Venice, Florida has experienced remarkable growth with nearly 20% population increase since 2020, adding over 75,000 new residents to the area. While most buyers focus on well-known communities like Venice Island, Wellen Park, and Sarasota National, seven exceptional neighborhoods offer outstanding value, amenities, and the authentic Florida beach lifestyle at more accessible price points.
Venice represents the quintessential Florida beach town that's becoming increasingly rare to find. As this charming Gulf Coast city continues to attract new residents, savvy buyers are discovering that some of the best opportunities lie in lesser-known communities that deliver the same coastal lifestyle with unique advantages and better affordability.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover seven hidden gem neighborhoods that offer everything from waterfront living without deed restrictions to resort-style amenities minutes from pristine beaches. Each community has its own distinct personality, price range, and lifestyle benefits that could make it the perfect match for your Florida relocation dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Venice's Hidden Gem Neighborhoods
What makes these Venice neighborhoods "hidden gems"?
These seven neighborhoods offer exceptional value, unique amenities, and prime locations but receive less attention than Venice's most famous communities. They provide the same beach lifestyle and Florida charm at more accessible price points, often with distinctive features like no HOA restrictions or exclusive amenities.
What price ranges can I expect in these hidden gem communities?
Price ranges vary significantly across these neighborhoods, from affordable options starting in the low $200,000s in South Venice and Venice Gardens to luxury homes reaching $1.5 million in communities like Venetian Golf and River Club and Toscana Isles. Most neighborhoods offer homes between $300,000-$600,000.
Are these neighborhoods suitable for retirees?
Absolutely. Most of these communities offer maintenance-free living options, resort-style amenities, active social calendars, and easy access to beaches and healthcare facilities. Communities like IslandWalk, Toscana Isles, and Venetian Golf and River Club are particularly popular with retirees.
How close are these neighborhoods to Venice's beaches?
All seven neighborhoods provide convenient beach access, typically within 10-15 minutes of Venice's beautiful Gulf Coast beaches. South Venice offers the unique advantage of its own private ferry service to South Venice Beach.
Do these neighborhoods have HOA fees?
HOA fees vary by community. South Venice and Venice Gardens are largely deed-restriction-free with no monthly HOA fees, while amenity-rich communities like IslandWalk, Toscana Isles, and Vistera include HOA fees that cover maintenance and extensive amenities.
Are these good areas for families?
Several neighborhoods are excellent for families, particularly Vistera, IslandWalk, and Toscana Isles, which offer playgrounds, pools, and family-friendly amenities. Venice Gardens provides a safe, established neighborhood environment close to schools and beaches.
What amenities can I expect in these communities?
Amenities range from basic community centers and pools in more affordable neighborhoods to comprehensive resort-style facilities including multiple pools, fitness centers, golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, clubhouses, and organized social activities in premium communities.
South Venice: Waterfront Living Without Restrictions
South Venice stands out as one of Florida's most affordable waterfront communities, featuring over 7,000 homes just south of Venice Island. This expansive neighborhood offers a rare combination of Gulf Coast proximity and complete freedom from deed restrictions, making it particularly attractive to buyers seeking flexibility in their property use.
What Makes South Venice Special?
The most compelling feature of South Venice is its lack of monthly HOA payments and deed restrictions. Homeowners enjoy the freedom to keep boats, RVs, and other recreational vehicles on their property without association oversight. This flexibility is increasingly rare in Florida's coastal communities, where most neighborhoods impose strict regulations on property use.
The housing stock in South Venice consists primarily of older ranch-style homes mixed with some newer construction. Home prices start in the low $200,000s, making this one of the most affordable options for waterfront living in the entire state. The value proposition is exceptional considering the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the lifestyle benefits.
Exclusive Beach Access via Private Ferry
South Venice residents enjoy access to an exclusive amenity that sets this community apart: a private ferry service to South Venice Beach. The annual membership costs $200 for residents and $400 for non-residents, providing access to a secluded, natural beach that's unlike any other in the Venice area.
South Venice Beach offers a pristine, uncrowded shoreline that feels like a private retreat. The ferry service eliminates the parking hassles and crowds associated with other local beaches, creating an exclusive beach experience for community residents.
Why South Venice is a Hidden Gem
This neighborhood represents one of Florida's last opportunities to own waterfront property at affordable prices without restrictive HOA rules. The combination of low purchase prices, no monthly fees, property use flexibility, and exclusive beach access makes South Venice an outstanding value for buyers seeking authentic coastal living.
