Punta Gorda

Home Sweet Home    Find a Realtor    Find a Company    Vital Stats    Rain & Shine    Job Market    Class Notes    Getting Around

Great Outdoors    Good Sports    Hot Times    Shop 'til You Drop    Nightlife    College Scene    Just for Seniors

Land jutting into Charlotte Harbor inspired early Spanish explorers to call this area punta gorda or "fat point." Ponce de Leon and Hernando De Soto took note of the region's beauties centuries ago; today modern travelers also "discover" Punta Gorda, and many settle here.

Superlatives are commonplace when people talk about Charlotte County and Punta Gorda, its only incorporated city. Both population and job growth are among the fastest in the nation. In a state popular with seniors, Punta Gorda boasts the state's highest percentage of retirees--more than 35 percent of the population--with a steady influx adding to the numbers daily.

There are two unincorporated areas that are a vital part of Charlotte County. Englewood, founded in 1886, boasts 34,000 year-round residents (some of whom live in Sarasota County) and lots of part-timers. It is located directly on the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon Bay. Port Charlotte is the county's most populous area, with 45,000 residents. Created in the late 1950s, it sits on land used for grazing less than four decades ago. Now it's the site of 165 miles of man-made waterways, golf courses, tennis courts and the Port Charlotte Cultural Center.

Yet in spite of its healthy growth rate, the area retains a quaint charm that's appreciated by long-time residents and newcomers. A revitalized Punta Gorda downtown has cobblestone streets and gas lamps. It's said that churches outnumber nightclubs 11 to 1. Perhaps best of all, there's water, water everywhere as a key element--perhaps the essential one--influencing the lifestyle enjoyed here on Florida's beautiful southwest coast.

Home Sweet Home

In the western segment of Charlotte County served by the Englewood Area Board of Realtors, single-family existing homes with three bedrooms and two baths sold for a median price of $77,900 during 1999. Much of the area's inventory is near the Gulf of Mexico, the barrier island of Manasota Key and the Intracoastal, which explains why median prices are somewhat higher here--yet still quite affordable. Beautiful beaches and the recreational joys of boating and fishing attract people to the area. Home prices range from $55,000 to $1.5 million. New waterfront property costs approximately $150 per square foot; existing waterfront property approximately $130 per square foot. Golf course property isn't nearly as pricey, however. Existing golf course property sells for about $60 per square foot; new golf course property costs only slightly more--about $65 per square foot. Eighty percent of the market is single-family; 20 percent is condominium. Riverwood and Oyster Creek are new-home communities in the area.

For the entire Punta Gorda MSA, which includes all of Charlotte County, much of which is served by the Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port Association of Realtors, the median price of an existing, single-family home was $77,900 in 1999.

Find a Realtor
(Choose an area/board from list below)
Englewood Area Board of Realtors
Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port Association of Realtors

Find a Real Estate Company
(Choose an area/board from list below)
Englewood Area Board of Realtors
Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte-North Port Association of Realtors

Vital Stats

Punta Gorda's Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes all of Charlotte County

Population: 131,307
Median age: 52.2
New citizens: 3,420 yearly
New job creation: 3.2 percent (1999)
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent in August, 1999
Cost of living: 97.74 percent (U.S. average=100 percent)
Per capita income: $21,535
Median household income: $30,650

Rain & Shine

Most people who live here believe Charlotte County has a near-perfect climate for year-round living. Temperatures average 64 degrees Fahrenheit in January; in August they average 81.9, with the average high of 91.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect about 54 inches of rainfall yearly, which results in a 10-month or longer growing season. Former northerners and snowbirds welcome the green landscapes and flowering plants year-round.

Job Market

Charlotte County is one of Florida's most fascinating growth stories. In 1980 the area's population was around 59,000; a decade later it had soared to 111,000, making it the nation's fastest-growing county in terms of percentages during the '80s. People continue to move here at a near-record pace. Not surprisingly, rapid job growth accompanies population increases, keeping unemployment at or below national rates. Since 1995 job growth has grown an estimated 4.5 percent; NPA Data Services projects that it will soar at a 16.3 percent clip until 1999, leading the U.S. and tripling the forecast for the nation.

