About Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida, including Charlotte County, South Sarasota County and the City of North Port, is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States, yet it still offers leisurely, uncongested and unhurried living. The area offers many golf courses and miles of open navigable water which makes this a great area for retirement. The area also includes Manasota Key and Boca Grande island with numerous pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Port Charlotte, Florida

An established, yet still growing area, that has the services and amenities necessary for the convenience and enjoyment of its residents and visitors.

CNNMoney rated Port Charlotte as the number 1 place to retire in 2009, citing that "this laid-back Gulf Coast town, just across Charlotte Harbor from pricier Punta Gorda, arguably best hits the sweet spot of great prices for homes and great amenities. Homes here cost less than half what they did in late 2005, and about 40% of them sit on canals and waterways leading to the harbor-which has 270 square miles of cruising waters and 219 miles of protected shoreline. The lack of a Florida tax on income, including interest and dividend income, only sweetens the deal."

Englewood, Florida

Englewood is in the south end of Sarasota County and the west end of Charlotte County, just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. There are several pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches located on Manasota Key as well as two state parks. Lemon Bay and Charlotte Harbor offer miles fishing area. Golf courses, tennis and all sorts of water sports are within several minutes of driving time. Visit the Chamber of Commerce website by clicking here.

Venice, Florida

Venice is a quaint city located between Englewood and Sarasota, Florida. A lot of the buildings are Mediterranean style and throughout the are neighborhood green spaces and parks. Venice Avenue, the main street, is loaded with neat shops and it is the site of many arts and craft shows and concerts. Like other areas along the coast, the Gulf of Mexico beaches are spectacular. Venice is also known to be the shark tooth capitol of the world as they are easily found on Venice and Caspersen beaches. For more information click here.

South Gulf Cove Community, Port Charlotte, FL

South Gulf Cove is a deed restricted waterfront (canal, lagoon system with access to the Myakka River via a lock ) community based on about 6,200 acres yielding approximately 15,000 lots of which just over 4,700 are waterfront. There are approximately 55 miles of navigable canals within the community making this a boaters and fisherman's paradise. There are 6 golf courses within 20-30 minutes driving distance and Boca Grande Island is also within the same driving distance.

Rotonda Community, Rotonda, FL

Rotonda is a deed restricted planned community of about 10,000 home sites some of which are located on interior canals. Rotonda is built in a circle; and, within the circle there are seven distinct communities: Oakland Hills, Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, Broadmoor, Long Meadow, White Marsh and Pine Valley. Outside of the circle are the communities of Rotonda Heights, Rotonda Lakes, Rotonda Shores, Rotonda Sands, Rotonda Villas and Rotonda Meadows. The area is located between the western area of Port Charlotte and East Englewood, Fl. There are 6 golf courses within the community and a variety of beaches and other recreational amenities within 20 to 30 minutes driving time.

Gulf Cove Community, Port Charlotte, FL

This community is located to the north of State Road 776, east of Englewood and south of Riverwood ( deed restricted golf community ). The Myakka River forms its west border and the Myakka State Forest is to its east. Residents have quick access to beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches in nearby Englewood and Boca Grande.

For boaters interested in this community, the canals open into the Myakka River, which feeds into Charlotte harbor and then to the Gulf of Mexico.

Riverwood Community, Port Charlotte, FL

Riverwood is a 1300 acre gated, deed restricted golf and country club community, located on the western side of the Myakka River in Port Charlotte. Home options range from upscale single family homes to villas and carriage homes.

Boca Grande Island

Boca Grande is located on Gasparilla Island approximately 20 minutes driving time for Rotonda and South Gulf Cove communities. There are unique shops, restaurants and miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches. The Gasparilla Inn operates an excellent golf course with beautiful scenic views. This is also a fisherman's paradise with world class Tarpon fishing in the spring. From August through November, off shore fishing yields grouper, snapper, mackerel and kingfish. Click here for more info and pictures from the Chamber of Commerce.

Manasota Key

Manasota Key is an island located partly in Sarasota and Charlotte counties, just south of Venice, Florida and directly off the coast of Englewood, Florida. Most of the island is residential....there are a few shops and restaurants and gift shops. The Gulf of Mexico beaches are pristine. Click here for more information and to see beach pictures.

Prairie Creek Sub-Division.

Prairie Creek, located off highway 17, is just north of Punta Gorda. This area offers large parcels of land for building and it is ideal for horse back riding with miles of trails for riding and hiking. The area is deed restricted with a homeowners association. This area truly provides country living.

Port Charlotte, Florida Area Map