Is Punta Gorda a good place to retire? (days on market, homes)

[SJNE17]

FPL should offer low or no interest loans to finance that for homeowners.

If you're shopping for a home, preserving that cash (which you'll need to pay for the assessment) means a meaningful reduction in purchasing power--assuming you're using some leverage. It's exacerbated considerably if you're using a lot of leverage, i.e., 20% down and financing the rest.

Originally Posted by Tujuleez1

Are you talking a canal that has no bridges (sailboat water) to Charlotte Harbor or would bridges not be a problem? Trying to find a home with a pool on sailboat water for under $400K would be tough right now. Zillow has one in PGI and three in BSI. But BSI has a sword hanging over its head with a recent push toward putting all the utilities underground. Estimates are it would cost each home/lot over $8K.

[Restrain]

Nice homes available on canals across the harbor in PC, cheaper than PGI, not deed restricted.

[SeaRay35]

Can definitely get more bang for the buck in PC, but personally I prefer PGI. You really need to come for a few weeks and see what areas you like.

[Sea Ray Mark]

Originally Posted by Restrain

Nice homes available on canals across the harbor in PC, cheaper than PGI, not deed restricted.

I agree but the lack of deed restrictions is what scared me away. I bought in PGI and I'm very happy with the neighborhood and the down town area and waterfront area are perfect.

[snowtired14]

Originally Posted by SeaRay35

Can definitely get more bang for the buck in PC, but personally I prefer PGI. You really need to come for a few weeks and see what areas you like.

^^^^This absolutely!!! Be sure to visit during the winter months when snowbird season is in full bloom, a town like PG can feel a lot different between on and off season. Some people like the bustle and life during the winter, lots of festivals, shows,and activities, while others would prefer the sleepier calm of the off season when traffic is more reasonable, the pace is slower, and easier to get into stores and restaurants.

We had a friend who visited The Villages in off season, played golf, danced on the square every night, took advantage of the many restaurants, got totally wowed by all the amenities they offered, so they bought a home on the spot. Well, they went down for their first winter and found out it was next to impossible to get a tee time without 3-4 days notice, there was no good time to find a restaurant without waiting an hour or two, and then crowded pools, drunk and obnoxious residents, cliquish clubs. I think they lasted 2 or 3 years and had enough. It's important to know what to expect before making the commitment, IMHO.

[QuilterChick]

Can anyone comment on their favorite well-managed, reasonably priced condominium complexes in the PG/PC area? The ones without those dastardly "CCD" fees, thank you.

[SoFLGal]

Punta Gorda is consistently winning top awards for "the best place to retire". I'll have to say, I'm not of retirement age (42) and I really enjoy the town:
Best Healthy Places to Retire: Punta Gorda, Florida - US News

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/ne...-Magazine.aspx

Retire in Punta Gorda, florida

Port Charlotte, Florida - In Photos: 25 Best Places To Retire In 2015 - Forbes

Punta Gorda makes cover of "Where to Retire" - ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

Punta Gorda, Florida is an historic fishing village community on Charlotte Harbor in Southwest Florida. Punta Gorda, Florida features one of the largest natural harbors in the United States and is centrally located between Sarasota to the north and Fort Myers to the south. With sunshine all year and balmy gulf breezes to cool the summer, Punta Gorda is prized by boaters, fishermen, water lovers and tourists alike.

This vibrant community has an historic downtown area with brick, gas-lit streets and plenty of shopping, art galleries and other amenities, and is home to fine dining, marinas and many recreation areas. The historic downtown has been revitalized with beautiful flowers, colorful wall murals, trees, charming brick planters and benches where you can rest and watch life as it passes by.

There's always something going in Punta Gorda. A lot of my friends who live in Sarasota come down to Punta Gorda for "things to do".

Here's a link to the Farmer's Market: Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce: Farmers Market

Wine& Jazz Fest: Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce: Wine & Jazz Festival

Dragon Boat Fest: Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce: Dragon Boat Festival

What's happening at Fisherman's Village: Upcoming Events | Fishermen's Village (keep in mind that things are a bit slower in the summer when the snowbirds are gone)

What's going on at the PG Civic Center: Charlotte Harbor Event Center - Event Calendar

Dean's and Hurricane Charley's are great little places to watch some live music: Dean's South of the Border and Hurricane Charley's Raw Bar & Grill, Punta Gorda FL

I love The Celtic Ray Irish Pub: Celtic Ray Irish Pub They bring in some really neat bands on the weekends. The Ray has many different beers on tap and it's just a really casual, laid back place to watch a band or catch a drink.

TT's Tiki Bar is really casual place to stop and listen to a band or grab a drink. It's right on the Peace River and they have a fire pit and a bunch a beach chairs sitting around. You will think you're down in Key West: https://www.facebook.com/thetikibarpg

Harpoon Harry's and Laishley's Crab House are great places to watch the sunset or grab a drink but, to be honest, the food is my favorite there (both the same owner) Harpoon Harry's Restaurant and Sports Bar. Located in Fisherman's Village, Punta Gorda, Florida. Waterfront Dining, Drinks & Live Entertainment. or Laishley Crab House - Punta Gorda, FL - Fresh Seafood, Steaks, Sushi and Spirits on the Charlotte Harbor Waterfront

Jack's on Marion usually has decent food if you want to grab a bite to eat while in town. They also have a Gluten Free menu for the more health conscious : Jacks On Marion - Superior dining in downtown Punta Gorda - Superior dining in downtown Punta Gorda, FL – 201 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, Florida

Here's some info on the PGI Civic Association: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association Check out the "Clubs" section. I think there's just about every kind of club you could imagine. All my friends who live in PGI, love it and everyone seems to be super friendly.