Venetian Golf and River Club: Established Luxury with Beach Proximity
Located in North Venice east of Interstate 75, Venetian Golf and River Club offers the perfect blend of resort-style living and convenient location. This established golf community provides members with comprehensive amenities while maintaining easy access to both beaches and urban conveniences.
Prime Location Benefits
The community's position east of I-75 means residents avoid daily traffic congestion while remaining just 10-15 minutes from Venice Island and the beach. This strategic location provides the best of both worlds: peaceful residential living with quick access to dining, shopping, and coastal recreation.
Championship Golf and Premium Amenities
The centerpiece of Venetian Golf and River Club is its 18-hole Par 72 championship golf course, which operates as a fully private facility. Golf membership is optional, allowing non-golfers to enjoy all other community amenities without the expense of golf club dues.
Beyond golf, residents enjoy access to:
- Grand clubhouse with upscale dining
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Multiple resort-style pools
- Tennis courts and recreational facilities
- Year-round social events and activities
Diverse Housing Options
The community offers a wide range of housing options with prices from the high $200,000s to approximately $1.5 million. This diversity includes condominiums for low-maintenance living, villas for moderate-sized households, and single-family homes for those wanting maximum space and privacy.
Why It's a Hidden Gem
Venetian Golf and River Club delivers established, resort-quality amenities typically found in more expensive communities while maintaining convenient beach access. The combination of private golf, comprehensive amenities, and prime location at various price points makes this community an exceptional value in today's market.
IslandWalk: Maintenance-Free Resort Living in Wellen Park
IslandWalk represents one of the best-kept secrets in the popular Wellen Park master-planned community. As one of the few completely built-out neighborhoods in Wellen Park, IslandWalk offers all the benefits of this award-winning development without ongoing construction disruptions.
Established Community Benefits
Being fully developed means IslandWalk residents enjoy mature landscaping, established social networks, and completed amenities while being adjacent to Wellen Park's exciting new downtown city center. The median sales price of just $475,000 represents exceptional value for an established, amenity-rich neighborhood in this desirable master-planned community.
Exceptional Amenities Package
IslandWalk features an impressive amenities package that rivals much more expensive communities:
Recreation and Fitness:
- Two first-class amenity centers
- Two resort-style pools and spas
- State-of-the-art fitness facilities
- Three clubhouses for events and gatherings
Sports and Activities:
- Tennis courts for year-round play
- Pickleball courts (increasingly popular sport)
- Bocce ball courts for leisurely competition
- Dog park for pet owners
- Playground for visiting grandchildren
- Community garden for gardening enthusiasts
Lifestyle Services:
- Full-time activities coordinator
- Comprehensive calendar of social events
- Maintenance-free lawn care included in HOA
Maintenance-Free Lifestyle
One of IslandWalk's most attractive features is its maintenance-free approach to homeownership. The HOA handles all exterior maintenance, including lawn care, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their Florida lifestyle rather than property upkeep.
Strategic Location Advantages
IslandWalk's location within Wellen Park provides easy access to the new downtown city center with its shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Residents enjoy the convenience of modern amenities while remaining close to Venice's beaches and historic downtown area.
Why IslandWalk is a Hidden Gem
This neighborhood offers the complete Wellen Park experience at a more accessible price point than newer developments. The combination of established amenities, maintenance-free living, strategic location, and reasonable pricing makes IslandWalk an outstanding choice for buyers seeking resort-style living without premium costs.
Vistera: New Construction Value in North Venice
Vistera represents an exciting opportunity for buyers seeking new construction homes at affordable prices in a convenient North Venice location. This brand-new neighborhood launched construction in 2024 and offers modern homes from three respected builders.
Builder Diversity and Home Options
Vistera features homes from three established builders—Lennar, M/I Homes, and David Weekley—providing buyers with diverse architectural styles and floor plans. The community will ultimately include almost 600 homes on approximately 300 acres, offering both paired villas and single-family homes starting in the low to mid-$400,000s.
Modern Amenities in New Construction
Despite being new construction at affordable price points, Vistera doesn't compromise on lifestyle amenities:
Recreation Facilities:
- Resort-style swimming pool
- Modern clubhouse with social spaces
- Fitness center with current equipment
- Game room for entertainment
- Multiple social areas for community events
Innovative Features:
- Bike share program with app-based access
- Extensive lakes and wetlands (approximately 50% of total acreage)
- Preserved open spaces and natural areas
- Modern infrastructure and utilities
Environmental and Location Benefits
Vistera's design incorporates significant environmental preservation, with about half the community dedicated to lakes, wetlands, and open spaces. This commitment to natural preservation creates a serene living environment while supporting local wildlife and water management.
