With its Beautiful Homes, Boating Recreation and Low Crime Rate, Pleasing Punta Gorda, Florida is a Waterfront Retirement Haven

Cost of Living:  Above the National Average

Tranquil Punta Gorda (population 17,000) is situated in southwest Florida at the confluence of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, the second largest harbor in Florida.   Legend has it that Ponce de Leon made landfall here in 1513, but Punta Gorda was not  founded until 1882.   Twenty three years later it was devastated by fire, and in 2004 it was damaged by Hurricane Charley.  The city rebuilt both times, and today its architecture is an eclectic mix of historic early 20th-century structures and attractive, modern buildings.    But beyond the physical, the most recent rebuilding has brought a sense of renewal, and residents seem to love their waterfront town.   The city has been growing, roughly 15% in the last decade, and retirees are coming here for the peaceful lifestyle, outstanding boating recreation, low crime rate and excellent health facilities.  Of the population, 80% is age 45 or better, and the median age is 64, well above the nation median.

The cost of living is 5% above the national average, and median home price is $280,000, well above the national median.  Real estate prices skyrocketed during the building boom after Hurricane Charley, but then the Great Recession hit and real estate prices plummeted.  Since late 2007, they have fallen nearly 60%, bringing in buyers, including retirees, looking for bargains.  Old Florida is alive and well in many neighborhoods where brick streets, swaying palms and tin-roofed homes with large verandas are the norm. Punta Gorda Isles, one of the town's most popular neighborhoods, is an appealing waterfront sailboat community with biking paths, parks and eateries.  A few years ago, average homes here sold for $400,000 and more.  Today, homes with water views start in the high-$100,000s.   Seminole Lakes Country Club is a lovely gated golf community with lake views.  Homes here, once quite expensive, are now for sale starting in the low-$100,000s.  Blue Heron Pines has manufactured homes.  Apartment complexes are not in great supply, but private condos and single family homes can be found for lease from around $700 per month.   Florida, as might be expected, is a retirement friendly state when it comes to taxes, although sales taxes can be high.  The state has no income tax, so retirement income is not taxed.  All real estate is taxed at 100% of its market value, but homeowners who make their property their permanent residence are eligible for a homestead exemption of up to $50,000.  The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes and the second $25,000 applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes.  The Florida Constitution states that the rate at which the assessment value of a home can be increased is limited to the lesser of 3% or the rate of inflation.   The annual taxes on a $280,000 home, including the $50,000 exemption, are approximately $2,345.

Life on Florida's west coast is generally relaxed, and Punta Gorda, with its picturesque waterfront and beautiful homes, exudes a quiet, easygoing charm.   It is a boaters' Paradise, with canals running throughout the city, and many homes have their own boat docks.  The city maintains the canals, ensuring that outlets to the Harbor are kept in good condition.  And  Charlotte Harbor, pristine and calm, offers 125 square miles of unsullied boating waters unthreatened by rough waters or high seas.    Beyond the Harbor, the Gulf of Mexico boasts outstanding fishing and other water adventures.

The quaint downtown has been renovated, with old buildings restored to their former glory.  Brick planters brimming with flowers, shade trees and benches decorate the sidewalks, and the streets are cobblestone and lined by gaslight lamp posts.   Colorful murals adorn the sides of many buildings, and all new buildings must meet strict historic architectural guidelines.   There are sixty downtown restaurants, boutiques and bookstores to enjoy, and the plan is to link the city's parks and Harborwalk, a 4.5 mile-long stroll, through a series of trails, giving pedestrians and bicyclists a safe place to exercise (parts of the project are awaiting funding).  Gilchrist Park runs along the Harbor, and the new Fisherman's Village features a 111-slip marina and a fun collection of high-end restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs and a resort club with vacation rentals.   Boat rentals are also available.  Shopping is adequate, but many residents drive to Ft. Meyers, just 25 miles south, for better selections.  The Punta Gorda Public Library has wireless Internet access, and Comcast provides broadband service to private homes.

 This is an interactive map.  Click on the arrows in the upper left hand corner to move the map to the East, West, North or South, and click on the +/- signs (more than once if necessary) to zoom in and out.

Medical facilities are excellent.  The private, non-profit Charlotte Regional Medical Center (208 beds) is accredited by the Joint Commission and has won recognition for its clinical excellence.    Both Medicare and Medicaid patients are accepted.  For military retirees, the nearest VA hospital is in Bay Pines, 75 miles away.

The County Parks and Recreation Department sponsors Senior Games, safe driving classes and the Dial a Ride program which offers rides to anyone who is age 60+, physically challenged or on Medicaid.  Prices are $3 each way, but discounts are available.   The County also provides a number of other senior services, including help with household chores, congregate meals, counseling, health support, a 24-hour medical alert system, a helpline, home delivered meals, emergency home repairs, legal services, nutrition counseling and more.

Punta Gorda's climate is subtropical.  Winter high temperatures average 70 degrees, and there is very little precipitation.  Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s and 8 to 10 inches of rain each month.   Gentle Gulf breezes moderate the summer heat somewhat.  The sun shines 267 days of the year.  The air quality and water quality meet national averages.

For all of its gentle charm, retirement in Punta Gorda of course has drawbacks.   It is on the coast, so home insurance rates are high, particularly after Hurricane Charley.  Hurricanes are always a reality, and the city has a 50% greater than average risk of being struck by a tornado.  Punta Gorda is experiencing budget shortages as it struggles with the economic downturn, and the unemployment rate is higher than the national rate.

Even with these downsides, retirees keep coming to this quiet spot, and many residents consider it one of Florida's best kept secrets.   Boaters and golfers in particular love it, but so do people who desire a warm weather waterfront town with little crime and the feeling of old Florida mixed with a bit of the new.   While Florida has its share of problems, Punta Gorda shows that parts of it are still king when it comes to retirement.

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