Is North Port, Florida A Good Place To Live?
Situated between Tampa and Fort Myers, the city of New Port is an up-and-coming Florida community of about 66,410 people. This new Southwest Florida city is known for its beautiful natural springs, rich archaeological history, and over 95 miles of freshwater canals. Incorporated only 50 years ago, North Port’s population has a median age of 38 and is one of the youngest cities in the Southwest Florida area.
The city boasts a unique natural atmosphere and a youthful attitude. Both residents and visitors alike can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, horseback riding, and more outdoor adventures. If you’re wondering what it’s like to call North Port home, you’ve come to the right place. While the cost of living may be a bit higher than the Florida average, crime rates, real estate prices, and rental prices are low.
Overall, North Port is a quiet, family-friendly community with lots of parks, open spaces, and a wonderful sense of community. Not to mention, it is the only city in the entire state of Florida to have a state forest – the Myakka State Forest. Although North Port is located inland, the weather is impacted by the Gulf of Mexico. Average annual temperatures sit around 76 degrees Fahrenheit, making year-round living a pleasure.
Continue reading as we take you through all the pros and cons of living in this promising Florida community and tell you what you can expect when you choose to call North Port home.
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Why Is North Port A Good Place to Live?
Since 1980, the population in North Port grew 120%, which makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. With statistics like that, you may be wondering what is attracting both businesses and families to North Port at such an accelerated rate. The beauty, job opportunities, economic development, convenience, top-notch public education, and some of the lowest property taxes in the Southwest Florida region are just a few reasons.
With that said, here’s a more detailed look at why North Port is an ideal Florida city:
Affordable Housing
Due to low housing costs across the board, one could easily afford to rent or own a home in North Port, Florida. The median home value is $147,100, with about 78% of residents owning their homes. Renting, on the other hand, has a median average of $985. While this is slightly higher than the national average, it still contributes to affordable housing prices in North Port.
These numbers translate to overall housing costs being about 13% below the national average, and 4% below the Florida average.
Low Crime Rates
In terms of crime statistics published in 2019, North Port can be considered a very safe place to live. The total crime rate is 39% lower than the national average, while violent crimes are 64% lower and property crimes are 35% lower. In fact, these numbers are decreasing year after year. North Port is safer than 62% of the cities in the United States and you have a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim of crime in this community. Residents report that they feel safe in North Port and that is a peaceful, wonderful place to raise kids.
Excellent Weather
Of course, being in Florida there’s always the concern about hurricanes. In terms of climate, temperatures are hot and humid in North Port for about half of the year and are otherwise pleasant with a low chance of precipitation for the majority of the year. If you’re looking to escape the cold, North Port may be the place for you.
The average annual temperature here is 76 degrees. Although, August, July, and June are the hottest months – with highs regularly around 93 degrees. Regardless, living in North Port, you’ll get to enjoy year-round sunshine and plenty of opportunities to get outside and experience nature.
Limitless Outdoor Activities
North Port is, arguably, most known for its unique natural environment, offering outdoor adventures. As the fourth largest city in terms of the landmass in Florida, North Port offers a rare opportunity to explore the lush natural canopy of Southwest Florida. The Warm Natural Springs and the Myakka State Forest are just some of the hidden treasures you’ll find in this breathtaking community.
Aside from the relaxing and therapeutic waters, visitors to the natural springs can enjoy its unique geological history. While it may not be the cheapest attraction in town, it has one of the highest mineral contents in the world and is definitely worth checking out. The Myakka River State Park, on the other hand, is one of the state’s oldest and the area’s largest parks. It is home to a variety of natural environments, including cypress swamps, marshes, wetlands, and even the famous 100-foot deep sinkhole, ‘Deep Hole.’
Within the city’s over 95 miles of freshwater canals, residents can enjoy adventurous kayaking and canoeing opportunities. North Port also boasts miles of natural hiking paths, horse trails, mountain bike paths, and bird watching. Not to mention, the parks and recreation division offers year-round events and activities for all ages!
What Is The Cost of Living in North Port?
While housing in North Port is lower than the national average, the cost of living is slightly higher than both the Florida average and the United States average. With that said, here’s a more detailed look at the cost of living in North Port, Florida:
- The housing market is affordable, with 78% of residents owning their homes. With a median home price of $147,100 and an average mortgage payment of $1,242, housing in North Port is about 13% lower than the national average.
- Groceries cost about 20% more than the national average in North Port. This is one of the determining factors to the cost of living in North Port being higher than the rest of the country.
- Gasoline is an average of $2.29 per gallon in North Port. When compared to the national average of $2.59, you can expect relatively low gas prices if you live in North Port, Florida.
- Residents enjoy no state income tax. Being in Florida, those who reside in North Port don’t have to deal with a state income tax. In fact, this is one of the main draws for those looking to relocate to the state.
What Are The Drawbacks of Living in North Port?
Like any other place in the country, there are some drawbacks to living in North Port. Here are some of the issues that North Port residents have posed:
- Limited shopping and entertainment options. Since North Port is a pretty quiet town that has maintained much of its natural surroundings, there are somewhat limited amenities. However, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities are with a 20 to 30-minute drive away.
- Not ideal for young individuals. North Port is better suited for those who are looking for a slow-paced community. There is no nightlife here and there are also limited job opportunities in the city for young professionals.
- Lack of activities for kids. As an up-and-coming community, North Port is lacking in terms of kid-friendly activities. Of course, there are plenty of parks and some shops, there isn’t much else to do outside of that.
- High humidity. Although North Port isn’t located on the coast, it still experiences much of the same humidity levels as the rest of the region. For some, the humidity in Florida can be unbearable during the hottest months of the year.
Related Questions
Does North Port have an airport?
No, North Port does not have an airport but there are several airports in the nearby area. Since Interstate 75 cuts through the city, North Port offers convenient access to Southwest Florida International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Punta Gorda Airport, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. The Punta Gorda Airport is the closest airport to North Port – about 17 miles away or approximately 30 minutes.
How close is North Port to the beaches?
Although North Port is situated more inland, tucked beneath a canopy of oak and pine trees, the beaches are only a short 20 to 45-minute drive away. Residents can enjoy numerous local beaches in Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties.
What is the unemployment rate in North Port?
North Port has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national average of 6%. However, the job market has increased over the last couple of years and future job growth is expected to increase by about 45% over the next ten years.
What are the main industries in North Port?
Healthcare and social assistance is the main industry in North Port, followed closely by retail trade.
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Wrapping It Up
With low housing costs, low crime rates, year-round sunshine, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s easy to see why North Port, Florida is a good place to live. As an up-and-coming community, it may lack activities for kids and young adults, and some shopping and entertainment options, but it’s likely that we will see North Port grow in the coming years.
Regardless, if you’re looking for a safe, quiet, affordable, family-friendly, and outdoors-oriented community in Southwest Florida, North Port fits the bill. The quality of life in and around North Port makes the city a prime destination for anyone looking to relocate to the Southwest Florida region.
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Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.
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