Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and Charlotte County
Charlotte County is between Lee County (Fort Myers) and Sarasota County in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. It is about 100 miles south of Tampa, 160 miles northwest of Miami and 120 miles southwest of Orlando.  Three-quarters of Florida’s population are within a 150-mile radius.

The towns of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte are located in the mid S.W. coast of Florida. The two communities are divided by Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River.  Both these communities are part of Charlotte County. From the bridge over the Peace River connecting Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, you are just 30 miles from Sarasota, 20 from Ft. Myers.
Location, Location, Location
Not only does that proximity mean great access to all the usual amenities, including employment opportunities,  that mid-sized cities can provide.  It also means, particularly at Sarasota, one of Florida’s real cultural centers, great access to some of Florida’s finest Arts and cultural institutions and offerings.

From a completely different geographic perspective, the Punta Gorda-Port Charlotte area is also just a half hour drive from one of the oldest and most interesting of Florida’s small central cities, Arcadia, all the greater a treasure because of the destructive damage done by Hurricane Charlie (a very rare event) to the nearby tiny Old Florida communities of Fort Ogden, Nocatee, and others.
In fact, Charlotte County is a great area from which to explore various towns and the countryside of inland Florida’s Citrus Ridge and Central Lakes regions, counties which with justification call themselves “Florida’s Freshwater Frontier”.
Last but not least , Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte are in a good location and have easy access via I-75 to the Arts and Culture, sports, health, education and the theme parks and other sightseeing activities at Disneyland approximately 119 miles to the north and Miami approximately 138 miles to the south. 
Climate and Recreation
The climate in Charlotte County is South Florida sub-tropical, making it possible to enjoy the outdoors year round.  However, this is not a beach location.  Orientation is mostly to the bays and rivers.  Still, Gulf beaches to the West on Manasota Key, Don Pedro Island, and Gasparilla Island (the area from Englewood to Boca Grande) are easy to reach within 25-45 minutes. 

What this variety of Florida outdoors location does provide is unparalleled boating and fishing access to Charlotte Harbor and some of the world’s greatest tarpon fishing grounds.  And the Peace and Myakka Rivers and wetlands, right at your back door, are excelent fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.  In addition, one of Florida’s finest wild areas, Myakka River State Park, offers great recreational options just a half hour away.
Some statistics

• The cost of living as of the 2^nd quarter 2005 is 92.8. This puts it low on a statewide and national level. You get to keep more of what you make.
• The population is approximately 160,000 with a 2010 estimate of 174,000

The weather

• July is the average warmest month.
• The highest recorded temperature was 101°F in 1981.
• The average coolest month is January.
• The lowest recorded temperature was 23°F in 1982.
• The maximum average precipitation occurs in June.

(Source: The Weather Channel)
Housing

• As of Sept 2005 per an MLS search, a 2/2 home in Port Charlotte started at $139,000.
• A 2/2 in Punta Gorda started at $145,000. 
• In both cases there were in excess of 400 properties available. 

Employment

The top employment categories are:

• Construction 9.3%       
• Education & Health Services   25.5%       
• Financial Activities 5.1%        
• Leisure & Hospitality 12.6%           
• Professional & Business Services 7.6%     
• Public administration7.7%     
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities 22.9%

Transportation
The area is served by many different transportation options.
Airports

• Charlotte County Airport
• 28000 Airport Road
• Punta Gorda, FL  33950 941 639-4119

• Orlando International Airport
• (407) 825-2001 One Airport Boulevard
• Orlando, Florida 32827-4399

• Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
• 941 FLY-2-SRQ 6000 Airport Circle Sarasota, FL  34243

• Southwest Florida International Airport
• 239 768-4308 16000 Chamberlain Parkway
• Fort Myers, FL  33913

• Tampa International Airport
• 5507 Spruce Street Tampa, FL  33607
• 813 870-8700

Bus Service
Greyhound

• ·      Port Charlotte Station:
• ·      900 Kings Highway
• ·      Port Charlotte, FL 33980
• ·      941 627-5836

• ·      Punta Gorda Station:
• ·      26505 N Jones Loop Road
• ·      Punta Gorda, FL 33950 941 875-2781

Rail

• Seminole Gulf Railway
• Passenger excursions are from Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda and Arcadia.

Business

• Charlotte County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state,and is very receptive to new business. Here it’s possible to have a business and enjoy a relaxed environment.

• State Incentives---Qualified Target Industry (QTI)

Charlotte County offers a Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund to encourage quality job growth in targeted high value-added businesses.  New or expanding businesses, serving multi-state and/or international markets, in targeted industries or designated corporate headquarters are eligible for this refund.  Pre-approved applicants who create new jobs in Charlotte County, paying 115% of the average annual area wage, can receive tax refunds up to $3,000 per new job created, up to $6,000 in an Enterprise Zone or Rural County. Additional "per job" bonuses are available for businesses paying 150 or 200 percent of the average annual area wage.  For more detailed information, view the QTI Summary.  To apply, contact the  Florida Economic Development Office

• For local info re permits and codes, go to http://www.charlottecountyfl.com/CDEV/License/newBusinessGuide

Education

Charlotte County Community Education offers a staggering variety of courses for all those interested, ranging from citizenship and English language classes to watercolors and yoga
Extensive information about the schools in this area is online at the state's Department of Education (http://www.firn.edu/doe/doehome.htm).

In conclusion
If you like clean air, sunshine, fishing, wildlife, golfing, boating and swimming in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere at affordable prices, this again could be the one.
For more information about the nearby communities see either Ft Myers or Sarasota links.

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