Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda along the Peace River. Photo by Peace River Photography
For those seeking the laid back, uncongested Florida lifestyle but still come to expect a wealth of amenities including waterfront living, outdoor recreation, restaurants, and a thriving downtown, Punta Gorda is the place to be. For our series, "Why Southwest Florida", we sat down with Punta Gorda residents, Mike and Sue. They traveled the state of Florida, searching for just the right fit, and found it in this charming town along the Gulf Coast.
Boating and the Outdoor Lifestyle
Located at the intersection of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda is poised to take advantage of scenic waterfront vistas and the boating way of life. The deep harbor and 75 miles of deep sailboat water canal frontage make it an excellent sailing and boating location, as listed by numerous magazines and sailing publications. 
Sailboats are a common mode of transportation in Punta Gorda.
Originating in Bartow, Florida, the Peace River is known for its bouts of unspoiled scenery and old Florida feel, running 106 miles before finally flushing into Charlotte Harbor. Charlotte Harbor includes one of the world's largest protected marine estuaries compassing 270 square miles with 219 miles of natural shoreline. Boaters can enjoy nearby destinations like Placida/Cape Haze, Boca Grande, Palm Island, and Little Gasparilla Island. The natural amenities of Charlotte Harbor includes miles of beaches, more than 70 parks and preserves, fishing, paddling and sailing.
Pedestrian friendly, Punta Gorda also has approximately 18 miles of trails and paths for bicycles, joggers, and those who love to walk.
A Charming Downtown
Downtown Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is the only incorporated city in Charlotte County, and as such, it is a vibrant center for restaurants, boutiques, and commerce. Founded in 1884, many of the homes and commercial buildings that were built during the earliest days still stand. The city was originally laid out so that each waterfront block was designated as a park, leaving a legacy of green space and public access along the waterfront that still exists today. Opportunities for shopping and sight seeing can be found at Fishermen's Village, on Marion Avenue, and at the Train Depot and Antique Mall to name a few.
Fishermen's Village
The Visual Arts Center is a 12,000 square foot facility with art classes, exhibits, studios, arts library and more.
Arts and Culture
For history and art lovers, there are many beautiful downtown murals depicting the city's heritage. In fact, Punta Gorda is one of the leading mural towns in the country with 29 murals decorating the city to date. Arts organizations include the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Visual Arts Center, Charlotte Chorale, and the 900-seat Charlotte Performing Arts Center.
Punta Gorda Airport
With its own airport, the Punta Gorda Airport (PDG), travel in and out of the city is convenient as can be. Located close to I-75, Allegiant provides low-cost, non-stop air service to approximately 40 destinations in the United States, including the top markets of Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Lexington, Pittsburgh, and Fort Wayne. According to a 2017 Economic Impact Study, it is estimated the airport enabled 276,300 visitors by air to Charlotte County and the surrounding region, spending an estimated $46.350 million dollars annually in Charlotte County.
Key Facts about Punta Gorda
- Punta Gorda means "Fat Point" in Spanish because it lies as a "fat point" - sticking out into Charlotte Harbor, one of the country's largest natural harbors.
- Population: (July 1, 2015 estimate) 18,796
- Median Age: 65.2
- Median household income (2010-2014, in 2014 dollars): $56,119
Punta Gorda Demographic information based on the latest U.S. Census information.
Punta Gorda Real Estate
- Median property sale price: $235,000
- Average days on market in March 2018 is 89 which is up 11.3% compared to last month and up 11.3% compared to last year.
- Months of inventory based on pended sales in March 2018 is 3.7, which is down 5.1% compared to February and down 9.7% compared to last year
- Source: Trendgraphix, Inc.
View Punta Gorda homes for sale on MichaelSaunders.com. To learn more about Punta Gorda real estate, contact one of the sales agents in our Punta Gorda Taylor Street office or our Punta Gorda Burnt Store office. 
Laishley Marina in Punta Gorda. Photo by Peace River Photography
