Englewood

 

Englewood has an Old Florida charm that permeates the atmosphere everywhere, from the beaches to the downtown strip. Maybe because it's a little out of the way, or maybe because its residents value the small-town feeling — living here feels like coming home to a place you’ve always known.

 

Settled early on by Willian and Mary Goff, Englewood was then developed by Illinois developers, the Nichols Brothers, in 1896. The town began to thrive, with its main industries being fishing, lumber, and farming. It was relatively hidden for a long time, but with the expansion of Port Charlotte, the community of Englewood grew alongside that development.

 

Populated with single-family homes and sprawling waterfront villas, Englewood is full of classic architecture and older homes. Many of these homes have been preserved alongside the newer homes that have been built as the town expanded.

 

Englewood primarily consists of an active adult population. The median age is relatively high, and it’s a highly sought-after retirement town. It’s slightly off the beaten path, but it still sees its share of tourism. It also has some excellent schools and family-friendly amenities, making it a destination for those with children. There is always something to do in Englewood, from outdoor activities to annual events, and this community is an ideal combination of peaceful and exciting.

 

Much of Englewood’s entertainment is either along the water or centered in Old Englewood along West Dearborn Street. The town has a lot to offer by way of shopping and dining.

 

No matter what you’re looking to find, shopping in Englewood will probably give you the opportunity to purchase it from one of its many boutiques. Some of these gems include Ivy’s on Dearborn (women’s clothing), Suncoast Trading Post (home goods), Lemonbay Soap (soaps and creams), and Rehab On Dearborn (antiques).

 

Dine among the palm trees and listen to the soothing sounds of a live band at either Farlow’s on the Water or SandBar Tiki & Grille. Nicola’s Italian Kitchen is a family-owned authentic Italian restaurant that’s been around for decades. Award-winning Mango Bistro serves Englewood with a unique take on French and Californian cuisine. If, after all these suggestions, you can’t decide on just one place, Let’s Eat, Englewood takes the community on a culinary journey through the menus of local restaurants each fall.

 

Englewood is thrumming with exciting things to do. The city has great nightlife, an extensive roster of annual events, and lots of opportunities to get out in the sun.

 

Englewood Seafood & Music Festival is exactly as it sounds: full of delicious seafood and live music. Englewood Pioneer Days is a parade, car show, and festival all rolled up into one exciting event to honor the history of Englewood. For a thrilling taste of boat racing, make plans to get a ticket to Englewood Beach Waterfest.

 

Explore the beauty of nature and learn about Englewood’s first inhabitants at Indian Mound Park. For a sunny day on a pristine, remote beach, visit one of the islands of Stump Pass Beach State Park, where locals go fishing, swim, and sunbathe. If you want to play a round of eighteen holes, Englewood is full of stellar golf courses like Oyster Creek Golf Club, Myakka Pines Golf Club, and Boca Royale Golf & Country Club.

 

Engelwood is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: