Have you been looking for a highly desirable community with great weather, award-winning golf courses, and beach access? Maybe you’d like living in Venice Gardens FL.
Venice Gardens is a neighborhood and census-designated place in Sarasota County, Florida, offering a strong sense of community with Old Florida charm.
The development of Venice began in the years following WWII. In 1952, the offering of 19000 platted lots spurred the development of South Venice. Construction of Venice Gardens began in the 1960’s and was named after the city in Italy, with Gardens added to differentiate the neighborhood from the larger city of Venice, Florida.
These days, Venice Gardens is a good place to live if you want a peaceful community with non-stop sunshine and a short drive to the historic downtown area. Considering moving to Venice Gardens? Here’s everything you need to know to make the transition.
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Where Is Venice Gardens?
Venice Gardens, Florida is in Sarasota County outside the city of Venice, FL, and within the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida metropolitan statistical area. Florida State Route 776 forms the western border of Venice Gardens, separating it from South Venice.
Center Road and Briarwood Road form the northern and southern boundaries, while Bal Harbour Drive forms the eastern boundary. Directly to the north is Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club, perfect for avid golfers living in Venice Gardens FL. It sits between Venice, South Venice, and Plantation, Florida.
It’s about 3.5 miles or a 10-minute drive from Venice Gardens to Downtown Venice.
Venice Gardens Population & Demographics
The population of Venice Gardens is 3,264. The number of people living in Venice Gardens FL has gradually declined since the 1990s and experienced a major drop off between 2010 and 2020, when the number of people living in Venice Gardens FL decreased by 52%.
The precise reason for the decline isn’t entirely clear; however, an aging population or changes to the boundary lines are likely the cause. It still maintains a fairly dense, suburban atmosphere with a population density of 3,510 residents per square mile.
It tends to be an older community favored by retirees and families. In Venice Gardens, 27% of residents are 65 and older, and 19% are under 18. The median age is 52.2 years, which is 25% higher than the rest of the state.
While it isn’t the most diverse place, being in Southwest Florida it has a growing Hispanic community. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 89% white, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Black or African American, and 1% Asian.
Other demographics of Venice Gardens Florida:
- The median household income is $71,000, which is on par with the rest of Florida.
- 56% of people living in Venice Gardens FL are women, and 44% are men
- 94.5% of people living in Venice Gardens FL have a high school diploma, and 25.5% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 7.6%
Living in Venice Gardens FL is very safe. It’s a residential area, mostly populated by families and retirees, that doesn’t attract much crime. As a result, the crime rate in Venice Gardens is quite low compared to the state and national average.
Here is a look at how they compare:
- Total crime rate: 678 crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the rest of the country, 60% lower than the rest of Florida
- Violent crime rate: 267 crimes per 100,000 people, 70% lower than the rest of the country, 60% lower than the rest of the US.
- Property crime rate: 1420 crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the national average, 60% lower than the rest of the state.
The City of Venice Gardens Police Department handles crime in Venice Gardens and other nearby CDPs. The Venice Gardens Civic Association also serves as an HOA, providing community resources and resolving minor disputes.
Cost of Living in Venice Gardens FL
The cost of living in Venice Gardens FL is very reasonable, which is what makes it so popular among retirees. A solid way to get a sense of how much it costs to live in a community is to consult the cost-of-living index. It compares the prices of normal consumer goods to the rest of the country on a scale of 100.
According to Payscale, the COLI for the Venice area is 105, which indicates that living in Venice FL is about 5% more expensive than the typical US city. The Family Budget Calculator, developed by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a great option. It suggests that the typical Family of Four (including two parents and two children) needs to make $115,408 to afford living in Venice Gardens FL.
Standard expenses when living in Venice Gardens FL:
- Bunch of bananas: $0.79
- Gallon of milk: $5.03
- Hamburger: $6.07
- Carton of eggs: $3.81
- Gallon of gas: $3.32
- Average Venice Gardens monthly energy bill: $217.77
Source: Payscale
*numbers reflect the larger Venice area but will be similar for those living in Venice Gardens FL
Venice Gardens real estate is also very reasonably priced. Redfin suggests that the median price of houses for sale in Venice Gardens Florida, is $335,000. That makes Venice Gardens, FL, real estate about 22% less expensive than the typical home in the US. The median price per square foot of Venice Gardens homes for sale is $214. Home shoppers will find a great mix of condo buildings and single-family homes.
