Port Charlotte, Florida Real Estate Market

It's no secret that inventory is high and sales prices are low in the Port Charlotte, Florida area, just as they are in most regions around the state and nationwide.  This translates into amazing opportunities for many who are newcomers to this part of southwest Florida and those who are just beginning to discover the dynamic Port Charlotte area.  These real estate market conditions rarely last long, and the prices will soon start to increase.  Now is a perfect time to check out the real estate offerings in Port Charlotte, which is a great place to live, work, play and invest.

The good news is that residents are able to find whatever they’re looking for in the region.  It’s easy to enjoy the laid back coastal lifestyle, which offers everything except the hustle, bustle and traffic of metropolitan living.  In addition, right now there are many indications that it’s a buyers market, where prices are good and inventory is plentiful.

The region of Port Charlotte is geographically defined by the Peace River along the southeast and the Myakka River to the west and south.  These two bodies of water join to form the Charlotte Harbor estuary system.  Englewood, North Port and Punta Gorda are all in close proximity, and the beautiful town of Venice lies just forty minutes to the north.  Port Charlotte is approximately 90 miles to Tampa Bay in the north and Naples to the south.

Location Characteristics: Port Charlotte is a coastal community situated between Sarasota to the north and Ft. Myers to the south. Directly across the Highway 41 bridge from Punta Gorda to the south, it is boundered by the Peace and Myakka rivers which create the Charlotte Harbor area with its direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Because of its average depth of only ten to twelve feet, Charlotte Harbor is not impeded by commercial shipping traffic and will remain as its always been - a haven for recreational boaters and fishermen.

The business district enjoys a regional mall and movie theatre. It is home to a varied selection of national chain restaurants as well as many fine locally owned eateries. Retail and commercial construction is thriving as is new single family and multifamily construction, all of which underscores a positive economic environment.

In Port Charlotte, there are many diverse neighborhoods comprised of both older, ranch-style homes, as well as newer, larger properties built to take advantage of water views and boating.  In the southwest corner of Charlotte County, you can find the deed restricted communities of South Gulf Cove with its gorgeous views, 55 miles of wide canals and 15,000 buildable lots, all safely tucked behind a user-friendly, self-activated lock.  There is also sprawling Rotunda West which was designed to be the largest subdivision in the U.S.

Top Port Charlotte, Florida Restaurants

There are so many great restaurants in Port Charlotte, Florida that it is impossible to name them all.  However, a few are popular with locals and visitors alike.  Pizza lovers can feast on Italian cuisine and gourmet pies at Luigi’s Pizzaria, located at 3883 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.  The restaurant specializes in all types of pizzas, pastas and other Italian favorites.  Luigi’s offers dine in, carry out, and they do delivery.  Their specialty pizzas have been top ranked in the Port Charlotte area for several years.  Luigi’s has a pizza buffet Monday through Friday at just $7.00 all you can eat, and features six different pizza selections, as well as salad and dessert.  The special on Fridays is an all you can eat, fall off the bone pork spare ribs at a very reasonable price of $10.00.

The atmosphere is a great neighborhood feel and the food is spectacular.  Luigi’s pizzas are hand tossed and prepared in view of diners at a station in the dining room and the other dishes are excellent as well.  Make sure to try their amazingly good olive oil dripping sauces with the fresh dinner rolls..

Another great spot for dining is Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill, located at 2746 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.  Service is quick and the servers are attentive and friendly.  One dish extremely popular with diners is the Pan Seared Tilapia with pineapple salsa, which is cooked to perfection and served with a tasty side of veggie kababs.

For an excellent take on Tex-Mex food, try La Esperanza Restaurant, which is at 2150 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte.  The food is fantastic and the prices are quite reasonable.  Don’t miss the house specialties, including the extremely tender and flavorful beef tips served with rice.  Other menu items include varieties of tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and other dishes.  While basic as far as Mexican cuisine is concerns, these entrees are truly unique in their wonderful flavor and aromas.  The Chicken Mole is another house specialty that is featured on the regular menu, with some variations when it is on the specials menu.  Bring your appetite as the portions are enormous, and you might end up making a couple of meals out of your leftovers.

Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Port Charlotte, Florida

Its location on the Gulf Coast provides Port Charlotte, Florida with plenty of opportunities for fun activites as well as relaxing diversions.  For outdoor lovers, the GAEA Guides features Guided Kayak Nature Tours along all waterways in the southwest Florida region.  Visitors can get up close and personal with different varieties of wildlife and nature, and the flexibility of the kayaks allows guests to go where other watercraft cannot.  Certified Florida Master Naturalist lead these educational tours in quiet, easy to handle kayaks.  Observe herons, egrets, otters, manatee, dolphin, bald eagles, pelicans, osprey, alligators and more – in their natural habitat.  There are literally hundreds of miles of back bays, aquatic preserves, wildlife refuges, creeks, bayous, rivers and mangrove forests in the area.  No motor on the kayaks means no noise or pollution to spoil the adventure.

For other watercraft adventures, check out Island Timer Inc., which is a family owned and operated recreational charter company that provides charters of all varieties for families and small groups up to six people.  With a fleet of well-maintained vessels, Island Timer is sure to make your experience on the beautiful waters of Southwest Florida memorable and worry free.  Renting a boat is a hassle, especially when there are concerns about safely find your way around without running aground.  With a private charter from Island Timer expert and knowledgeable crew, the cost is about the same as renting.

Guides specialize in sightseeing, beach adventures including combing for shells and sharks teeth, waterside dining trips, nature tours, eco tours, and fishing.  Charters depart from Placida, near Port Charlotte, Florida located on the Cape Haze Peninsula.  However, by consulting with the office and prior arrangement, the captain can pick you and your group up at any accessible dock near you.  Visitors can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view, and the experience is ideal for children and adults of all ages.