Cape Coral versus Punta Gorda (Port Charlotte, Matlacha: house, buying, schools)

[chuckycheese]

I am considering buying a second home in Florida and have looked at PG a couple of times. I've recently 'discovered' Cape Coral and it looks to be a better deal, in some respects, and it appears that I could get more house for equal money in Cape Coral. I'd be very interested in hearing the pros and cons of either and how they can be compared.

I'm interested in very easy gulf access in the 1700 to 2400 square foot range. Thanks for any advice or suggestions!!

[cpslaughter]

I am lovin' life here in Cape Coral. I still believe it was one of the smartest moves I've ever made. Every time I get out, I meet some happy guy talking bout the "deal of a lifetime." It would have taken me a lifetime to afford a home like this anywhere else.Fishing is some of the best in the world, and I can ride a Harley 12 months of the year.
You will see many negative posts about our city. I think opinions are related to when homes were purchased. I bought in Oct 2008. I do not have a canal, but there are many places to put my boat in the water.
There are many opinions about the codes in Cape Coral, but I like the rules, and wish they were more strictly enforced. The kind of people that allow their yards to become a hayfield are the ones fussing. The Utilities Expansion Project needs work. Have fun looking.

[Angelala]

Put me on that lovin Cape Coral bandwagon. We bought on a lake about two years ago and decided we wanted gulf access so we sold our house and we could have moved anywhere but decided we loved the Cape and bought in the SW area. I love that we can drive a little ways down the road and enjoy little Matlacha ( kayaking and I love eating at The Sandy Hook), I love that we can drive 35 minutes and be at the beach. I also love eating at Rumrunners and watching the boats go in and out. The boating is awesome and I have not met anyone who has been rude or unfriendly. I guess everyone has their own opinion but as far as I am concerned it gets a thumbs up from me.

[chuckycheese]

Thanks, to you both, for the great reviews! I hope to hear from a few more folks and would be interested to hear from someone from PG has to say.

[nhkev]

some things to consider with punta gorda is see if you can fly into their local airport from where you currently live (direct air) uses as a hub I can fly from worcester mass and getting in and out is easy,

[mrcoolmrcool28]

Also expand your search to Port Charlotte, It's just across the harbor from Punta Gorda, You can find great deals on salt water canal homes.

[chuckycheese]

Yeah, I should have mentioned that I've checked that area out pretty well, too, and there are lots of nice places there, also. I'm not concerned about being able to fly into PC since RSW is so close.

[121804]

Originally Posted by chuckycheese

I am considering buying a second home in Florida and have looked at PG a couple of times. I've recently 'discovered' Cape Coral and it looks to be a better deal, in some respects, and it appears that I could get more house for equal money in Cape Coral. I'd be very interested in hearing the pros and cons of either and how they can be compared.

I'm interested in very easy gulf access in the 1700 to 2400 square foot range. Thanks for any advice or suggestions!!

I don't think the two places can be compared. They both offer their own share of pros & cons. Most will depend on what fits YOU best.

Spending time down there prior to buying is probably going to be your best bet.

I didn't care for either, but the issues that most concerned us (the schools (Lee County school choice program) and sewer/water line expansion) about CC were not so heavy in PG, so we went with PG.

If I had to rate it, I'd say #1 PG #2 CC #3 PC. Port Charlotte straight out disturbed us after some time. There are a few nice streets there but the shady areas far outdid the nice area. But I guess if it is a second home, you don't really worry about the city (or municipality for PC) too much...

Again, spend a good amount of time in both. You'll start to feel your groove somewhere b/w the two. Burnt Store Isles in PG seemed very nice for retirees and snowbirds with good access to 75 and the basics.

As long as you are staying far, far and far away from NE & NW CC, there are some good deals in CC.

[CapeHouses]

I recently moved to Cape Coral and consider it to be the best move I have ever made. This is a "destination area" in that people come here for the location and weather. Usually in destination areas the housing prices go up real fast until they are unsustainable and then they go down real fast. But there will always be people drawn here for the location and weather so the cycle starts all over. The trick is to come here during the bottom and not the top of the market.

[chuckycheese]

Good stuff!! Thanks to all!