(Mar 20, 2023)
North Port also stands out from many other surrounding communities in one crucial aspect - it has a young population mainly comprising young families. Most notably, North Port's real estate market is vibrant and versatile, and there is something for virtually everyone seeking to move here.
There are many compelling reasons for moving to North Port, Florida. Here is a comprehensive guide on this city's real estate market and everything you need to know about moving and living here.
A Brief History & Overview
North Port was incorporated in 1959. It was initially called North Port Charlotte, but the local administration shortened the name to give the city a single, unique identity. The city began with only 178 people, and modern census statistics reveal that it is only 10%-occupied.
Interestingly, North Port's population began growing faster (by about 120%) in the 1980s, making it one of the fastest-growing communities today. The city's excellent infrastructure, beautiful sceneries, nice weather, and other attractions drive its population growth. Read on to find out more about everything North Port offers today.
Weather & Climate
Most days in North Port are sunny and clear, with temperatures averaging about 90F for about 180 days. The temperatures also climb to about 100F for about 25 days and drop to less than 50F for about 20 days.
Interestingly, the city receives the highest precipitation (about 50.6 inches) and the lowest snow cover (0.0%) in the United States. The humidity also falls below 60% for about 13 days per year. Overall, North Port has excellent weather and climate, ideal for getting out and about.
Population & Demographics
North Port has a total population of about 73,738 people across all races (majority white), according to the latest census. Notably, the population's median age is 45.8 years, but the population here is slightly younger than the rest of Florida's population.
Here is a breakdown of the city's population based on age:
- 18 to 24 years - 8%
- 25 to 44 years - 18%
- 45 to 64 years - 28.7%
- Above 65 years - 26.7%
Interestingly, North Port's population has increased by about 20.3% since 2020, signifying the city's appeal to individuals and families. There is still plenty of room for more people, considering that the city's population makes up about 10% of its total capacity.
Employment & Cost of Living
North Port has a relatively low unemployment rate of about 4.7%. The city offers many employment and business opportunities in over a dozen industries. Most people here work in the educational services, social care, and healthcare industries.
Other major industries and employment opportunities in the city include the following:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Information
- Transportation (including warehousing and utilities)
- Finance (including insurance and real estate)
- Arts, recreation, and entertainment
- Accommodation and food services
- Agriculture (including forestry, fishing, mining, and hunting)
- Professional, scientific, and managerial duties
Overall, most of the people here are educated, as the city has an educational level diversity score of 67.9%. About 58.7% of the residents hold at least one Bachelor's Degree, and about 37.7% hold degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.
Overall, the cost of living in North Port isn't exactly cheaper, but it is cheaper than the rest of the U.S. and Florida. The city's overall cost of living is rated at 96.4%, which is about three points cheaper than the rest of the U.S. In contrast, Florida's average cost of living is about 103.1%, which is about three points higher than the rest of the U.S.
The houses and utilities here are about 89% and 97% of the national average costs, respectively. However, services such as healthcare and products such as groceries and clothes are slightly more expensive here. Fortunately, the economy is doing well, and many employment opportunities exist.
Schools & Quality of Education
North Port is under the jurisdiction of the Sarasota County Schools District, which oversees 62 schools. This guide's rating for the schools in North Port is based on several factors, including math proficiency, teacher-to-student ratio, and reading/speaking proficiency. Overall, the schools post adequate performance.
Approximately 71.2% and 65.2% of elementary school students are proficient in math and reading/writing, respectively. Some of the top-rated public elementary schools in North Port include the following:
- Taylor Ranch Elementary School
- Englewood Elementary School
- Toledo Blade Elementary School
- Cranberry Elementary School
- Imagine School at North Port
Approximately 65% and 57.5% of middle school students are proficient in math and reading/writing, respectively. The top-rated public middle schools here include the following:
- Imagine School at North Port
- Woodland Middle School
- Heron Creek Middle School
- Venice Middle School
Approximately 56% of high school students are proficient in math and reading/writing. The top-rated public high schools in the city include the following:
- North Port High School
- Venice Senior High School
- Imagine School at North Port
The city also has several private schools across all educational categories. There are more than 43,000 students in the Sarasota County Schools District.
