A waterside lifestyle in Charlotte Park
Charlotte Park offers a relaxed waterside lifestyle between the deed-restricted communities of Punta Gorda Isles and Burnt Store Isles. "You're in the same proximity as Punta Gorda Isles as far as canals and harbor access, but you're not confined by any restrictions, which many people like," says Norine Walker, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who's sold homes in Punta Gorda since 2021 but has worked in real estate for 20 years. The biggest draw to this neighborhood is the waterside homes, which can be $200,000 to $300,000 less than communities next door. Part of the reason for this big price difference is that the canals can be narrower in Charlotte Park, and the bridges out to Charlotte Harbor can be lower, both of which restrict the size of the boats. Charlotte Park is a convenient 3-mile distance from downtown Punta Gorda, an area known for its dock-and-dine restaurants, local shops and events—including live music most weekends.
Places to golf and relax on the beach near Charlotte Park
Via the canals, boaters have access to Alligator Creek and Charlotte Harbor, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico. Golfers can tee up at Twin Isles Country Club, less than 3 miles away in the community of Burnt Store Isles. The club offers multiple membership options—including ones for avid golfers and social memberships for people who just want to attend events at the country club. Gilchrist Park and Ponce De Lion Park are within 4 miles, offering small sandy beaches. Ponce De Leon Park is at the Peace River Wildlife Center, where locals can see native species including pelicans up close before they are released. The park has a boat launch and nature trails but does not allow swimming. "People bring their beach chairs and watch the sunset there. There are also bagpipers that come outside [and play]," Walker says. For swimming, the beaches of Manasota Key are 30 miles west.
Homes are more affordable than in Punta Gorda Isles
Tropical flowers and palm trees decorate neighborhood streets lined with neo-traditional and cottage-style houses. A fair number of homes trace back to the 1960s and 70s, but some are newly built within the past few years. Many houses, regardless of their age, have sturdy block and slab foundations, and metal roofs are becoming more popular since they are more durable. "They are built to be bomb shelters because of the hurricanes," Walker says of the houses here. "A lot of them have hurricane-impact glass on the windows if they don't have hurricane shutters." Flooding can be an issue, depending on the street, but Walker says most homes are built on an elevation. While fixer-uppers in Punta Gorda Isles can go for around $650,000, renovated canal-front homes in Charlotte Park can sell for around $475,000. Depending on water access, age and condition, established properties typically range from the $200,000s to the $400,000s. New construction mostly hovers in the $300,000s. There are several manufactured home communities in Charlotte Park, including the 55-plus Windmill Village, with homes priced from the $200,000s to the low $300,000s. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Publix is nearby on Tamiami Trail
The nearest shopping is along Tamiami Trail, where Goodwill and the Law's Seafood market are located. Burnt Store Shopping Center is on the same road, around 2 miles west, with Publix for general grocery shopping. Locals can head downtown to scope the small shops at Fishermen's Village, including clothing boutiques. "Punta Gorda has tried to keep its character by not having too many franchises, so there are a lot of mom-and-pop stores," Walker says. There are also at least 10 local dock-and-dine restaurants within a mile radius. Harpoon Harry's is a favorite for fried fish baskets, burgers and drinks. For upscale dining, Sunseeker Resort is within 4 miles. "They have restaurants and a food court, and the feeling is like you just got on a cruise ship, but it's parked on the harbor," says Rosemary Mahoney, who's sold homes in Punta Gorda for 33 years and works as a broker associate for Re/Max Palm Realty. Target and Walmart are 10 miles northwest in Port Charlotte.
Downtown Punta Gorda is a hub for local events
Punta Gorda offers year-round events—everything from car shows to art shows to events at local parks. Walker is retired from the military and praises how the community treats veterans: "The most beautiful Memorial Day celebration I have ever been to is in Punta Gorda every year at Laishley Park." There's also a farmers market running every Saturday and live music playing at the bars on the weekends. "A lot of retired musicians move down here and form these unbelievable bands," Walker says.
Sallie Jones Elementary School teaches its students leadership skills
Sallie Jones Elementary, Punta Gorda Middle and Charlotte High are highly rated within the Charlotte County Public Schools district. The elementary school has is a "Leader in Me Lighthouse Legacy School." Schools acquire this honor by fostering continued staff education and integrating leadership principles into their curriculum, including goal setting and implementation. Charlotte High School and Sallie Jones Elementary both earn A-minus ratings on Niche. Punta Gorda Middle scores a B ranking.
Close to Punta Gorda Airport, without the overhead traffic
Charlotte County lacks public bus routes but it offers reservation-based curb-to-curb minibus services. U.S. 41 runs along the neighborhood's eastern side, providing a direct route downtown and to other regional destinations. Punta Gorda Airport is less than 4 miles west following Airport Road with connecting flights to 50 national airports. "Charlotte Park is five to 10 minutes from the airport, but you don't get airplanes flying overhead," Walker says. Southwest Florida International Airport is around 40 miles north. HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital is less than 8 miles away in Port Charlotte.
