Port Charlotte, FL

Port Charlotte is a small community in Charlotte County, approximately halfway between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, on the west coast of the state.  More commonly known as the Sun Coast of Florida, Port Charlotte is situated between the Peace and Myakka rivers with access to both Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico from approximately 165 miles of navigable waterways.  CNN Money named Port Charlotte the Top Place to Retire (2009), not only for its water accessibility, but for the culture, nature preserves and that this area boasts top-notch medical facilities.

Developed in the late 1950's, Port Charlotte encompasses the unincorporated area of Charlotte County and is comprised mostly of single-family homes with a sprinkling of condos and town homes.  The county has an area of approximately 820 square miles and a population of approximately 127,000 (1995).  Even with its small town nature, Port Charlotte offers the advantages of city life nearby - Ft. Myers is a short distance of 20 minutes away and Sarasota is only about 40 minutes.