Music has always been an integral part of Amy Noel Walters’ life, even though her journey toward embracing it full-time was anything but typical. Amy lived in a variety of places before finally finding her home at Babcock Ranch. From Colorado’s mountains to Hawaii’s tropical landscapes, and even Indiana’s midwestern charm, Amy’s life was full of change. Yet, it was the serene surroundings and vibrant community of Babcock Ranch that helped her discover her true passion and musical calling.
From the Grand Canyon to the Music Scene of Southwest Florida
Before Babcock Ranch became her home, Amy Noel’s career was as eclectic as her surroundings. She worked as a masseuse, a yogi, a Reiki healer, and even as a park ranger at the Grand Canyon National Park. But there was always something missing — music. Known by her stage name “The Famous Amy Noel,” she always knew she had a gift for singing, but life’s demands kept her from pursuing it. It wasn’t until she moved to Southwest Florida that she decided to give music a full-time shot.
Initially, Amy planned to settle in Bonita Springs near her mother, but a real estate agent suggested she explore Babcock Ranch. Intrigued by its emphasis on solar power and community-centered living, she visited — and instantly fell in love.
A Musical Community: The Heartbeat of Babcock Ranch
Amy Noel’s move to Babcock Ranch in November 2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter. She quickly became involved in the local music scene, playing at various venues throughout Southwest Florida. Babcock Ranch, with its commitment to cultural arts and music, provided the perfect environment for her to not only perform but also grow her musical career.
One of the things that really drew Amy to the town was the live entertainment at Founder’s Square every Friday night. “The bandshell and music really resonated with me,” Amy shares. I had to be here. I could just feel it.”
The town was also expanding its focus on music programs like Babcock Jams, a community initiative for aspiring musicians. When Amy moved to the area, the program was just beginning to take shape, creating a space for people like her to learn, connect and perform. Her enthusiasm for Babcock Jams is palpable. Reflecting on her experience playing alongside 15-year-old guitarist Evan Barrero, Amy shares, “I learn something new every time from Evan. So many amazing things come from Babcock Jams. What’s better than showing community support through music?”
A Life in Music and Community
Amy’s style of music is a mix of everything—from Janis Joplin and Fleetwood Mac to The Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd—reflecting her four-octave vocal range and love for diverse genres. Since moving to Babcock Ranch, Amy has become a regular fixture on Southwest Florida’s music circuit. She frequently performs at the town’s Lake House Kitchen & Bar, has a regular set every Tuesday night at Blue Martini in Naples, and attends Babcock Jams events whenever she’s not on stage somewhere else. She also does corporate and country club gigs and continues to expand her reach.
But it’s not just about the music. For Amy, the mother of two, Babcock Ranch is a place where she and her family can live their best lives. Her son, Colt, a sixth grader at Babcock Neighborhood School, walks to school each day, and the two enjoy spending time on nature trails, bike-riding through The PKWY’s interconnecting parks, and attending Food Truck Fridays at Founder’s Square.
Music as a Tool for Healing and Connection
Amy Noel is also passionate about using music as a way to heal. Through her business, Island Style Institute for Music and Movement, she helps others improve their mental health and well-being through sound healing, breathing, and energy balancing. She recently worked with Babcock Neighborhood School’s fourth graders to co-write the school’s first anthem, a project that not only brought the students together but allowed Amy to give back to the community that had embraced her so warmly.
Music is a powerful tool for connection, and Amy knows it firsthand. “When you sing with someone, your hearts beat in unison,” she explains. “Music changes your mood; you thrive and connect with people.”
Discovering a Place to Belong
For Amy and her family, Babcock Ranch is more than just a place to live—it’s a community that nurtures creativity and fosters meaningful connections. “You find your people here,” she says. “It just has that feeling of community with the people who live here.”
Whether it’s through the music programs, community events, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Babcock Ranch is where Amy Noel has truly found her place. It’s a community that not only celebrates the arts but encourages its residents to thrive in every aspect of life.
A Life of Passion and Connection at Babcock Ranch
Amy Noel’s story is a testament to the vibrant, welcoming community at Babcock Ranch. Here, residents aren’t just living — they’re thriving, finding their passions, and connecting with others who share their interests. Whether it’s through music, nature, or a sense of belonging, Babcock Ranch offers something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a place where you can live in harmony with nature, engage in your passions, and become part of a community that celebrates individuality, Babcock Ranch may just be the perfect place for you.
Explore our available homes and discover the lifestyle that could be yours. Visit the Babcock Ranch Discovery Center to learn more or call 941-235-6901 today to schedule a visit. Find your muse at Babcock Ranch—where community, nature, and creativity come together.
