Where to move, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers?? (Cape Coral: foreclosures, new home)

[Sammy654]

We love Marco Island and wish that we could move there. We are looking for "the next best place". We like the beaches, boats, fishing and warmth. Living in Indiana it is hard to figure out what comes close to what we want. We looked at Sarasota and everything newer, in our price range, is sooo far away from the water. Englewood does not seem to have much in what we are looking for either. Naples is quite expensive and again, you end up pretty far from the water. Looking for 3-4 bdrm with pool, fairly new home near the water or at least close beach access. Thinking about, but have not been to Venice, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte or even Fort Myers. Does anyone have informatoin to offer? Thanks so much!!

[yachtcare]

[quote=Sammy654;4604416] Looking for 3-4 bdrm with pool, fairly new home near the water or at least close beach access. QUOTE]



Cape Coral......you wont get closer to the water(or on it) than that, for the price. Market is quite depressed there now, deals are to be had, if you're serious.
There are other inherent problems there, like anywhere, Do some searching, and reading here. Beware the Realtor hype, these are desperate times...

[SoFLGal]

North Port, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte are areas that I think you should consider if you are looking for a deal and you still want to be close to the water. There are lots of foreclosures in these areas and often times the banks are looking to unload the properties.

I'm not sure what you are looking for but you could probably pick up a pool home in North Port, 3/2/2, 2000 sq ft or more, 2000 or newer with a pool for $180K or less. North Port is about 25 minutes to the closest beach.

Like I said, there are other areas that you could get something similar. Good luck with your search

[memoriesbre]

Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte are on Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River. The nearest beach is in Englewood. I wouldn't want to swim in Charlotte Harbor or the Peace River.
There is a beach complex, but like I said, the water isn't great. Port Charlotte has a lot of low priced homes but the area is less than desirable. Punta Gorda has more upscale homes but I still feel the area needs alot of improvements to compare with Marco Island, Naples, Sarasota, etc. North Port is up and coming but there are many many lots that are empty as well as homes because of the declining market. You really need to go and look for yourself. Charlotte County is behind the times with everything. We lived down there for 7 years and were promised so many things and nothing was ever done. Charlotte High School was destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Charley and it is still sitting in the same condition as the day the storm hit Punta Gorda... DESTROYED... The commissioners in Charlotte County are horrible. Before making a decision, go and look with an open mind.

[Sammy654]

Thanks for the information. I believe we are now looking closer to Sarasota. It sounds like the school system is more of what we are looking for, but are there newer (2006+), $250-$275 besides LWR? It seems as though that is the only affordable neighborhood if this is our price range. How long does it take you to get to the water beach/marina from LWR? Any ideas on something closer?
Thanks!

[memoriesbre]

LWR? Lakewood Ranch? The beaches are about 30-35 min. from that area if that's what you are referring to.

[savvyd20]

Don't even make the mistake of moving to Florida. It is not a great place to live. I have lived here for more than 5 years and it is extremely hot in the summers with temperatures soaring to 90 degrees and it rains all the time in the summer. Also, there is a threat of hurricanes. The school system is the worst in the country.

[faithfulFrank]

Originally Posted by savvyd20

Don't even make the mistake of moving to Florida. It is not a great place to live. I have lived here for more than 5 years and it is extremely hot in the summers with temperatures soaring to 90 degrees and it rains all the time in the summer. Also, there is a threat of hurricanes. The school system is the worst in the country.

The OP already stated that they like the warmth and were pretty specific to what they wanted.
I doubt they will find your comments that helpful. You have a right to your opinion, but I bet they already know it gets warm in Florida, and I also bet they have heard that hurricanes are part of the Florida life.

Frank D.

[marino2000]

The school system in Florida is not the worst. In fact, depending upon your town, is really great. I taught in Naples florida 1 yr. in a "c" level school which was fantastic. My sister taught in Englewood Fl for 2 yrs in an "A" level school which pushes the Kindergarten students more than the NJ schools I grew up in & currently teach in. I really don't know where people get the idea that Florida schools are horrible.

[memoriesbre]

Originally Posted by marino2000

The school system in Florida is not the worst. In fact, depending upon your town, is really great. I taught in Naples florida 1 yr. in a "c" level school which was fantastic. My sister taught in Englewood Fl for 2 yrs in an "A" level school which pushes the Kindergarten students more than the NJ schools I grew up in & currently teach in. I really don't know where people get the idea that Florida schools are horrible.

Coming from NJ, the schools in Pt. Charlotte and Punta Gorda were so far behind the Jersey schools... nuff said.