Port Charlotte is a census-designated place known for its warm and sunny weather, spectacular sunsets and quick access to some of the best beaches on Florida’s southwest coast. Nearly 31% of its residents are aged 65 and older, making Port Charlotte a popular place to settle for many retirees. Seniors can explore the mangrove swamps and watch for wildlife at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, or enjoy a day of boating, fishing and swimming at Port Charlotte Beach Park. Other reasons to choose Port Charlotte include low crime rates, money-saving tax laws and a cost of living that’s below the national average.

Assisted living provides help with personal care, 24-hour supervision and social and recreational activities. It’s ideal for seniors who can no longer live alone, but don’t require the level of care offered by nursing homes. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in Port Charlotte costs an average of $3,938 per month. That’s less than the national median, but slightly more expensive than the average for Florida overall.

In this guide, seniors can learn about the benefits and drawbacks of living in Port Charlotte, what assisted living here costs compared to other locales and types of senior care and several free and low-cost resources aimed at helping older adults.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Port Charlotte, FL

Brookdale Port Charlotte

18440 Cochran Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948

Brookdale Port Charlotte is in the heart of Port Charlotte just minutes away from beaches, medical facilities and shopping areas. Residents and loved ones compliment the staff, who are happy to partic … (read more)
Brookdale Port Charlotte is in the heart of Port Charlotte just minutes away from beaches, medical facilities and shopping areas. Residents and loved ones compliment the staff, who are happy to partic … (read more)

South Port Square

23023 Westchester Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL, 33980

I enjoyed my visit to South Port Square. They were very nice. I liked the layout, where you could go and eat with everybody. They had Sunday services. They also have transportation if you need it. I h … (read more)
I enjoyed my visit to South Port Square. They were very nice. I liked the layout, where you could go and eat with everybody. They had Sunday services. They also have transportation if you need it. I h … (read more)

Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care

2595 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL, 33952

I loved Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care. It was wonderful. The people there were so cordial (I even met some of the residents). It was very clean, well-kept, and everybody seemed happy. I g … (read more)
I loved Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care. It was wonderful. The people there were so cordial (I even met some of the residents). It was very clean, well-kept, and everybody seemed happy. I g … (read more)

Vick Street Manor

22332 Vick St, Port Charlotte, FL, 33980

The only thing I liked about Vick Street Manor was the person who greeted us. Other than that, it was not clean. There was some urine scent. I even peeked in the kitchen and it was dirty, as well as t … (read more)
The only thing I liked about Vick Street Manor was the person who greeted us. Other than that, it was not clean. There was some urine scent. I even peeked in the kitchen and it was dirty, as well as t … (read more)

Truewood by Merrill, Port Charlotte

2500 Aaron St, Port Charlotte, FL, 33952

Royal Palm Retirement Centre borders the ocean shore in Port Charlotte, Florida, and is close to two major highways for easy commuting in and out of town. Residents feel like they’re part of a family … (read more)
Royal Palm Retirement Centre borders the ocean shore in Port Charlotte, Florida, and is close to two major highways for easy commuting in and out of town. Residents feel like they’re part of a family … (read more)

2014, 2015

Lexington Manor Assisted Living

20480 Veterans Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL, 33954

Lexington Manor Assisted Living is located in Port Charlotte, Florida, just a few minutes from numerous shops and restaurants in nearby Murdock. Residents and visitors appreciate that the facility has … (read more)
Lexington Manor Assisted Living is located in Port Charlotte, Florida, just a few minutes from numerous shops and restaurants in nearby Murdock. Residents and visitors appreciate that the facility has … (read more)

2015

Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center

18400 Cochran Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL, 33948

Village Place Retirement is located in the seaside city of Port Charlotte, Florida, and is close to a number of popular shopping areas, the beach and medical facilities. Residents praise the unique se … (read more)
Village Place Retirement is located in the seaside city of Port Charlotte, Florida, and is close to a number of popular shopping areas, the beach and medical facilities. Residents praise the unique se … (read more)

