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Punta Gorda Retirement Guide

by Andrew Selby | Updated: May 13, 2023

Punta Gorda is a small city in southwest Florida. It is best known for its ideal Florida climate, and a laid-back lifestyle that feels relaxed even for Florida.

If you are looking for a retirement destination that combines all of the best aspects of Florida living in a small-town environment, this is the place.

Getting to Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is easily accessible by highway from almost any direction using either I-75, US-17, or US-41. Interstate 75 runs right past the area coming south from Tampa and then continuing east across the middle of the state toward Fort Lauderdale. US-17 ties Punta Gorda into the more central part of the state, just south of Orlando, and US-41 runs south past Naples before heading east towards Miami.

Punta Gorda has its own small airport, and several discount airlines specialize in connecting to various parts of the country. The area is also about 45 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, which connects to almost anywhere in the country you might want to fly.

Punta Gorda History

The area that would eventually become Punta Gorda was originally home to the Calusa Native Americans. Life for those tribes was focused on fishing, so they put incredible effort into building an intricate canal system.

The first resident settler here was James Madison Lanier, who hunted on the land before selling it to Isaac Trabue. Trabue went on to purchase most of the land that would eventually become Punta Gorda. The area became a popular tourist destination following the completion of the Punta Gorda Hotel, which James Vanderbilt partly owned.


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Punta Gorda Weather

Like most of southwest Florida, Punta Gorda enjoys a subtropical climate that is warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to low-90s in the summer months, then fall between the mid-60s and low-70s in the winter.

The rainy season in southwest Florida runs from June through September, but Punta Gorda typically sees less total rainfall than many of its neighboring cities. There is also the threat of hurricane season from June through November each year.

Punta Gorda Cost of Living

Punta Gorda has a reputation for being one of the most affordable retirement destinations along the southern Gulf Coast of Florida. Buying or renting homes can be extremely reasonable compared to neighboring areas.

In addition to finding affordable housing, those relocating to Punta Gorda enjoy lower-than-average daily living expenses on everything from groceries to entertainment. This is primarily due to the fact that the area is more residential and less of a tourist destination.

Punta Gorda Healthcare

The local healthcare community revolves around ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda, which was known as Charlotte Hospital when it was first constructed in 1947. Today, this facility boasts 208 beds, all in private rooms, and a massive staff specializing in everything from basic joint and spine care to more serious concerns like stroke and chest pain.

In addition to the care available at ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda, residents also enjoy access to many smaller clinics, specialist facilities, and pharmacies throughout the area.

Things to Do in Punta Gorda

The Punta Gorda lifestyle is big on getting outside and enjoying the beautiful climate and scenery of Southwest Florida.

Popular outdoor activity destinations include Laishley Park, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, Peace River Wildlife Center, and Babock Ranch Preserve. Most of these destinations come with gorgeous views of the water, plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting, and even some exercise trails.

On the rare day when the weather isn't spectacular in Punta Gorda, the Military Heritage Museum and Alligator Bay Distillers are excellent indoor activities to explore.

Getting out on the water is also a popular activity in Punta Gorda, and many residents will take visitors out for activities like swimming with dolphins, Gulf fishing adventures, and sunset cruises.


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Punta Gorda Dining

Dining with a view is one of the best things about the Punta Gorda restaurant scene, and you will find fresh seafood right on the water at The Pier at Fisherman's Village and Laishley Crab House. Both of these options also feature a fantastic sushi menu.

Downtown Punta Gorda also has an excellent selection of restaurants. Residents will likely become frequent guests at Leroy's Southern Kitchen & Bar, FM Don's, River City Grill, and Hemingway's Grille. Each of these destinations offers a different twist on upscale casual American cuisine.

For special occasions in Punta Gorda, it's hard to beat the experience you will find at The Perfect Caper. Chef Jeanie Roland is well-known for her love of butter, so you can be sure that everything on the menu here is packed full of flavor!

Punta Gorda Shopping

Fisherman's Village is a waterfront mall, resort, and marina that offers one of the most unique shopping experiences you will find anywhere in Florida. This fantastic gem is packed with more than 30 boutique shops and five excellent restaurants to complete the perfect shopping day in Southwest Florida.

In addition to Fisherman's Village, shopaholics can also find a great selection of shops in downtown Punta Gorda, and there are even more within a short drive of the community. Businesses like Sandman Book Company, Downtown Bizarre, Grace & Shelly's Cupcakes, and The Orange House Gift Shop combine to create a truly unique shopping experience.

Where to Retire in Punta Gorda

The pool at Kings Gate

Because of its ideal location along the southern Gulf Coast, Punta Gorda is a growing hotbed for retirement communities. There is a wide selection of options within a short drive of downtown (and the water), and prospective buyers can find something for almost any budget or preference.

One example is Kings Gate, right across the bridge from Punta Gorda in Port Charlotte, which offers easy access to beaches, marinas, wildlife sanctuaries, airports, and more, many within a 15-minute drive or less. A friendly, gated neighborhood community for residents age 55 and up, Kings Gate homeowners enjoy access to a recreation center, Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa, tennis courts, on-site activities director, and a variety of resident clubs and social events. Membership to the 18-hole golf course and facilities are additionally available. Prices start in the $300k’s.