Venice, Florida, condos for sale start around $150,000 and go up to $300,000. Many residents of Venice Gardens, Florida, own a home.
Census data shows that 83% of properties are owner-occupied, while 17% are rented. Rentcafe indicates that the average rent in the community is $2,149. Rent prices for tenants living in Venice Gardens FL range from $1500 for a 1-bedroom to $3000 for a 2-bedroom.
Venice Gardens Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Venice Gardens
Venice Gardens is a small residential community that covers less than one square mile and therefore doesn’t feature many distinct neighborhoods. It’s often considered a neighborhood within the greater Venice area, although it has its own municipality for census purposes.
Its developers built it as a master-planned community, complete with its own civic association and community center. Venetian Gardens Sky Active Living is a notable independent living facility nearby, popular among seniors living in Venice Gardens FL. You’ll also find a good mix of condos, single-family homes, and new construction.
It’s often known as one of the hidden gems in Venice, Florida, and you’ll find safe streets, affordable homes, and great weather no matter where you choose to look. In general, the most desirable homes for sale in Venice Gardens FL are in the south, while the most affordable are in the southwest.
Venice Gardens Weather & Climate
The fantastic weather is another major benefit of living in Venice Gardens FL. It has a humid subtropical climate based on the Köppen Climate Classification, meaning the weather in Venice Gardens is hot and humid in the summer and mild in the winter.
Temperatures usually range from about 53°F to 89° F, although the winter can get as cold as 39°F and summer can get as hot as 92°F. You’ll typically want to visit a friend living in Venice Gardens FL in late February through May or October through December.
One major advantage of moving to Venice Gardens is that you won’t have to worry much about snow. However, it does get a fair amount of rain, averaging about 54 inches per year. So don’t forget to pack an umbrella.
Things to Do in Venice Gardens
Venice Gardens is mostly residential, so you won’t find many activities or attractions in the community itself. However, you can find ample recreational opportunities in the surrounding areas. The Venice Gardens Civic Association hosts community events and operates the local community clubhouse, which features a swimming pool, playground, and park.
The best shopping can be found at plazas and business centers along Route 776, such as Venice Village, Jacaranda Plaza, and Venice Village. Other than shopping, here are a few hidden gems of Venice FL.
Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club
Situated directly north of the community, Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club is a well-established club popular among avid golfers living in Venice Gardens FL, thanks to its 27-hole course, practice area, dining room, and other recreational facilities.
499 Derbyshire Dr, Venice, FL 34285 (941) 496-4653
The Grand Luxury Cinema
The Grand Luxury Cinema is a boutique movie theater located just below Venice Gardens, showing new releases and vintage classics with comfortable seating and refreshments.
2111 S Tamiami Trl, Venice, FL 34293 (941) 220-3660
Caspersen Beach
Located 5 miles west of Venice Gardens along the coast, Caspersen Beach is known as the “shark tooth capital of the world” as a premier place to discover fossilized shark teeth. It also features sandy beaches and ocean access, making it the perfect place for anyone living in Venice Gardens FL looking to relax on a nice day.
4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285 (941) 861-5000
Additional Venice Gardens Attractions
- Shamrock Park & Nature Center
- Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery & Studio
- Venice Lemon Bay Preserve
- Jacaranda West Country Club
- Venice Memorial Gardens
Looking for more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Venice Gardens FL? The Venice Gardens Civic Association also has a list of activities and events in the Venice Garden Park on its website.
Venice Gardens Restaurants
Hungry for a bite to eat? You’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants in Venice Gardens serving everything from Italian to seafood. Here are a few of the best places to eat while living in Venice Gardens FL.