The North Venice location provides excellent connectivity—residents are just 15 minutes from downtown Venice Island and the beaches, with easy highway access via Interstate 75.
Construction Timeline and Completion
With construction beginning in 2024, Vistera represents ground-floor opportunity in a growing area. The development timeline ensures buyers can select from available inventory while avoiding the uncertainty of pre-construction purchases in less established areas.
Why Vistera is a Hidden Gem
Vistera offers new construction quality and modern amenities at prices typically associated with older homes or less desirable locations. The combination of multiple quality builders, reasonable pricing, comprehensive amenities, and excellent location makes this neighborhood exceptional value for today's buyers.
Venice Gardens: Old Florida Charm in the Heart of Venice
Venice Gardens epitomizes authentic "Old Florida" living with approximately 3,000 well-maintained homes scattered around scenic lakes in the heart of Venice. Located less than four miles from the beach, this established neighborhood offers genuine Florida charm at accessible prices.
Authentic Florida Architecture and Character
The neighborhood features predominantly ranch-style homes built between the 1950s and 1980s, offering the classic Florida architectural style that defines the region's character. Most homes are two or three bedrooms under 2,000 square feet, perfect for retirees, small families, or anyone seeking manageable living spaces.
Many properties feature beautiful water views of the community's numerous lakes, providing tranquil settings and attractive Visteras that enhance daily living. The mature landscaping and established trees create a park-like atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
Affordability and Freedom from Restrictions
Venice Gardens offers exceptional value with median sales prices around $340,000 and entry-level prices in the low $200,000s. Most homes are non-deed restricted, meaning no monthly HOA fees and freedom from association rules about property use and modifications.
This combination of affordable pricing, no monthly fees, and property use freedom is increasingly rare in desirable Florida locations, especially those close to beaches and urban amenities.
Community Amenities and Social Life
The neighborhood features a charming community center that serves as the social hub for residents. Annual membership costs just $165 and provides access to:
- Community swimming pool
- Park facilities and green spaces
- Pavilion for events and gatherings
- Year-round social events and activities
Prime Central Location
Venice Gardens' location in the heart of Venice provides easy access to everything the city offers:
- Less than four miles to pristine Gulf beaches
- Walking distance to shopping and dining
- Close to healthcare facilities and services
- Easy access to cultural activities and entertainment
Why Venice Gardens is a Hidden Gem
This neighborhood offers authentic Florida living with genuine character and charm that can't be replicated in newer developments. The combination of affordable pricing, lake views, central location, and freedom from restrictions makes Venice Gardens perfect for buyers seeking real Florida lifestyle without premium costs.
Jacaranda West: Affordable Golf Community Living
Jacaranda West represents one of Venice's best-kept secrets for golf enthusiasts seeking quality course access and diverse housing options at affordable prices. This centrally located golf community provides easy access to all areas of Venice while delivering excellent value for golf-oriented living.
Central Venice Location Benefits
Jacaranda West's central location provides unmatched convenience for accessing everything Venice offers. Residents enjoy easy drives to the beach, downtown Venice Island, Wellen Park, and highway connections. This strategic positioning eliminates the need to choose between beach access and golf amenities.
Quality Golf Experience
The community centers around a semi-private 18-hole golf course that ranks among the area's most enjoyable playing experiences. The course features:
- Challenging but fair layout suitable for all skill levels
- Well-maintained conditions year-round
- Quality practice facilities and driving range
- Clubhouse with bar and grill for post-round dining
- Reasonable membership rates for community residents
Diverse Housing and Neighborhood Options
Jacaranda West differs from typical planned communities by encompassing multiple smaller neighborhoods, some gated and others open, all centered around the golf course. This diversity provides options for different lifestyle preferences and budgets.
Housing options include both villas and single-family homes, with most properties built during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Prices range from the high $200,000s to approximately $600,000, making this one of the most affordable golf communities in the Venice area.
Community Character and Lifestyle
The multiple neighborhood structure creates varied community personalities within the larger Jacaranda West area. Some residents prefer gated security and formal amenities, while others enjoy the openness and casual atmosphere of non-gated sections.
This diversity allows buyers to find their preferred community style while enjoying shared access to quality golf and the central Venice location.
Why Jacaranda West is a Hidden Gem
For buyers seeking golf community living at affordable prices, Jacaranda West offers exceptional value. The combination of quality golf, central location, diverse housing options, and reasonable pricing makes this community an outstanding choice for golf enthusiasts who don't want to pay premium prices for course access.