You can request more information about Kings Gate right here.

Another popular option is Babcock Ranch. In fact, many of the homes in Babcock Ranch have a Punta Gorda address.

Here are some of the latest listings in Punta Gorda for you to explore:

25013 Halliana Lane Punta Gorda FL 33955
New Listing - 4 hours online
1 / 63
$775,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
3
TOTAL BATHS
2,445
SQFT
25013 Halliana Lane
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Heritage Landing Golf And Country Club Subdivision
4099 La Costa Island Ct Punta Gorda FL 33950
New Listing - 6 hours online
1 / 39
$750,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
3
TOTAL BATHS
2,551
SQFT
4099 La Costa Island Ct
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 12 Subdivision
1318 Penguin Court Punta Gorda FL 33950
New Listing - 9 hours online
1 / 79
$799,900
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
1,683
SQFT
1318 Penguin Court
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 14 Subdivision
1344 Mediterranean Drive Punta Gorda FL 33950
New Listing - 10 hours online
1 / 22
$599,000
Condo For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
2,034
SQFT
1344 Mediterranean Drive #131
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Las Brisas Condo Subdivision
2037 Royal Tern Circle Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - 10 hours online
1 / 37
$304,000
Villa For Sale
Active
2
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
1,368
SQFT
2037 Royal Tern Circle
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Heritage Lake Park 01 Rep Subdivision
183 Maria Court Punta Gorda FL 33950
New Listing - 10 hours online
1 / 28
$2,064,811
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
4
TOTAL BATHS
2,741
SQFT
183 Maria Court
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 01 Subdivision
7322 Satsuma Drive Punta Gorda FL 33955
New Listing - 11 hours online
1 / 53
$359,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
1,493
SQFT
7322 Satsuma Drive
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 18 Subdivision
25225 Rampart Boulevard Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - 11 hours online
1 / 32
$199,900
Condo For Sale
Active
2
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
886
SQFT
25225 Rampart Boulevard #206
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Lakeshore Charlotte County Ph 01 Subdivision
25225 Rampart Boulevard Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - 11 hours online
1 / 19
$146,000
Condo For Sale
Active
2
BEDS
1
TOTAL BATH
886
SQFT
25225 Rampart Boulevard #1202
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Lakeshore Charlotte County Ph 02 Subdivision
17594 Vellum Circle Punta Gorda FL 33955
New Listing - 11 hours online
1 / 14
$599,900
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
4
TOTAL BATHS
2,223
SQFT
17594 Vellum Circle
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Burnt Store Lakes Subdivision
6369 Scott Street Punta Gorda FL 33950
New Listing - 11 hours online
1 / 20
$239,900
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
1
BED
1
TOTAL BATH
977
SQFT
6369 Scott Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Acreage & Unrec Subdivision
3500 Terin Court Punta Gorda FL 33950
New Listing - 12 hours online
1 / 36
$1,950,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
5
BEDS
5
TOTAL BATHS
4,148
SQFT
3500 Terin Court
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 15 Subdivision
16044 Badalona Drive Punta Gorda FL 33955
Open House Sat, Jun 10, 4 PM UTC
1 / 27
$359,900
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
1,562
SQFT
16044 Badalona Drive
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 16 Subdivision
600 Encarnacion Street Punta Gorda FL 33983
Open House Sun, Jun 11, 4 PM UTC
1 / 3
$580,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
1,876
SQFT
600 Encarnacion Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 20 Subdivision
25470 Palisade Road Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - 15 hours online
1 / 61
$475,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
4
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
2,245
SQFT
25470 Palisade Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 23 Subdivision
42386 Waterfront Way Punta Gorda FL 33982
Open House Sat, Jun 10, 5 AM UTC
1 / 52
$1,200,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
4
BEDS
3
TOTAL BATHS
2,489
SQFT
42386 Waterfront Way
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Babcock Ranch Community Edgewa Subdivision
25404 Babette Court Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - yesterday
1 / 34
$549,900
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
2,313
SQFT
25404 Babette Court
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 23 Subdivision
26410 Rampart Boulevard Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - yesterday
1 / 51
$225,000
Condo For Sale
Active
2
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
895
SQFT
26410 Rampart Boulevard #724
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Fairway Villas Bldg 07 Subdivision
636 Maltese Drive Punta Gorda FL 33950
Open House Sat, Jun 10, 5 PM UTC
1 / 55
$1,250,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
3
TOTAL BATHS
2,717
SQFT
636 Maltese Drive
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 15 Subdivision
121 Manizaks Avenue Punta Gorda FL 33983
New Listing - yesterday
1 / 37
$519,000
Single Family Home For Sale
Active
3
BEDS
2
TOTAL BATHS
1,947
SQFT
121 Manizaks Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33983
Punta Gorda Isles Sec 20 Subdivision

Final Thoughts

Punta Gorda is a wonderful Southwest Florida destination for anyone looking for a peaceful and affordable place to retire. With its beautiful weather, serene atmosphere, and various amenities, Punta Gorda offers retirees a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. From outdoor activities to cultural events, this small town has something for everyone. So, if you're considering retiring in Florida, Punta Gorda is definitely worth a closer look. With its friendly community and laid-back lifestyle, it just might be the perfect place to call home in your retirement years.

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