Quiet coastal neighborhood with its own ferry and proximity to top schools
South Venice, a residential community near the Gulf of Mexico in southern Sarasota County, offers the calm convenience of Gulf Coast living. “It’s a nice, quiet neighborhood,” says Sean A. Seward, a Realtor with Keller Williams Island Life Realty. This waterfront area is home to a unique neighborhood feature – the South Venice Ferry. The ferry has been a community staple since the mid-1960s, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers created the Intracoastal Waterway. Previously, South Venice residents crossed a series of footbridges to get from the neighborhood’s west side to the adjacent Gulf beach. Residents also enjoy proximity to top-rated schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and the Tamiami Trail, the region’s primary retail and dining corridor.
Established ranch-style homes on spacious lots are common
The streets of South Venice are populated primarily by ranch homes built between the 1950s and the 1990s, with many having been remodeled in recent years. The spacious lots typically feature large yards and private drives, and many are enhanced by the presence of palm trees and custom landscaping. The median sales price of homes in South Venice is roughly $400,000, about 15 percent less than the median price in greater Venice. A quirk of the neighborhood infrastructure is that most homes are on well water, which means pumps need to be checked and maintained, but costly public utility bills are avoided. Coastal-style homes are among the larger, more architecturally distinct houses close to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Recently, renovated ranch homes are prevalent throughout the South Venice community.
Mini homes in South Venice have unique architecture, such as this house with a double roofline.
Closer to the waterfront in South Venice, you will find many multilevel homes on raised stilts.
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Ferry access is a unique perk of living in South Venice
To compensate the community for removing the footbridges when the Intracoastal Waterway was built, the corps gave South Venice $150,000 for a ferry. To this day, residents can buy an annual pass for $150 that allows them convenient access to the beach every day from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. The ferry-pass requirement means the beach itself is rarely crowded, even during peak tourist season when other Gulf beaches are usually full and parking is hard to find. The result is that South Venice residents get to enjoy the tranquil setting of what is essentially a private beach. “When I was a kid from Ohio and we’d come down and ride the ferry, I thought that was awesome,” says Seward. There is a neighborhood boat ramp at the same location, and annual passes for its use are $120. South Venice also is home to Shamrock Park, a sprawling recreational center that includes an array of traditional amenities such as tennis and pickleball courts and features a nature center where visitors can learn about the native flor and fauna. A network of walkways connects directly to The Legacy Trail, a paved bike path that connects Venice to downtown Sarasota, and the Venetian Waterway, which circles all of Venice.
South Veniceis famous for the Gulf Beach just a short trip away.
Just West of South Venice on the Gulf of Mexico is the secluded and pristine Gulf Beach.
The Shamrock Park and Nature Center in South Venice welcomes South Venice guests daily.
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High school with a performing arts center highlights a trio of top-rated options
Just north of the neighborhood are three top-rated Sarasota County public schools that students can attend. Venice Elementary School, Venice Middle School and Venice Senior High School all are A-rated institutions by Niche, and the high school also received a 9-out-of-10 from GreatSchools for college readiness. Venice High also boasts its own performing arts center.
Venice Senior High School is a highly rated school with a winning athletics program.
Venice Middle School in Plantation puts extra emphasis on school spirit.
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Traditional retail centers and Venice's historic downtown are nearby
The convenience of living in South Venice extends to its location and its proximity to historic downtown Venice, which features boutiques, restaurants and other attractions in a charming, Old Florida setting less than 3 miles away on the Tamiami Trail. “It’s just so super conveniently located,” says Seward. The Tamiami Trail, which runs through much of the neighborhood, provides additional convenience with an array of eateries located along its business corridor. Highly rated neighborhood options include Lucarelli’s Italian and Baiyoke Thai Bistro. Less than a mile east is the Venice Village Shoppes, anchored by Publix and Target and including a variety of restaurants.
The Publix at Venice Village Shops in South Venice covers the grocery needs of many locals.
The deli at Publix in South Venice proudly serves Boars Head products.
Lucarelli's Italian Restaurant in South Venice has many delicious dishes to try.
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Tamiami Trail makes travel throughout the area convenient
The Tamiami Trail provides access to points of interest nearby and along the coast. Downtown Wellen Park, a contemporary mixed-use gathering place that is the centerpiece of south Sarasota County’s newest master-planned development, is only 7 miles directly west of the neighborhood. Downtown Sarasota is about 20 miles directly north along the Trail, which can be taken all the way into Bradenton to catch Interstate 275 for travel to St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Additionally, State Road 776, also known as Englewood Road, runs through the neighborhood and provides a quick trip to the quaint village of Old Englewood less than 10 miles south.
Established civic association keeps residents informed
The neighborhood is served by the South Venice Civic Association, which works out of a community center on Alligator Creek that opened in 1959 and remains a place for community events and classes. The association keeps residents up to date on news that affects them with a 12-page monthly newsletter delivered to their homes.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the South Venice neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Venice
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Venice Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Venice, Venice sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in South Venice, Venice over the last 12 months is $342,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
16,061
Median Age
53
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.5%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$66,245
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,107
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.2%
% Population in Labor Force
62.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
52°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
51/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
26/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.