Toscana Isles: Luxury Resort-Style Living
Toscana Isles represents the pinnacle of resort-style living in North Venice, featuring luxury amenities and stunning lakefront settings at surprisingly accessible price points. This newer community combines upscale living with convenient beach access and comprehensive recreational facilities.
Spectacular Setting and Design
Built around approximately 150 acres of scenic lakes, Toscana Isles creates a resort-like atmosphere with water views throughout the community. The extensive lake system provides both beauty and recreational opportunities while supporting the community's upscale aesthetic.
World-Class Amenity Center
The community's centerpiece is an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse and amenity center that rivals luxury resorts:
Water Features:
- Stunning infinity-edge pool with lake views
- Resort-style design and professional landscaping
Fitness and Wellness:
- Modern fitness center with current equipment
- Dedicated yoga studio for classes and personal practice
Recreation and Sports:
- Bocce ball courts for leisurely competition
- Tennis courts for year-round play
- Pickleball courts (fastest-growing sport in America)
- Game rooms for entertainment and socializing
Family and Outdoor Amenities:
- Playground designed for visiting grandchildren
- Kayak launch providing direct lake access
- Multiple social areas for community events
Professional Management:
- Full-time activities director organizing events and programs
- Comprehensive calendar of social, fitness, and recreational activities
Diverse Housing Options and Pricing
Toscana Isles features approximately 900 homes with both condominiums and single-family options, providing choices for different lifestyle needs and budgets. Prices range from the low $300,000s to around $1.5 million, accommodating various financial situations while maintaining community quality.
The wide range of floor plans ensures buyers can find homes matching their specific needs, from compact condos for low-maintenance living to spacious single-family homes for those wanting maximum space and privacy.
Maintenance-Free Lifestyle
All Toscana Isles properties include maintenance-free exterior care, allowing residents to enjoy their Florida lifestyle without the burden of lawn care, landscaping, and exterior maintenance. This service is particularly attractive to retirees and busy professionals.
Completion and Established Community
Construction in Toscana Isles finished in recent years, meaning buyers enjoy all planned amenities without ongoing construction disruption. The community has established its social networks and activity programs, making it easy for new residents to integrate into community life.
Strategic North Venice Location
The North Venice location provides easy 15-minute access to beaches while maintaining convenient highway connectivity. Residents enjoy the peaceful residential setting without sacrificing access to Venice's beaches, dining, shopping, and cultural activities.
Why Toscana Isles is a Hidden Gem
Toscana Isles delivers luxury resort-style living at prices significantly below comparable communities in more famous Florida markets. The combination of extensive amenities, beautiful lakefront setting, diverse housing options, and convenient beach access makes this community exceptional value for discerning buyers.
Choosing Your Perfect Venice Neighborhood
Each of these seven hidden gem neighborhoods offers distinct advantages and lifestyle benefits. Whether you're drawn to the unrestricted waterfront living of South Venice, the golf community atmosphere of Jacaranda West, or the luxury resort amenities of Toscana Isles, Venice provides options for every preference and budget.
For budget-conscious buyers, South Venice and Venice Gardens offer the most affordable entry points with unique benefits like private beach access and Old Florida charm.
For golf enthusiasts, Venetian Golf and River Club and Jacaranda West provide quality course access at different price points and amenity levels.
For luxury seekers, Toscana Isles and IslandWalk deliver resort-style living with comprehensive amenities and maintenance-free lifestyles.
For new construction preference, Vistera offers modern homes and contemporary amenities at reasonable prices with environmental preservation.
The key to finding your perfect Venice neighborhood is matching your lifestyle priorities, budget, and long-term goals with the unique characteristics each community offers. Every neighborhood provides the quintessential Florida beach town experience that makes Venice so special, just with different approaches to pricing, amenities, and community character.
Venice's continued growth and development mean these hidden gems won't remain secrets forever. As more buyers discover their value and unique benefits, prices and demand will likely increase, making now an excellent time to explore these exceptional communities.
Ready to Explore Venice's Hidden Gem Neighborhoods?
If you're considering relocating to Venice or anywhere else on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast, the Zachos Realty & Design Group is here to help. With over 40 years of local expertise and a unique combination of real estate knowledge and award-winning design vision, we can help you find the perfect property that matches your lifestyle needs.
Contact us today:
- Phone: 941-500-5457
- Email: [email protected]
- Sarasota Office: 205 N Orange Ave Suite 202, Sarasota, Florida 34236
- Venice Office: 217 Nassau St S, Venice, FL 34285
Visit our YouTube channel "Relocation Experts | Florida's Gulf Coast" for more insider guides to Florida's Gulf Coast communities.
