$582,558Average Value$273Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes 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:
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On average, homes in Prairie Creek, Punta Gorda sell after 131 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 $658,000, up 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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