The name “Punta Gorda” is Spanish for “fat point”, which describes the city’s rather unusual shape. Much of Punta Gorda sits on a peninsula jutting out into Charlotte Harbor, the second largest harbor in Florida. It boasts miles of waterfront where you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods with limitless recreation options.
As the only incorporated community in Charlotte County, Punta Gorda is the area’s bustling center. Located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, the city offers great access to other major Southwest Florida destinations, including Tampa, Cape Coral, and Naples.
Punta Gorda has received numerous accolades, including “Best Place to Live in the South”, one of “America’s Best Places to Live” and “Best Small Places for Business and Careers”, and “Best Cities for Golf.” It was also named the number one city in Florida by Money Magazine for 10 consecutive years.
Surrounded by Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River, Punta Gorda is a boaters’ paradise. Numerous canals around the city lead to the Harbor and on to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the harbor are waterfront parks and trails, restaurants, shopping centers, and other amenities. Fishing and golfing are also popular activities here.
Though it doesn’t have a beachfront, Punta Gorda offers great access to some of the best beaches in the area, including Englewood Beach, Little Gasparilla Island, and Port Charlotte Beach Park.
Punta Gorda’s history goes back to its founding in 1884. The city’s historic district boasts beautiful vintage homes in the Old Florida architectural style, and streets lined with Florida’s quintessential palm trees.
Real estate in Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda’s charming neighborhoods cater to various lifestyles. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for a waterfront home along the Charlotte Harbor or one of the many canals and lakes here. Many of the properties include docks or boat slips, perfect for boating enthusiasts. There are also greenbelt communities and golf communities to choose from.
The housing stock includes single-family homes, villas, condos, and vacant lots, and they come in a wide range of prices and sizes. A typical home is a 2 to 3-bedroom bungalow with manicured yards and traditional architectural styles. There’s a great mix of new builds and older homes with updated features.
Living in Punta Gorda
While a popular vacation destination, Punta Gorda is more secluded and less crowded than its more famous neighbors – something that makes it even more appealing and special. The top activities and attractions in the city include:
- Boating
Along Charlotte Harbor are public and private marinas with boat launches and boat slips. Boaters’ associations like Boaters Alliance can help with everything you need to enjoy the boating lifestyle. You can navigate your way from the harbor and onto the Gulf of Mexico where you can go fishing, diving, and other deep water activities.
- Arts and culture
The city’s waterfront historical district features excellently preserved homes and buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s, such as the Sandlin House, the Augustus C. Freeman House, the City Hall, and Early Schoolhouse.
The city’s rich history is also captured by around 30 murals strategically placed along the Florida Mural Trail and overseen by the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society.
- Bicycling
The Punta Gorda Pathways is an 18-mile system of biking and pedestrian trails and paths connecting the city’s neighborhoods, parks, and commercial districts. Linear parks, harbor walks, and fitness centers are also integrated into the system.
Learn more about Punta Gorda and your real estate options here. Get in touch with the Mike Lombardo team today at 239.898.3445 or leave a note here.
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