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Little Gasparilla Island

Little Gasparilla Island

$661,419 Average Value

A self-governing, semi-private barrier island

Charlotte County's Little Gasparilla Island stands as one of the few remaining remote islands off Florida’s coast, offering an escape from crowds and commercialization. Accessible only by boat, the island is car-free, with no paved roads and no retail. Its history traces back to the 1960s, when a dangerous hurricane led to the merging of the islands Don Pedro, Night Island and Little Gasparilla. A state park now serves as a natural buffer, restricting traffic and preserving the environment. “Life on Little Gasparilla is defined by a strong, self-governing community. Crime is virtually nonexistent here,” says local agent Russell Weston with Paradise Exclusive. With a CAP index crime score of 1 out of 10, the island’s charm lies in not only its solitude, but in its safety as well. “A police officer may visit a few times a week, but most folks here look after one another,” Weston says.

Coastal cottages and no need for garages

Homes here range from gulf-front bungalows to stilted cottages. Garages are not needed here. Most homes are set on modest lots, with some properties offering direct beachfront access while others are set just a short walk from the sand. “The island’s original planning ensured that nearly every home has a view of the beach,” Weston says.

There are about 350 single-family homes here, most of which are vacation getaways. Prices for condos typically start between $320,000 and $450,000. Small cottages cost a little more, running from $350,000 to $650,000 range. Larger options can reach $1.4 million.

Career readiness at Lemon Bay

The schools on the mainland include Vineland Elementary, L.A. Ainger Middle School, and Lemon Bay High, which all earn B-plus scores from Niche. Lemon Bay’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs include Agriculture, Culinary, Digital Design and Horticulture.

Sandy beaches and state parks on Don Pedro

Residents spend their days swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and collecting shells. Don Pedro Island State Park, accessible by boat, features a mile of undeveloped beach, picnic spots and nature trails. The park is popular for kayaking and quiet walks along the shoreline. Gasparilla Island State Park, just to the north, also offers beaches and a historic lighthouse.

Shopping in historic Boca Grande

Little Gasparilla Island is all about remote simplicity. There are no shops or restaurants. A return to the mainland is necessary for essentials. The nearest option for groceries is Publix Super Market at Cape Haze. Rum Bay Restaurant in Placida is popular for fresh seafood and laid-back island vibes. About 10 miles away is the historic village of Boca Grande, home to small boutiques like Boca Grande Outfitters and restaurants like South Beach Bar & Grille.

Boating to the mainland, cruising on the Causeway

Travelers here arrive by private boat or ferry. The main gateway is Eldred’s Marina, located on the Placida mainland. The most common way to reach Little Gasparilla is via Pirate’s Water Taxi, which offers a ten-minute ride across the Intracoastal Waterway. Once on the island, a sandy cart path serves as the main thoroughfare. For those flying in, Punta Gorda Airport is the closest regional airport. Southwest Florida International Airport is the largest airport nearby, about 40 miles away. HCA Florida Englewood Hospital provides healthcare services.

Tropical weather means regular thunderstorms in summer

During the summer months, nearly daily thunderstorms roll in, often bringing heavy rain and the potential for temporary power outages. The island is also subject to extreme environmental factors, including high winds, intense heat, and the ever-present risk of flooding, especially during hurricane season. The area’s subtropical climate means hot, humid summers with average highs in the 80s and 90s.
Braxton Chea
Written By
Braxton Chea

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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 Lisa Halpin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Punta Gorda

52 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Little Gasparilla Island US
Homicide 1 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

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
241
Median Year Built
1988
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,515
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
946
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
952
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
787
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

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 Lisa Halpin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

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®

29 / 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
Little Gasparilla Island
Lisa Halpin
PALM ISLAND PROPERTIES INC
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