Spreading from Florida Gulf Coast beaches to the urbanized areas north of Fort Myers and around Port Charlotte (by many accounts, one of the best places for retirees in the U.S.), Charlotte County lays claim to one of the largest purchases of conservation land in the state's history. Formerly part of a 91,361-acre working ranch known as Crescent B Ranch, Babcock Ranch Preserve occupies 67,619 acres and offers public recreational opportunities abound including hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, bicycling, fishing, camping and horseback riding. The value of all land and rural real estate for sale in Charlotte County recently was approximately $740 million, representing a combined 5,104 acres of land for sale in Charlotte County. Charlotte County ranks fourth out of 67 counties in the state for the total acreage of land currently advertised for sale. There were nine properties listed as sold in Charlotte County through the Land Network Comparable Sales Program. This represented a total value of $554,025. Among cities in Charlotte County with farms and rural real estate for sale, Port Charlotte had the most land for sale. Based on its natural assets, tourism and recreation contribute significant revenue toward Charlotte County's overall GDP. Charlotte County is Florida's 33rd largest county (858 square miles). It's located in the Southwest Florida region of the state.