhoods, consider:
- Commute & Proximity: Bonita Springs and Estero are closest to North Naples; Marco Island is best for coastal living.
- Lifestyle Focus: Some communities emphasize golf (Grey Oaks, Shadow Wood), others focus on lakefront recreation (WildBlue, Corkscrew Shores).
- Budget: Prices near Naples vary widely — from $500K in Ave Maria or Bella Terra to $5M+ in Miromar Lakes or Bonita Bay.
- Age & Vibe: Decide if you prefer an active family community or a quieter luxury retreat.
- Amenities vs. HOA Fees: Larger resort communities charge higher fees but deliver more value for active residents.