Agriculture has long been the foundation for the county's economy. Nearly 20,000 acres of citrus contain 2.7 million trees. Another 4,000 acres are planted with vegetables; 174,000 acres are used for cattle. In fact, Charlotte County boasts more than 200 farms and ranches. In recent years, extensive economic diversity developed thanks to industries such as healthcare and retailing force. The Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce now has more than 1,000 members, and 11 industrial parks dot the area.

The school board employs 1,900. Among the region's largest private sector employers are: Bon Secours St. Joseph Hospital (900); Charlotte Regional Medical Center (890); Fawcett Memorial Hospital (750); South Port Square retirement center (330); Palm Auto Group (200); Inter Medic Health Care (190); Sprint/United Telephone Florida (185); SunTrust/Gulf Coast (150); and Florida Power & Light (130).

Class Notes

Extensive information about the schools in this area is online at the state's Department of Education (http://www.firn.edu/doe/doehome.htm). There you'll discover everything you'll need to know about Florida schools -- in general and in particular. All you need is the name of your county and the names of the schools students from your neighborhood attend.

Use links from the DOE home page for general information about entrance requirements, immunizations and so forth.

For the nitty-gritty details that really matter, click on the logo for the "Florida School Indicators Report."

Getting Around

The two major highways serving Charlotte County are Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 441. In addition to providing intra-county access, they link residents to two large metro areas; Tampa is 100 miles to the north, Fort Myers about 25 miles south. Average home-to-work commute time for county residents is less than 20 minutes. Greyhound provides bus service from Port Charlotte; Amtrak serves Tampa, but there's a bus connection from Port Charlotte. Information available via 800/USA-RAIL.

The Charlotte County Airport offers three runways at its well-equipped, general aviation facility. Nearby Southwest Florida Regional Airport, about 35 miles away from Punta Gorda in Lee County, offers the services of 17 airlines with some 150 flights daily. Also close at hand is Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.

Great Outdoors

Charlotte County isn't very big, less than 20 miles from north to south border, yet it has some 120 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor, the Intracoastal Waterway, the Myakka River and the Peace River. Many consider this region a waterfront paradise. Manasota Key, a barrier island half in Sarasota County and half in Charlotte County, is so narrow that it's often possible to see both ocean and waterway simply by looking from side to side. To say that residents love the water--fishing, cruising, sailing--and the great outdoors is an understatement. In all, 14,004 private boats, 28 marinas, 15 public beach access sites, 13 boat ramps and two sailing schools dot the county's extensive shoreline. The county also boasts about two dozen parks, numerous recreation areas and a federal wildlife refuge. One of Punta Gorda's six public parks, Ponce de Leon Park, was built to honor the landing site of the famous explorer who first saw Florida in 1513.

The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center spans 840 acres, providing nature trails, picnic areas and enrichment programs. The Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area is another favorite with locals. The 100-acre game reserve offers hunting, fishing, frogging and camping. Eco-tours through parts of the 90,000-acre Crescent B Ranch in eastern Charlotte County are exciting and educational--allowing the visitor to see the old, original Florida. Swamp buggy trips through Telegraph Cypress Swamp provide plenty of adventure, too.

It's also worth noting that Southwest Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, one of the most spectacular natural ecosystems in the United States--and a short drive from the Punta Gorda area.

Good Sports

Twenty-one golf courses, tennis courts (10 public, 5 private) and public swimming pools get lots of use from residents who enjoy individual sports. At its four locations, the Charlotte County Family YMCA hosts and coordinates classes, childcare, family programs, sports activities for all ages, a fitness center and more. The waterways are sites for a host of competitive events, including fishing tournaments and boat/yacht races. If you don't own your own boat, chances are your neighbors do. Or pull out your plastic and rent what you desire. Rentals for fishing boats, jet skis and cruises seem to be everywhere.

