A historic fishing town transformed into a vibrant seaside community, Punta Gorda is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida — and for good reason! Its blend of old Florida charm, modern amenities, and abundance of outdoor recreation make it the perfect place to call home.
Thinking of buying your next home in Punta Gorda? Here’s everything you need to know about living in this Southwest Florida paradise.
About Punta Gorda
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov
A small city located in Charlotte County on the coast of Southwest Florida, Punta Gorda was founded in 1884 and named for the Spanish phrase meaning “fat point.” A reference to its large landmass that protrudes out into the harbor.
Punta Gorda covers approximately 21 square miles between Naples and Sarasota and is home to an estimated 19,761 people. A mix of single residents and families, plus a large population of retirees. The real estate market in Punta Gorda is booming with those looking for a sunny escape to Florida without the high traffic or high price tag of Miami and other big cities.
One of the most popular regions of Punta Gorda is the Harborside and Fishermen’s Village area, which is full of parks, marinas, shops, and restaurants along the waterfront. It’s become a hub for the community and a top destination for fishing, boating, and other water recreation.
The Punta Gorda Lifestyle
Photo Credit: Feng Cheng
Nicknamed “Florida’s Harborside Hometown,” Punta Gorda offers a laid-back lifestyle with plenty of walkable areas, quaint cafes and shops, and scenic waterfront views. Punta Gorda residents can enjoy quiet mornings strolling the Harborside, sunny afternoons out on the water, and evenings dining out with family and friends. The city is also known for its community of friendly locals.
Punta Gorda Florida Climate and Weather
Like most of Florida, Punta Gorda has a humid subtropical climate. The weather remains fairly sunny and warm for most of the year, averaging temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperature peaks into the 90s.
Winters are cool and dry, and can see cold fronts dip down into the 50s and 60s. Rarely, if ever, do temperatures fall below 40 degrees in Punta Gorda. Most of the year is pleasant to be outdoors.
Hurricane Season in Punta Gorda
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November, and like most Floridians, Punta Gorda residents should keep a watchful eye on any developing storms and take necessary precautions.
While hurricanes are always a risk in Florida, Punta Gorda residents can take solace in the fact that the houses and buildings in the city were constructed with stringent building codes. Many have already withstood some of the strongest storms.
Cost of Living in Punta Gorda
The overall cost of living in Punta Gorda is ranked about 4% lower than the national average. Housing costs ranked significantly lower, at around 17% less than the national average. Coupled with low property taxes and no local or state income tax — Punta Gorda offers a high quality of living at an affordable price.
Punta Gorda Safety
Punta Gorda is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Florida. The city’s crime rates are much lower than national averages, with very low rates of violent crime. Most reported crimes in Punta Gorda typically involve theft. The city also has a robust public safety program — employing full-time police, fire, paramedics, and healthcare facilities.
Punta Gorda Schools
Punta Gorda has several top-rated schools, both public and private. Students of all ages have a safe place to study in Punta Gorda with several preschools, elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. Post-secondary students also have opportunities with universities, community colleges, and technical schools nearby.
Things To Do in Punta Gorda
Don’t let the small-town charm fool you; there are plenty of things to do in Punta Gorda. From water recreation and outdoor activities to exploring local art, history, and culture — you’ll find a little bit of everything in this one-of-a-kind town.
Outdoor Recreation
Photo Credit: sculpies
There’s no better way to enjoy the year-round sunshine in Punta Gorda than by spending some time outdoors. Whether you like to walk, bike, or jog, you can enjoy 18 miles of pedestrian trails that connect communities to the many parks and green spaces. Or, take a peaceful stroll along the Harborwalk to enjoy the fresh ocean air.
If you’re a golfer, Punta Gorda and the surrounding communities of Port Charlotte and Englewood have over a dozen beautiful and challenging golf courses. If you enjoy tennis or pickleball, you’ll find several local courts and racquet clubs in the area.
Fishing and Boating
Punta Gorda is a world-renowned fishing destination with endless opportunities for anglers. You can fish from the shoreline or the pier, head out into the harbor by boat, or cast your line in one of the freshwater lakes or rivers. You’re also close to the Boca Grande Pass, the deepwater inlet known as “The Tarpon Capital of the World.”
Besides fishing, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the waters off Punta Gorda. From kayaking and paddle boarding to dolphin-watching tours and sunset cruises. There’s always something to do on the water.
Get to Know the Locals
Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov
The Punta Gorda community is very friendly and welcoming. Get to know the locals through one of many community events, festivals, and farmer’s markets. Or, join one of the local groups or clubs. You’ll find everything from sailing and tennis clubs to running groups, social functions, and parent organizations.
Family Friendly Activities
The Punta Gorda and surrounding Port Charlotte area have plenty of family-friendly things to do. From parks, playgrounds, and splash pads to bowling, youth sports leagues, and more. Families will find plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained in Punta Gorda.
Dining and Nightlife
PHOTO CREDIT: STOCKCREATIONS
You might not think of this small seaside town as a mecca for culinary masterpieces, but you’d be wrong. Punta Gorda is a foodie haven! You’ll find a variety of restaurants featuring everything from international cuisine, fine dining, and of course — fresh seafood plucked right from the harbor. The food scene in Punta Gorda is so popular, that it even won second place on USA Today’s ‘Best Small Town Food Scene’ list!
In addition to all the great restaurants in Punta Gorda, you’ll find local pubs, breweries, and plenty of other places to relax with a cocktail and some live music at the end of the day.
Art, History, and Culture
Punta Gorda has a thriving art, history, and culture scene. You’ll find historic districts, museums, sculpture gardens, art galleries, outdoor murals, and more. Throughout the year, the city hosts several art festivals, craft fairs, cultural events, and performing arts shows.
Nature and Wildlife
Photo Credit: SunflowerMomma
Punta Gorda is home to several nature preserves, wetlands, and wildlife sanctuaries where you can take a leisurely stroll, bike ride, hike, or even paddle through on your kayak. You’ll have the opportunity to spot native Florida wildlife like alligators, turtles, small mammals, and more. Punta Gorda is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and is a haven for bird watchers.
Nearby Attractions
While Punta Gorda is a beautiful place, there’s lots more to see and do nearby. Punta Gorda is conveniently located close to major highways and just within a few hours' drive of many famous Florida attractions. A short day trip is all you need to explore major cities like Tampa or Miami or visit top attractions like Disney World or Everglades National Park.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Punta Gorda
Planning on a move can be a big decision, especially if you’re coming from out of state and not used to the Florida lifestyle. We’ve narrowed down some of the top pros and cons of living in Punta Gorda to consider when making your decision.
Punta Gorda Pros:
- Sunshine and warm weather year-round
- Relaxed lifestyle
- Family-friendly
- Plenty of activities
- High safety ratings
- Low taxes
- More affordable than many other Florida cities
- Good location with easy access to nearby attractions
Punta Gorda Cons:
- Summers can get quite hot
- Threat of hurricanes
- Limited public transportation (compared to large US cities)
Every city has pros and cons, but overall, Punta Gorda has high rankings and is a great place to consider when moving to Florida.
Ready to Move to Punta Gorda?
With warm, sunny weather, gorgeous scenery, and a laid-back seaside lifestyle, it’s no wonder so many are looking to call Punta Gorda home. From couples searching for their first home to families looking for more space or retirees looking for a peaceful place to retire, there’s a place for everyone in Punta Gorda.
There are many different communities to choose from in Punta Gorda. When you’re ready to start your search, NV Realty is here to help with local expertise and unmatched service. Let us guide you in finding your dream home and start your next chapter in beautiful Punta Gorda.