There’s a question I get asked often:
“Why do you have homes on both coasts of Florida?”
To most, it might seem like overkill—two coastal properties just a few hours apart. But to us, it’s balance.
For years, Palm Beach has been our professional and social home base. We built our business here, raised our family here, and immersed ourselves in the dynamic, fast-paced rhythm of the Atlantic coast.
Marco Island, on the other hand, is where we exhale. It’s quiet, boating-centric, and wonderfully unpretentious.
The truth is, Florida’s East and West Coasts offer two distinctly different—but equally rewarding—ways of life.
Here’s how they compare—and why we’ve chosen to embrace both.
Vibe & Pace of Life
Palm Beach:
Refined, bustling, and always in motion. There’s a palpable energy here—especially during the season. From philanthropic galas to gallery openings, golf tournaments to power breakfasts, the Palm Beach lifestyle is as connected as it is curated.
But beyond the social calendar, there’s a rhythm of year-round living. Mornings at the beach, afternoons on the golf course, and evenings dining beneath the palms—it’s a place where high achievement meets high style. Whether you’re here for the season or settling in full-time, Palm Beach offers a lifestyle that moves with purpose and elegance.
Naples / Marco Island:
Slower, softer, and centered around simplicity. Life on the Gulf Coast runs at a more relaxed rhythm—sunsets over the water, morning walks through nature preserves, and long boat days that melt into breezy dinners on the dock.
Naples offers a polished charm with quiet sophistication: world-class golf, fine dining, and boutique shopping along Fifth Avenue South. It’s social, seasonal, and refined—but never rushed.
Marco Island, just to the south, is even more laid-back. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops are perfectly acceptable at dinner and your biggest decision is which sandbar to anchor at.
Together, they offer a nature-driven lifestyle that invites you to unplug, unwind, and truly enjoy the moment.
Architecture & Community Design
Palm Beach County:
Mediterranean estates, historic Mizner designs, oceanfront condos, and master-planned club communities define much of the architectural landscape. Whether on the Island, in Jupiter, or in golf enclaves like Old Palm or Admiral’s Cove, homes here tend to be bold, elegant, and amenity-rich. Think manicured fairways, private beach clubs, and properties designed for entertaining.
What sets Palm Beach apart is its sense of legacy—many communities are anchored by historic architecture and long-standing social clubs. From Palm Beach Island’s landmark estates to timeless country clubs, there’s a distinct character and continuity that make this part of Florida feel storied, established, and enduringly elegant.
Collier County:
Architecture here reflects the coastal setting—airy, open, and deeply connected to the outdoors. In Marco Island, many homes sit on navigable canals with direct Gulf access, blending indoor-outdoor living with ease.
Naples offers a broader design palette, from Old Florida and West Indies influences to sleek coastal contemporary. Communities range from established enclaves like Port Royal and Grey Oaks to newer neighborhoods centered on golf, wellness, and walkability.
Across the board, homes are intentionally designed to complement the natural surroundings—whether you’re looking out over the Gulf, a golf course, or a quiet lake.
Access to Water: Beaches vs. Boating
Palm Beach:
The beaches are stunning—but access varies by location. On Palm Beach Island, much of the coastline is lined with private homes, clubs, and resorts, making public access points more limited. Fortunately, nearby communities like Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Jupiter offer expansive public beaches with easy entry, vibrant boardwalks, and plenty of parking.
Beyond the sand, the real allure is the Atlantic Ocean itself. Sailing, surfing, and deep-sea fishing are all part of the rhythm here. The Intracoastal Waterway adds another layer—ideal for scenic cruising, paddleboarding, or waterfront dining. While ocean access is available, it may require navigating fixed bridges or inlets, depending on your location.
Naples/ Marco Island:
This is paradise for boaters, beachgoers, and anyone who loves life on the water. In Marco, our boat is docked just steps from our back door—and in minutes, we’re cruising the Ten Thousand Islands, exploring the backwaters of the Everglades, or heading out into the open Gulf.
Beach access is easy and welcoming. Marco Island’s Crescent Beach is known for its soft white sand, wide shoreline, and panoramic sunsets. Naples offers several public beach points and the iconic Naples Pier—a favorite for fishing, dolphin-watching, or a relaxed evening stroll.
Unlike the more segmented coastline of the East, the Gulf side feels open and seamless—inviting a casual, come-as-you-are beach culture.
Social & Cultural Scene
Palm Beach:
There’s an unmistakable vibrancy here—elegant but energized. Palm Beach is home to world-class art, music, and design, with institutions like The Society of the Four Arts, the Norton Museum, and the Kravis Center anchoring its cultural identity.
Yes, the social calendar includes iconic galas and invitation-only soirées—but it’s not all gowns and grandeur. From lunch at The Royal Poinciana Plaza to outdoor concerts, gallery walks, and wellness events, Palm Beach blends sophistication with a strong sense of community.
Connections matter here—but they’re built through shared values: philanthropy, heritage, and a deep appreciation for beauty, both natural and curated.
Naples/ Marco Island:
Naples is quietly cultured. The city boasts the Naples Philharmonic, Artis—Naples, and a thriving gallery scene, plus standout dining and shopping throughout Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. It’s elegant without being flashy—perfect for those who appreciate refinement in a relaxed setting.
Marco Island is pure ease. Social life revolves around the marina, the water, and impromptu get-togethers with friends and neighbors. Sunset cocktails, boat tie-ups, casual dinners—it’s friendly, unpretentious, and deeply welcoming.
In both places, the focus isn’t on being seen—it’s on enjoying where you are and who you're with.
Why Both?
For us, it’s not about choosing either/or—it’s about living both/and.
Palm Beach feeds our drive. Marco restores our peace.
The East Coast brings the energy, the opportunity, the connections.
The West Coast brings the quiet, the family-time, the escape.
And somewhere between the two, we’ve found a lifestyle that feels complete.
Whether you’re drawn to the pulse of the Atlantic or the serenity of the Gulf, I can help guide you toward the community—and the coast—that best fits your vision for life in Florida.
Thinking of exploring Florida real estate beyond a single ZIP code?
I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned from living—and loving—both coasts.
Nadine Fite
Luxury Real Estate Advisor
Palm Beach | Naples | Marco Island
#LivePalmBeach
