The City of Venice in Sarasota County has traditionally been considered a major resort and retirement destination in Florida due to its miles of beaches, numerous golf communities and its great year-round weather. The coastal portion of Venice that is on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico is actually an island; the inland portion of Venice extends northeast to the unspoiled Myakka River State Park, one of Florida’s most pristine nature preserves.

Whereas some coastal communities in Southwest Florida have some level of deed-restricted beach access, virtually all beaches in Venice are open to the public and offer free parking. Venice is the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World, which is the theme of an annual family-friendly festival. Children love finding not only shark teeth but also shells and other marine fossils strewn about the beaches.

Waterfront real estate in Venice can be found on the Gulf of Mexico, along the canals that separate it from the mainland or on the shores of the lakes located east of I-75. Downtown Venice and the neighborhoods surrounding it feature a Mediterranean revival style of architecture. The beachfront high-rise condominiums feature a modern resort-style sensibility. One of the most enticing golf communities in the United States is located here: The Venice Golf and Country Club and its pristine golf course that is certified as a bird-friendly nature preserve by the Audubon Society.

In recent years, Venice has undergone a revival as a city where families can settle and prosper. This housing market clearly offers quality of life thanks to its commitment to nature preservation, safety and industry. Tourism is no longer the only source of business revenue for the city; in recent years, the health care, education and service industries have opened up greater employment opportunities for Venice.

House hunters are often surprised to learn that single-family homes in Venice are priced as low as $100K. This is the case for many of the older Florida-ranch style houses and some of the cozier condominium units. Homes priced around $500K are typically handsome Tuscan-style estates with many extra features such as swimming pools, lanais, gourmet kitchens, modern attics, outsized lots, and more.

Young Venice residents are served by the Sarasota County Public Schools, and quite a few private academies have opened their doors in the last few years to accommodate the influx of new families moving into the area.