Hello from Naples!
Last month was a wonderful one for the Wakelin family, and it reaffirmed just how much we cherish the holiday season. Early in December, we enjoyed a festive evening out with friends at Estia. I have mentioned this restaurant in our newsletter before, but if you have not yet been, it truly deserves a visit. It has quickly become one of our favorite spots in town, with beautiful décor, exceptional service, and a menu we have thoroughly explored—every dish has been outstanding.
Later in the month, we attended Naples Live Fest at Tiburón, a lively music festival headlined this year by Darius Rucker.
As enjoyable as these events were, the highlight of December was having both of our children home from college for a full three weeks. This will likely be the last holiday season we share together for such an extended time, as both are graduating this spring and, fingers crossed, they will have started their professional lives by next December. We fully embraced the season with cherished traditions—special meals, baking, shopping, attending church, admiring Christmas lights, and thoughtful gift-giving—along with plenty of fun, including pickleball, golfing, games at home, and a memorable brunch at Sails. Having those three weeks together was truly the greatest Christmas gift we could have hoped for. We hope you and your family enjoyed a joyful holiday season and wish you a very happy and healthy 2026.
Here is a recent article from Naples Daily News: Collier County Has The Highest Personal Income In The State
Collier County ranks the highest for personal income among all counties in the state.
That's according to a recent study by Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute. Based on the latest data, Collier's per capita income stood at $134,527 in 2023. Per capita income represents the average income per person (including wages and investments).
In neighboring Lee County, average income was significantly less — at $65,878. That was lower than the statewide average of $68,703, across Florida's 67 counties.
Union County in northern Central Florida had the lowest income — at $28,946.
Lee County's current population is estimated at 839,223 and Collier's at 413,314.
Miami-Dade County has the highest population at 2,814,927, with a per capita income of $75,182 as of 2023.
The statistics are found in the 2025 How Florida Counties Compare report, which includes revenue and expenditure profiles so taxpayers can see how their local government stacks up against others. The report includes comprehensive information on local tax rates, tax collections and other revenue sources, and city and county expenditures.
In a statement, Florida TaxWatch's president and CEO Dominic M. Calabro, said the report is especially important and relevant this year, as the governor and Legislature consider significant tax reforms this session, including reductions in local property taxes. "Florida relies heavily on local governments to provide services to its residents, with more than half of all Florida government revenue being raised at the local level, the largest share in the nation," he said. "In fact, Florida’s 67 county governments, including Jacksonville’s consolidated government, more than 400 municipal governments and approximately 1,400 independent special districts, spend in excess of $120 billion annually."
Much of the local government revenue comes from property taxes. In 2024, Monroe County, covering all of the Florida Keys, had the highest per capita property tax levies, totaling $4,873.55. Union County’s were the lowest at $415.94. Collier County had the third highest levies in the state at $3,828.88. By comparison, Lee County ranked 16th, with an average of $2,498.43. The statewide average was less than that, coming in at $2,397.57.
Official December 2025 Climate Data at Naples Airport:
December in Naples wrapped up the year on a cool, dry note—the kind of weather we wait all year for. Rainfall was minimal at just under an inch, leaving us more than six inches below normal for the year, a shortfall that could raise concerns as we head into fire season. The month delivered plenty of clear, sunny days, with comfortable daytime highs and overnight lows dipping as low as 42°, giving us a few mornings that called for a jacket. All in all, it was classic Naples winter weather: festive, breezy, and perfectly suited for outdoor gatherings, holiday events, and soaking up every moment outside.
Book Review: “The Game You Played” by Anni Taylor
The Game You Played opens on a summer day in Sydney, where two-year-old Tommy disappears while playing in the park under his mother Phoebe’s watch. Months later, taunting nursery-rhyme notes begin arriving at the family’s home. Police dismiss them as a prank, but Phoebe becomes convinced they are connected to Tommy’s disappearance. Her growing obsession with uncovering the truth isolates her from friends, strains her marriage, and pulls the reader into a circle of suspicion.
Taylor skillfully layers multiple possible suspects, each marked by secrecy and unease, while quietly raising the question of whether Phoebe herself is a reliable narrator. Her grief and fixation blur perception and memory, keeping the tension taut even in quieter moments.
When the identity of the rhyme writer is revealed, the story pivots into a final, urgent search for answers. The Game You Played is a chilling psychological thriller that lingers less for its twists than for its exploration of loss, obsession, and the fragile line between intuition and desperation.
Here are a couple reviews on Amazon for The Game You Played:
“I loved this book! I'm one that can typically figure out who-dunnit books, and while I'd figured out a few details, there was so much that I never would have guessed! I really enjoyed the writing style and how the chapters are from different points of views of the characters. Can't wait to read another by this author!”
