Punta Gorda vs. Cape Coral (quality of life not real estate) (Christmas: house, live)

[In The City]

Thanks for all the responses. Right now, the biggest problem I see is the proximity to the airport as Punta Gorda and Sarasota will not work for us. We use the airport often so that could be the deal breaker.

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by In The City

Thanks for all the responses. Right now, the biggest problem I see is the proximity to the airport as Punta Gorda and Sarasota will not work for us. We use the airport often so that could be the deal breaker.

I fly every week out of Fort Myers, driving from Punta Gorda. It's so easy to get in and out of the airport, I leave the house 90 minutes before my flight, and haven't come close to missing one. I guess if you fly 2 or 3 daytrips a week, it would be painful.

[redfish353]

Hands down you can't compare the two cities. We fled Cape Coral years ago and are sooooooooooo glad we did. We LOVE Punta Gorda. We are late 30's with a 3 year old boy. There are lots of older people here of course, but our neighbors are just great. We have a family across the street with a 5 year old and 8 year old. If you can afford to leave Cape Coral, then DO IT. Go visit the Publix here and some of the stores that you would shop at and compare how much more pleasant the people are. There is no comparison. You won't find any punks wearing black socks pulled up and flip flops with their hats on sideways. I can't even stomach having to drive to Cape anymore. I was actually devastated a month or two ago when I took my 3 year old to Ponce De Leon Park (here in Punta Gorda) to play and there was a bus full of juvenile delinquents from Cape Coral taking over our beautiful park. I was wondering why they didn't just stay in Cape Coral instead of driving up here to use our city park? It was a very short day there for my 3 year old. I work in Lee County too and I'll drive an hour to work any day of the week to get away from that crap when I am off. Take your kids to Fisherman's Village, Ponce De Leon Park, Laishley Park where the kids water park is (free), and check out the great bike paths in the area. I think your children will do great in the schools. Although we can't talk from first hand experience, we have heard great things about Sallie Jones Elementary.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by redfish353

Hands down you can't compare the two cities. We fled Cape Coral years ago and are sooooooooooo glad we did. We LOVE Punta Gorda. We are late 30's with a 3 year old boy. There are lots of older people here of course, but our neighbors are just great. We have a family across the street with a 5 year old and 8 year old. If you can afford to leave Cape Coral, then DO IT. Go visit the Publix here and some of the stores that you would shop at and compare how much more pleasant the people are. There is no comparison. You won't find any punks wearing black socks pulled up and flip flops with their hats on sideways. I can't even stomach having to drive to Cape anymore. I was actually devastated a month or two ago when I took my 3 year old to Ponce De Leon Park (here in Punta Gorda) to play and there was a bus full of juvenile delinquents from Cape Coral taking over our beautiful park. I was wondering why they didn't just stay in Cape Coral instead of driving up here to use our city park? It was a very short day there for my 3 year old. I work in Lee County too and I'll drive an hour to work any day of the week to get away from that crap when I am off. Take your kids to Fisherman's Village, Ponce De Leon Park, Laishley Park where the kids water park is (free), and check out the great bike paths in the area. I think your children will do great in the schools. Although we can't talk from first hand experience, we have heard great things about Sallie Jones Elementary.

Good Post redfish. And, if that isn't convincing, just go visit the Cape Coral Forum. Even the people on that forum are angry most of the time, about just about everything.

[Messing About]

I fly out almost every Monday and return either late Thursday or Friday morning.
When I can, I take directs out of Fort Myers, I do.
However I would say that three quarters of the time I fly out of the Tampa airport.
I got used to it in no time and you will too.

[vegasboy]

GREAT thread! Big House, they should make you the mayor of Punta Gorda. I'll vote for you any time. I recently attended a church service at https://www.facebook.com/deepcreekcc They are situated in Punta Gorda proper, not Deep Creek Punta Gorda 33983 which is on the other side of the bridge.

The place was filled with young couples greeting and chatting before service and LOTS of children. Punta Gorda is THE place to be. I just LOVE the place although I don't live there permanently (I own a condo there and stay as often as I can). Yes it's a bit slow, and yes it is not a big time town or city. But it is safe, clean & well maintained and one of my favorite places in the world.

[Messing About]

Mayor Big House? Bahahahahahaaa! Oh not that he's not qualified. He is. Not that he's not diplomatic. He is.
Not that he wouldn't bring economic growth. He would.

I'm just picturing those town council meetings .... "All in favor of serving Yuengling at this and all future City events, signify by saying, (BURP), aye!" "AYE!" The motion carries.

Love PG and BH!

[Big House]

Originally Posted by Messing About

Mayor Big House? Bahahahahahaaa! Oh not that he's not qualified. He is. Not that he's not diplomatic. He is.
Not that he wouldn't bring economic growth. He would.

I'm just picturing those town council meetings .... "All in favor of serving Yuengling at this and all future City events, signify by saying, (BURP), aye!" "AYE!" The motion carries.

Love PG and BH!

I can tell that MA wants to run against me!
I'll never win!

[wpc691]

Originally Posted by Big House

I can tell that MA wants to run against me!
I'll never win!

Why are scenes from Animal House flashing through my head?

[Messing About]

My advice to you is to start drinking heavily.....and move to Punta Gorda.