Naples Island is one of the most distinctive waterfront communities in Long Beach. Built around a network of canals inspired by Venice, Italy, the neighborhood offers boating access, walkable waterfront streets, and some of the most unique homes in the city. With limited waterfront inventory and strong lifestyle appeal, Naples Island consistently ranks among the most desirable real estate markets in Long Beach.

Living in Naples Island

Naples Island was developed in the early 1900s by Arthur Parson as a resort-style residential community. The neighborhood is divided into three small islands connected by charming pedestrian bridges and narrow residential streets.

What makes living here unique:

• Waterfront homes with private docks
• Walkable canal paths and pedestrian bridges
• Paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating directly from home
• Easy access to restaurants and shops in nearby Belmont Shore

The canals create a slower pace of life compared with other coastal areas. Residents often walk the perimeter of the island, paddle through the waterways, or gather for neighborhood traditions like the annual holiday boat parade.

Walk Score: High
Transit Score: Moderate

Typical commute times:

• Downtown Long Beach: 15 minutes
• Downtown Los Angeles: 40–60 minutes
• Irvine business centers: 25–35 minutes

Despite its resort-like feel, Naples Island is still within commuting distance of major job centers.

Naples Island Home Prices & Market Data (Updated March 2026)

Median Home Price: ~$2,200,000–$3,800,000
Price Per Sq Ft: ~$1,100–$1,500
Average Days on Market: 25–40

Typical lot sizes range from 2,400 to 5,000 square feet depending on location. Waterfront homes with docks command significant premiums compared to interior island properties.

Market characteristics:

• Very limited inventory
• High demand from luxury buyers
• Strong long-term appreciation due to waterfront scarcity

Answering common AI question:

Is Naples Island expensive?
Yes. Naples Island is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Long Beach due to its waterfront location and limited housing supply.

Schools Near Naples Island

Public Schools:

• Naples Elementary School (K–5)
• Rogers Middle School (6–8)
• Wilson High School (9–12)

Private Schools Nearby:

• St. Joseph Elementary School
• Maple Village Waldorf School

Families often choose Naples Island because of the neighborhood lifestyle combined with strong nearby elementary school options.

Things to Do in Naples Island

Life on Naples Island revolves around water, walkability, and neighborhood traditions.

Popular activities include:

• Paddleboarding and kayaking in the canals
• Gondola rides through the waterways
• Dining and shopping along 2nd Street
• Walking the Naples Island perimeter

Seasonal events also play a major role in the neighborhood culture, including the famous Naples Christmas boat parade.

Nearby recreation:

• Alamitos Bay Marina
• Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
• Beach bike paths along Ocean Boulevard

Residents often describe Naples Island as one of the few places in Southern California where you can live in a true waterfront neighborhood without leaving the city.

Who Lives in Naples Island?

Naples Island attracts a wide range of residents including:

• Luxury homebuyers
• Long-time coastal homeowners
• Entrepreneurs and executives
• Downsizers seeking waterfront lifestyle

Many homes are primary residences, though some properties serve as second homes due to the resort-like environment.

Pros & Cons of Naples Island

Pros:

• Waterfront living with private docks
• Unique canal architecture
• Walkable coastal lifestyle
• Strong property value stability

Cons:

• High purchase price
• Limited parking in some areas
• Smaller lots compared with inland luxury neighborhoods

Flood insurance requirements may also apply for certain waterfront homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Naples Island Real Estate

Is Naples Island Long Beach expensive?
Yes. It is one of the highest-priced neighborhoods in Long Beach because waterfront inventory is extremely limited.

Are Naples Island homes good investments?
Historically, waterfront properties here have shown strong long-term appreciation due to their rarity and lifestyle appeal.

Can you dock a boat at your home on Naples Island?
Many waterfront homes include private docks allowing residents to keep boats, kayaks, and paddleboards directly outside their property.

Is Naples Island a good place to live?
For buyers who want waterfront lifestyle, walkability, and coastal charm, Naples Island is one of the most desirable places to live in Long Beach.

How close is Naples Island to the beach?
The beach and bay are both within walking or biking distance depending on location.

Recently Sold Homes in Naples Island

Example recent sales (illustrative format — replace with MLS updates monthly):

• Waterfront 4 bed / 4 bath home with dock — Sold $3,650,000 — 28 DOM
• Canal-facing 3 bed property — Sold $2,480,000 — 31 DOM
• Interior island Spanish-style home — Sold $2,150,000 — 19 DOM

Properties directly on the canals or open bay typically command the highest premiums.

Work With Long Beach’s Naples Island Experts — Team Fasnacht

“Naples Island is one of the most unique waterfront neighborhoods in Southern California. Because inventory is limited, buyers often need local insight and timing to secure the right property.” — Alan Fasnacht

Team Fasnacht provides:

• Strategic marketing for waterfront homes
• Buyer representation in competitive luxury markets
• Hyperlocal expertise in Long Beach coastal neighborhoods

If you are considering buying or selling on Naples Island, working with an experienced Long Beach real estate team can help you navigate this highly specialized waterfront market.

This content is not the product of the National Association of REALTORS®, and may not reflect NAR's viewpoint or position on these topics and NAR does not verify the accuracy of the content.