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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharon Deegan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Boat Ramp
Transit
Airport
Punta Gorda
36 min drive
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
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
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 129 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Gulf Cove, Rotonda over the last 12 months is $378,750, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Harbor West – A Gated Gem in Port Charlotte!Experience the best of Florida living in this executive-style, solar-powered home featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a stunning lake view that sets the scene for everyday relaxation. Located in the sought-after Harbor West community, this beautifully maintained residence offers both luxury and efficiency.Step inside
This house comes with a REDUCED RATE as low as 4.99% (APR 5.755%) as of 07/31/2025 through List & LockTM. This is a seller paid rate-buydown that reduces the buyer’s interest rate and monthly payment to a qualified buyer. Terms apply, see disclosures for more information. Waterfront Home with Gulf Access - No Bridges To The Bay - Ideal for your Sailboat or Large Yacht! At this time this is the
HUGE PRICE REDUCTION! OFFERING 6 YEAR CHOICE HOME WARRANTY! BRAND NEW, never lived in 3-bedroom, 3-bath, (2 Master Suites), 3-car garage custom POOL home in SOUTH GULF COVE with DIRECT SAILBOAT ACCESS — no bridges with a 7-minute boat ride to the lock and 15-minute boat ride to Charlotte Harbor! NO HURRICANE DAMAGE or Flooding from Hurricane IAN, MILTON or HELENE! BUILT IN 2022 and located on a
**STUNNING WATERFRONT OASIS with SALTWATER HEATED POOL and DOCK with LIFT** Welcome to your Florida dream home in the waterfront boating community of South Gulf Cove. Preview with the 3D VIRTUL TOUR (#2 above) to get the true feel of this home. This beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence sits on an oversized lot and offers 2,483 sq ft of open, light-filled living space with
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 (check your insurance Co). This estate blends refined elegance with tropical tranquility. The property is graced with an east-facing backyard, this rare offering
Great residential homesite in popular South Gulf Cove, known as the Waterview Preserve area. Public water, sewer, and power are available. New home construction continues throughout, but still plenty of natural surroundings to enjoy. This home site has an east exposure from the back yard to enjoy the morning sun. 80'x125' lot dimensions. Very low-fee membership in the HOA is mandatory and there
Duplex home 2 bedroom / 2 bath downstairs. Metallic roof, Vinyl wood floors throughout home. High efficiency home with high impact windows, doors, high ceilings, LED lights throughout home, and high efficiency 16 year A/C. Quartz counter tops. Car garage with automatic opener that may connect via bluetooth. Stainless/BLK steel appliances. Washer & dryer hook up closet under air inside of the
We make Pre-Leasing easy! Apply now and, once you’re approved, take this home off the market by paying a Pre-Lease Hold Fee; ask your Leasing Professional for more information. Once the home is made ready, we'll notify you that it's available for touring and for you to accept or decline. If you decline the home, we'll be happy to help you find a different home or refund your Hold Fee. This home
Beautiful and spacious 2,101 sf with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage home in South Gulf cove. Tile throughout main living area and carpet in the bedrooms. Open floor plan concept. Plenty of cabinets in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances, plus a pantry. Washer/dryer included. Enjoy nature's beauty from your own private lanai.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharon Deegan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
15,627
Median Age
61
Population under 18
13.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
42.8%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$65,283
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,663
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.2%
College Graduates
27%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.3%
% Population in Labor Force
40.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 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.
