[sunshine girl]

Several questions lately about North Port. Here's what you need to know. It is definitely cheaper housing than the other areas surrounding itself. It has grown from a small, sleepy town into a growing mass of houses. Unfortunately, there is little industry and therefore, jobs, there. There is a new WalMart, Home Depot, and Publix......and that's about it, folks. Many families moved there because of the lower housing prices, but.... one must travel elsewhere for employment, any activities beyond the above stores, and it is not a short trip, either. Port Charlotte is closest to the south, and Sarasota to the north. The poster mentioning well water is right on, also. Much of the houses built are on well water(yuk, in these parts) and septic. There are new houses everywhere, and just as many with for sale signs in front. There is little for all the children to do there, not even enough sports fields for all the teams. The drive to Sarasota is at least 40 minutes to the interstate exit of choice, and then travel time inland to your destination. I would guess that most of the working folks in North Port, commute to Sarasota for work. Can't speak for the quality of the schools, I'll leave that for someone else to address. Just as anywhere, there are folks who love living there, and some who hate it.

[jamesdsimpson]

The primary reason for cheaper housing in North Port compared to Sarasota is that land is much cheaper, as little as 30k for a 10000 sq. ft. lot. Many new homes have been built during the last 3 years, many of which are unsold spec homes and thus the many for sale signs.

Although we don't have a mall or movie theatre we do have many parks, new high and middle schools, baseball and soccer fields, and a skateboard park that attracts skaters from nearby cities. There are also many canals that provide excellent fishing. And we are rural enough that I have seen deer, bobcats, turkey, fox, owls and a panther in what is called the estates area. I probably should mention gators too. We are about a 30 minute drive from the gulf and saltwater sports.

Most of the homes in North Port are on well water. However, with a water softener and an RO system in the kitchen you can get good quality water and not have a water bill.

Like any other town, North Port has its problems, but it is and excellent place to live and raise a family.

[bamboosmom]

Originally Posted by jamesdsimpson

The primary reason for cheaper housing in North Port compared to Sarasota is that land is much cheaper, as little as 30k for a 10000 sq. ft. lot. Many new homes have been built during the last 3 years, many of which are unsold spec homes and thus the many for sale signs.

Although we don't have a mall or movie theatre we do have many parks, new high and middle schools, baseball and soccer fields, and a skateboard park that attracts skaters from nearby cities. There are also many canals that provide excellent fishing. And we are rural enough that I have seen deer, bobcats, turkey, fox, owls and a panther in what is called the estates area. I probably should mention gators too. We are about a 30 minute drive from the gulf and saltwater sports.

Most of the homes in North Port are on well water. However, with a water softener and an RO system in the kitchen you can get good quality water and not have a water bill.

Like any other town, North Port has its problems, but it is and excellent place to live and raise a family.

I do agree with jamesdsimson, We have city water here in Punta Gorda, but have the R/O system under the sink and also hooked up to the fridge water.
We have a softner also. The well water smells bad and makes the sidewalks orange, but with the right water system that should help.
The area is not crowded like other parts of Florida and is growing nicely with young families. Pt. Charlotte and North Port have plenty to do. The beaches aren't far either. You will get much more home for your money in either town.

[jdber94]

North Port offers first time home buyers a way to afford a new 3 bedroon, 2 bathroom home at prices significantly below the adjoining area's such as Sarasota and Ft. Myers. Presently NEW homes on 10,000 SF lots are priced around $200k.

It does have it's issues but I feel the path moving ahead is favorible for those living and investing in the area. The appeal of the area will only get better as new commercial development occurs and streets are newly paved.

[Audacious]

It's a growing town experiencing the typical growing pains but it is also a very up and coming city. A huge 250000SF mall is being built and lots of new commercial development. Housing prices have reduced to 2004 levels and RE is slowly but surely starting to move down there. Plenty of new schools, a new medical center and 20 minutes to Gulf beaches.

It is a good place to raise a family.

[florida1]

Wow, North Port is almost surpassing Sarasota's population. This is like Cape Coral/Ft. Myers. The Cape is over twice as populated as Ft. Myers. Looks like North Port/Sarasota is following the same pattern.

[Silverhair1NewYork]

I have enjoyed reading all the comments about North Port..both good and bad....too bad the housing tread has taken such a dive...but it is occurring everywhere...I currently live in western New York where the auto industry has also taken a dive..it is scary....I have heard mention a few different times on this site about Talon Bay a new gated community in North Port...can anyone provide information on what they feel about moving in this community..good or bad I would appreciate some input...Thank you Silverhair1New York

[jdber94]

I've driven by Talon Bay several times but have never stopped in to take a look.

BTW A third Publix, Lowes and Target will be up and running in North Port within the next year. Additionally new development at the Toledo Blade - I75 interchange will be starting shortly. Finally a new fire station is basically open in the eastern regions of the town. Yes, residential construction has slowed resulting in lower home and land values but that will change in the relatively near future.

[JimKing]

North Port is in big trouble....do not buy there until you see what happens to the area, crime, etc. People are renting to anybody with a pulse. And things will be MUCH worse in another year. From today's housing bubble blog....

“With hundreds of houses, condos and apartments for rent in North Port, not every owner has been able to find a tenant. So rents are plummeting, and so are rental standards.”

“‘We’re talking to people we would not have considered two years ago,’ said Linda Haese, who is trying to rent two new 1,800-square-foot houses. ‘These are people who don’t have deposit money, but are willing to put $25 aside every month. As long as they don’t have a criminal record, we’re willing to say OK.’”

“‘Rents are coming way down because of supply,’ said Karen St. Pierre, a rental specialist with ERA Advantage Realty. ‘A 1,800-square-foot house without a pool that rented for $1,400 a year and a half ago is now renting from $900 to $1,000 a month.’”

“That represents a 36 percent drop and has created a wave of resentment among investors, who have seen their taxes and insurance bills move rapidly in the opposite direction.”

“‘Some owners are going crazy,’” said Noone. ‘They say they need the higher rent or they’ll go bankrupt.’”

“Haese, who is trying to rent two houses in North Port, said she attends investor club meetings where she hears horror stories about owners who have been unable to rent houses for as long as five months.”

“‘They’re just not dropping their prices fast enough,’ said Haese, who is offering her houses for just under $1,100 per month.”

“Haese said she is not making money at that level, and she would like to sell, but the market is glutted with houses for sale. ‘I think it will be five or six years before I can get out,’ she said.”

“For people looking to rent houses in North Port, the situation could not be better. They are being offered new houses with swimming pools at ridiculously low prices.”

“‘It makes much more sense to rent than to buy right now,’ said Dennis Black, a Port Charlotte appraiser. ‘A renter will pay 60 percent of what it costs to own.’”

[Davidoff]

I guess there still is an affordable place in Florida.