Magnolia Bay offers new construction homes by Meritage Homes just minutes from Venice Beach, with prices starting in the $300s—hundreds of thousands less than surrounding communities. This gated community in Nokomis combines luxury amenities like resort-style pools and pickleball courts with energy-efficient homes ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet, all within 15 minutes of beaches, downtown Venice, and Sarasota's attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Magnolia Bay
Where exactly is Magnolia Bay located?
Magnolia Bay is located in Nokomis (North Venice), an unincorporated area of Sarasota County situated between Sarasota and Venice. The community is strategically positioned just east of I-75, providing excellent access to both cities while maintaining proximity to Gulf Coast beaches.
What is the price range for homes in Magnolia Bay?
Homes in Magnolia Bay start in the $300s and range up to the $600s, offering exceptional value for new construction in the Venice area. The community provides various floor plans from approximately 1,200 to 2,800 square feet, with prices averaging around $200-300 per square foot—significantly lower than comparable communities in the region.
What amenities does Magnolia Bay offer?
Magnolia Bay is an amenity-rich community featuring resort-style pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, a dog park, and an event lawn for community gatherings. Both the North and South phases have their own amenity centers that are walkable from each neighborhood section.
Who is the builder of Magnolia Bay?
Magnolia Bay is developed by Meritage Homes, one of America's top builders known for creating energy-efficient homes with quality finishes. According to local real estate experts, Meritage delivers superior finishes compared to similarly priced homes from larger builders like DR Horton and Lennar.
How far is Magnolia Bay from Venice Beach?
Magnolia Bay is incredibly well-located, with Venice Beach and other Gulf Coast beaches accessible in less than 15 minutes. The community's position in Nokomis provides the perfect balance of beach proximity while maintaining easy access to I-75 for commuting to Sarasota, Bradenton, or other areas.
Is Magnolia Bay a gated community?
Yes, Magnolia Bay is a gated community, providing residents with added security and privacy. The development consists of two phases (North and South), each with its own entrance and amenity center.
Why Magnolia Bay Stands Out Among Venice-Area New Construction
When searching for new construction homes near Venice, Florida, finding the right balance of quality, amenities, location, and price can be challenging. Magnolia Bay by Meritage Homes excels in all these categories, making it one of the most compelling new communities in Sarasota County.
Exceptional Value in Today's Market
The most striking feature of Magnolia Bay is its remarkable value proposition. With new construction homes starting in the $300s and ranging to the $600s, these properties offer some of the most affordable price points in the Venice/Sarasota market. At approximately $200 per square foot for some of the larger floor plans (a figure that's practically unheard of in today's new construction market), Magnolia Bay provides an opportunity to own a brand-new home without the premium price tag typically associated with new builds in Florida's Gulf Coast.
What makes this value even more impressive is that these aren't bare-bones homes. Meritage delivers solid concrete block construction with upscale finishes like modern tile flooring—features you might not find at competing communities at similar price points.
Quality Construction by a Trusted Builder
Meritage Homes has established itself as a builder that delivers quality without the premium pricing of some luxury brands. While DR Horton and Lennar dominate much of the new construction market in the area, many local real estate experts consider Meritage to offer superior finishes and construction quality compared to the base models from these larger builders.
At Magnolia Bay, homebuyers benefit from:
- Solid concrete block construction
- Energy-efficient building practices
- Modern, updated finishes
- Thoughtfully designed floor plans
This level of quality at Magnolia Bay's price point makes it an exceptional value, particularly when compared to what DR Horton offers in their standard communities or what Lennar provides outside of their premium "Sarasota National" product line.
Diverse Home Options for Every Lifestyle
Magnolia Bay caters to a wide range of homebuyers with its diverse selection of floor plans. The community offers:
- Approximately 10-11 different floor plans across two series
- Single-story and two-story options
- Homes ranging from approximately 1,200 to 2,800 square feet
- 2+ bedroom options up to large 4+ bedroom family homes
- Various architectural styles and elevation options
This diversity ensures that whether you're a retiree looking to downsize, a working professional wanting a low-maintenance home, or a family needing room to grow, Magnolia Bay likely has a floor plan to meet your needs.
The Strategic Location of Nokomis: The Perfect Middle Ground
What Makes Nokomis Special?
The location of Magnolia Bay in Nokomis (also referred to as North Venice) is one of its strongest selling points. Nokomis is an unincorporated area of Sarasota County that sits precisely between Sarasota and Venice, creating the perfect balance of accessibility and lifestyle.
