Port Charlotte is a small Florida waterfront community in Charlotte County approximately halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers on Florida's west coast. It is a relatively new community. Port Charlotte Florida real estate began development in the late 1950's and early 60's. All of Port Charlotte real estate encompasses the unincorporated area of Charlotte County and is comprised mostly of single family homes with a spattering of condos and town homes. The county has an area of approximately 820 square miles and a population of approximately 127,000 (1995). Port Charlotte has a small town nature but offers the advantages of city life nearby. (Ft. Myers only 20 minutes and Sarasota only 40 minutes). Port Charlotte is located north of the Peace River and has access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico via a series of canals and waterways that total more than 165 miles in length. There are miles of natural shoreline bordering the Harbor and rivers, making it an ideal choice for waterfront living. The busy Murdock Real Estate area of northern Port Charlotte is a dynamic, very fast growing shopping and business center. In the past few years many shopping areas, office complexes, theaters, restaurants, and motels have been built for the convenience of residents and tourists.