Grove City is an Old Florida destination on the Gulf Coast
Nestled along Lemon Bay just south of Englewood in Charlotte County, Grove City offers a slow-paced lifestyle. “It’s not a busy place,” says Phyllis Rollo, a longtime area resident and Realtor for Keller Williams Coastal Living. "People go down there for the seclusion." This Gulf Coast community has an Old Florida vibe, with the added benefit of being close to modern amenities. “I look at Grove City as the place where all the fishermen go,” Rollo adds. “It’s a really nice area with shopping and good eating.” Residents also enjoy easy access to popular parks and well-rated schools.
Ranch homes are common, and waterfront homes offer direct water access
The community offers a wide range of housing. “You have really expensive homes on the water, medium-priced homes and mobile homes,” Rollo says. “And they’re starting to bring in some of the big homebuilders, like D.R. Horton. It’s a variation of everything.” Ranch-style houses are common among the prominent midcentury designs. Typical examples feature driveways and either carports or attached garages. Spacious lots offer ample yard space. Pool homes are common closer to the water. Many of these are located on canals, with private docks and direct access to the bay. Size, price and architectural diversity increase the closer homes are to the water. Multilevel Coastal-style houses stand out among the largest and most expensive options. Inland prices typically range from the low $200,000s to the mid-$300,000s. Waterfront homes run from around $500,000 into the multimillions, depending on age, size and amenities. Townhouses and condos can also be found. The median sales price is $275,000. Insurance rates are likely to be affected by the high risk of flooding and wind damage during hurricane season.
Charlotte County adds extra resources to deal with hurricanes
Coastal communities in this area are familiar with weather-related challenges. After damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024, Charlotte County brought in reinforcements. The sheriff’s office added several jon boats, marine trucks and ATVs to aid in transportation and recovery efforts the next time a hurricane hits.
Nearby waters are a haven for boaters
The Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve borders the community, and the open waters of the Gulf are just minutes away. “You see a lot of people with boats,” Rollo says. Nearby Stump Pass, which provides easy access to the Gulf, is a beachfront attraction where boaters gather to socialize before and after their nautical adventures. The beaches and walking trails directly to the north remain closed due to damage from the 2024 hurricanes. However, beaches on the north end of Manasota Key have reopened. Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park is a sprawling recreational destination about a mile from Grove City. A 23,000-square-foot community center anchors the park’s amenities, which include a pool, athletic courts and a playground. In addition, a trail system connects visitors to Cedar Point Environmental Park. There’s also a kayak launch along the route.
Boutique shops, restaurants and marine businesses
Shopping and dining options are conveniently concentrated along Placida Road. The commercial corridor, which runs through Grove City, offers a mix of boutique shops and small retail stores. Several of the community’s businesses cater to the waterfront lifestyle, including marine shops and marinas. More retailers can be found in neighboring Englewood, including a Publix that anchors the Merchants Crossing shopping center about 2 miles away. Popular dining destinations range from no-frills sandwich shops to casual comfort food eateries to dockside restaurants.
Well-rated schools have traditionally been a draw for the area
Students can attend a trio of well-rated schools under the direction of Charlotte County Schools, which earns an A-minus from Niche. “Our schools have always been a draw,” Rollo says. Lemon Bay High School is just outside the community, and its academic offerings range from dual-enrollment courses to career and technical education to NJROTC. Vineland Elementary and L.A. Ainger Middle are adjacent schools close by. All three schools are rated a B-plus by Niche.
Venice, Port Charlotte are about 15 miles away
Placida Road provides direct access north into Greater Englewood. HCA Florida Englewood Hospital is about a 3-mile drive. Englewood Road, which turns into Tamiami Trail, connects residents to Venice, about 15 miles away, and Sarasota farther north. Port Charlotte is also about 15 miles away via Florida State Road 776. The highway also leads to Interstate 75, about 25 miles away. The Punta Gorda Airport is about a 30-mile drive.
The community’s Cap Index Crime Score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average.
Written By
Matt Pallister