Everywhere you go, there is something to do outside.

Punta Gorda, Florida is the county seat for Charlotte County and is home to approximately 17,000 people, including young families, singles and seniors.

With 130 miles of water, natural preserve Charlotte Harbor is popular with boaters and fishermen, and leads out into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

The picturesque waterfront area includes many public waterfront parks where year-round events take place. Fishermen’s Village, a complete marina, is right next to downtown, and a new public boat ramp and fishing pier are on the waterfront.

Punta Gorda is also a favorite of golfers with its beautiful courses, each offering challenging greens, sand traps and water.

The city is convenient to Charlotte County Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, and Naples Municipal Airport. This ‘Main Street’ designated community has much to offer tourists and residents. Visit the historic A.C. Freeman House built in 1903, and browse its quaint museum, take a downtown gallery walk, or head to the Babcock Wilderness to commune with nature. Take a Trolley Tour with a local historian, or visit the Peace River Wildlife Center, Ponce de Leon Historical Park or Florida Adventure Museum. Fisherman’s Village is a new waterfront shopping complex with boutiques, dining and entertainment. It has also a 98 slip marina and boat, jet ski and bicycle rentals. Catch a sightseeing boat here and venture out to Cabbage Key or do some sport fishing.

Punta Gorda is a waterfront paradise with single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums, moderately priced condos, luxurious waterfront homes, and open land on which to build your dream home. There are numerous upscale and gated communities in the Punta Gorda area, many with private golf courses.

Downtown Punta Gorda is popular with many residents. With its huge, swaying palms, brick streets, and homes with wide verandas and tin roofs, you will feel as if you have gone back in time. It’s a great place to walk and discover hidden treasures. Gilchrist Park along the Peace River has tennis courts, a huge playground, gazebo and is home to country, bluegrass and folk musicians as they gather in circles to perform every Thursday evening.

Punta Gorda Isles (PGI) is a large upscale waterfront community in Punta Gorda. With city water and sewer and close proximity to I-75 and US 41, Punta Gorda Isles is convenient to all services and amenities and close to downtown Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Naples. Punta Gorda Isles was once swampland dredged by General Development Corp. in 1957 to create a maze of seawalled saltwater canals. Canals in Punta Gorda Isles are 100 feet wide and 12 feet deep, and the seawalls and canals are maintained by the city of Punta Gorda. This is a primarily a boating, golfing and country club neighborhood with pretty Spanish tile roofs and a strong homeowner’s association to help maintain value.

At the center of Punta Gorda Isles is the St. Andrews Golf Club, along with a small commercial area that offers services to residents. Punta Gorda Isles is a deed restricted community with over 6,000 lots. Punta Gorda Isles has its own yacht club, and a private golf club, so residents never have to leave home to pursue their passion. This community is an ideal location for nature lovers, water enthusiasts, boaters and golfers. Homes in Punta Gorda Isles are beautifully landscaped and intelligently conceived to suit the surrounding environment. A few homes border the St. Andrew’s South Golf Club. The Punta Gorda Isles road system was designed to minimize traffic and to give the community the feel of a small, private neighborhood. There are a few new homes and lots in this community but many purchases today are for existing homes and condos, some dating back to the 1960s. Compared to Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples, purchase prices in Punta Gorda Isles are very affordable. In Punta Gorda Isles you can find moderately priced waterfront homes and glorious waterfront estates. Residential lots are either on a canal or surrounding the St. Andrews South Golf Club. Most homes in Punta Gorda Isles have 3-5 bedrooms and 2-4 bathrooms.

Charlotte Ranchettes, south of town, features country living and offers plenty of space for horse-lovers to ride. This equestrian community just off I-75 at Jones Loop, offers out of the way country style living. Most of the land is divided into an acre or more to allow for horses. A new super Wal-Mart is just a few minutes away, and downtown Punta Gorda is just up the road.

Ridge Harbor is an area of older homes along US 17 on the way to Arcadia. It has a voluntary homeowner association and no deed restrictions but features a clubhouse, a community boat ramp, and access to Shell Creek, and Peace River and Charlotte Harbor beyond.

Other communities include the old town of Cleveland with its moderately priced single-family homes, large land parcels and plenty of room for horses and Solona which is a historic area just outside of town along the Peace River.

Tropical Gulf Acres is between Punta Gorda and Fort Myers and features undeveloped land for home sites and very affordable single-family classic homes built in the 1970s and 1980s, while South Punta Gorda Heights is an affordable area a little closer to town.

Punta Gorda, Florida has everything from waterfront homes in the millions to fine historic to bungalows to new Florida style homes.

If you are a golfer or boater and love a quaint downtown packed with things to do, Punta Gorda might be the spot for you!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by sjde

Hmmm, not sure. Just a median price for a home 1500-1800 sq ft with a pool on a canal.

Median sales price in PGI on a canal in the last year-1500-1800 sq ft

[sjde]

SoFloGal-where is that information from?

[SeaRay35]

Awesome information on our great community Shannon