City Guide: Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is one of Florida’s fastest growing cities, and it’s easy to understand why. This small town offers the wholesome experience of a quieter life, yet offers increasing momentum and excitement as it expands.

If you’re considering a move to Florida’s southwest coast, this destination is definitely worth your attention. We’ve made this city guide to give you a quick rundown of the perks of living in Punta Gorda and what housing opportunities are available.

Where is Punta Gorda?

Punta Gorda can be found on the south side of the Peace River, where it opens into the bay. The city is just across the bridge from Charlotte Harbor. Highway 41 runs straight through, providing direct connections to Venice in the northwest and Fort Myers in the southeast. I-75 skirts the eastern edge of the city, accessible within mere minutes from downtown.

Living in Punta Gorda

Family-Friendly Community

Thanks to its good schools, safety, and the dense suburban feel, Punta Gorda is widely considered a great place to raise a family. The local schools regularly receive strong rankings, and the abundance of programs and activities for kids makes it easy to give children a full, fun lifestyle. There are martial arts schools, swimming schools, horseback riding lessons, and plenty of other local attractions that will stimulate children’s budding interests.

Ample Adult Attractions

It’s not just the kids who have plenty to do in Punta Gorda. There are many amenities available for adults as well. The city is home to a great variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as parks and beaches. Large events such as concerts, conventions, and competitions are a regular occurrence at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center.

Locals say that having such a vibrant scene in a relatively small town makes it easy to find friends and settle in. A thriving senior community also helps retirees find a new pace of life with plenty of support and companionship.

Bayside Living

Punta Gorda’s waterside location makes it a magnet for those who love beaching, boating, and watersports. Marinas are scattered throughout the city, and the countless canals that run through the neighborhoods give plenty of homes direct, private access to the water. Yacht and boat clubs are plentiful here, and rentals are also easy to come by for those who have yet to purchase their own watercraft.

Continued Affordability

Despite its growth, Punta Gorda remains a relatively affordable destination in Florida’s booming housing market. Homes were listed at a median price of $449K in December 2022, and the supply of properties still outweighed the demand. This has made a strong buyer’s market in the area, giving prospective residents plenty of leverage as they shop for a great deal.

A large number of empty lots are also available in parts that are still underdeveloped, making it possible to build one’s dream home for a relatively low price. Lots under an acre can be bought for less than $50K, and some with several acres even come in around this price as well.

Building a Custom Home in Punta Gorda

Between the low cost of lots and the fantastic waterside location, Punta Gorda is a prime spot to build a custom home. Many new residents are gravitating toward this option, as it allows them to affordably obtain housing that suits their individual needs. Personal preferences can easily be accommodated, eliminating the need to comb through existing real estate for the perfect fit.

At Capitol Homes, we specialize in building beautiful custom properties throughout Punta Gorda and Florida’s wider southwest region. In addition to tailor-made homes on hand-picked lots for individual projects, we also offer the opportunity to purchase a property in our new Windward Isles community.

This stunning development features 24 homes in a highly desirable neighborhood of Punta Gorda. Properties will have direct canal access, hurricane-resistant concrete roofing, and a varied selection of layouts. Those who become residents of this community will be the proud owners of some of Punta Gorda’s best new homes.

If you’re interested in one of our Windward Isles properties, or would like to build your own completely custom home in Punta Gorda, we invite you to reach out to our team. Our experts will introduce you to the process and help you discover what options are most aligned with your needs.