Infrastructure & Amenities
North Port's infrastructure and amenities are in excellent condition, hence its appeal to individuals and families moving here.
The infrastructure and amenities covered in this section include transportation infrastructure, public infrastructure such as parks and beaches, and essential amenities such as hospitals, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Transportation
North Port's robust road network offers easy access to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, which interlink most of Florida. Most people here drive their cars, but other road transport options include carpooling, cycling, walking, and bus transportation.
Besides road transport, North Port residents also have access to air transportation. There are four airports located close to the city:
- Punta Gorda (PGD) – 17.2 miles away
- Sarasota International Airport (SRQ) – 30 miles away
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 88 miles away
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – 62 miles away
Punta Gorda (PGD) and the Sarasota International Airport (SRQ) are the closest airports, but their services and destination options are somewhat limited. In contrast, the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) offers many domestic and international flights.
Hospitals
Healthcare is an essential amenity in every city, and there are many hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities within and near North Port. Some of the closest and most recommended hospitals in and near the city include the following:
- The Fawcett Memorial Hospital
- Bayfront Health Port Charlotte
- HCA Fawcett Florida Hospital
- HCA Englewood Florida Hospital
- Shorepoint Health Port Charlotte
- Shorepoint Health Venice
- Shorepoint Health Punta Gorda
Most of these hospitals and healthcare facilities are not within the city's boundaries, but they are a short drive away. These hospitals offer comprehensive healthcare services, including 24/7 ER care. Besides hospitals, other healthcare facilities in North Port include drug stores, retirement homes, and assisted living facilities.
Restaurants & Shopping Centers
There are many restaurants and shopping centers spread out across North Port. The restaurants serve a bewildering range of cuisines, including western meals and exotic cuisines from across the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Central America, and South America. They also serve refreshing drinks and quick snacks.
Most of the restaurants at North Port offer sit-in dining and food delivery services, albeit you may need a reservation to eat at some of the high-end restaurants. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include the following:
- Que Rico Colombian Flavors
- Blue Tequila Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
- Shark Fish House
- The Crepe Chef of Miami Crepes
- La Rocca Italian Restaurant & Bar
Residents here can also find virtually everything they need from the city's dozens of shops and malls. The shopping centers range from small convenience stores to large malls.
Recreational & Family-Friendly Activities
North Port offers lots of fun, recreational, and family-friendly activities. The range of to-do activities is bewildering, and there is something for everyone.
Parks
North Port boasts more than a dozen pristine parks across the city. The most popular parks include the following:
- Atwater Community Park
- Blue Heron Park
- Blue Ridge Park
- Boundless Adventures Playground
- Butler Park
- Canine Club Dog Park
- City Center Front Green
- Dallas White Park
- Garden of the Five Senses
- Highland Ridge Park
These parks support many fun outdoor activities, including picnics, BBQs, hiking, running, walking dogs, and playing. For example, Highland Ridge Park has a basketball court, outdoor grille, and picnic tables.
Most of these parks are also scenic and offer a calm and relaxing environment – the City Center Front Green park is the most beautiful, with lush grass, colorful flowers, and manicured grounds.
Beaches
North Port is located inland, and it is the only municipality in Sarasota County without a beach. However, it is located close to dozens of beaches, including the following:
- Englewood Beach – 19 miles away
- Venice Beach – 19 miles away
- Manasota Beach – 19 miles away
- Nokomis Beach – 22 miles away
- Casperson Beach – 22 miles away
- North Jetty Beach – 22 miles away
- Stump Pass Beach – 28 miles away
- Turtle Beach – 31 miles away
- Siesta Key Beach – 33 miles away
These beaches are in excellent condition, featuring clear water, fine sand, lots of space, and sunshine. Besides basking and swimming, some of the other fun activities at these beaches include games such as volleyball and water activities such as sailing, diving, and snorkeling. However, some beaches offer more to-do activities than others.
