Punta Gorda vs Charlotte Harbor (Port Charlotte, Spring Lake: renters, HOA, insurance)

[pbm]

Hi Everyone,

Looking at a home in the above areas and have a few questions:

As far as waterfront homes, is PGI more desirable than houses across the harbor in Port Charlotte? Does it justify the cost difference? (assuming similar homes).

What about property farther up the Myakka river past the El Jobean bridge?

We are still debating whether to move down there while the kids are still in middle/high school or wait about 7 years until they graduate and then go.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Harbor Hopper]

PGI is a very nice area. We considered moving there, but we got a blockbuster deal on our waterfront home in Port Charlotte a couple years ago. PGI is deed restricted though, so there are rules (no boat trailers parked on the property, no vehicles with advertisements left outside, landscaping regulations, etc...). The rules help keep the neighborhood nice. There are several nice waterfront areas of PC as well. Check out the beach complex area, grassy point, West Spring Lake, and the other canals leading into Alligator Bay.
If you are a boater, you should know that PC has 8 and 10ft bridges, where PGI has mainly 12 and 14ft bridges.
We also looked at several homes in Gulf Cove (right next to the El Jobean Bridge). Tiny yards. Very nice, quick access to the river and harbor though.

[pbm]

Hi HH,

Thanks for the reply and insight! I knew PGI was deed restricted, but your examples really hit home. Almost like an HOA

One of the houses I am looking at is across from Gulf Cove. No other bridges but the El Jobean bridge.

Do you have children going to the schools there? Any difference in schools between the two areas?

Another question: considering the demographics there, are 'upscale' homes worth the investment in Port Charlotte? Is there a demand for those types of homes or do most people go with the older 70s/80s built homes?

Thanks!

[SoFLGal]

HH made some very good points. Another point is that the city of Punta Gorda maintains the seawalls in PGI and that's not the case in Port Charlotte/South Gulf Cove and El Jobean.

Many of my friends who live in PGI send their kids to Charlotte Academy. The other option is Sallie Jones Elementary. I've heard good things about this school. Last I knew it was one of the few "year 'round schools".

As far as El Jobean goes there's really not much to it. There are a few streets with some mobile homes, there are a few smaller block homes built in the 1960's and then a handful of newer homes. Incidentally, the name El Jobean came from the guy who named the town. Joel Bean (El Jobean Is his name scrambled up).

If you're looking at South Gulf Cove then you'd be looking at going through a lock system. Also the distance out, in most cases, is pretty far.

[Harbor Hopper]

Originally Posted by pbm

Hi HH,

Thanks for the reply and insight! I knew PGI was deed restricted, but your examples really hit home. Almost like an HOA

One of the houses I am looking at is across from Gulf Cove. No other bridges but the El Jobean bridge.

Do you have children going to the schools there? Any difference in schools between the two areas?

Another question: considering the demographics there, are 'upscale' homes worth the investment in Port Charlotte? Is there a demand for those types of homes or do most people go with the older 70s/80s built homes?

Thanks!

Our son is not quite 2 yet, so nope, not in school. Whether in the El Jobean, PC, or PGI area, it's all Charlotte County Schools, which are A rated. I know several parents who seem to like the schools.
There are a broad mix of homes, and people buy all across the board. If you ask 100 people what type of home they prefer, you will likely get 100 different answers. If money is no object, then surely a newer custom home is likely the answer. An older home will likely be much less expensive, unless it has been completely updated.

[pbm]

Thanks for the responses HH and SoFlGal.

Good to hear the schools are good.

I did take a boat through the locks at South Gulf Cove. Nice area and although a bike of a ride, looks like some nice boating areas (skiing, etc).

Do you think it would make more sense to buy a newer custom home for $350K+ and then move in 7 years? Or buy a sailboat home in PGI/Charlotte Harbor for $190K-$250k (smaller and most likely built in the 70s/80s)?

I ask this from two points of view:
* Which would appreciate more in 7-15 years?
* Which would be easier to rent?

Thanks again!

[SoFLGal]

Historically waterfront has appreciated more than non waterfront but would think renters would prefer a newer home.

The insurance should be much less on the newer home. Is the $350k a home on the water or just a custom home? If the $350k home were on the water I'd probably pick that home.

It's a bit hard to give a specific recommendation without seeing the homes we're talking about. I would tend to lean toward the best location/sailboat water home. Remember location, location, location.

That's my .02

[mr&mrssunshine]

PGI has one major down point...

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

PGI has one major down point...

Yup the initials are BH

[mr&mrssunshine]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Yup the initials are BH

spot on