Ranked by Money Magazine as "The Best Place to Live in the South," Charlotte County is located on Florida's southwest coast between Sarasota and Lee Counties. It was established in 1921 and has a current population of roughly 159,000. Early development occurred along the shorelines of the Peace River, Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay and the Myakka River, and as the area grew, development moved towards US 41 and other major highways. Charlotte County consists of one incorporated city, Punta Gorda, which serves as the county seat. Englewood, Port Charlotte and Rotunda West are among the unincorporated areas of Charlotte County.
The county is situated on Charlotte Harbor - Florida's second largest harbor -and provides unique recreational opportunities for full-time and seasonal residents. SAIL Magazine designated Charlotte County as one of the "10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States." The nearly 125 square miles of navigable, open water provide a paradise for sailboaters, powerboaters, windsurfers, and fishermen. For kayak and canoe enthusiasts, the Charlotte Blueway Trails system provides over 50 winding trails, presenting glimpses of local wildlife and pristine estuaries.
Over three-quarters of the Charlotte Harbor shoreline is preserved land. The Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is the 4th largest state park, of which 30,000 acres are found in Charlotte County. Visitors may also choose to spend a morning or afternoon on a swamp buggy ride at the Babcock Wilderness Adventures found in the eastern area of the county. The Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area is the 7th largest management area in the state, encompassing 124 square miles of the largest undisturbed pine flatwoods in Southwest Florida.
In addition, residents and visitors can enjoy a day out on the golf course. Ranked as "Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America" by Golf Digest, Charlotte County offers 19 public, semiprivate and private golf courses from which to choose. Enjoy spectacular views and scenic landscapes at these courses, two which were ranked 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest and three which are Audobon-certified.