Located almost exactly halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Port Charlotte is one of the true hidden gems of Florida's Gulf Coast, which makes it a natural destination for many boomers looking to enjoy their retirement years.
This small town community is located right on the water of Charlotte Harbor and offers access to more than 165 miles of waterways, so all kinds of water activities are extremely popular here.
But that's not all that Port Charlotte brings to the table. Let's dive in and learn more about this southwest Florida destination!
Port Charlotte History
The earliest residents of Port Charlotte are believed to be the Paleo-Indians that moved south during the last ice age sometime around 10,000 BC. During the 1800s, the area was home to the Seminole Indians, but it was largely ignored by American settlers since many of the new railroads bypassed the area.
When the Florida Land Boom took off following World War II, it was only natural that Port Charlotte would appeal to enterprising developers, and the area quickly became the most popular town in Charlotte County. That population growth continued to expand throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Port Charlotte Lifestyle
With a whopping 830 miles of shoreline, everything about the Port Charlotte lifestyle revolves around the water. The area regularly ranks as one of the world's best sailing destinations, and there are more than two dozen local marinas that make storing and maintaining boats of all sizes easy.
In addition to taking a sailboat out on the open seas, local residents also enjoy other water activities like canning, kayaking, and standup paddleboarding. There are more than 200 miles of mangrove tunnel waterways that work their way through Charlotte County, so residents never run out of places to explore.
Port Charlotte residents also have more than 20 outstanding golf courses to choose from across Charlotte County and some of the most secluded white sand beaches in all of Florida, so finding a tee time or a suntan spot is never an issue.
Port Charlotte Shopping
Like many of the small towns on both sides of Florida, Port Charlotte has a downtown area that is filled with unique shopping destinations.
Spending a day exploring the area might lead you to shops like Funkie Junkies Marketplace and Copperfish Books located right across the river in Punta Gorda.
Of course, when all you really need is the standard mall shopping experience, that is always available at Port Charlotte Town Center.
Port Charlotte Dining
Known to locals as the Tamiami Trail, FL-41 is the main road that runs straight through Port Charlotte, so it is also the place to find all of the more popular dining destinations in town, and there are more than a few to choose from here!
Depending on the type of meal you are looking for, you might find yourself heading to Wally's Southern Style BBQ for ribs, Plaza Mexico for tacos, Brother's Fish House for seafood, or Curry & Kabab for Indian cuisine. And there is always the option of grabbing a Phili-style Cheesesteak from The Philadelphian on your way to or from the boat!
Port Charlotte Area Communities
There are a handful of 55+ communities in Port Charlotte, but one that is currently still building and selling new homes is Kings Gate.
Located in Port Charlotte, Kings Gate 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 $200k's.
You can request more information about Kings Gate right here:
Final Thoughts
If small-town living mixed with boats, golf courses, and beaches is what you are looking for, Port Charlotte is the perfect destination. And when you add in the culture, shopping, and dining options, it becomes one of the best-kept secrets in all of Florida, which is what makes it a perfect fit for retiring boomers.
We were focused on Fort Myers when looking for a winter home but we stumbled upon Port Charlotte and loved it. We have been spending time each winter for 3 years now and are happy with our decision.
We went to Port Charlotte on a 2 week vacation for my husband’s 60th birthday in 2012. A month later we bought a house on Hawthorne Ave and have been spending every winter there since. It has changed and the population has grown through the years but we’ve never regretted our decision.
Purchased a home on almost an acre of land in 2019. Best decision we ever made! Intercoastal is at the end of our road with direct access to Charlotte Harbor. Nice neighborhood too. Only draw back are the older, run down properties that have been ignored and the high property taxes. That does not deter it from being an up and coming place especially for snowbirds with alot to offer.
This is a great area. I have family that lives there and I vacation there once or twice a year – it never gets old…
My husband and I moved here a year and a half ago to retire so far we really love it convenient location lots to do!!
My grandmparemrs moved here in the 1960s on Elkcam. I grew up in the 70s and 80s spending the summers her. It’s a beautiful community
Moved here one year ago to retire so far we love it can’t beat the location and local amenities and numerous beautiful beaches
Haven’t been there yet but will in the near future.