When you think of Naples, Florida, luxury real estate, white sandy beaches, and vibrant cultural life often come to mind. But what many don’t realize is that Naples is also one of the healthiest and happiest places to live in the United States—thanks in large part to its role as a certified Blue Zones Project® Community.
What Is the Blue Zones Project?
The Blue Zones Project, founded by Dan Buettner and Sharecare, is a community-wide initiative designed to help people live better and longer lives. It takes inspiration from global “Blue Zones”—places like Sardinia and Okinawa—where people live the longest and healthiest.
By applying the Power 9® principles—such as moving naturally, prioritizing social connections, eating with a plant slant, and living with purpose—communities like Naples are reshaping daily life to support longevity.
How Naples Became a Blue Zones Community
The movement arrived in Southwest Florida in 2015, led by NCH Healthcare System. Over the years, it has partnered with:
- 720+ organizations, from schools and workplaces to faith-based groups and HOAs
- Restaurants and grocery stores, making plant-forward choices more accessible
- Local policymakers, ensuring healthier options are the easier options
Today, the program has impacted over 225,000 residents across Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, and surrounding areas.
What It Looks Like in Everyday Life
Naples residents see Blue Zones principles at work all around them:
- Schools incorporating wellness programs, fitness, and nutrition education
- Restaurants offering healthier menus and grocery stores highlighting produce
- Neighborhoods adding bike paths, walking trails, and community gardens
- Businesses hosting wellness challenges, tobacco-free policies, and purpose workshops
Even small changes—like offering fruit at meetings or installing bike racks—add up to a healthier, happier community.
National Recognition
Because of these efforts, Naples consistently earns recognition as one of the best places to live for health and happiness:
- “The Best Place in America to Live Your Longest Life” (Money)
- “Healthiest, Happiest, Most Relaxed City” (Gallup-Sharecare)
- Top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Realtor.com
Local communities like Moorings Park have even been highlighted nationally for weaving longevity and holistic wellness into their design and lifestyle.
Why This Matters for Real Estate
For today’s buyers and sellers, real estate isn’t just about a house—it’s about lifestyle, longevity, and wellness. Living in Naples means:
- Belonging to a community that supports your health naturally
- Accessing amenities that go beyond luxury—focused on well-being
- Investing in property within a region that continues to attract health-conscious, affluent buyers
Whether you’re searching for a primary residence, a retirement retreat, or a wellness-inspired second home, Naples offers more than just real estate—it offers a better way of living.
