North Port Relocation Guide

Moving to North Port, Florida, is a popular choice for those who want a high quality of life with top schools, world-class beaches nearby, and affordable homes.

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Introduction to North Port, Florida

This up-and-coming community is between Tampa and Fort Myers on Florida’s West Coast and is one of the youngest in the Southwest Florida region, making it ideal for all generations and is a popular destination for those moving to Florida

North Port is located in Sarasota County and it’s home to 89,143 residents. Unlike other parts of Florida, many of the residents in North Port are young families, with the median age being in the upper 40s.

While North Port is slightly inland, residents can still enjoy the beach life. In fact, some of the best beaches in the state are within a short 20 to 45 minute drive.

map of where north port florida is in relation to major towns near the gulf coast
headshot of josh wilson realtor at eXp realty real estate agent in venice florida, sarasota florida and wellen park realtor one of the top best agents in venice and wellen park!
that florida life logo co branded with black brokered by exp realty logo with black line separating the two

Josh Wilson,

REALTOR®

License # SL3486473

eXp Realty

Let's Find Your Piece of Paradise

Ready to Live That Florida Life?

If you have any questions about real estate or homes for sale in North Port, feel free to reach out. As a licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty, I’m more than happy to do whatever I can to find you the perfect home in paradise.

Feel Free to Reach Out if You Have Any Questions!

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Relocation Guide for Moving to North Port

Jump to Any Topic in This Guide

Quality of Life

Find out why North Port is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida

About North Port

Learn more about North Port's history and culture

City Data

Population, housing prices, demographics and more

Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living in North Port to Florida and the US

Climate & Weather

What's the weather like in North Port and general climate date

Things to Do

Discover all the fun things to do in North Port for those who live here

Transportation

Major highways, interstates and airports in the area

Hospitals

Major hospitals in the North Port area

Schools

North Port is in Sarasota County and is home to one of the best school districts in Florida, and some of the top schools in the country!

Neighborhoods

Explore some of the most popular neighborhoods in North Port and check out what properties are for sale

Quality of Life in North Port

cycling, leisure, recovery

Quite surprisingly for a city of this size, North Port is one of the best places to live in Florida. A survey from 2019 showed that eight in 10 residents rate the quality of life in North Port as good or excellent.

North Port scored high in the survey for safety, mobility, built environment, natural environment recreation and wellness, education, economy, and enrichment and community engagement.

In the same survey conducted by The National Community Survey, 9 in 10 residents felt safe in their neighborhoods, and the emergency medical and fire services had a 98% favorable response rate.

Besides the warm climate, and close access to beaches, North Port is a very family-friendly city. Schools in Sarasota County are great (which includes North Port) and most of all, homes are quite affordable.

All of these things help to keep North Port residents quite happy and satisfied with their lifesty

A Brief History of North Port, Florida

family, sunset, beach

The Early Years

North Port is actually one of the largest cities in Florida (by area size and population) and incorporated in 1959. It stretches across 104.6 square miles near the Gulf of Mexico, midway between Sarasota and Fort Myers.

The Original Name

The city only had 178 residents at the time of the incorporation and its initial name was North Port Charlotte. The name was shortened to North Port by referendum in 1974, as the residents were looking to develop a separate identity.

north port logo
entrance sign to renaissance at west villages wellen park venice florida

Fastest-Growing Cities in Florida

The population started to grow gradually, and North Port is now the second fastest -growing cities in Florida. Its population  grew 244% between 2000 and 2020.

North Port City Data

A popular choice for retirees but also for young families attracted by the laidback Florida lifestyle, North Port has plenty of amenities to suit residents of all ages. Because it’s a small town, North Port offers a more relaxed lifestyle that comes with numerous advantages, such as fewer crowds and less traffic.

shopping center in north port florida with giraffes in parking lot at cocoplum shopping center in north port florida
  • Population – 89,143
  • Median Age – 48
  • Median Home Price –  $399,900 (Realtor.com)
  • Home Value Projections – 3.9% year over year (Realtor.com)
  • Homeowner rate is 74.2%
  • Average Household Income – $80,184
  • Poverty Rate of 8.25%
  • Median House value is $385,000
  • Crime Rate – 11.26 per 1,000
  • Area & Density – 104 sq. miles of land and 898 people per square mile

Major Employers

Healthcare and hospitality are two of the largest industries in much of Florida, including North Port. But you will also find many companies based around construction, infrustructure and real estate since the area is booming with development. 

Demographics & Education

The North Port population is a fairly educated one.  Nearly 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, while over 50% have had at least some college education or higher. 14% have Bachelor degrees and over 9% have Graduate degrees.

 

For additional demographic data about North Port, check out the US Census Bureau for the following:

  • Population
  • Demographics (age, etc.)
  • Housing
  • Family & living arrangements
  • Computer and internet use
  • Education
  • Transportation
  • Income & poverty
  • Economy
  • Business
kids, school, emotions

Cost of Living in North Port

The cost of living in North Port is overall lower than the average Florida and US averages. While groceries are more expensive in North Port than the Florida average, heath, housing, and utilities costs are all lower. Residents of North Port also enjoy cheaper transportation than the Florida and US average.

