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Prairie Creek

Prairie Creek

$610,372 Average Value
$277 Average Price per Sq Ft
15 Homes 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.
Liz Coughlin
Written By
Liz Coughlin

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Debra Myers, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

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

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$678,000
Median Sale Price
$585,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$655,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
11%
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$277

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
551
Number of Homes for Sale
15
Median Year Built
1991
Months of Supply
4.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,579
Significantly above the national average
1,931
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
18,513

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jul 13
    12 - 3pm

    17001 Prairie Creek Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982

    $535,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,451 Sq Ft
    • 17001 Prairie Creek Blvd
    • New 9 days ago

    Under contract-accepting backup offers. Rambling 7.65 acre property in the Equestrian Community of Prairie Creek Park. This ranch home features 4 bedrooms and two baths. You can entertain in either the formal living and dining room or the more casual family room off the kitchen, which includes a fireplace surrounded by Macedonian stone. Early in the 1990’s the original attached garage was

    Vicky McPhee KW PEACE RIVER PARTNERS

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Debra Myers, 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Prairie Creek
Debra Myers
EXIT Compass Realty
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