Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte is a peaceful getaway located on the Southwest Gulf Coast of Florida. Located approximately 100 miles south of Tampa, between Fort Myers and Sarasota, Port Charlotte offers a wealth of amenities. With a population of about 60,000 you get a mixture of a small town feel with enough amenities to make you feel like you haven’t left the big city. If your thinking of investing in Port Charlotte Real Estate, you can’t go wrong! Interested in investing in Florida Real Estate?

Port Charlotte is just one of the cities encompassed within Charlotte County. Covering 701 square miles, Charlotte County boasts a population of 157,000 people. Within the county alone lies 365 miles of canals both saltwater and freshwater. Within 1 hour each there are two international airports; Tampa International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport. Charlotte County boasts its own regional airport.

Named the #1 Best Place to Retire by Money Magazine in 2009! Golf Digest named Charlotte County (Punta Gorda metro statistical area) #3 Best in the nation for golfing.

Nearby vacation spots include the barrier island community of Boca Grande; the historic City of Punta Gorda; Englewood; Little Gasparilla and Don Pedro islands; Manasota Key; Cape Haze; the picturesque fishing and arts village of Placida; and Palm Island with its serene beaches accessible by ferry.

Recreation

You’re within a short drive to the beaches, islands, Gulf of Mexico, dozens of award winning golf courses, all major shopping retailers that you can find that trades publicly. Port Charlotte resides inside Charlotte County which has the #1 ranked lowest crime rate in the State of Florida.

Population mostly consists of retirees, business owners, and snow birds. Atmosphere is resort style bringing in many people for the ocean and beaches. Living style is very upscale being right on the West Gulf Coast. Many residential homes are above the million’s with 10,000 sq. ft. parcel homes reaching over $500,000. Majority of the homes here are seasonal meaning people from around the U.S. and overseas live here in the winter time from November to April.

Recreation is the biggest hobby here. Boating and golfing are the main activities. Almost every neighborhood has a Golf Course within walking or driving distance.  Port Charlotte is essential for the avid outdoor enthusiast or the weekend adventurer. The natural landscape offers over 28 miles of beautiful beaches situated on the Gulf of Mexico, not to mention the beauty of the mangrove forests of Charlotte Harbor. The Florida Marine Research Institute also informs that there is also 830 miles of total shoreline. This exotic shoreline includes river passages, mangrove edged aquatic preserve and the pristine sandy beaches mentioned previously.

Fort Myers Beach makes for a great day or weekend trip at approximately 20 minutes south. Often labeled as the worlds safest beach, Fort Myers beachgoers don’t have to worry about Sharks or Box Jellyfish. if you are looking for a well known beach hotspot traveled to from people around the world, visit the Fort Myers/Sanibel Visitor website for additional information in planning your vacation.

Port Charlotte also offers an abundance of fishing spots for the avid fisherman. Whether its Barracuda, Bluefish, Grouper, or Snapper, Port Charlotte offers a wide variety of species. If you’re interested in going on a charter trip then visit the following link. http://www.charternet.com/fishers/florida-southwest.html.  If you’re more interested in just leisure fishing for the day, try one of the many saltwater canals near the Peace River in Port Charlotte. There are also many freshwater canals throughout the city, you can many secluded spots for some good freshwater fishing.  Enjoy a picnic or a shore lunch with your family and loved ones.

In addition to all the fishing that is done right off the coast of Port Charlotte, an afternoon of kayaking the Great Calusa Blueway will be sure to satisfy your desire for nature and amazement.   Not more then an hour from Port Charlotte, some of the best kayaking in Florida is a days trip away.  There are a multitude of spots to put in and places to rent a kayak as well.

Local Economy and Demographics

Port Charlotte boasts a population of 46,451 as of the 2000 census. The median age is 49, while the median family income is $38,406. Most of the citizens of Port Charlotte work within the city, the most popular industry being contrsuction. Tourism is also a very large industry in Charlotte County during the winter months. Studies have shown that the population of Southwest Florida actual doubles during the winter months!

You will find all major national chains in Port Charlotte, including Home Depot, Lowes, Circut City, Hooters, Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, Pier 1 Imports, Bed Bath and Beyond and the list keeps going. All these stores are within the city limits and are an absolute maximum of 15 minutes away from anywhere in the city!

Sports

If you’re a fan of sports, you will be glad to know you are within a half days trip to a whole bunch of sports action. The Tampa Bay Rays finished a $26,000,000 renovation on our sports stadium to home their Major League Spring Training. During the offseason Cal Ripken Jr. owns the minor League team Charlotte Stone Crabs. The following is a list of teams that are within two hours of Port Charlotte.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays - – Will be home to the Ray’s Spring Training in 2009. Also be sure to catch the Devil Rays during the regular season right outside of Tampa at Tropicana Field.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The 2002 Super Bowl Champions play their regular NFL season at Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Lightning – The 2004 Stanley Cup Champions play about 45 minutes north of Port Charlotte in St. Petersburg.

Boston Red Sox – The 2004 and 2007 World Series Champs called Fort Myers their spring training home, the Red Sox constantly play to sold out crowds at the City of Plams park in Fort Myers, just 20 minutes south.

Minnesota Twins – Another spring training home base for an MLB team, they also play just 20 minutes south in Fort Myers.

Florida Everblades – an ECHL professional hockey team, they currently play in the Germain area off of exit 128 on I-75, just 25 minutes south of Charlotte County.

Education

Port Charlotte has education in place just as any other city of its stature would. There are in total 2 high schools, 7 middle schools, 2 private high schools, 5 private middle schools, and three colleges within 50 miles. Immediately below you can find a list of the schools with links to a majority of them.

Charlotte County Public Schools

Charlotte County Private Schools

Edison State College – Punta Gorda, FL

Manatee Community College – North Port, FL

Florida Gulf Coast University – Fort Myers, FL

Weather

The average near-perfect year-round temperature is an ideal 74 degrees. Winter temperatures (January) average above 63 degrees and summer temperatures (August) average a comfortable 82.8 degrees. During the summer the temperature is usually in the low 90s during the day and in the low 70s during the night.