Naples' housing stock reflects its evolution from fishing village to luxury coastal city. Old Naples retains early Florida homes, including rare tabby-concrete vernacular cottages and historic bungalows, alongside newer custom residences. Along Gulf Shore Boulevard and the water, communities such as Park Shore, The Moorings, and Pelican Bay feature condominium towers and planned single-family enclaves, many with Gulf views and beach access. Port Royal and Aqualane Shores are defined by waterfront estates on deep-water canals. Architecturally, British West Indies and Mediterranean influences dominate, with shutters, low-pitched roofs, deep overhangs, and open plans suited to the subtropical climate.

Naples is organized around distinct, established neighborhoods. Old Naples is the historic downtown core, with tree-lined streets, galleries, and shops within walking distance of the beach and pier. Port Royal and Aqualane Shores are exclusive waterfront communities of deep-water canal homes with direct Gulf access for boaters. Coquina Sands, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, sits along the Gulf just north of downtown. Park Shore and The Moorings are long-established Gulf-side communities along Gulf Shore Boulevard, while Pelican Bay, farther north, is a large master-planned community known for its preserved mangroves, beach clubs, and environmental design. This layering gives Naples a range of coastal living options from historic cottages to gated enclaves.

Life in Naples centers on the Gulf and the arts. Residents spend their days on the beach, boating on Naples Bay and the Gulf, and playing the area's many golf courses. Downtown, Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South offer upscale dining, shopping, and evening strolls, while the Naples Pier remains a gathering place for fishing and sunset views. The city has a strong cultural calendar anchored by Artis—Naples and the Baker Museum, along with galleries and art walks. A mix of full-time residents, retirees, and seasonal homeowners gives Naples a polished yet relaxed resort-town atmosphere.

Naples is served by Collier County Public Schools, a large district headquartered in the city that enrolls roughly 48,000 students across about 74 schools countywide. The district operates schools in Naples, Marco Island, Immokalee, and Everglades City, and is one of the larger employers in the region. Families in Naples are assigned to schools based on residential zones, with a range of neighborhood elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as magnet and choice options. The district's size supports a broad selection of academic, arts, and athletic programs across the county.

Naples is accessed primarily via Interstate 75, which runs north–south through the region, and US 41, the historic Tamiami Trail that passes through the city and links it to Fort Myers to the north and the Everglades to the east. Naples Municipal Airport serves general aviation and limited scheduled flights, while regional and international air service is available through the Fort Myers-area airport about 35 miles north. Greyhound bus service also reaches the city. Within Naples, the compact downtown and waterfront districts are highly walkable, and the city's road network centers on US 41 and Gulf Shore Boulevard.

Recreation in Naples revolves around the water. The Naples Pier is a landmark for fishing, strolling, and sunset watching, and the city's Gulf beaches—including Naples Municipal Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, and Lowdermilk Park—offer soft sand and calm surf. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, just north of the city, preserves a natural shoreline for swimming, shelling, and kayaking. The Naples Botanical Garden and Naples Zoo provide inland attractions, while boating, sailing, and fishing on Naples Bay and the Gulf are central to local life. Golf, tennis, and pickleball round out the recreational offerings across the area's clubs and parks.