Living in Port Charlotte, Florida

Are you considering a move to Port Charlotte, FL? Make sure you know these seven things about living in Port Charlotte, FL.

If you are looking for a friendly community with fantastic weather, then Port Charlotte may be for you. Port Charlotte is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Charlotte County, Florida. The total population is about 60,625 residents who love to call this place their home. In the heart of it all, Port Charlotte has endless things to do, whether it is enjoying the golf courses, shopping, fishing, swimming, and so much more.

Port Charlotte is on Florida's Gulf Coast, about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers. If you are looking for a beautiful place to settle down or even visit, this may be the perfect destination, especially if you want to be somewhere with a small-town feel. The great weather, welcoming residents, and various sights are all just some things that make this town so unique. Port Charlotte is ranked one of the best locations to live in Florida due to the quality of life it offers its residents. 

So if you are interested in moving to Port Charlotte, you are in the perfect place. Moving somewhere new comes with many things to consider, which can be a lot at once. Since moving can be stressful, our team has created a moving guide that includes some of the top things you need to know about life in Port Charlotte, Florida. Keep reading to learn more about moving to Port Charlotte and all of the amazing things it offers so you can make your decision easier. 

Here are the top 7 things to know about life in Port Charlotte, Florida

Cost of Living

The cost of living here in Port Charlotte is about 1.7 percent lower than the national average. Overall, this place is a pretty low-cost area to live in Florida. Since Florida's overall cost of living is higher than the national average, Port Charlotte is compared to be cheaper. One big thing that makes Port Charlotte a low-cost place is its cost of housing which is one of the main reasons why people want to move to Port Charlotte. This city is known to be relatively affordable due to the housing and transportation. However, it would be best to keep in mind that the cost of living varies depending on where you are located, your income, and your family size.

The median home price here is about $176K, while the average household earnings are about $44K annually. The sales tax rate in Port Charlotte is about 7 percent, and the average property taxes are about 1 percent, and no Florida state income tax. Overall, the cost of living here in Port Charlotte is 1.7 percent lower than the national average, and goods and services are 6 percent higher than the national average.

Real Estate

The Port Charlotte housing market has been considered to be somewhat competitive. Homes for sale here receive, on average 1 offer and usually sell around 20-25 days. The median sales price for a home in this city is about $375,000 and has been up about 4.8 percent in the past year. In April of 2023, Port Charlotte's housing market was considered a seller's market, which you should jump on if you are interested in moving to this area. Over 900 homes were sold in Port Charlotte in April of 2023, and it is considered one of the most popular places to move to in Florida. If you are considering moving to Port Charlotte, check out single-family homes in Port Charlotte, townhomes for sale, condos for sale, and many more!

However, you should remember that housing costs vary depending on the location, size, and type of house. The overall housing costs here are considered to be more affordable than in other surrounding areas but are still higher than in most cities in Florida. On the plus side, the area's low property tax and no state income tax does help the housing costs in this area. Make sure you keep up to date with the real estate trends to make sure you get the best options out there.

Weather

In Port Charlotte, the summers are long, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy, while the winters are short, cool, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the year, the temperatures will typically vary from 52 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and are rarely below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or even above 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this city is located in the Southwest part of Florida, it is known for either having a humid subtropical climate or a topical savanna climate. The average high temperatures mark the peak of July, while the average lowest temperatures peak in the month of January.

On the other hand, Port Charlotte receives about two-thirds of annual rainfall during the months of June to September. The rainfall in Port Charlotte is relatively consistent throughout the year, with the wettest months being June through September ad the driest months being December through February. Keep in mind, though, thunderstorms are frequent in the hot season, mainly in the morning or afternoons. At the same time, hurricanes and other national disasters are under threat from June to December due to their location by the ocean. Overall, the weather here is one of the main reasons why people love Port Charlotte, but it has some occasional rainy days and severe weather that must be considered. 

Education

Port Charlotte, FL, public schools have an average math proficiency score of 50 percent, which is 2 percent higher than the state of Florida average. On the other hand, the reading proficiency score is 51 percent, even though the statewide average is 52 percent. Overall, schools in Port Charlotte do have an average ranking of 5/10. If you are looking for a place to move to that has good schools and education to raise a family, then it is essential to research the area and schools nearby to find the perfect fit for your children.

