P unta Gorda, Florida is a favorite vacation destination for millions of Americans. But for those who live here, it is a peaceful, close-knit community with a wealth of natural beauty. Situated at the mouth of the Peace River, Punta Gorda is part of the Charlotte Harbor region, the second-largest bay in Florida after Tampa Bay. And water is certainly a focal point here. Over 165 miles of waterways meander through the town, while the Harbor and Gulf of Mexico provide a sparkling backdrop to life in Punta Gorda. The town is packed with reminders of the region's past, particularly with its turn-of-the-century mansions lining the waterfront across from Gilchrist Park.

Punta Gorda currently supports a population of approximately 16,720 residents, whose median age is sixty years old. Over thirty four percent of locals here are employed in either a professional or managerial capacity. Just over twenty six percent of residents here are employed in the service industry, while some eighteen percent work in sales. The median household income in Punta Gorda is above the national average, coming in at around $51,354 per year.

The town has a spectacular variety of home options for potential buyers to explore. Offerings here are fairly evenly divided between single-family detached style and attached units in multi-family condominium complexes. So whether you're looking for a cozy bungalow, a sprawling executive estate, or a townhome that requires little maintenance, Punta Gorda has it all. Like many other regions of the country, Punta Gorda has experienced steady appreciation over the years, making home ownership a solid investment. Some three-quarters of residents here own their own homes, with the typical purchase being a two-bedroom model. Recent sales figures indicate that the average purchase price of a home in Punta Gorda is currently $131,450.

In their free time, you will likely find residents here taking to the water, for yachting, sailing, snorkeling or fishing. Punta Gorda is an ideal town for strolling, and has several points of interest for pedestrians to admire. In the downtown district, several large murals pay homage to the region's rich history, including luminaries such as Thomas Edison, Andrew Mellon and W. K. Vanderbilt, all of whom were regular visitors to the town. Downtown also has a collection of sculptures, which rotate throughout the year, as well as dozens of boutiques and cafes that are located in the town's original brick buildings. Fishermen's Village is another popular destination, with shops situated along the waterfront.

Across the Peace River is Punta Gorda's closest neighbor, the cozy historic village of Port Charlotte. While rich with Florida history, Port Charlotte is the region's newest city. This is truly a family-oriented community, and the town itself benefits from having Charlotte Harbor and an expansive beach park as its focal point. Port Charlotte has some of the best fishing in the region, and offers its residents year-round sunshine and cool coastal breezes.

Outdoor recreation is equally popular in Port Charlotte, and golfers, boaters, and sportsmen find an veritable haven living in this town. But this city also offers the Port Charlotte Town Center, the largest enclosed mall in the county. With over one hundred boutiques and specialty stores, a sixteen-screen cinema and several major department stores, the Town Center is a destination for residents of neighboring communities as well, creating a strong retail economic base in town.

With its low crime rate and ample employment opportunities, more and more families are choosing Port Charlotte as their new hometown. The city has received a number of accolades for its quality of life, and the venerable Money Magazine recently named Port Charlotte the "Best Place in the South", an award that has been echoed by several other important publications and reviews.

While the towns of Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda lie just across the Peace River from one another and share many commonalities, each maintains its own distinct environment and culture. As popular vacation destinations, these towns offer tourists a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of life in other parts of the country. As hometowns, these cities offer their residents an unparalleled quality of life. If you are thinking about moving, consider the towns of Punta Gorda or Port Charlotte, Florida! To learn more about this area, request our "free relocation packet" today.