MOVE TO VENICE, FL

Q: Why is Venice different?

A: The City of Venice has a rich history dating back to the 1920's and, much like the growth of today's Venice, became established and grew as a result of real estate development.

Venice is one of the very few small towns left on any Florida coast where the downtown is within easy walking distance to the beach and you aren't overrun by traffic. From downtown Venice, you can be at many of our beautiful golf courses within 10 minutes.

Q: Where's the closest beach?

A: Venice has three easily accessible beaches.  From north to south: Nokomis Beach, Venice Beach, and Manasota Key Beach.  None of these is much more than 15 minutes from most neighborhoods in Venice. They are also much less crowded than the better-known Siesta Key beach in Sarasota.

Q: What's the real estate market like in Venice?

A: It's very busy.  Historically, prices in Venice have been less expensive than Sarasota.  We have a 3 month supply of housing inventory for sale when we should have 6 months, so it's more of a seller's market.  Low offers usually get rejected. We are becoming more of a year-round market for real estate than in the past.  Winter is still our busiest time, but now visitors who did not buy come back during their summer vacations to buy, once they have gotten to know the area.

Q: I've read that Sarasota is getting congested.  What's traffic like in Venice?

A: Like Sarasota, traffic in Venice does increase sharply in the winter, but it's not close to the volume Sarasota and areas like Lakewood Ranch are experiencing.  

Q: What is there to do in Venice?

A: The downtown always has something happening.  I recently attended a Brew Fest downtown, and there are art exhibits and car shows periodically. You can also golf and spend time at the beaches or boating. Venice Main Street is an excellent source of Venice, FL area events.

Q: I hear that the population of Venice is older than Sarasota.  Is it good for families?

A: That is a common preconception of Venice and it's not necessarily untrue, but Venice has it's share of younger adults and families.  Just head downtown to people watch and see for yourself.  You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Q: What is crime like in Venice?

A: Well, it's not Miami or Tampa.  In my opinion, crime is not a reason to avoid moving to Venice.  You should check crime stats online or call Sarasota County Sherriff's office www.sarasotasheriff.org