Nokomis occupies a unique geographic position that many newcomers to the area might not fully appreciate. On a map, this area stands out because:
- It's ideally situated between Sarasota and Venice
- It's within 15 minutes of beautiful Gulf Coast beaches
- It has direct access to I-75 for easy regional travel
- It offers the laid-back Gulf Coast lifestyle without the premium pricing of beachfront communities
The Nokomis Location Advantage
When you live in Magnolia Bay, you're positioned to take advantage of everything the region has to offer. On any given day, residents can choose to:
- Head to Venice Island (less than 15 minutes away) for beach dining at popular spots like Sharky's or Fins
- Access multiple beach entry points along Venice's coastline
- Visit Nokomis Beach on the south side of Casey Key
- Explore downtown Sarasota's renowned culinary scene
- Shop at University Town Center (UTC), just 15 minutes north via I-75
- Enjoy the charming downtown Venice area with its shops and restaurants
This strategic location means you're never far from whatever you might want to do, whether it's a beach day, fine dining, shopping, or cultural activities. The Nokomis area gives residents the freedom to enjoy all these options without committing to the higher prices of living directly in Sarasota or on Venice Island.
The Growth of North Venice
It's worth noting that the North Venice/Nokomis area is experiencing significant growth, with several new communities being developed. This growth is a testament to the area's desirability and suggests good potential for property appreciation. However, according to local real estate experts, Magnolia Bay stands out among these new developments for its combination of price, amenities, and location.
Inside Magnolia Bay: Community Features and Amenities
A Two-Phase Development
Magnolia Bay is being developed in two distinct phases—North and South—each with its own entrance and amenity center. As of early 2025, the South phase's amenity center is nearing completion, while the North phase is still under construction. However, both phases have completed homes available as well as ongoing construction of new properties.
Resort-Style Amenities Without the Resort Pricing
One of Magnolia Bay's standout features is its impressive amenity package. When fully completed, the community will offer:
- Two resort-style swimming pools (one in each phase)
- A well-equipped fitness center
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts (an increasingly popular amenity among Florida communities)
- Basketball courts
- A dedicated dog park for four-legged family members
- An event lawn for community gatherings and activities
The only major amenity not included is an on-site restaurant or bar, which typically would push the price point much higher. For comparison, nearby Toscana Isles (a DR Horton Emerald community) or Sarasota National (a Lennar community) offer on-site dining but at significantly higher price points.
A Walkable, Connected Community
A thoughtful aspect of Magnolia Bay's design is that both the North and South amenity centers are walkable from homes throughout the community. This creates a connected feel and encourages residents to take advantage of all the amenities available to them.
The Homes: Floor Plans and Features
Single-Family Focus
Unlike many communities that mix condos, villas, and single-family homes, Magnolia Bay focuses exclusively on single-family residences. This creates a more consistent neighborhood aesthetic and appeals to buyers looking for the privacy and space that single-family homes provide.
Floor Plan Diversity
Magnolia Bay offers approximately 10-11 different floor plans across its two series, providing options for various lifestyles and family sizes:
- Square footage ranges from approximately 1,200 square feet to 2,800 square feet
- Mix of single-story (ranch) and two-story designs
- Options for 2, 3, 4, or more bedrooms
- Various architectural elevations and styles
- Flexible spaces that can be used as home offices, guest rooms, or hobby spaces
Energy Efficiency: A Meritage Hallmark
One of Meritage Homes' points of pride is their focus on energy efficiency. Homes in Magnolia Bay are built with energy-saving features that can help reduce utility costs—an important consideration in Florida's climate where air conditioning usage is significant throughout much of the year.
Quality Finishes
According to local real estate experts, the finishes in Magnolia Bay homes exceed what you might expect at similar price points from other builders. Standard features include:
- Modern tile flooring (versus the vinyl or carpet that might be standard elsewhere)
- Contemporary kitchen designs
- Quality fixtures and hardware
- Solid construction methods
These touches contribute to the overall value proposition that makes Magnolia Bay stand out in the competitive new construction market.
Comparing Magnolia Bay to Other Communities
Value Proposition vs. Competitor Communities
To truly understand what makes Magnolia Bay special, it helps to compare it to other new construction options in the area:
DR Horton Communities
- Standard DR Horton communities typically offer more basic finishes at similar price points
- DR Horton's premium "Emerald" division (like Toscana Isles) offers higher-end finishes but at significantly higher prices
Lennar Communities
- Standard Lennar communities compete directly with Magnolia Bay but often with less impressive standard features
- Lennar's "Sarasota National" and other premium products offer more amenities but at much higher price points
Talon Preserve
- Located near Magnolia Bay
- Offers an on-site restaurant/bar
- Comes with a substantially higher price point
In this competitive landscape, Magnolia Bay occupies a sweet spot—offering better finishes than standard "big box" builder communities while maintaining significantly more affordable prices than premium communities.
The Beach Proximity Factor
Many buyers come to Florida's Gulf Coast specifically for beach access. What makes Magnolia Bay particularly attractive is that it offers new construction with beach proximity at a fraction of the cost of living directly on or near the beach.