On dry land, the major league Texas Rangers make the 6,000-seat Charlotte County Stadium their spring training home. There's Grapefruit League action from February to early April, followed by minor league games throughout the summer.

The CC Speedway serves up auto racing thrills on its asphalt oval track. The county also has a very strong youth sports program, including Pop Warner football, Little League baseball and one of Florida's best BMX tracks.

Hot Times in the City

There are more than 130 homes and 25 commercial buildings in Punta Gorda's Historic District, which is being revitalized by a streetscape program that features brick lanes, street lamps and sitting areas. With this setting as a backdrop, you can enjoy sailing on the bay, jogging in the park or viewing some of the most gorgeous sunsets in the world.

If music rings true for you, consider participating with the Liberty Singers, the Charlotte Symphony, the Friends of Music, the Charlotte County Concert Band, the Jazz Society and the Charlotte Chorale. If acting's your delight, join the Charlotte Players or one of the community theater groups.

The 2,000-seat Memorial Auditorium/Civic Center brings big name entertainment to Charlotte County. The annual Celebrity Series attracts concerts, ballet, Broadway shows and comedy stars, as well as boxing, wrestling, roller skating and dancing events. It's also a popular venue for antique shows and arts and crafts fairs.

Right next door to the civic center is the Museum of Charlotte County, where five galleries present natural history exhibits for visitors of all ages. The Punta Gorda Visual Art Center is a another cultural asset where exhibits are displayed throughout the year. Just a few miles south, you'll find the Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers; a few miles north, the memorable Ringling Museum of Art awaits in nearby Sarasota.

Shop 'til You Drop

Twenty-five shopping centers offering 4 million square feet of merchandise make this a shopper's bonanza. The largest single location is the Port Charlotte Town Center, a modern mall with over 800,000 square feet and lots of amenities. At Fisherman's Village many small shops offer fun for serious shoppers and browsers as well; it's also a good place to rent a bike or a boat.

Nightlife

Many residents like to point out that Charlotte County's churches far outnumber its nightspots. But if you're looking for dining and entertainment, you'll still find numerous ways to enjoy an evening out. More than three dozen pubs, taverns and clubs offer live entertainment ranging from blues to rock to karaoke. The clubs complement an array of restaurants in various price ranges. And, as you might expect in this coastal playground, fantastic seafood is never far away. Or a short drive will deliver you to Fort Myers restaurants--Peter's La Cuisine, Promenade Cafe and Prawnbroker--that Florida Trend rates among the state's best.

College Scene

The highly regarded Edison Community College, based in Fort Myers, operates a Charlotte County campus where students can earn a two-year degree or take continuing education classes. Manatee Community College also maintains a Port Charlotte campus. Numerous adult education courses are available at the Port Charlotte Cultural Center (PCCC), an independently operated model for such centers around the nation.

Four-year schools that are within a relatively easy commute include the brand-new Florida Gulf Coast University, branch locations and the Tampa main campus of the University of South Florida (USF), especially its prestigious New College in Sarasota, and the Ringling College of Art and Design, also in Sarasota.

Just for Seniors

Charlotte County has the highest percentage of people 65 years and older in the state. Moreover, winter residents can increase the population by some 30 percent during the peak winter season. There's lots to do, and the cost of living is about 5 percent below the national average. Countless programs and facilities are specially designed for seniors. The Port Charlotte Cultural Center (PCCC), for example, features a senior lounge to complement its 400-seat theater, library, woodshop, gift shops, country store and food facilities. Activities abound at the PCCC--bingo, bridge, crafts, seminars and dances are on the things-to-do menu; and so, too, are congregate meals served in a convivial setting.

The county is proud of its three hospitals and its numerous retirement communities and nursing homes, but many frail seniors are able to stay in their own homes because of excellent services available from public and private providers--such things as respite care, personal care, home-delivered meals and congregate meals served at five county-affiliated sites and the PCCC. For information and referral to a wide variety of senior services, call the Access/Elder Helpline at 941/637-8019 or 941/637-2288.

(c) 1997 Florida Association of Realtors