Family-Friendly Activities
North Port is a family-friendly city with lots of fun and creative activities for individuals across all age brackets, including kids and young adults. Here is an overview of some of the most popular family-friendly venues and activities in the city:
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Myakka River State Park – camping, hiking, trailing, biking, horseback riding, and bird watching.
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Atwater Community Park – swimming and playing various water sports and related games.
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North Port Performing Arts Center – live band performances and other performing arts exhibitions.
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Warm Mineral Springs – swimming, hiking, and enjoying the scenery.
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The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art – explores historical artifacts from the Medieval, Renaissance, Greek, and Roman eras.
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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Enjoy the beautiful scenery of lush and colorful plants, trees, and flowers.
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Cape Coral Cardboard Boat Regatta – water sports and water-related activities such as sailing.
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Cultural Park Theater – live performances and displays showcasing the city's culture.
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Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden – exploring a bewildering range of beautiful butterfly species and enjoying the lush vegetation of colorful flowers and other beautiful plants.
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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – exploring various aquatic animals, including penguins, seals, alligators, sharks, and crocodiles.
- Big Cypress National Preserve – camping, hiking, and wildlife photography.
Adults can also enjoy various fun activities, including golfing and the nightlife. Overall, there is something fun and enjoyable for everyone at North Port.
Real Estate & Places to Live – A Buyer's Guide
North Port has a robust real estate market with versatile housing options and flexible prices. More than 3,000 homes are listed for sale or lease across the city. The median listing home price is about $401,000, while the median rent is about $2,500.
There are 18 constituent neighborhoods in North Port, Florida. Here is an overview of three of the best neighborhoods:
West Villages
West Villages is one of the best and most expensive neighborhoods in North Port. It features tree-lined boulevards, broad thoroughfares, and good public infrastructures such as roads and walkways.
The median home price here is about $629,000, while the median rent is about $2,900. However, purchasing and rental prices vary depending on the size and type of home.
West Villages is a suburban neighborhood comprising medium-sized (three and four-bedroom) family homes and small (studio and two-bedroom) homes. Most of the houses here were built after the year 2,000, so they are still in good condition – however, some were built between 1940 and 1969, but they are also in relatively good condition.
There are many fun things at West Villages, including golfing and bird-watching. Some of the local and nearby attractions include pristine beaches, Myakka River State Park, and Warm Mineral Springs.
S. Cranberry BLVD
S. Cranberry BLVD is one of the most affordable suburbs in North Port. The median home price in this neighborhood is about $360,000, while the median rental price is about $2,700. The houses come in varying designs and sizes, including studio apartments, townhouses, and two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Most houses were built in 2,000, but some were built between 1970 and 1999.
This neighborhood features good amenities and infrastructure, including good public schools. It is also close to attractions such as beaches and parks and essential amenities such as hospitals, restaurants, and shopping centers.
North Port East
North Port East is a suburb featuring excellent infrastructure, including manicured grounds and beautiful houses. The homes include studio apartments, townhouses, single-family two-bedroom homes, and medium-sized three-bedroom and four-bedroom homes.
The median home price here is about $348,000, which is more affordable than most other neighborhoods, while the average rent price is about $2,200. Most homes here were built after the year 2,000, while some were built between 1970 and 1999. Nevertheless, most of the houses are in excellent condition.
This neighborhood offers many fun things to do and is close to some of the city's most popular attractions. Some nearby attractions include the Myakka and Peace Rivers, while popular activities include golfing, fishing, boating, dining, and the beach.
Make North Port, Florida Your Home
North Port has everything you and your family need, including good public infrastructure and amenities such as parks, roads, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and restaurants. It is also close to pristine beaches and has dozens of local and nearby attractions such as museums, water parks, botanical gardens, and more.
The city has 18 neighborhoods you can choose from, and the houses come in varying designs and sizes to suit your needs and preferences. Nothing is stopping you from making a fun and productive life for you and your loved ones in North Port, Florida.
(Mar 20, 2023)
