Cresswind at Lake Harris
Tavares, Florida
Venice, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Venice
Venice, Florida is an extremely pleasant community of 21,000 people located south of Sarasota on the Gulf of Mexico. Originally developed in 1925 by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers as a planned retirement community, Venice is named after the many canals and rivers running through it. Thanks to its central planning, Venice is a top rated community for adults over 55. In many ways Venice is similar to Naples; except with less traffic and far lower prices. The town has wide boulevards lined with palms and banyan trees. Much of the town is in the northern Italian renaissance architectural style. The lively downtown has many interesting shops and restaurants. There are plenty of parks and public tennis courts. Just a few short blocks from the downtown is one of Florida’s best Gulf Coast beaches. Photo of the Venice jetty courtesy of Wikipedia and JJBers, Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 Photo of Valencia Hotel and Arcade courtesy of Wikipedia and Ebyabe, licensed under CC BY- SA 3.0
Where to Retire in Venice and Home Prices
One can live in town, near the central shopping district and beach. Cute homes and apartments lead away from the beach. There the need for a car is low and your neighbors will offer some variety. Or, one can choose an active adult community further out of town, such as The Plantation or the Venice Golf & Tennis Club. These gated communities feature golf and/or tennis, along with pools and clubhouses. Some of them are like posh summer camps for adults, with the only possible downside that you have to drive to town to see people who aren’t a lot like yourself. Others, particularly those featuring manufactured homes, are quite affordable. Zillow reports the median home value was $454,767, in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Venice
Great beach in the town with 31 municipal parks in a town of 25,463 people (2020 census) The planned community is the Sharks Tooth Capital of the and offers a walkable and pretty central downtown shopping district along with a Community Center, and many active adult communities. It is also convenient to the mega-culture in Sarasota and is similar to Naples Florida, but less crowded and expensive.
What Is Not Special about Venice
• Traffic in season • The average age is about 70 • Hurricane season • Lack of diversity
Who Will Like Retirement in Venice
Venice attracts a community of slightly older retirees who want to live in a planned community. Many come here for the beach or the laid back downtown. Others have a strong interest in golf or tennis.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Retirees, tourism, retail, services, and real estate are important to the economy.
Climate and Physical Environment
Venice is well down the west coast of Florida, south of Tampa and Sarasota. Roberts Bay, the Gulf, and several rivers provide an extensive waterfront.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
The city takes pride in its many parades, art fests, nationally award-winning community theater, and preserved natural environments.The Venice Symphony offers many concerts. The Arts Cultural Alliance is very active. Concerts are held several times weekly in the Centennial Park Gazebo. There is a beautiful new library downtown.
Crime
Crime rate is relatively low in Venice
Medical facilities
Bon Secours Venice Hospital. Englewood Community Hospital is also nearby.
Transportation
Sarasota/Bradenton Airport is 22 miles away. There is also an AMTRAK station in Sarasota.
Valuable Links
City of Venice Visit Venice Venice Arts Center Venice on Wikipedia
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