$588,271Average Value$273Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
Elbow room and agricultural allowances in Washington Loop
Moss-draped trees and vast open fields flank Washington Loop's country roads. This community offers more elbow room in the rural area about 15 miles northeast of the Punta Gorda. It draws animal lovers, especially equestrians, with 5-acre minimum lots and agricultural zoning that allows for horses and other livestock. Yet it's also connected to Punta Gorda and its vibrant, waterfront downtown, according to Afra Newell, Realtor with Keller Williams Peace River Partners. That combination drew Newell and her husband to the area about 24 years ago. "We came from the east coast of Florida, which is highly populated and has lots of traffic," she says. "We wanted the room to let the animals run free, but we didn't want to be too far away from everyday life. That's one of the things we love about it."
Large plots of land for animals and crops
Residents enjoy a "do-what-you-want-with-your-land" attitude, according to Barbara Brunner, luxury home specialist at Coldwell Banker Global Luxury. Traditional Florida stucco homes are set back from the street on spacious, open lots dotted by pine trees, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, crops and farm animals. Lots range anywhere from 5 to 25 acres and often include barns. "A lot of people who have horses love their animals and want to be close to take care of them," Newell says. The agricultural zoning sets this area apart, and many residents own cows, pigs, chickens, and horses. The deed-restricted subdivisions of Prairie Creek East and West feature equestrian trails. The area also includes RV communities and a more densely developed west side. The median price is about $500,000 for single-family homes, and some luxury homes over 4,000 square feet can cost between $1 and $2 million.
Nature preserves, equestrian trails and beaches
Prairie Creek Preserve is a perk for the area's equestrians and nature-lovers. "It's a great place to ride or hike and enjoy all that there is to love about Florida wildlife," Brunner says. The 1,600-plus-acre preserve features hiking and equestrian trails through pine flatwoods and other upland habitats. Locals can also canoe, kayak and paddle on Shell Creek. Florida scrub jays, gopher tortoises, eastern indigo snakes and other wildlife live here. Punta Gorda is also known for its beaches, boating and fishing. Gasparilla Island is home to the quiet Boca Grande Beach. The Boca Grande Pass is considered the tarpon fishing capital of the world. "Fishing in this area is pretty big — that's why a lot of people like to move here," Newell says. "They keep their boat in their backyard."
Early college opportunities at Charlotte County Public Schools
Charlotte County Public Schools are around 15 miles away in the city, and school buses serve the neighborhood. The assigned schools include East Elementary, Punta Gorda Middle and Charlotte High. The elementary and high schools get B-plus grades from Niche. The middle school earns a B. Teens have several early-college opportunities, including Advanced Placement classes and dual enrollment classes through Florida Southwestern State College and Charlotte Technical College. Students can also boost their college applications and earn college credits with the Cambridge AICE program.
Waterfront dining and sunset views in downtown Punta Gorda
Downtown Punta Gorda is known for its mom-and-pop seafood restaurants, boutiques and coffee shops on the Peace River. In 2020, the city ranked as the No. 2 Best Small Town Food Scene in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The Perfect Caper offers an upscale experience by seven-time James Beard Foundation nominee Chef Jeanie Roland. Laishley Crab House serves fresh seafood and sushi with riverfront views. Waterfront sunsets are one of the main downtown highlights, according to Newell. "I've been here for 24 years, and my phone is full of sunset photos. Each sunset is different," she says. Groceries are available at Winn-Dixie and Publix.
Punta Gorda hosts signature events of the Southeast
Punta Gorda hosts regionally known events, including the Florida International Air Show in November. Locals look to the skies to see aerial stunts by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Punta Gorda Airport. Celebrations also take place downtown. Celtic Ray Public House, a downtown staple since 1997, shuts down Nesbit Street for an all-day Saint Patrick's Day party. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens celebrates the holidays with walk-through light displays and Christmas carols.
Cars and horses share the roads
Washington Loop gets its name from the main road that circles the neighborhood. Residents are cautious when driving through, as roads are well-traveled by both cars and horses. It joins with U.S. Route 17, the main route to the city. "Punta Gorda is the closest city with services, and neighbors feel very connected," Brunner says. "It's also a quick jump on I-75 to head to Sarasota or Fort Myers." Charlotte County Transit offers on-demand, curb-to-curb rides throughout the county.
Flood zones, weather and crop seasons
Flooding can be an issue for properties along Shell Creek, which flows through the center of the community. "The rest of the Loop and the Prairie Creek area are high and dry," Brunner says. "An experienced realtor can guide a buyer to properties with higher elevations." The weather is typical of Southwest Florida — "hot in the summer and fabulous in the winter, spring and fall," she says. Crop seasons differ from elsewhere in the country. Planting month is typically in September, and harvest month is generally in January, according to Brunner.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Reach out to
Mary Lou Hetman,
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Transit
Airport
Punta Gorda
31 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Prairie Creek
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Prairie Creek Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Prairie Creek, Punta Gorda sell after 111 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Prairie Creek, Punta Gorda over the last 12 months is $523,600, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautiful modern style steel home is proven hurricane safe, energy efficient, termite, mold and fire resistant because of its 16-gauge steel frame, SIP Siding (Steel Insulated Panel), Flat Roof Membrane and impact windows and doors which makes it very strong, energy efficient and very low maintenance and is move-in ready. The home was being built prior to Hurricane Ian. After the hurricane
This stunning, renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on 4.1 acres of open land in the highly sought-after Prairie Creek Park community — and it truly has it all. You’ll have plenty of space for horses, a chicken coop, and all your recreational vehicles or equipment. The oversized 6-car garage offers endless possibilities: store boats, jet-skis, motorcycles, or even transform part of it into a
Two Mobile Home Lots with Utilities, No Impact Fees & Opportunity Zone Advantage – Build or Invest in Punta Gorda. Now available: a rare opportunity to own two separately deeded mobile home lots totaling 0.56 acres in the heart of Punta Gorda. Located at 35781 & 35791 Washington Loop Rd, this dual-parcel package is zoned MHC (Manufactured Home Conventional), allowing for mobile or manufactured
Well maintained 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom, Pool home with a den, located in the desirable Prairie Creek Park community. OVER 7 fenced acres, perfect for equestrian family, hobby farmers, or anyone seeking a peaceful country lifestyle. NO FLOOD REQUIRED! CLICK ON THE VIRTUAL TOUR LINK 1 FOR THE VIDEO AND VIRTUAL LINK 2 FOR THE 3D TOUR. This home has a sunken living room with a stone accent wall that
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Lou Hetman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,893
Median Age
50
Population under 18
19.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.7%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$91,598
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$121,893
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
27.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.7%
% Population in Labor Force
44%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
54''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
94°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
