Native civilizations called Port Charlotte home over 11,000 years before Christopher Columbus ever even thought of coming to the New World. In fact, there was a thriving civilization of over 50,000 people in the area before the first Spaniards arrived. Unfortunately, once this civilization was gone, Port Charlotte remained less than bustling until after World War II.
Port Charlotte is an amazing little coastal community right off of Charlotte Harbor and just a few minutes from the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico in southern Florida. The average high temperatures barely get above 90 degrees year-round, and the average lows never dip below 50. For those who like sports, Port Charlotte lays claim to the Charlotte Stone Crabs. If all of this isn't enough to grab someone's attention, the city was also named as one of the top 10 places in America to retire to by U.S. News & World Report.
Finding an Apartment in Port Charlotte
Many places in the country, especially in Florida, were hit hard when the housing bubble burst. In Port Charlotte, however, that seems to just have set up the "perfect storm" for people who want to move in. Most home values are down by half from what they were in 2005, but the city managed to keep its charm and high-class feel. Renters make up a little less than 20% of all residents, but this could just be because so many older citizens are retiring here. With a vacancy rate of 19%, however, you have zero excuse to not get a place here. Seriously... do it. Now.
What's it going to cost?
Prices for apartments in Port Charlotte vary dependent on which neighborhood a person lives in. Keep in mind, though, that depending on where a person is coming from, their definition of "expensive" could be completely different than someone else's. For the quality of apartment that a person get in this city, though, median rents equal to merely chump change. That's a bit of an exaggeration; but seriously, it's a great place to live and there are apartments all over that are affordable.
The Big Move Preparation
It's usually important to start looking for an apartment well in advance of moving, and in some ways, this is true of Port Charlotte as well. Seriously though... a vacancy rate of 19%? It shouldn't be difficult to find a place here. You may want to start looking a few months in advance just so you make sure you get the EXACT place that you want, but if you really want to live in Port Charlotte, there's not much stopping you. Keep in mind, though, that this is Florida. This means that unless you want to be bombarded with traffic and tourists, you may want to move when summer vacation isn't in full swing. Even if you've never heard of Port Charlotte before, the county around it brings in over $200 million in yearly tourism revenue.
What to Bring Along
You would think that a community with a vacancy rate as high as Port Charlotte's would just be throwing apartments out to everyone who showed up, kind of like Oprah. Keep in mind, though, that this is still a beautiful community that depends on staying beautiful if it hopes to bring in revenue through tourism. This means you come with a list of references that you're sure will speak of you as if you were God's gift to the Northern Hemisphere. You can also help your case by bringing a large envelope containing a credit and background check. When getting everything ready, though, one of the most important things you can do is bring proof of employment. The unemployment rate in the city is right around 10%, so it'll reflect positively on you if you prove that you've got the skills to pay the bills.
Neighborhoods in Port Charlotte
There are definitely similarities within the neighborhoods throughout Port Charlotte. One of these variations are obviously price, and when it comes down to it, proximity to the water is a big factor. Keep in mind, though, that this city isn't that large; so even finding a place off of the bay will still allow you easy access to the water whenever you want. The following neighborhood list isn't all-inclusive, but it's a good representation of what certain areas in the city are like and how much they cost, as shown through the use of $ ratings. Keep in mind that these rankings are only relative to the Port Charlotte area.
El Jobean: El Jobean is a beautiful piece of beach paradise situated in the northern side of Port Charlotte. Both the Myakka State Forest and North Charlotte Regional Park are nearby. On top of this, many parts of the neighborhood are on the Myakka River and beautiful waterways run through these areas. $$$$
Murdock: Murdock lays claim to the Port Charlotte Town Center. The crime rate is slightly higher in Murdock than in other neighborhoods, but this definitely isn't by much. In fact, it could just be because of the politicians in the Town Center. We joke, but seriously, this neighborhood is also close to the North Charlotte Regional Park, and while not as many waterways run through here as El Jobean, you could still get lucky and land waterfront paroperty. $$
Central Port Charlotte (Collingswood Blvd): Central Port Charlotte, two neighborhoods extending all the way down to the Bay, has an ever-so-slightly higher crime rate than El Jobean, but once again, in a city with a crime rate as low as Port Charlotte's, this definitely isn't anything to write home about. You will, however, be close to Alligator Bay, and who knows what types of crimes those pesky reptiles commit. $$$
Southeast Port Charlotte (Harbor Blvd): Southeast Port Charlotte is home to the Peace River Regional Medical Center and Charlotte County Fire & EMS, but, if you need a firetruck with all of the waterways crisscrossing through this area, then you've got problems. The area's crime rate is just as low as El Jobean, but there are even more waterways flowing through the area and Highway 41 can take you right across the Peace River. $$$$
Living in the Port
Moving with a brood of school-age children? You'll be happy to know that there are several stellar schools throughout the county. The community should -- and is -- proud of them. In fact, the 2007-2008 school year saw every school within the city receive "A" ratings from Florida's Department of Education. Port Charlotte High School even rounded out the top 10% of high schools in America on a list compiled by U.S. News & World Report. The school provides advanced placement (AP) courses and the exams, which can earn high school students college credits.
Port Charlotte doesn't have the traditional transit options that larger cities do. The place is only about 22 square miles. The Dial-a-Ride program does provide transportation for a small fee, though; and Sunshine Ride provides rides for those who are disadvantaged (ie. elderly, disabled). You're next to the beach... get a bike for crying out loud. The city isn't too large to simply ride through. In fact, the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail provides eight miles of paved trail for cyclists to enjoy.
You know you want to hit the beach. Just so you know, 40% of homes in Port Charlotte are actually on waterways that lead directly to Charlotte Harbor. There are about 165 miles worth of waterways in the area and well over a dozen beaches to enjoy. Of course you want to get to the beach, but spend some time in the non-sandy parts of Port Charlotte's outdoors, too. It'll do you good. Don't get too close to anything that looks like an alligator, though. You can enjoy hiking through the Tippecanoe Environmental Park where you can view wildlife throughout the 380-acre area.
