North Port is a vibrant Florida city located in the central portion of Florida's west coast, near Sarasota. It is ideally situated near much of the state's unique natural beauty, including forests and beaches, and is also close to many popular cultural and tourist destinations. It also has a smaller but thriving LGBTQ community that is friendly and welcoming to all. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in North Port, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love.
A Look at North Port's History
North Port’s modern-day history is fairly recent. It was originally incorporated as North Port Charlotte in 1959, and the name was shortened to North Port shortly thereafter. It grew quickly and was more than 75 square miles in area by 1990. It became a popular place to live, not only for its natural beauty but also for its ideal location. Today, North Port is a diverse and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About North Port
- North Port is the only city in Florida with an entire forest within its city limits – the Myakka State Forest.
- Despite the “port” in its name, North Port is actually landlocked, and the only city in the greater Sarasota area without a beach. It does have plenty of waterways, however, including creeks, streams, and lakes.
- North Port is considered to be somewhat of an archaeological treasure chest. The banks of Myakkahatchee Creek are often frequented by fossil collectors, and it has many spots on the National Register of Historic Places.
Read more fun facts about North Port here.
North Port’s LGBTQ Community
North Port is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Sarasota is North Port’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in North Port?
If you love plenty of sunshine, warm weather, and no snow, you’ll love North Port’s weather. Summers can be very warm and humid, with temperatures in July topping out at an average of 92°F. The trade-off is that winters are usually very mild, with lows in January dropping to around 50°F. North Port receives no snow and around 54 inches of rain per year. For those who love sunshine, North Port receives plenty of it each year – an average of around 252 sunny days, in fact.
Can’t-Miss Events in North Port
If you live in North Port, you won’t want to miss the Sarasota Pride celebration just a short drive away. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, it is a great time to get together with friends and allies and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Sarasota area.
The Best Neighborhoods in North Port
If you're considering moving to North Port, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in North Port is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a North Port gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in North Port is around $395,000.
Arts and Entertainment
North Port Performing Arts Center
The North Port Performing Arts Center is a wonderful place to enjoy excellent local theatre, concerts, and any number of special events throughout the year. The auditorium seats nearly 1,000 people and has a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. With a wide variety of performances, there is something for everyone here.
The Ringling Museum is named after the famous circus of the same name, which has historic ties to the greater Sarasota area. The large Ringling Campus not only has the Museum of Art which includes thousands of objects from a variety of periods, but also includes gardens, plenty of unique historical artifacts, and many areas to simply stroll, relax, and enjoy a beautiful day.
Parks and Recreation
Myakka River State Park is located in the heart of North Port, and it is truly the perfect place to experience the stunning natural beauty and ecosystems that are unique to the Florida area. Whether you enjoy canoeing, hiking, biking, running, or just simply sitting outside and enjoying the beauty of the day, you can do it here!
The Selby Botanical Gardens were once the private gardens of Marie Selby, but have been open to the public for about half a century now. They feature a spectacular collection of plants, trees, and flowers, all overlooking stunning views of Sarasota Bay. There are even rainforest and butterfly gardens, and stunning exotic collections like orchid and banyan trees too.
North Port Nightlife
Located only a short drive away in Sarasota, the Purple Rhino is definitely worth the trip. It is Sarasota's oldest gay bar, and definitely one of its most popular. It has a local dive-bar feel and friendly and welcoming crowds. It’s also known for hosting wonderful drag shows.
Contact a North Port Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to North Port, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in North Port, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a North Port gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
