Situated between Tampa to the north and Fort Myers to the south, Port Charlotte, Florida, sits on the lovely Gulf Coast in Charlotte County. Known for its laid-back vibe, waterfront homes, and relatively low cost of living, Port Charlotte is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors, especially water-based activities. If you’re moving to Port Charlotte, there are many things you need to know to get prepared. Living in Florida is much different than “up north,” primarily due to the hot, sunny weather year-round. There’s more to Port Charlotte than that, of course, as you’ll see below in this comprehensive moving guide brought to you by the storage experts at Hide-Away Self Storage!
The Cost of Living in Port Charlotte
While many of the cities in the Sunshine State are expensive to live in, you’ll be glad to know that, for the most part, Port Charlotte isn’t one of them. For example, the city’s overall cost of living index is 89/100. The only cost index higher than 100 is groceries, which are 103/100, 3 points higher. Transportation is much lower at 78/100; healthcare, utilities, and miscellaneous costs are all 3 or 4 points lower. As you’ll see next, however, the housing cost index is where Port Charlotte shines.
Port Charlotte’s Housing Market
The median home cost in Port Charlotte, FL, is 81/100, nearly 20 points lower than the U.S. average! That’s great news for anyone wanting to purchase a home, with prices about $40,000 less than similar cities. Rents are cheaper as well, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for around $1,100. There are plenty of homes for sale, and many are economically priced. However, you can expect higher prices if you want to live on the water.
NOTE: 100 is the national average, and we’ve rounded up to whole numbers to make things easier. Anything less than 100 is less expensive than the national U.S. average, and vice versa.
The Port Charlotte School System
Port Charlotte has 14 public schools and Niche gives the school system a grade of B+, which is very good. Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School is the #51 best public high school in the Sunshine State and gets an A. Then there’s Sky Academy Venice, the #81 middle school in Florida. Most of the remaining schools get Bs, meaning your kids should be OK for schooling no matter where you live in Port Charlotte.
The 5 Best Neighborhoods in Port Charlotte
Most of the communities in Port Charlotte are similar, although some are higher-end than others, especially those with waterfront homes. Still, all are worth a look before deciding where to settle down.
1. Cove At West Port
From large single-family homes to twin villas, you’ll have access to some fantastic amenities wherever you live in Cove at West Point. A clubhouse, bocce ball, and a resort-style pool are only part of them, and prices start at around $200,000.
2. Gulf Cove
Located on the Myakka River, homes in Gulf Cove are higher than most. (They start around $300,000.) If boating, fishing, and golfing are your jam, Gulf Cove will be your jelly! It’s also connected to the top schools (see above) and offers access by boat to the Gulf of Mexico! Many of the homes have spectacular views of the Myakka River and private docks to park your boat.
3. Kings Gate
A 55+ gated community, Kings Gate offers resort-style living on a budget, with homes starting around $250.000. The community offers everything you would imagine a community of this type would offer, from a massive clubhouse to an excellent golf course. There are villas, attached homes, and single-family homes to choose from in this lovely Port Charlotte community.
4. Peachland Homes
This new construction community is mere minutes from Port Charlotte Beach Park, one of the best on the Gulf Coast. It’s beautiful, has access to major roads for convenience, and features Fishermans Village, one of the top waterfront destinations in the area. Homes start at a reasonable $300,000, which is excellent considering all the extra amenities you get for your money.
5. South Gulf Cove Homes
Known as “Old Florida” and very close to the Myakka River, South Gulf Cove Homes has the widest disparity of home prices, starting at $380,000 and going as high as $1.6 million. It’s secluded, quiet, and considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in Port Charlotte. Indeed, this is what locals refer to as the “coastal lifestyle.”
Fun Things to Do in Port Charlotte
There’s no lack of fun and exciting things to do in Port Charlotte! We could fill an entire website, but the following list will suffice.
- Fishermens Village
- Boating
- Boca Grande
- Deep sea fishing
- Bayshore Live Oak Park
- Surfing
- Charlotte Sports Park
- Kayaking in mangroves while watching manatees
- Beachcombing for shells
- Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park
- Biking
- Hiking
- Port Charlotte Beach Park
- Antiquing
- Golf, golf, and more golf
- Cape Haze Pioneer Trail Park
- Barhopping local waterfront bars
The Pros and Cons of Living in Port Charlotte
PROS
- Mild, warm, and sunny winter weather
- No state income taxes
- Fresh seafood
- Many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors
- Beautiful beaches
- An affordable cost of living
- Close to major attractions
CONS
- Sweltering, humid summers
- Limited nightlife
- Tourists in winter and spring break
- Hurricane risk
- Lots of insects
- Fewer young folks
Top 15 Restaurants in Port Charlotte
- Finnegan’s Grille & Pub
- Peace River Seafood and Crab Shack
- The Twisted Fork
- Cody’s Original Roadhouse
- Taste of Europe Bistro
- Bocca Lupo Coal Fired Pizza Port Charlotte
- Village Fish Market
- The Celtic Ray Public House
- Hurricane Charley’s Raw Bar and Grill
- The Perfect Caper
- Harpoon Harry’s Restaurant and Bar
- Brother’s Fish House
- Prime Serious Steak
- Chubbyz Tavern Grill
- Hurricane Charley’s Sushi, Raw Bar, and Grill
Let Hide-Away Storage Make Your Move to Port Charlotte Stress-Free
Need Port Charlotte storage to store your belongings while searching for a new home? If so, Hide-Away Storage has storage units in Port Charlotte that are clean, secure, and safe to visit day or night. Our storage unit size guide can help you choose the perfect storage unit for your needs, and our FAQ page is super helpful if you have questions. Hide-way offers boat storage, also, making us the best location for all your Port Charlotte storage needs!