The name, Punta Gorda is a Spanish term that means “fat point”, which refers to its shape – a circular bulge that juts out toward Charlotte Harbor from the Florida mainland. The first settlers began arriving in the late 1800s, drawn to the area by its strategic location between the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor.

Two men figured strongly in Punta Gorda’s pioneering history: Kentucky lawyer and businessman Isaac Trabue and local surveyor Kelly Harvey. It was Trabue’s vision that led to the rise of Punta Gorda while Harvey executed those plans. The area was even originally named, “Trabue City” – a name that did not stick due to Trabue’s alleged mishandling of local affairs.

The first subdivision in the area was designed by Harvey in 1884. Then, the town had its own railroad stop, and construction on Hotel Punta Gorda began in 1887. The discovery of phosphate during that same year sparked the great Florida phosphate boom and swiftly made Trabue into an industrial powerhouse. 1887 was also the year when Trabue was renamed Punta Gorda. In 1890, the government appointed its first postmaster to the town.

Punta Gorda has a unique position as the only incorporated city in Charlotte County, serving as an unofficial commercial hub for its surrounding unincorporated communities. The city has its share of tourists coming in all year round. You’ll find a diverse array of world-class restaurants and shops in Punta Gorda but its primary allure lies in the laid-back lifestyle that many from the bustling urban centers long for. Tourism is a pivotal economic driver here but equally strong industries that provide job opportunities and revenues for the city are logistics, construction, healthcare, life sciences, and real estate.

2022 U.S. Census figures place the population of Punta Gorda at 20,608. This coastal city saw a 5.9% increase in its population since the 2020 Census when the number of people living in Punta Gorda was estimated at 19,469. A little more than half of the residents here (52.5%) are composed of people aged over 65 which is quite expected, given that it is a popular destination among affluent retirees who long for a small-town, fishing-village atmosphere in a place where temperatures are warmer and more conducive to outdoor activities.

The average household income in Punta Gorda is $106,809 with a poverty rate of 8.8%. The median rental costs in recent years come to $2,500 per month and the median home value is $454,900. The median age in Punta Gorda is 66.3 years - 66.6 years for males, and 66.1 years for females.

The Punta Gorda real estate market enjoys a merry mix of old and new, with historic buildings on one street and stunning modern structures on the next. The eclectic housing inventory, combined with the stunning historic architecture and well-maintained surroundings, has led many to conclude that it is Florida's prettiest town. The most popular architectural designs tend to lean toward classics such as Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, American Colonial, and Craftsman.

Most of the single-family houses for sale in Punta Gorda, FL have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a great room that encourages frequent family gatherings. Square footage for mid-level homes in the city ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 square feet. Kitchens commonly feature a center island and walk-in pantry, with plenty of cabinet space to keep everything tidy. Two-car garages are also a common feature in mid-priced homes in the area.

Other property options in Punta Gorda include condos, townhouses, and multi-family complexes. The city also has a good number of vacant land and lots for sale for those who want to build their own home or estate from the ground up.

Punta Gorda condos for sale are among the most affordable property types. However, unlike those found in cramped cities, Punta Gorda condos for sale are spacious, well-appointed, and well-ventilated, possessing their own unique Southwestern Floridian charm. Prime properties in the area are waterfront homes, which often cost upwards of a million dollars in today’s market.

Regardless of the time of year, the climate in Punta Gorda remains near-perfect all year round. Even during the winter season, temperatures average a comfy 65 degrees. Even water temperatures are quite pleasant in the coldest months. With Punta Gorda’s temperate climate, residents get to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities anytime they want, including boating, watersports, golfing, fishing, hiking, and more.

Online real estate resource BestPlaces.net pegs Punta Gorda’s cost-of-living index at 93.7, which means overall living expenses are lower than the national average by 6.3 points. The breakdown of the costs reveals that expenditures for housing, utilities, and transportation are all well below the national average. It’s safe to say that Punta Gorda is an affordable area to live in, which can be surprising, especially with its reputation as an upscale community.

Two particular areas that bring spending down in Punta Gorda are the costs of housing and transportation, with the latter nearly 20 points lower than the national average. The affordability, combined with other sought-after neighborhood qualities such as safety, cleanliness, good schools, and facilities, makes it obvious why so many home buyers are looking into what Punta Gorda real estate has to offer.

Punta Gorda is an ideal place for retirees to live their life to the fullest. For starters, Florida does not tax pensions or retirement income, which means seniors get to keep more of their IRA or 401(k) withdrawals. Property taxes are relatively low, as well.

Furthermore, Punta Gorda has something for everyone, from a quiet life on the beachfront to an active lifestyle spent in the various facility-laden parks around the city. In and around Punta Gorda, there’s a multitude of retirement communities with programs to keep senior adults active and healthy with a vast array of recreational and social activities.