Port Charlotte is served by the Charlotte County Public Schools district, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. In addition, there are also a couple of other private schools in the area that specialize in certain areas. However, this district does have many educational opportunities but does have limitations compared to other larger cities. Below is a list of a couple of the top-ranked schools in and or around Port Charlotte, Florida.

Crime Rates

Port Charlotte has an overall crime rate of 12 per 1,000 residents which makes the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to the analysis of FBI crime data, your chances of becoming a victim of a crime in Port Charlotte is about 1 in 86. Sadly, the overall crime rates here are 27 percent higher than the national average. Violent crimes are about 37 percent higher than the national average, and on the other hand, property crime rates are 25 percent higher than the national average. Finding a place to live where you can feel safe is significant; sadly, here in Port Charlotte, you may not feel as safe as if you were to live in another city surrounding the area. It would be best to keep this in mind when moving somewhere new.

However, it would help if you kept in mind that the crime rates vary depending on the specific area or neighborhood you are in within the city. Every place varies, but overall, ensuring you feel safe in your home is one of the most important priorities. Keep up to date on the community around you and make sure you always take into consideration of actions to do consistently to feel safer in your area and especially in your home. 

Dining

Taste of Europe Bistro

(941) 391-5469

2414 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

This is a simple, low-key eatery that offers hearty European and German cuisine plus an array of wines and beers. A perfect little restaurant that has excellent food, service, and friendly staff.

Peace River Seafood and Crab Shack

(941) 505-8440

5337 Duncan Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982

This is an eatery that serves up steamed blue crab, shrimp, and posters in a simple setting with an on-site market as well for you to explore. If you are looking for some excellent blue crab, you should not miss out on this local favorite spot!

The Twisted Fork

(941) 235-3675

2208 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

This restaurant is a roomy hangout area under a covered terrace that offers hefty places of classic fare, plus beer and live music. This is a perfect location to enjoy with friends or family if you are looking for a place to have some fun while enjoying great eats.

Job Market

Port Charlotte has seen the job market increase by 1.9 percent over the past year and is predicted to grow to 39 percent, higher than the national average. This city is known for its lively hospitality and entertainment sector, which has created many jobs over the past years. On the other hand, this area also offers booming jobs in finance and healthcare. Since the state of Florida offers an abundance of benefits, it makes investing and earning money so much easier here.

On the other hand, Port Charlotte has an unemployment rate of about 5 percent, which on the plus side, is lower than the national average, which is 6 percent. The average income for a resident here in Port Charlotte is about $23,201 a year, a little bit lower than the national average of $28,555 yearly. However, the median household income for a resident here is about $39,387. Overall, this small city has a lot to offer its residents when it comes to jobs. At the same time, it is located near other major cities, which makes it easier for others to find jobs, so do not worry if the perfect one is not located in Port Charlotte, FL.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Port Charlotte, FL

Pros:

• Great food options
• Close to other major cities
• Great weather
• No state income
• Many sunny days
• Friendly residents
• Various outdoor recreational activities

Cons:

• Traffic congestion
• Tropical storms
• A lot of tourists
• Bugs and insects
• Hot and humid weather
• High crime

Moving to Port Charlotte, FL - The Bottom Line

Florida has a lot to offer, while Port Charlotte has many benefits for its residents. If you are looking for a place to live where you will experience a warm and welcoming community, beautiful beaches, a thriving economy, and so much more, then Port Charlotte may be the place for you. Even if moving here is not in your plans, consider on planning a visit to this city should be on your list of destinations so you can enjoy the high quality of life and beautiful area. Overall, if you are looking for a laid-back, affordable, and beautiful location near the coast, Port Charlotte may be the location. 

If you or anyone you know is interested in searching for homes for sale in Port Charlotte, Florida, please get in touch with us here so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists to help make this transition for you go smoothly. No matter the location, price, or preferences, we are here to help you through every step of the home-buying process to ensure that we can find the perfect home that meets all of your needs and lifestyle perfectly.

Please feel free to contact us here today for any questions or help. Suppose you are interested in moving to Port Charlotte. However, you should check out some of our other local area guides, like best neighborhoods in Port Charlotte, best restaurants in Port Charlotte, things to do in Port Charlotte, moving to Florida, the best places to live in Florida, and moving to Fort Myers.