Living in Venice, FL: A Local Agent's Neighborhood Guide for Home Buyers

By Geri Scheckner, Broker Associate, Bright Realty · Updated October 2026

Short answer: Venice is a Gulf Coast city in southern Sarasota County known for its walkable historic downtown, shark-tooth beaches and a wide range of neighborhoods, from the Island of Venice and Venice Gardens to South Venice and the newer Wellen Park area. Geri Scheckner, a Sarasota-area agent for more than 40 years, helps buyers find the right Venice home, including unlisted and coming soon homes. Call or text 941-356-0652.

Where is Venice, FL?

Venice sits on the Gulf of Mexico in southern Sarasota County, just south of Nokomis and about 30 to 40 minutes south of downtown Sarasota, depending on traffic. I-75 is reached at the Laurel Road, Jacaranda Boulevard and River Road exits.

The main areas of Venice

The Island of Venice and downtown

The Island of Venice is the historic heart of the city, separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. Homes here are close to the beaches and to Venice Avenue's shops, restaurants and events, and many buyers choose the Island for its walkability. Flood zones and elevation vary block by block, so they are worth checking early.

Venice Gardens and the central neighborhoods

East of the Intracoastal, Venice Gardens and nearby neighborhoods offer established single-family homes on mature lots, close to shopping, schools and Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice. Many homes here have been updated over the years, so condition and roof age vary a lot from house to house.

South Venice

South of the city limits, South Venice is an unincorporated area known for canal homes, some with boat access, and many lots without a mandatory HOA. It appeals to boaters and buyers who want fewer rules, but older homes and waterfront lots call for careful inspection and insurance review.

Wellen Park and the Jacaranda corridor

East of I-75, Wellen Park is a large master-planned area with new construction, resort-style amenities, a downtown district and spring training at CoolToday Park. Along the Jacaranda Boulevard corridor you will also find golf and gated communities. Ask for the total monthly cost, since many homes carry HOA fees and CDD (community development district) fees on the tax bill.

What is it like to live in Venice?

Venice has a relaxed, small-city feel with plenty to do. Residents enjoy Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach and its shark tooth hunting, the Venice Fishing Pier, the Legacy Trail for walking and biking, Venice Theatre and seasonal events downtown. It is a popular choice for retirees and snowbirds, with a growing number of families in the newer communities.

Who buys homes in Venice?

Venice attracts retirees and snowbirds looking for beach-town living, buyers relocating from out of state, families drawn to newer communities like Wellen Park, boaters looking at South Venice canal homes, and investors interested in condos and villas.

What should buyers check before buying in Venice?

Before you make an offer, Geri helps you review the FEMA flood zone and elevation certificate, get homeowners and flood insurance quotes, check roof age and any past storm repairs, and read the HOA or condo documents. In newer communities she also confirms CDD fees, and for condos she reviews the association's reserves and recent inspections.

Can I find unlisted or coming soon homes in Venice?

Yes. Some Venice homes sell before they ever reach Zillow or the MLS. Geri hears about many of these through her local network and her work as a real estate investor, and buyers on her priority list get the first call.

Who is a good real estate agent for buying a home in Venice, FL?

Geri Scheckner, Broker Associate with Bright Realty, serves Venice, Nokomis and Sarasota and has a 5-star rating from more than 60 client reviews on Zillow. Her recent Venice sales include a home on Lexington Drive, and a Venice client wrote that she sold their Wellen Park villa "in a tough market in two months."

Ready to find your Venice home?

Call or text Geri Scheckner at 941-356-0652, email Geri@GeriMail.com, or search homes at viprealestatehomes.com. Ask to join Geri's priority buyer list for unlisted and coming soon homes in Venice. You can also read 7 questions Venice buyers ask.

Find Geri online: read her client reviews on Zillow, Google and Realtor.com, and see her recent sales on Homes.com.

Geri Scheckner, Broker Associate, Bright Realty · 5218 Station Way, Sarasota, FL 34233