When considering a move to Florida’s Gulf Coast, Venice and Englewood emerge as two prime contenders, each offering unique perks and experiences. This guide – Venice vs Englewood – dives into various aspects such as size, services, beaches, neighborhoods, waterfront homes, accessibility, walkability, rental options, price points, and current trends to help you make an informed decision.
Geographic Size and Governance
Venice is geographically larger than Englewood and includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas. The incorporated City of Venice encompasses historic areas and numerous beachfront properties, while the unincorporated parts, primarily in southern Venice, are served by Sarasota County and North Port. The City of Venice boasts excellent city services including police, fire, and building departments, albeit with slightly higher tax rates.
In contrast, Englewood is unincorporated and relies on Sarasota County in the north and Charlotte County in the south for services. Despite lacking city services, both counties provide good service quality, ensuring that residents’ needs are met.
Beach Access and Public Beaches
When it comes to beaches, Venice outshines Englewood with nine public beach access points compared to Englewood’s four. Venice offers a variety of beach experiences including the South Jetty, Chauncey Howard Park, Main Venice Beach, Service Club Beach, the Venice Fishing Pier, Brohard Paw Park, and Caspersen Beach. Additionally, there’s the South Venice Beach Ferry providing access to more secluded spots.
Englewood’s beaches, though fewer, are known for their seclusion and natural beauty. These include Manasota Beach, Blind Pass Beach, Englewood Beach, and Stump Pass Beach State Park, with the latter offering extensive walking trails and serene environments.
Neighborhoods and Housing Types
Englewood presents a more rural and laid-back atmosphere with many non-HOA neighborhoods and low-restriction areas, making it ideal for those seeking privacy and a slower pace of life. The town features a significant amount of vacant land, offering opportunities for custom home building.
Venice, on the other hand, provides a diverse range of neighborhoods from historic areas to new developments in Wellen Park and North Venice. The town caters to those seeking amenity-rich, active lifestyle communities, which are more prevalent in Venice than in Englewood.
Waterfront and Boating Communities
For waterfront living and boating options, Englewood is the clear winner, offering a myriad of choices compared to Venice’s limited selection. Englewood boasts numerous waterfront neighborhoods such as Overbrook Gardens, Englewood Isles, Manasota Key, and various Lemon Bay communities. These areas provide easy access to canals, bays, and beachfront properties, making it a boater’s paradise.
Venice, while offering some waterfront homes, has fewer options where residents can dock boats in their backyard and easily access the Gulf or Bay.
Proximity to Airports and Major Cities
Venice enjoys better proximity to airports, being closer to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. It also has a small airport catering to private flights. Englewood, in comparison, has two smaller airports, Coral Creek and Buchan Airport, which do not support commercial flights.
For access to larger cities and airports like Tampa and Fort Myers, Venice holds an advantage with shorter travel times. This accessibility extends to attending professional sports events or other city attractions, making Venice a more convenient location for frequent travelers.
Walkability and Biking
Venice excels in walkability and biking infrastructure with the Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Trail, and numerous mapped bike loops on Venice Island. Shamrock Park and Wellen Park add to the biking options, and Sarasota County’s commitment to bicycle and pedestrian safety further enhances the experience.
Englewood offers scenic bike rides, especially on Manasota Key and the Pioneer Trail. While these trails are beautiful and provide a pleasant biking experience, they are not as extensive as Venice’s network.
Rental Restrictions
For potential investors or those looking to generate rental income, Englewood offers more flexibility. Charlotte County permits short-term rentals on a daily basis, unlike Venice, where both the city and Sarasota County impose a one-month minimum rental restriction. This difference can significantly impact rental income potential and flexibility for property owners.
Price Points and Market Trends
Englewood generally offers more affordable housing options compared to Venice. Whether you’re looking at gated communities, non-HOA neighborhoods, beachfront properties on Manasota Key, or deep-water canal homes on Lemon Bay, Englewood provides better value for money.
Venice’s proximity to Sarasota, a regional hub, influences its higher property prices. While this trend offers more stability and quicker recovery in property values post-recession, it also means higher initial investments.
Venice vs Englewood: A Battle of Coastal Paradises
Englewood is ideal for those seeking privacy, a slower pace of life, abundant boating opportunities, and more affordable housing. Its secluded beaches and rural charm appeal to nature lovers and those desiring a retreat from the hustle and bustle.
Venice, with its extensive amenities, diverse neighborhoods, better walkability, and proximity to airports and major cities, caters to individuals seeking an active lifestyle, city services, and a mix of historic and modern living environments.
Both towns offer unique advantages, making the choice between Venice and Englewood a matter of personal preference and lifestyle needs. Whether you prioritize waterfront living, rental income potential, or proximity to urban conveniences, both Venice and Englewood promise a fulfilling coastal living experience on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
Also read: Discover the Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Wellen Park 2024!
At Zachos Realty & Design Group, we are not just Realtors but storytellers of the Gulf Coast’s charm, encompassing Sarasota (Venice, etc.), Manatee (Lakewood Ranch, etc.), Pinellas, and Charlotte Counties!
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