I've lived in Southeast Naples for 25 years, and I can tell you this: location matters more than almost anything else when you're buying a home here. That's why I'm so excited about Valencia Sky, GL Homes' newest development going up right now on the corner of Davis Boulevard just beyond Santa Barbara. This isn't tucked away in a far corner of the county where you need to pack a lunch to get anywhere. It's centrally located, convenient to shopping and restaurants, and honestly, of all the GL developments in Naples, I think this is the best location they've chosen.

Valencia Sky is a 55+ age-restricted community, which means GL Homes is building the smaller floor plans that retirees actually want, not those massive two-story houses geared toward families. The development is just starting, so floor plans and official pricing haven't been announced yet. They're saying that information will come out the first week of January. But based on what GL Homes has shared so far, you're looking at homes in the $600,000 to $900,000 range, and floor plans will be similar to what they've built at Valencia Trails in Northeast Naples.

I'm going to keep you updated every step of the way as this development progresses. I live just a few minutes away, so I'll be watching it constantly. And if you're thinking about buying new construction here, make sure you keep reading, because there are some things you need to know about lot selection, pricing, and why having your own agent matters so much.

Table of Contents

• Valencia Sky: Southeast Naples' Most Convenient GL Homes Location
• Which GL Homes Community Is Right for You?
• Buying New Construction: What You Need to Know About Lot Selection and Pricing
• Conclusion

Valencia Sky: Southeast Naples' Most Convenient GL Homes Location

Valencia Sky sits on Davis Boulevard just beyond Santa Barbara Boulevard in Southeast Naples. If you know the area, you know that's a really convenient spot. You're looking at maybe a 13 to 15 minute drive to downtown Naples and those award-winning white sand beaches. If you need to hop on I-75, Exit 101 is about 3 or 4 minutes away. Shopping, restaurants, everything you need day-to-day is close by. I've lived in this area the entire time I've been in Naples, and it's a really great part of town.

GL Homes specializes in 55+ lifestyle communities in Florida, and they definitely know how to build developments that people who move here want. That means active communities with great amenity centers. Valencia Sky will have an amenity center, though the specific details haven't been announced yet. What I can tell you is that GL Homes typically includes things like multiple pools, dining, tennis, pickleball, event centers, sports lounges, and huge clubhouses with very active social calendars. If you've seen their other developments, you know they don't skimp on the lifestyle piece.

Now, they haven't announced the floor plans yet, but they're saying those will come out around the first week of January. Based on what GL Homes has shared, the floor plans will be similar to the models they've built at Valencia Trails, which is another GL Homes community in Northeast Naples. Valencia Sky is going to focus on the smaller homes, probably ranging from about 1,800 or 1,900 square feet all the way up to maybe 2,500 or 2,600 square feet. That's not official, but it makes sense. This is a 55+ community, so they're building for retirees who generally don't need those huge houses with two stories.

Pricing is expected to be between $600,000 and $900,000. But here's the thing: we know how that works, right? They advertise one price, the lot is one price, and all the upgrades are another price. So that range is a starting point, not the final number you'll pay. I'll keep you posted as soon as the official pricing and floor plans are announced, but if you're thinking about buying here, you need to understand how new construction pricing really works, and why having your own agent is so important.

Which GL Homes Community Is Right for You?

GL Homes has built several communities in Naples, and each one has a different feel and location. Valencia Sky is the newest, but it's not the only option if you're looking at GL Homes developments.

Marbella Lakes was one of GL Homes' first developments in Naples, up in North Naples. It's also a great location, but those homes are quite a bit older now. If you're looking at resale homes in a GL Homes community, Marbella Lakes might be worth considering, but you're not getting that brand-new construction feel.

Valencia Trails is in Northeast Naples, and it's an amazing neighborhood. The floor plans at Valencia Sky will be very similar to what they've built there. But honestly, I don't think the location is nearly as convenient. I love Valencia Trails, but I feel like I have to get my oil changed and pack a lunch sometimes to go out there. It's also on a really busy road. If you want that GL Homes lifestyle but you don't want to drive 20 or 30 minutes every time you need to run an errand or head to the beach, Valencia Sky is going to be a better fit.

The big difference with Valencia Sky is the location. It's centrally located if you like that downtown living. You're not way out in the far reaches of the county. You're close to everything, but you're still in a quiet, active adult community with all the amenities GL Homes is known for. That's why I think this is the best location of all the GL developments in Naples.

Buying New Construction: What You Need to Know About Lot Selection and Pricing

I've sold close to 100 new construction homes, so I can tell you this: it's really important when you buy new construction to have an agent working on your behalf. When you go to the development, that agent works for the builder. You need a resale agent who can tell you this is not a good lot and here's why, because this house backs up to another house or whatever. If you want to maximize the return on your investment, you need to have an agent representing you who not only is versed really well in new construction, but also will be able to help you sell that home and maximize your return when you go to sell it.

Lot selection is huge. Not all lots are created equal. Some lots back up to other homes. Some lots are on busy roads. Some lots have better views or more privacy. The builder's agent isn't going to tell you which lots to avoid. They're there to sell you a home, not to help you make the smartest investment. Your own agent can walk the development with you, look at the site plan, and point out which lots are going to hold their value better and which ones you should pass on.

Pricing is the other piece. Builders advertise a base price, but that's almost never what you actually pay. The lot premium can add tens of thousands of dollars. Upgrades can add even more. If you don't have your own agent helping you understand what's included in that base price and what's going to cost extra, you can end up spending way more than you planned. Your agent can also help you negotiate upgrades or lot premiums, or at least make sure you're getting a fair deal.

Valencia Sky is just starting, so there's going to be a lot of information coming out over the next few months. I'm going to keep you posted every step of the way. I live just a few minutes away, so I'll be there constantly watching that development. If you're thinking about buying here, definitely reach out to me. I can help you navigate the lot selection process, understand the pricing, and make sure you're maximizing your investment.

Conclusion

Valencia Sky is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new developments in Naples. The location is fantastic, the builder has a proven track record with 55+ communities, and the floor plans are going to be exactly what retirees are looking for. If you've been waiting for a GL Homes community in a more convenient location than Valencia Trails or Marbella Lakes, this is it.

I'm going to keep you updated as floor plans and pricing are announced. And if you're thinking about buying new construction in Naples, whether it's Valencia Sky or another development, feel free to contact me. I've sold nearly 700 homes in the Naples area and have been a top producing agent for over 24 years. I can help you navigate the new construction process, pick the right lot, and make sure you're getting the best value for your investment. Call/text me at 239-784-4868 or book a FREE consultation here. I'd love to help you make a smooth move to Naples.