Harborview Acres

24450 Harborview Rd, Port Charlotte, FL, 33980

Clean, friendly, great atmosphere. All the people there seemed to be happy. I talked to a few and they really liked it there and said food was good. There was an ice cream shop there that everyone … (read more)
Clean, friendly, great atmosphere. All the people there seemed to be happy. I talked to a few and they really liked it there and said food was good. There was an ice cream shop there that everyone … (read more)

GrandCare Assisted Living

315 Addison Drive, Port Charlotte, FL, 33980


2014, 2023

Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles

250 Bal Harbor Boulevard, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950

I toured Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles. We liked the location of the facility, and the woman who did the tour was very nice and helpful. They have a game room. The people that I met were all really nice … (read more)
I toured Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles. We liked the location of the facility, and the woman who did the tour was very nice and helpful. They have a game room. The people that I met were all really nice … (read more)

The Gallery at North Port

1322 N Main St, North Port, FL, 34286

I liked how beautifully The Gallery at North Port was decorated and that it didn’t feel like you’re going into an assisted living building. They had lots of outdoor spaces. The facilities were clean a … (read more)
I liked how beautifully The Gallery at North Port was decorated and that it didn’t feel like you’re going into an assisted living building. They had lots of outdoor spaces. The facilities were clean a … (read more)

Best Care Senior Living of Punta Gorda

2295 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL, 33950

My mom is a resident of Best Care Senior Living of Punta Gorda. The people there are wonderful. They communicate with me, as well as my mom, and they consider her feelings too. It’s clean, which I app … (read more)
My mom is a resident of Best Care Senior Living of Punta Gorda. The people there are wonderful. They communicate with me, as well as my mom, and they consider her feelings too. It’s clean, which I app … (read more)

The Courtyard Assisted Living

26455 Rampart Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL, 33983

My husband is a resident there…staff answering phones are RUDE. I left message with them for owner/manager never received a call back. He is a blind hemipalegic and needs a lot of help with phone. … (read more)
My husband is a resident there…staff answering phones are RUDE. I left message with them for owner/manager never received a call back. He is a blind hemipalegic and needs a lot of help with phone. … (read more)

Gardens of North Port

4900 S Sumter Blvd, North Port, FL, 34287

Gardens of North Port is located in a cozy residential area in North Port, Florida, within minutes of the Heron Creek Golf Course and Garden of the Five Senses. Visitors praise the facility for its en … (read more)
Gardens of North Port is located in a cozy residential area in North Port, Florida, within minutes of the Heron Creek Golf Course and Garden of the Five Senses. Visitors praise the facility for its en … (read more)

Sandhill Gardens Retirement Center

24949 Sandhill Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL, 33983

I went to Sandhill Gardens Retirement Center. It was too large. It had independent living and also assisted living. It was just too big. The tour was fine. Their facility was very nice, very clean, an … (read more)
I went to Sandhill Gardens Retirement Center. It was too large. It had independent living and also assisted living. It was just too big. The tour was fine. Their facility was very nice, very clean, an … (read more)

Alder Terrace Adult Care Center

26563 Sandhill Boulevard, Punta Gorda, FL, 33983

My mom is in Alder Terrace. I’m very satisfied with them. I have no idea about the food, but she hasn’t complained about anything. There’s individual living quarters for everybody. They have large and … (read more)
My mom is in Alder Terrace. I’m very satisfied with them. I have no idea about the food, but she hasn’t complained about anything. There’s individual living quarters for everybody. They have large and … (read more)

Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda

10211 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950

We toured Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda, and it was a very good experience. It was pristine. The place was new. It just opened in August. The rooms were brand new. Everything was clean and neat. There … (read more)
We toured Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda, and it was a very good experience. It was pristine. The place was new. It just opened in August. The rooms were brand new. Everything was clean and neat. There … (read more)