L’Olive Restaurant
L’Olive Restaurant is a laidback Mediterranean restaurant serving classic Greek cuisine, including chargrilled octopus and seafood tagliatelle pasta.
1262 Jacaranda Blvd, Venice, FL 34292 (941) 445-4904
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The Living Room
The Living Room is a cozy spot popular among locals living in Venice Gardens FL. It serves classic entrees such as ground beef stroganoff and spicy jambalaya with an extensive list of beer and cocktails, and occasional live music.
2357 S Tamiami Trl, Venice, FL 34293 (941) 244-2834
Local Spot 941
Local Spot 941 is an unassuming eatery offering diner food and American classics like burgers, Reubens, and Philly cheese steaks in a familiar setting.
2045 S Tamiami Trl, Venice, FL 34293 (941) 837-2915
Jobs in Venice Gardens
Most people living in Venice Gardens FL are retired, and it doesn’t have much of a local economy, aside from jobs with the Civic Association and a few retail businesses along Route 776.
Tourism is a major driver of the local economy in Venice, along with key sectors such as healthcare, retail, and professional services. Michael Saunders and Company is a notable real estate agency with an office in Venice.
The city has experienced an influx of new commercial development in key areas like Jacaranda Plaza and Wellen Park. An increase in high-net-worth individuals living in Venice Gardens FL has led to a growth in new luxury developments that have revitalized the area.
Largest employers in Sarasota County:
- Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System
- PGT Innovations
- Publix
- Roper Technologies
- Jabil
According to Payscale, the average salary in the Sarasota area is around $73,000. So the working population living in Venice Gardens FL can expect to earn about that much. From trial attorney to marketing manager, you can expect to find plenty of great Venice Gardens jobs available in a number of fields.
Venice Gardens Schools
Families living in Venice Gardens FL will be pleased to hear that kids will attend excellent schools. It’s zoned for the Sarasota County Public School system, which consistently earns an A-grade under Florida’s accountability system.
Exact school assignments vary depending on the location of your home, and the district has a handy lookup tool that you can use to research your exact address. Nearby schools attended by most students living in Venice Gardens FL include Garden Elementary School, Venice Middle School, and Venice Senior High School.
Venice High School is generally well respected and ranks 135th in the state of Florida, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 21:1 and a 96% graduation rate. A few nearby private schools serving students living in Venice FL include Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, Venice Christian School, and Venice SDA Christian Elementary School. Anyone living in Venice Gardens FL is also invited to stop by the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library for books and other media.
Venice Gardens Statistics & Information
- County: Sarasota County
- Venice Gardens area: 1.03 square miles
- Venice Gardens zip code: 34293
- Venice Gardens area code: 941
- Venice Gardens elevation: 13 ft
- Venice Gardens time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and 5)
- Closest airport to Venice Gardens: The Venice Municipal Airport (VNC) is 3 miles away.
Venice Gardens FAQ
Is Venice Gardens a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Venice Gardens is a good place to live for those seeking a peaceful beach community with easy access to the sandy beaches of Venice. Living in Venice Gardens FL offers a rare combination of amenities and affordability, making it a popular destination for retirees and growing families.
Is It Expensive to Live in Venice Gardens, Florida?
No, living in Venice Gardens FL is generally considered affordable, and homes feature a low median sale price compared to the rest of the country. While exact prices can vary depending on your tastes and lifestyle, in general, it’s considered one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Venice, and most properties are reasonably priced.
Do Hurricanes Hit Venice Gardens, Florida?
Yes, hurricanes have hit Venice Gardens, Florida. The neighborhood has been impacted by historic storms like Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Milton, and certain areas are at high risk of hurricane damage, including intense winds and flooding. So keep that in mind if you’re moving to Venice Gardens.
Venice Gardens, FL Map
Explore more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in the Venice Gardens Florida with this map.
Find Out What Living in Venice Gardens FL Is Really Like
Ready to see for yourself what living in Venice Gardens FL is really like? When the time comes, you can trust the reliable Venice movers at 2 College Brothers to make the journey easy and efficient. Call (813) 922-1528 today for a free quote from the top Tampa moving company.
