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Venice v Daytona Beach
This site is intended to provide a wealth of information
Venice and Daytona Beach are the chalk and cheese of Florida beach resorts, they are the polar opposites of Florida lifestyles and their very different features epitomise the diverse lifestyles of the east and west coasts. The fundamental difference being, that those living the east (Atlantic) coast often come from the pace of New York whereas those on the west (Gulf) Coast tend to be more laid back Mid Westerners and Canadians. Venice is one of the favoured resorts of retirees, snowbirds (seasonal visitors from northern states and Europe) and families relocating, it’s enjoyed for its tranquil relaxed pace of life – Daytona is vibrant, brash and fun. the traditional spring break vacation resort for American college students and a tourist favourite.
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Venice
Venice on the Gulf Coast of Florida is 15 minutes South of Sarasota with beautiful unspoilt white sandy beaches and is deemed one of the most desirable places to live and retire to in Florida. Through traffic is diverted well away from the downtown historic centre so there is an absence of cars resulting in a traditional, quaint, upmarket central area, with its own small town theatre, providing an intimate relaxed and stylish atmosphere, with small parks, great golf resorts cycling trails, yachting club and fishing pier.
The city was founded in 1926. A famous landscape architect, Prentiss French, was also appointed to create the lovely open spaces in the city. The northern Italian Renaissance architectural theme was chosen and a town of grace and beauty began to grow along the golden sands and blue-green waters.
A recent independent survey which awarded Venice a 100% rating as a retirement City concluded - Venice is a beautiful town; it is well planned for retirees. It offers a choice of just about any style neighbourhood you could want. There is golf, tennis, surf and pier fishing and trails for walking and biking. It’s clean and feels safe.
There are a lot of retirees but not a lot of traffic. Take a casual stroll drive or cycle along Venice Avenue from downtown to the Gulf Beaches and you are struck with the charm grace and beauty of Venice. The City is draped in tropical vegetation, shaded by huge Oaks Florida palms and pines, and buildings are modelled on the architectural style of northern Italy.
Five favoured activities
· Those white sandy Gulf coast beaches - Caspersen Beach is the longest beach in Sarasota County. It has been left in its natural state, uncultivated, windswept, and secluded, no tourist masses here. This is an exceptionally good area to look for and find pre-historic sharks teeth in the sand. It is also site of the annual Sharks Tooth and Seafood Festival.
· Gasparilla Island and the quaint old world charm of Boca Grande approached over a toll bridge and stepping back a century is well worth a visit, black iguana lizards wander through the foliage, the preserve of the rich and famous.
· Wander through the centre of Venice have a relaxing iced Cappuccino on the sidewalks, quaint specialist shops and antique emporiums are tucked away in the side streets, this is the Med meeting America.
· The choice of Theatres is excellent, there is the local intimate Venice little theatre, an excellent dining theatre and 15 minutes drive takes you to all the cultural activities in Sarasota, recognised as the ‘Cultural Capital of The Gulf of Mexico.
· Visit the Oscar Scherer State Park; take a relaxing canoe trip through the mangroves in the late afternoon watching the wildlife, including the alligators basking in the sun.
· The annual winter boat festival is a must where up to a hundred illuminated and decorated boats ranging up to ocean going yachts parade through the inter coastal waterway.
The Climate is great with temperatures from 70f in the winter to 95f in the summer.
Property Market
The local property market is very robust; the median price of a house in Sarasota County has doubled over the past three years and fast approaching $400,000. Prices leapt up by a mighty 35% during 2005! However trends in house prices can change quickly and a rosy picture is often painted so it is critical to check the latest position before buying.
The area is highly desired by retirees, snowbirds, and families as the County boasts some of the highest graded schools with one of the best schools for academically gifted children in the state of Florida.
The popularity of the area for a diverse range of buyers, particularly the baby boomer generation planning for their retirement and the reasonable cost of the area compared to that other Gulf Coast favourite Naples, is likely to ensure ongoing rises in property prices in Venice.
The area is becoming less affordable as the years roll on. For those considering buying a property in Venice the maxim would seem to be buy now or pay more later. This is not a sale and investor driven frothy market but one fed by a constant and increasing demand.
Although there is a very strong demand for rental properties, as Venice is seen as the idyllic spot for snowbirds in the winter and Europeans in the summer, Sarasota County zoning restrictions generally preclude short term rental in many areas (rentals shorter than a month) – the lack of transient rentals however does give a feeling of permanence.
To find properties suitable for short term rentals it is necessary to look further afield, to specific developments in Bradenton and Rotonda if maximising rental income is a prerequisite to cover a mortgage.
Renting out for longer periods is relatively easy with a shortage of property from Christmas to Easter with American, Canadian and British retirees keen to enjoy the ideal winter temperatures.
Three key areas of Venice
The much sought after Venice Island area with older style Italianate style properties some by the bay side – prices range from $400,000 to several million dollars if you are after a bay view, and prices keep on rising.
Osprey Nokomis
This area between Sarasota and Venice has been identified as one of the key areas to rise in value over the next few years. Renovation projects abound. Particular developments worthy of note are Rivendale abutting the Oscar Scherer state park $400,000 - $800,000 some great views and the Sorrento Shores area identified as one of the best undiscovered, undervalued waterfront area where canal and bay properties with docks are being torn down or renovated- there is a shortage of homes with docks in the area and prices are well below Siesta Key for similar properties, one to watch, prices from $700,000 upwards.
Golf course developments
Those living on golf course communities are able to indulge their passion for the game whenever they like under that sunshine. Many of the clubs offer a whole lifestyle package, with really great clubhouses offering excellent eating options and regular special events and themed evenings which can be great fun. For some there would be no need to leave the gates of these golfing resorts but then there are so many more things on offer! Prices on these developments start from $200,000 for a condo, $400,000 for a house.
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