Discovery Commons at South Biscayne

6235 Hoffman Street, North Port, FL, 34287

My mother signed up here. She liked that it was updated, it had a nice large dining room, and the people were very friendly. It’s big, and it’s modern. It had a huge lanai on the back. The staff durin … (read more)
My mother signed up here. She liked that it was updated, it had a nice large dining room, and the people were very friendly. It’s big, and it’s modern. It had a huge lanai on the back. The staff durin … (read more)

Life Care Center of Punta Gorda

450 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950

Facility is beautiful but staffing is terrible. My grandmother who has dementia was transferred there from the hospital. It was a 3 day ordeal to even get a phone placed in her room so I could talk to … (read more)
Facility is beautiful but staffing is terrible. My grandmother who has dementia was transferred there from the hospital. It was a 3 day ordeal to even get a phone placed in her room so I could talk to … (read more)

Sweet Water Oak Residential Assisted Living

2820 Pan American Blvd, North Port, FL, 34287


What to Consider About Assisted Living in Port Charlotte

In Port Charlotte and all other Florida cities, assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Division of Health Quality Assurance. The Division also ensures that facilities stay in compliance with the state’s rules and regulations through on-site surveys.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Port Charlotte

  • Port Charlotte residents are in close range of several major hospitals, the closest of which is Fawcett Memorial Hospital. U.S. News & World Report has rated Fawcett Memorial Hospital as high performing in hip replacements and treatment for COPD. 
  • Charlotte County Transit provides low-cost, curb-to-curb transportation in Port Charlotte, Englewood, Punta Gorda and the surrounding areas. Seniors can get a ride to almost any destination in the service area, including doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, banks, libraries and community centers.
  • Compared to the national cost of living index of 100, Port Charlotte is more affordable with an index of 88.4. Health care (94.3), housing (78.2), utilities (96.7) and transportation (77.9) are below the national norms, while groceries (103) are slightly more expensive.
  • Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states for seniors. The state has no income tax, so retirees don’t pay taxes on Social Security benefits and other kinds of retirement income. Additionally, Florida has no taxes on inheritances or estates.
  • Port Charlotte gets 262 sunny days per year, on average, compared to the U.S. average of 205. Despite this, rainstorms can occasionally be severe. The area receives 51 inches of rain annually, while the rest of the country gets an average of 38 inches. Winters are pleasant, with an average low temperature of 50 degrees in January. Summers are often hot and very humid, though, with an average high of 92 degrees in July.
  • Air quality in Port Charlotte is fairly good, scoring 65 out of 100 compared to the national average of 58. Water quality is a bit below average, however, with a rating of 50 compared to the U.S. average of 55.
  • Port Charlotte boasts relatively low violent and property crime rates, making it safer than 42% of U.S. cities. The community has a violent crime rate of just 2.34 per 1,000 residents, compared to Florida’s overall rate of 3.78. Port Charlotte’s property crime rate (12.38) is less than half of what it is statewide (21.46).

Paying for Assisted Living in Port Charlotte

Assisted living in Port Charlotte costs an average of $3,938 per month, which is about $300 below the national average of $4,300, but $238 more than the $3,700 average for Florida as a whole.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

In Cape Coral, seniors pay an average of $4,500 for assisted living, which is $562 more than the rate paid in Port Charlotte. In Naples, the cost goes up another $50 to $4,550. Assisted living in North Port costs an average of $3,888, which is just $50 more than the cost in Port Charlotte. In Tampa, assisted living is much more affordable at $3,225 per month.

$3938

Port Charlotte

$3700

Florida

$4300

The United States

$4500

Cape Coral

$4550

Naples

$3888

North Port

$3225

Tampa

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors who can still live at home may opt for homemaker services, which cost $4,576. Home health aide assistance also includes certain medical services, but it’s priced the same as homemaker services. Assisted living costs just over $600 less at $3,938 per month. Adult day health care is usually the least expensive option, and although pricing data isn’t available for Port Charlotte, the Florida statewide monthly median is just $1,408. Nursing home care is the most expensive choice. In Port Charlotte, it costs an average of $9,125 for a semiprivate room and $10,342 for a private one.