“I really enjoyed reading this book! I had many nights staying up too late because I like to stop at a easy feeling spot or when things are low key, and it was hard to find those. Which is a great thing. It's about a couple whose two-year-old gets abducted at the playground. They find no trace at all. Six months later, the marriage is rocky, the woman is a disaster with depression and on sleeping medication, the husband is trying to move forward and trying to get her happier. Then a note shows up, typed and looks to be from the kidnapper. So, after all these months they start to have hope again. You won't be sorry you read this book; I don't give spoilers so I don't like to tell too much. Books should be enjoyable, fun, and keep you interested to the end! This did all of that for me. I will definitely read another from Anni Taylor!”
Restaurant Recommendation: Limon Rooftop Bar 455 12th St. South Naples
Limon is the rooftop bar perched atop the new AC Hotel by Marriott, located in the heart of downtown, and it has quickly become a convenient and appealing option—especially if you are heading to The Gulfshore Playhouse. That proximity is exactly what brought us there, and it turned out to be a great choice for a pre-theater dinner.
The atmosphere is elevated yet relaxed, with a rooftop setting that feels lively without being overwhelming. The menu offers a well-curated selection of tapas, salads, flatbreads, and shareable plates, making it easy to build a light meal or sample a few different items. Pricing felt very reasonable given the downtown location and rooftop experience.
During our visit, we enjoyed the grilled octopus, Greek salad, and truffle fries—all well-prepared and ideal for sharing. Plus, the service was warm and attentive. Limon is a solid addition to the downtown dining scene and a particularly good option when you are looking for a casual, stylish place to dine before a show.
Here are a few recent reviews on Open Table:
“Don’t sleep on Limon! It might be a hotel restaurant, but it was a top tier experience from the food, to the service, to the view. Highly recommend!”
“This restaurant is terrific. I’ve been there several times, and each time the food is excellent, the service is exemplary, and the atmosphere is lovely. In addition, it’s very reasonably priced. The shareable plates allow for trying different dishes, and the portions are more than ample. The desserts were delicious. Last night, a few of us went before going to the theater. We had the Greek salad, the scallops, and the hummus. The table also shared the olive oil cake and the mascarpone cheesecake. Everything was superb. Our server, Carlos, was very attentive, and did a wonderful. I would highly recommend giving the restaurant a try.”
Naples Real Estate: Here are the December 2025 Naples & Bonita Springs market statistics.
2025 started off slow and we spent much of the year with a deficit in year over year sales. However, sales picked up in the latter half of 2025 and December was a strong month, finally pushing us ahead for the year. There were 10,275 closed sales in Naples and Bonita Springs in 2025, which was 217 more sales than 2024.
The following table offers a snapshot comparison of sales activity through December 2025 versus last year:
As the following table shows, the level of inventory varies by price point:
Overall inventory in December remained unchanged from October’s and November’s 8-month supply. Traditionally many sellers delay listing their homes for sale over the holidays so we anticipate the supply of homes to increase in January as new sellers enter the market. Inventory is especially elevated in the luxury segment, where homes priced over $3 million represent a 14-month supply. The broader trend suggests that while buyers are enjoying more choices, sellers may need to remain flexible with pricing and expectations as the market continues to balance.
Riverstone Real Estate:
Riverstone is the community where Jeff and Nicola live. Riverstone has numerous amenities available for residents to enjoy. You can spend days swimming and relaxing at the community resort-style pool, playing tennis, taking a fitness class or socializing in the community’s private clubhouse. Here’s a look at the MLS market in Riverstone as of January 2, 2025:
Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently on the market in MLS:
There are 16 active listings, 1 pending sale and 2 sales pending with contingencies. The MLS system lists 42 homes sold in the last 12 months. With average monthly sales at 3.50 per month, there is 4.6 months of inventory at Riverstone.
Stonecreek Real Estate:
Stonecreek is the sister community to Riverstone, about a mile up Logan Blvd. and was built by the same developer, GL Homes. Both communities offer social, vacation-inspired lifestyles with extensive amenities & A-rated schools. Stonecreek is a bit newer and home prices in this community tend to be a bit higher than Riverstone. Here’s a look at the MLS market in Stonecreek as of January 2, 2025:
Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently on the market in MLS:
There are 16 active listings, 1 pending sale and 1 sale pending with contingencies. The MLS system lists 32 homes sold in the last 12 months. With average monthly sales at 2.67 per month, there is 6 months of inventory at Stonecreek.
Valencia Trails Real Estate:
Valencia Trails is the active, adult community about 5 miles east on Immokalee Road from Riverstone and was built by the same developer, GL Homes. As a 55+ lifestyle community, Valencia Trails offers even more amenities than Riverstone and Stonecreek including a 43,00 SF clubhouse, that includes a theater for live performances, a spa, a restaurant and pool bar. The fitness facilities and calendar of events are extensive. Here’s a look at the MLS market in Valencia Trails as of January 2, 2025:
Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently on the market in MLS:
There are 31 active listings and 2 sales pending with contingencies. The MLS system lists 47 homes sold in the last 12 months; however, this number includes many new construction and builder spec homes.
Give us a call if we can help with any real estate questions you have at 239-451-9351.
