Punta Gorda vs Cape Coral vs ???

Creekwood

Well-Known Member
GOLD Sponsor
Apr 26, 2009
5,797
Oakville and Georgian Bay, Ontario
Boat Info
'97 330 Sundancer, Raymarine C80 suite with radar, Mercury 310 Hypalon w/8hp Yammie 2stk
Engines
2X 454 carbs w/ vDrives
This early winter weather up here has got me pining for the days when I can head south for the winter. So I am ramping up my annual winter Zillow trolling. My plan is to retire in say 2 to 3 years. So asking for the views of those that live in or know Florida well to give some advice. Any and all are appreciated, even though I have done a lot of research already, I don’t mind reinforcing old info.

Parameters for my wife and I:
- Budget home price say $450 to 650K
- Canal on deepish water, less than 15 min to get out
- I plan on getting a non-cruiser boat for there (25ft cc or wa)
- Pool is a must have
- Close to decent restaurants/night life (low key)
- Prefer the gulf side (closer to sister’s place in Naples but don’t need to be too close)
- Have rented a few times in Cape Coral and Port Charlotte.

Thoughts?
 
This early winter weather up here has got me pining for the days when I can head south for the winter. So I am ramping up my annual winter Zillow trolling. My plan is to retire in say 2 to 3 years. So asking for the views of those that live in or know Florida well to give some advice. Any and all are appreciated, even though I have done a lot of research already, I don’t mind reinforcing old info.

Parameters for my wife and I:
- Budget home price say $450 to 650K
- Canal on deepish water, less than 15 min to get out
- I plan on getting a non-cruiser boat for there (25ft cc or wa)
- Pool is a must have
- Close to decent restaurants/night life (low key)
- Prefer the gulf side (closer to sister’s place in Naples but don’t need to be too ore)
- Have rented a few times in Cape Coral and Port Charlotte.

Thoughts?
I vote for Punta Gorda I just love it there my sister is in Port Charlotte
 
15 minutes out to what? From Punta Gorda to the Gulf is around an hour if you are right on Port Charlotte. SW Cape Coral will take you from 45 minutes to over an hour to get to the Sanibel Bridge.

Ken
 
He probably means 15 minutes out of the canals. I really like both areas. Punta Gorda has a lot more going on and a bit more congested... I think you would get more for your money in Cape Coral.
 
15 minutes out to what? From Punta Gorda to the Gulf is around an hour if you are right on Port Charlotte. SW Cape Coral will take you from 45 minutes to over an hour to get to the Sanibel Bridge.

Ken
I rented a boat in Cape Coral once and took it to Captiva. So I have experienced that long run. Have never done the same in Punta Gorda. So sounds like both are long runs to the gulf. My boating plans are probably more near shore or inshore anyway. Marco Island looks interesting as well, but the real estate is quite a bit higher.
 
He probably means 15 minutes out of the canals. I really like both areas. Punta Gorda has a lot more going on and a bit more congested... I think you would get more for your money in Cape Coral.

I did mean the canals. I know there are some good prices well inland that would add much longer runs to get to the bays. Want to limit the canal part to 15 min.
 
Oh yeah, one other thing. We have a dog and will likely always have one. Are any areas different in terms of being dog friendly? Are off leash parks or beaches available anywhere?
 
I live In Punta Gorda isle. 30 min boat ride to Charlotte Harbor and 14 mile run to Boca Grande pass.Punta Gorda is a Great little town. Nice friendly people some very good restaurants. But like any where in Florida it is a growing community.The only downside is the beaches are a 40 min car ride.But we enjoy taking the boat to get to the beach.
 
I live In Punta Gorda isle. 30 min boat ride to Charlotte Harbor and 14 mile run to Boca Grande pass.Punta Gorda is a Great little town. Nice friendly people some very good restaurants. But like any where in Florida it is a growing community.The only downside is the beaches are a 40 min car ride.But we enjoy taking the boat to get to the beach.

I have done some driving around Punta Gorda when we stayed in Port Charlotte. Seems nice. How is it for flood zone insurance issues? Taxes seem higher than Cape Coral. Is that because seawalls are maintained by the town in PGI?

I notice they are doing a new access cut to the GoM near Alligator Creek that looks like it will improve access for those in that end of the community and probably change boat traffic patterns on the main canals.
 
Creekwood yes the seawalls in PGI are maintained by the town,This was worth every penny we pay when Irma came through.This is a big benefit to us.Folks in Cape Coral and other towns had to pay out of pocket for seawall repair.As far as flood zone coverage it is not too bad as long as your home is built after 2004 when they raised the building grade height.Also with the homestead provision taxes are really not bad.Yes the new cut to the harbor is a game changer.
 
Cape Coral would be your best bet price wise. I have a Realtor friend there who can give you more info. PM me if interested.
 

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