We'll stay in Paradise, thank you!
-
8/6/2008
We moved here full-time in June 2003, a year before Charlie hit. We searched up and down the east coast and finally discovered this little paradise in Port Charlotte, FL. We love the weather (hate anything below 70 degrees!), the tropical feel of the area, and the fact that it's not too big (less than 50,000 people) but still has all the amenities. It's nice that they don't build anything higher than 3 stories (no huge condos or office buildings like in Ft. Myers and Sarasota). The older homes from the 50's and 60's add to the charm of the area, but many are being replaced by newer Florida-style homes that are amazing (and can probably take any Hurricane that might come along in the future). It's not the little fishing village that Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte once was, but still has a lot of charm. Because it's so nice in the winter, we have to share our town with many "snowbirds" during the winter, making the roads busier, beaches more crowded, etc. But Port Charlotte is not the tourist attraction that Sarasota, Venice, Key West or the Islands are, so it isn't too bad. Besides, we've made friends with many of those snowbirds and miss then during the 3-4 months that they fly back north. Those that live here year-round get to enjoy many benefits during the summer months, like really cheap Golf ($10-$12 anytime), restaurant specials, summer discounts, beaches to ourselves, etc. Why leave Paradise?
Bonnie | Port Charlotte, FL