The Port Charlotte neighborhood of Gulf Cove is often called a boaters’ paradise thanks to the Myakka River, which runs along its east side. Miles of canals snake through the community, allowing some residents to hop on their boats from backyard docks and head out to the open waters. “You can get to the Gulf of Mexico,” says Leslie Brown, a Realtor with KW Coastal Living who sells throughout the area. “It might take you an hour to get there, but you can do it.”
A mix of dry lots and waterfront properties
This community is made up by three communities: Gulf Cove proper, Gardens of Gulf Cove and South Gulf Cove. Gulf Cove proper and Gardens of Gulf Cove are similar in that both offer a mix of waterfront and inland lots. However, Gardens of Gulf Cove has a voluntary HOA with amenities. “There are two pools, tennis and pickleball courts and activities,” Brown says.
Home options in both communities are ranch-style from the ‘70s and ‘80s, and New Traditional styles built after 1990. Prices range from $230,000 to $600,000, with those at the upper end offering more square footage, water views or both.
South Gulf Cove is often more desirable for its higher concentration of waterfront properties. It also has a voluntary HOA. Most homes are New Traditional style, built after 2000 and have three bedrooms. Prices range from $265,000 to $700,000 for smaller homes and $700,000 to $1.4 million for larger houses on sprawling lots. Regarding crime, the community has a 1 out of 10 on the CAP Index, three points lower than the national average.
Many outdoor recreation spots offer boating, hiking and golf
Canoes and kayaks are permitted throughout the Myakka River. Motorboats are allowed with restrictions. Myakka State Forest and Camp Haze Pioneer Trail Park are nearby and have hiking trails. South Gulf Cove Park offers a playground, picnic shelters and a fishing area. San Domingo Park has fitness trails and a multi-purpose field. Golfers can tee off at The Cove of Rotonda Golf Center, a public course with an 18-hole layout.
Shopping and dining along South McCall Road and Gasparilla Road
South McCall Road and Gasparilla Road, two major thoroughfares near the neighborhood, feature a few big-box stores, services and restaurants. Ephesus Mediterranean Grill is a local dine-in and carry-out spot specializing in Turkish dishes, a bakery and a coffee shop. Banditos is a laid-back neighborhood bar with karaoke, live music and outdoor seating.
Kids attend B and B-plus rated schools
The schools that serve the neighborhood include: Myakka River Elementary, which Niche rates a B on Niche, L.A. Ainger Middle and Lemon Bay High, both of which score a B-plus. Lemon Bay offers clubs for creative writing, the environment and a chapter of Future Farmers of America.
Punta Gorda has regular events
Residents gather in Punta Gorda for its annual events, including the Florida International Air Show, where U.S. Navy Blue Angels tear through the skies, and the Fisherman’s Village Independence Weekend Celebration, which offers live music, family-friendly activities and fireworks once the sun goes down.
Highway South McCall Road leads to Englewood
South McCall Road leads to nearby cities Englewood and Port Charlotte, as well as the closest hospital, HCA Englewood, about 10 miles away. The closest airport is in Punta Gorda and offers regional flights on Allegiant Air.
Environmental concerns
Due to its location in the state, Gulf Cove is vulnerable to hurricanes. In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused major damage to the neighborhood. As of 2025, the area is still recovering.
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
Are you familiar with the Gulf Cove neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Gulf Cove
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Gulf Cove Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Gulf Cove, Rotonda sell after 143 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulf Cove, Rotonda over the last 12 months is $399,499, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to your private slice of coastal paradise - A true lush tropical resort style estate with exceptional views, Gulf-access and sitting on just under an acre this beautiful expansive property has 319' of water frontage, and X FLOOD.. This estate blends refined elegance with tropical tranquility. The property is graced with an east-facing backyard, this rare offering has features that will
Experience Florida living at its finest in this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with an oversized 3-car garage. The spacious open-concept design features tile flooring throughout, cathedral and tray ceilings, granite countertops, and recessed lighting that create a bright and elegant atmosphere. The kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, a large island, a walk-in
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Stunning 2023 Waterfront Home with Gulf Access – No Bridges!Experience luxury coastal living in this stylish 2023 DMI- Palm Key II built waterfront home, perfectly situated on an oversized lot with direct Gulf access and no bridges. Enjoy breathtaking water views from nearly every room and relax in a peaceful, quiet neighborhood with an annual HOA of just $65 Step through elegant double front
Brand new 3-bedroom+Flex Room, 3-bathroom home with a private pool, located 20 minutes from the beach, and complete with a 2 car garage - Located in a Lennar gated community. House equipped with Brand new modern, stainless steel appliances in a beautifully designed kitchen with modern, sleek quartz counters. Brand new washer and dryer, and an ideal general layout. Home features premium plank tile
Brand new 3-bedroom 2 bath, 2 car garage Duplex. Build in 2025 with stainless appliances, granite kitchen countertop, 10 ft ceiling, 1,379 sq ft. Spacious Master bedroom, walking closet. The community offers public sidewalks, parks, public boat ramp, picnic area, and playground, just 15 minutes to the beauty of the Gulf Coast, and its beautiful beaches centrally located between Ft. Myers and
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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.
