TL;DR
Babcock Ranch is a solar-powered town in Southwest Florida, north of Fort Myers and southeast of downtown Punta Gorda. The Ranch mainly resides in Charlotte County just north of the Lee County border. The new community is about 30 miles east of the beaches and barrier islands lining the Gulf of Mexico.
As of this writing, Babcock is “a ways out” in Southeastern Punta Gorda, nestled in farm and cattle grazing land surrounding Highway 31, the main artery in and out of the community.
Expect the surrounding development to radically change in years to come as the community grows to about 50,000 residents.
Getting to Babcock Ranch
If you need to travel to Babcock Ranch, here is some useful information:
Set your GPS to the address of the Babcock Ranch Discovery Center in the heart of the community:
- 42850 Crescent Loop, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
- Here is a GOOGLE MAP of the Discovery Center to assist you in finding the community.
You are going to have to rely on a car, as there presently is no public transportation to reach Babcock Ranch.
You can Uber or Lyft to The Ranch, but relying on these ride-sharing apps as a way out of the community can be spotty, particularly early in the morning or at night.
What County Is Babcock Ranch In?
The Ranch lies mostly in Charlotte County (Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte), but the southern edge extends into Lee County (Fort Myers & Cape Coral), where DiVosta Homes’ TerraWalk neighborhood resides.
What Is Babcock Ranch’s Zip Code?
Babcock’s zip code is 33982.
Will The Ranch eventually become its own municipality with a unique postal code? There is talk of that, but nothing has been announced.
Syd Kitson of Kitson & Partners, the developer of Babcock, has told people in the community that his company is working on getting the community its own post office.
Closest Airport to Babcock Ranch, Florida
Babcock Ranch is nestled between two major airports in Southwest Florida.
- According to Google Maps, Babcock Ranch is 25 miles from the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. It is about a 32-minute drive, depending on traffic.
- Babcock is 29 miles south of Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). The drive is approximately 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airport Shuttle Service To/From Babcock Ranch, FL
There are Babcock residents and shuttles affiliated with the two airports that can transport you to and from.
Babcock Residents
- Jamie Kinder (513) 919-2570
- Bernie Valdes (786) 277-7866
- Steve Stroup (801) 259-9932
Airport-Affiliated Shuttles
- RSW: MBA (239) 225-0428
- PGD: Gulf Coast Car Service (941) 391-8800
Hotels Near Babcock Ranch, FL
You might be visiting or having friends and family coming to The Ranch.
Though there are no hotels in Babcock yet, there are options a short drive away.
Comfort Inn Fort Myers Northeast (I-75 & Palm Beach Blvd.)
- The closest hotel to The Ranch, about 10 miles from Founder’s Square. Rooms are over $100 nightly at the time of writing.
- 4171 Boatways Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905
- (239) 694-9200
Extended Stay America Select Fort Myers (I-75 & Palm Beach Blvd.)
- For people who want long-term stays. About 10 miles from downtown Babcock. Rooms are under $100.
- 9701 Orange River Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905
- (239) 690-5026
Hyatt Place Fort Myers at The Forum
- A little more upscale with plenty of shopping nearby. About 14 miles from the heart of The Ranch. Rooms are over $100 nightly.
- 2600 Champion Ring Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33905
- (239) 418-1844
Baymont by Wyndham Punta Gorda
- A good option if you’re heading north or want to stay in Punta Gorda. About 27 miles from The Ranch, and rooms are over $100 nightly (at this writing).
- 9035 Mac Dr., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
- (941) 637-7200
Transportation Within Babcock Ranch
When you’re in Babcock either hunting for a house or just visiting, consult the maps feature on the community HOA site to guide yourself around the community.
If you need to get to and fro within the community, there are many options.
- Rent bikes at the HOA or Sunset or Jack Peeple’s Park. Rentals are handled through an app and you can rent at daily or weekly rates.
- When Babcock Ranch initially opened in 2018, there were self-driving vehicles to whisk visitors and residents around the community. These vehicles were discontinued, but there is talk that they may be coming back.
Exploring New Construction or a Resale in Babcock Ranch?
Then contact Team John Garuti, a leading Babcock Ranch realty group that has sold over 250 new construction homes in the nascent community:
- Let’s talk Babcock.
- Let’s tour Babcock.
- Ask questions in our free Moving to Babcock Ranch Facebook Group.
- Call Team John Garuti at (239) 251-2371.