100 = USA Average Cost of Living

102.8 = Florida Cost of Living

96.1 = North Port Cost of Living

 North PortFloridaUSA
  Overall96.4102.8100
  Grocery104.1102.8100
  Health101.7102.3100
  Housing88.5101.1100
  Median Home Cost$354,700$362,400$338,100
  Utilities97.2101.3100
  Transportation97112.6100
  Miscellaneous106.887.6100

SOURCE:

https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/florida/north_port

Climate and Weather in North Port

the top of a row of skinny palm trees on a sunny day in florida with bright blue sky and clouds behind them

Summers are long and hot in North Port, with high average temperatures of 88.9°F and average low temperatures of 77.5°F. Winters are moderate, with pleasant weather and average temperature ranging between max 69.8°F and min 55.2°F in January. You can expect rain for 165.2 days in North Port. Florida generally delivers around the same overall. The driest month is March and August is the month with the most rainfall.

 

Flood threats are common in North Port, with flooding from non-tropical and severe thunderstorms being the greatest threat. Hurricane season lasts June through October.

  • Rainfall – Expect rain for 165.2 days (August is the wettest & March is the driest)

  • Sunny Days – Average of 252 vs. 205 for the US

  • Hottest Month – August high of 89.4°F & average low of 78.4°F

  • Coldest Month – January high 69.8°F and 55.2°F degrees low

  • Most Comfortable Months: November, March, April

  • Most Uncomfortable Months: July and August

  • Check out the current 10-day North Port Weather Forecast Here

Things To Do in North Port

Activities & the Arts 

North Port may be a small, tight-knit community, but there are lots of things to do and see in the area.  For our full list of unmissable things to do in North Port and surroundin areas, check out this blog post

Nature lovers can enjoy exploring the huge oak trees and scenic waterways, trails, and bike paths.

The city is home to a mineral hot spring that it’s believed to make you 20 years younger, or at least what’s what the locals say. The Warm Minerals Springs is surrounded by lush grass and large oak trees and it’s a very popular attraction for those who believe in the healing power of nature.

The North Port Performing Arts Center has a capacity of 1,000 seats and hosts musical performances, off-Broadway shows, and symphony concerts.

North Port is also the new home of the Atlanta Braves Spring Training facility. Cool Today Park sits on the edge of town near Venice and is a popular venue for baseball games, outdoor concerts, farmers markets and other events.

 

  • Enjoy nearby beaches including Venice, Manasota, and Englewood
  • Go for a swim at the North Port Aquatics Center

View the calendar of North Port Events & Festivals here

beach, sand, ocean
cool today park entrance is home to the atlanta braves spring training stadium in north port florida
manatee 1079929 640
maria bayo, orchesta, singer

Recreation & the Outdoors in North Port

kayaks and canoes for rent along water in florida with trees and mangroves

Outdoor Fun Year-Round

The entire family can enjoy an amazing day out at the Atwater Community Park. The water area provides lots of fun for the kids (including a splash pad), and the park has designated picnic areas with tables and seats.

Located just south of North Port, Myakka State Forest is an excellent spot for nature lovers, as it has lots of hiking trails and opportunities for camping. Bird lovers shouldn’t miss the sanctuary on site, which is home to numerous local species. The Myakka River flows just west of North Port, allowing opportunities for fishing, kayaking and more.

Florida is known for its excellent horseback riding opportunities, and the Deer Prairie Creek Nature Preserve is one of them. Located just a 20-minute drive from North Porth, this is an excellent place for beginners as it offers professionally guided lessons for adults and children.

50+ Golf Courses in Sarasota County!

Golf lovers can enjoy the Heron Creek Golf Course, one of the highest-rated golf courses in Florida. Those new to golf can benefit from a top-notch training facility, but the golf course offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels.

Residents in North Port have convenient access to 50+ golf courses throughout Sarasota County! Here are just a few of the more popular courses just a short drive from North Port town.

  • Heron Creek Golf Course
  • Sarasota National Golf Club
  • Plantation Golf and Country Club
  • Capri Isles Golf Club
  • Venice East Golf Club
  • Lake Venice Golf Club
  • Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club
  • Venetian Golf and River Club
  • Venice Golf & Country Club
  • Waterford Golf Club Venice
up close image of golf driver hitting a golf ball on a tee

Transportation in North Port

North Port is located between Fort Myers and Tampa and offers easy access to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, which connect most of Florida. Bus services are available throughout Sarasota County via the Sarasota County Area Transit.

airplane flying into sunset sky

Airports Near North Port

There is no major airport in North Port. However, there are multiple airports nearby to choose from.

Punta Gorda (PGD)is the closest airport to North Port, being located 17.2 miles away. While it has limited service, there are a number of low-cost carriers with several popular destinations.