$4576

Homemaker Services

$4576

Home Health Aide

$3938

Assisted Living Facility

$9125

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$10342

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

 Note: Data for Port Charlotte was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Punta Gorda, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Port Charlotte

Qualified seniors can receive assistance with the cost of services at assisted living facilities in Port Charlotte through the state’s Medicaid Long-Term Care (MLTC) and Assistive Care Services programs. Although the state’s programs do not set a cap on room-and-board fees, the MLTC plan does help to negotiate those costs with the provider.

The state also provides an optional state supplement (OSS) for those receiving Federal SSI benefits that can help with the costs of long-term care. Florida allows family supplementation to help cover the costs of assisted living without impacting Medicaid eligibility. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Florida page.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Port Charlotte

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Port Charlotte

Residents of Port Charlotte have access to a range of programs, resources and services designed to help seniors currently residing in or considering a move to assisted living. These services are provided by government agencies and nonprofit organizations serving southwest Florida and Charlotte County.

ResourceContactService
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida(239) 652-6900AAASWFL offers a variety of health and wellness programs for Charlotte County residents aged 60 and older. These include balance training, falls prevention education, arthritis-friendly exercise classes and lessons on managing chronic diseases. Its volunteers provide counseling on Medicare options and can assist seniors with claims and appeals. Seniors with questions about long-term care can call its Elder Helpline to speak with a counselor and find available resources.
Charlotte County Veteran Services(941) 764-5579Charlotte County Veteran Services helps former military members and their families access services and benefits they’re entitled to receive. These can include pensions and disability compensation, vocational rehabilitation and allowances to help pay for burial and funeral costs. Eligible senior veterans can also get help applying for VA Aid and Attendance benefits, which they can put toward the cost of assisted living care.
Florida Ombudsman Program(239) 338-2563Administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Florida Ombudsman Program advocates for seniors in assisted living and other types of long-term care. Volunteer ombudsmen in the Southwest office work to ensure that facilities in Port Charlotte meet legal standards of care. They can also help resolve complaints regarding neglect, abuse, evictions, meal quality and proper administration of medication.
Florida Senior Legal Helpline(888) 895-7873Bay Area Legal Services operates the Florida Senior Legal Helpline that provides free civil legal assistance to low-income seniors aged 60 and older. Eligible Port Charlotte residents can get answers to questions about wills, probate, advance care directives, Social Security and other topics relevant to older adults.
Senior Friendship Center(941) 255-0723The Senior Friendship Center of Charlotte County provides free wellness services, educational programming, recreational activities and engaging social events. It also connects seniors with local volunteer opportunities based on their interests and skills, enabling them to give back to their community in a rewarding and meaningful way.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Port Charlotte

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does assisted living cost in Port Charlotte?

According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Port Charlotte is $2897.

Is Port Charlotte a safe place to live?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Port Charlotte is 194, which is below the national average of 323.

What is the traffic like in Port Charlotte?

There is low traffic congestion with an above average crash rate of 11.

How much is housing in Port Charlotte?

At $863, the average cost of housing in Port Charlotte is below the nationwide average of $1,442

Does Port Charlotte have a good job market?

Port Charlotte offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.46.

Is Port Charlotte an accessible place to live without a vehicle?

In Port Charlotte, 81.7% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is above the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 0 local transit vehicles per hour. This is less than the national average of 8.

Does Port Charlotte have good health care options?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 57% in Port Charlotte – this is lower the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 66 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is less the national average of 82.

Is Port Charlotte a good place to retire?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Port Charlotte ranked in the bottom of the pack. It’s overall rank was 265th, and it scored the best in Affordability, while it’s lowest score was for Senior Living & Housing.

Does Port Charlotte have fun activities for retirees?

In Port Charlotte, the number of parks is less than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.