- Venice Beach: Less than 15 minutes
- Nokomis Beach: Less than 15 minutes
- Siesta Key: Approximately 20-25 minutes
- Casey Key: Less than 15 minutes
This beach access, combined with the gated community setting and resort amenities, creates a package that's difficult to match at Magnolia Bay's price point.
Is Magnolia Bay Right For You?
Ideal Buyers for Magnolia Bay
While every buyer's situation is unique, Magnolia Bay may be particularly well-suited for:
- Relocating retirees looking for new construction without the premium prices of on-beach communities
- Families who want amenities and space without breaking the budget
- Professionals who need easy access to both Sarasota and Venice
- Seasonal residents seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle with security and amenities
- First-time Florida home buyers wanting new construction with amenities at an accessible price point
- Value-conscious buyers who want the most home and amenities for their money
Considerations Before Buying
As with any community, there are factors to consider before deciding if Magnolia Bay is right for you:
- If direct beach views or walkable beach access is your priority, you'll need to look at communities closer to the Gulf (but expect to pay significantly more)
- If having an on-site restaurant/bar is important, you might consider communities like Talon Preserve (though again, at a higher price point)
- As a newer community, landscaping will take some time to mature fully
- Construction will be ongoing in phases for some time, which means potential noise and activity
The Advantage of Working with a Local Expert
When considering a new construction purchase in communities like Magnolia Bay, working with a local real estate expert who knows the area intimately can provide significant advantages:
- Access to builder incentives not advertised to the general public
- Comparative knowledge of similar communities and their relative value
- Understanding of local market dynamics and potential future appreciation
- Connections with sales representatives that can facilitate the process
- Guidance on which lots and locations within the community might be most desirable
The Broader Venice-Sarasota Lifestyle
A Unique Position Between Two Desirable Cities
One of the most appealing aspects of Magnolia Bay's location is that it sits between two of Florida's most desirable Gulf Coast cities—Sarasota and Venice. This positioning offers residents easy access to the distinct character and amenities of both areas.
Sarasota Offerings (15-20 minutes away):
- Renowned arts and cultural scene
- St. Armands Circle shopping and dining
- Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
- The Ringling Museum complex
- Diverse and sophisticated dining options
- Performing arts at Van Wezel and other venues
Venice Offerings (less than 15 minutes away):
- Charming downtown with European-inspired architecture
- Venice Theatre and other cultural venues
- Venice Fishing Pier
- Multiple beach access points
- Casual, beachy dining options
- Venice Farmers Market
Easy Regional Access
Magnolia Bay's location just off I-75 provides exceptional regional access as well:
- Tampa: Approximately 1 hour north
- Fort Myers: Approximately 1 hour south
- Lakewood Ranch: 25-30 minutes
- Bradenton: 30-35 minutes
- Punta Gorda: 30-35 minutes
- Siesta Key: 20-25 minutes
This easy regional access makes Magnolia Bay ideal for those who want to explore all that Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer while maintaining a home base with amenities and new construction quality.
Investment Potential in Nokomis/North Venice
A Growing Area with Future Potential
The Nokomis/North Venice area where Magnolia Bay is located is experiencing significant growth and development. While no investment is without risk, several factors suggest this area may have good potential for property appreciation:
- Continuing development of new communities and infrastructure
- Strategic location between two desirable cities
- Beach proximity without beach-front prices
- Limited land available for future development in the region
- Strong Florida in-migration trends projected to continue
The New Construction Value Proposition
Buying new construction in a community like Magnolia Bay offers certain advantages from an investment perspective:
- Lower maintenance costs in the early years of ownership
- Modern floor plans that appeal to today's buyers
- Energy-efficient features that can reduce operating costs
- Warranty coverage on major systems and structural elements
- Community amenities that maintain desirability for future buyers
Conclusion: Why Magnolia Bay Deserves Your Consideration
If you're considering relocating to Florida's Gulf Coast, Magnolia Bay by Meritage Homes offers a compelling package that's worth serious consideration. The combination of quality construction, generous amenities, strategic location, and exceptional value creates an opportunity that's increasingly rare in today's competitive Florida real estate market.
With prices starting in the $300s, beach access within 15 minutes, and resort-style amenities within the community, Magnolia Bay represents one of the best values in new construction on Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you're looking for a permanent residence, a seasonal home, or an investment property, this gated community in the growing Nokomis/North Venice area offers advantages that are difficult to match elsewhere.
As the area continues to develop and more buyers discover the appeal of the Nokomis location, communities like Magnolia Bay may see increased demand—making now an opportune time to explore this option before prices potentially increase.
Ready to Explore Magnolia Bay?
If you're considering relocating to Magnolia Bay 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.