Sarasota International Airport (SRQ) – this is about 30 miles away. This is a fairly small airport but is growing and has carriers such as Delta, Air Canada, American Airlines, United, Jet Blue.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 88 miles north of Sarasota and has even more airlines with more chances of a direct flight.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – the largest airport near North Port is located 62 miles south in Fort Myers. This airport offers a selection of domestic & international flights and has expanded with more airlines and flights in recent years.

Hospitals in North Port

There is no hospital in North Port, however, there is a freestanding ER in North Port which is part of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Port Charlotte is just next door, where there are multiple hospitals in Charlotte County and Port Charlotte that serve the residents of North Port.

elderly, corridor, doctor

The Fawcett Memorial Hospital

has been serving residents of Port Charlotte and the surrounding areas since 1975. It has a 24-hour emergency care center, a full-service acute care hospital with clinical specialties, and a comprehensive cancer program accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Cancer.

doctor, medical, medicine

Bayfront Health Port Charlotte

A multi-level 254-bed hospital with specializations in critical and emergent care, laboratory and pathology, imaging and radiology, neurological and nerve care, rehabilitation, and the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Full-service comprehensive care for heart disease and a full spectrum of maternity care through its Women's and Children's unit.

front entrance sign to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in sarasota - one of the top hospitals in the area

Sarasota Memorial Hospital freestanding ER

One of the top hospitals in Florida and was also ranked by US News and World Report as one of the top 10 safest large hospitals in the US. It is the area's leading healthcare provider and offers specialist outpatient treatments in radiology, lab testing, family care, pediatrics, and rehabilitation. 

A+ Schools in North Port

The public schools in North Port are operated by the Sarasota County Public Schools, which is known to have some of the best schools in the state of Florida. Sarasota County’s public schools are one of only 2 school districts in Florida to have ALWAYS received an A-rating since ratings began back in 2004 and more than 60% of the teachers hold masters degrees or higher.

Elementary Schools
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Middle Schools
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High Schools
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Charter Schools
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  • Atwater Elementary School
  • Cranberry Elementary School
  • Glenallen Elementary School
  • Lamarque Elementary School
  • Toledo Blade Elementary School
  • Heron Creek Middle School
  • Woodland Middle School
  • North Port High School
  • Charter Imagine School (all grades)
  • Charter The State College of Florida Collegiate School.

New Home Communities & Wellen Park Developments

Learn More About These Popular Resort-style Communities

CLICK HERE to search ALL Wellen Park Developments in a single search page.

front of large 2-story family home by centext by pulte builders at cedar grove at the woodlands new construction community near wellen park in north port florida with homes for sale

Cedar Grove at the Woodlands

Gated, great family community with new construction homes and resales in the heart of North Port, Florida. The community has a clubhouse, swimming pool, sport courts, and playground. Large 2-story options too.

Arbor oaks divosta pulte north port florida entrance sign new construction homes near wellen park

Arbor Oaks at the Woodlands

This gorgeous new construction resort-style community by Divosta is going to be similar to the popular IslandWalk in Wellen Park and Beachwalk by Manasota Key because it is the same builder! Incredible amenities will include resort-style pool, pickleball, dog park, large clubhouse, lifestyle director and more.

entrance sign to renaissance at west villages wellen park venice florida

Renaissance at West Villages

Gated-community features fun-filled resort-style amenities and is right is across from the new Marketplace shopping center and Braves Stadium.

Miles of walking paths and foot bridges in the Island Walk development at West Villages Wellen Park. Search homes for sale in Islandwalk venice fl and resale homes in islandwalk

IslandWalk at West Villages

Luxury 830 acre lake-front gated community offers some of the best amenities and options for active residents who enjoy being outdoors in the heart of West Villages.

Venice Gran Paradiso Home 1

Gran Paradiso at West Villages

Inspired by Tuscany, this lavish community provides an elegant lifestyle on over a thousand acres that include lakes and preserves.

Huge swimming pool with slide at the Grand Palm club house in Venice, Florida - a top development for kids in wellen park

Grand Palm at West Villages

Blending natural beauty and active-living amenities. Resort-style pool with a waterslide, splash park, and 2 dog parks. Enjoy miles of walking and biking trails, kayak on Adventure Lake and enjoy the nature views of Lookout Point Island!

Homes for Sale in North Port, FL

Being such a large town, there are many different areas to live in, depending on your budget and lifestyle. There are more rural areas where you can buy land and build a home, traditional neighborhoods in town without HOA’s, and then there are also magnificent developments and master-planned communities with resort-style amenities.

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headshot of josh wilson realtor at eXp realty real estate agent in venice florida, sarasota florida and wellen park realtor one of the top best agents in venice and wellen park!
that florida life logo co branded with black brokered by exp realty logo with black line separating the two

Josh Wilson,

REALTOR®

License # SL3486473

eXp Realty

Let's Make Your Real Estate Dreams Come True in North Port!

Start Your Home Search Here

Price
Beds
Baths
For Sale / All Types