Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte (Sarasota, Fort Myers: real estate, skateboarding, rentals) - Punta Gorda - Port Charlotte - Florida (FL) -Charlotte County - City-Data Forum

eviltigger26 · 05-27-2007, 10:25 AM

I am looking to relocate from NY to Florida and was wondering if anyone could tell me about Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte. We've been to Sarasota several times, but we were thinking of heading a little further south. We are in our early 30s and can't wait to leave NY!!! Any info on these areas would be great!!!

121804 · 05-27-2007, 11:05 AM

We currently live in Punta Gorda & are the same age as you guys. We moved here due to a job offer in Fort Myers & more than a few people recommended Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda.
I do hope you have some sort of job lined up or good contacts. Neither city is really a job mecca. Both places are very, very heavily populated with retirees but we also see quite a lot of families.
Punta Gorda is much smaller than Port Charlotte and has some areas [Punta Gorda Isles] w/ $1mil + homes. But there are other areas that are more geared towards the middle class {Deep Creek] & of course, as anywhere, areas you just want to avoid.
There is a really great little hangout called Fishermen's Village that has some unique shops, good restuarants, a really laid back vibe, & on the harbor. There are also a few other restaurants & shops in the downtown area that are fun to visit. There are a lot of little parks, to include a dog park, in Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda is definitely geared towards the retiree crowd, but we have found things to do & enjoy our weekend. If you love to boat or fish, Punta Gorda is the place for you.
The public schools have a lot to be desired, but there are a few private schools in Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte that are pretty good.
Port Charlotte is much bigger & much more diverse. It has a strip (US 41) that has all the chain restuarants & stores. The mall is ok but if you want real shopping, you will need to head to either Fort Myers or Sarasota to see a real mall.

The real estate situation in Charlotte County is like a lot of other places in Florida but there are some exceptional deals to be found. We are renting & are planning on renting for awhile. We found many nice homes in Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte in the area of $179-$200. All of them were brand new w/ decent square footage.

Definitely RENT RENT RENT for awhile. You will find out if you care for Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte after a few weeks of living here. There are more than enough rentals that you can get at a great deal & the home inventory will be around for awhile.

I would suggest Punta Gorda initally. Port Charlotte just has a "rougher edge" to it that we are not too crazy about.

Property taxes are not through the rough in Charlotte County & home owners is also ok. Nothing that we were floored by.

If you are looking for employment, I don't really know what to tell you other than it is a service based economy in both places. If you guys are doctors, you will have ample income. Other than that, might be a struggle.

We like it though we really miss the NE & hope to move back there in a few years when our son reaches school age. Yet, the prices of homes & taxes in Massachusetts makes our wait a little longer. It is definitely cheaper for us in Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte.

The breeze off of Charlotte Harbor at night is wonderful. Most of the people our age are pleasant. Our realtor told us a great statement about Punta Gorda "You have to find your fun". And that is true. But it is there & we find little things to do every weekend.

Just take your time, rent & explore the areas. We hear a lot about the future growth of Charlotte County & Port Charlotte in particular. Will be interesting to see if that happens.

Best of luck!

2peaches2oranges · 05-28-2007, 11:33 AM

I would find a job first and then decide where you want to live. The traffic during season is pretty bad in places. If you need to be near I-75, then I would say North Port or Punta Gorda are better choices.

I am in my 30's with children and I am a teacher, so I live near the water since I do not have to commute! There is a lot to choose from here. Come down and check it out!

kmtjss · 05-28-2007, 09:51 PM

2peaches2oranges, you said you are a teacher in North Port? How do you like your school district compared to somewhere like Venice schools? Where in Venice and heard good things about North Port. Very curious to know the diffrence.

kberr32 · 05-29-2007, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2peaches2oranges

I would find a job first and then decide where you want to live. The traffic during season is pretty bad in places. If you need to be near I-75, then I would say North Port or Punta Gorda are better choices.

I am in my 30's with children and I am a teacher, so I live near the water since I do not have to commute! There is a lot to choose from here. Come down and check it out!

I currently live in Michigan and will be certified to teach in Florida. There isn't a teaching job to be had in Michigan. Do you teach in North Port or Punta? Are they hiring in those areas??? I talked to a person recently who said his brother lived in Venice and enjoyed it. He said North Port was a nice place to live and the schools were above average. I would like to hear your thoughts on these areas as I am also in my 30's with kids. Thanks for your response in advance.

Audacious · 05-30-2007, 10:11 AM

North Port is growing in leaps and bounds. Lots of new commercial building going on with several national retailers moving into the area and a huge upscale mall being built at Price and Sumter Blvd. There are many new schools and more being built. The speculation building has come to a dead halt but there are still plenty of nice homes out there for under 200K. I use to say that there is a 6 to 12 month window for the current buyers market. Depending on what the legislature does re RE taxes that coould shorten real quick. Hard to call but I would watch it.
Also, I would not buy anything built after 2003. The spec builders and wannabe builders put a lot of junk out there. Finally make sure you have city water and sewer. The water in Fl stinks and sooner or later you will be assessed for a water sewer "hookup" which will run between 12K to 20K. Good Luck.

2peaches2oranges · 05-30-2007, 01:13 PM

I am a teacher in Charlotte County. The schools in Sarasota & Charlotte county usually rank in the top 10 in Florida. I live in Englewood/Rotonda West and honestly, do not go to North Port much. I do shop some in Venice, mostly the Jacaranda/41 area Target. Venice seems nice and I have heard good things about Taylor Ranch School. Lots of new subdivisions popping up on 41 near MCC (Manatee Comm College). I prefer to live AWAY from commercial development. 41 in Venice/North reminds me of SR 7/441 in Royal Palm Beach-Wellington with all the new homes and commercial mixing.

As far as jobs, Sarasota is on a hiring freeze and Charlotte & Lee County have some certified openings right now. Come on down!

Debbiejnm · 05-31-2007, 01:20 PM

Thinking of relocating to Englewood, we love the 34223 area--the tall pines remind us of Northern CA birthplace. Have two sons, 12 and 14, concerned they may be bored--what is your opinion? Are there enough activites for kids?

beachykeen · 05-31-2007, 02:03 PM

I have 4 children - 2 boys that are 15 and 14.
I think there are plenty of activities to keep the busy. There are always clubs through the school and sports leagues.
We spend plenty of time in and around the water. They have learned how to skim board at Englewood beach. We also have a Jet Ski and they kneeboard on that.
They are involved with the church youth groups. Just like any town there are ways to keep them moving.
We live in North Port and there is the skatepark there as well. In Port Charlotte are go-carts, movies, etc.
Enjoy!

2peaches2oranges · 05-31-2007, 03:54 PM

My 6 and 11 yr olds play golf in Rotonda. Also, basketball at Tringali and Soccer at the YMCA or Englewood Sports Complex for Baseball. They have fishing, rowing and kayaking classes in Placida, Boca Grande and Manasota Beach. All of my kids attend a free art class on Saturdays on Boca Grande. There is also the Englewood Art Center. Libraries have activities as well. I have a long driveway and my kids are always out skateboarding, riding bikes, basketball, etc.

Keep them busy and away from the drugs and trashy people who don't care about their kids future. If you stay involved in your child's business, you can have a good life for your kids in Charlotte/Sarasota counties. It is safe, quiet and clean here. I love it here!