Gulf Coast city of Venice is world’s shark tooth capital
Known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” the Gulf Coast city of Venice has much to offer, from its namesake beach to its lively historic downtown. Its many waterfront parks, year-round events and a vibrant cultural scene add to the city’s appeal. “People are friendly. I mean, they’re happy! It’s a lovely place to live and work,” says Lorraine Anderson, public information officer for the City of Venice. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 28,000 residents in Venice, over half of whom are 65 years or older. Like many of Florida’s coastal cities, there is a population increase during winter, when snowbirds come in from colder states.
Major employers in the area include school and government jobs with Sarasota County Schools and the City of Venice and manufacturers like PGT Innovations, which makes impact-resistant doors and windows. Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, which has a new branch in Venice, also provides many jobs.
There is an abundance of shells and sharks teeth to be found on Manasota Key.
Downtown Venice comes alive during the Christmas in July celebrations.
1/2
Venice’s miles of beaches
Venice’s 14 miles of beaches are popular with beachgoers and those hunting for shark teeth; these fossilized teeth date back millions of years. Another big beachside draw is the Venice Fishing Pier, a 700-foot-long pier that’s as well known for its sunsets as it is for fishing. It has partially reopened following hurricane damage. Brohard Park is one of the many parks along the shoreline and is home to Paw Park, the only dog-friendly beach in the county. Centennial Park is at the heart of Venice, with a waterworks area for kids to run around and a gazebo that frequently hosts free concerts and movie nights. There are over 30 other parks throughout the city, including pocket parks. “I’ve been on this island for many years, and until I started walking it, I never noticed them,” says Realtor Jo-Anne Sckowaska with Michael Saunders and Company. “I love the pocket parks.”
Venice Beach's 700-foot pier is a great location for fishing.
The Gentlemen of Jazz group performs in Centennial Park each Wednesday afternoon.
1/2
Boutiques and eateries in Downtown Venice
Historic Downtown Venice is a mix of boutiques, bars and eateries that sit among mossy oaks in buildings from the 1920s. “I like to describe Downtown Venice as the heart of the city,” says Kara Morgan, chief executive officer of Venice Main Street. The family-run Soda Fountain of Venice has been around since 1926 and is a local favorite for its vintage vibe, classic egg creams and ice cream sodas. The Venice Farmers Market, just west of Centennial Park, takes place every Saturday morning and features fresh produce and artisan goods. Many larger stores and supermarkets can be found along Tamiami Trail, which runs through the city.
Attractions around the historic downtown include the Venice Theatre, one of the country’s largest community theatres per capita, with a program that includes cabarets, musicals and plays. Epiphany Cathedral is one of the many houses of worship in the city. The congregation now meets in a church downtown but first met in the Gulf Theatre in 1935, where the altar was set up next to concessions. Art is celebrated throughout the city, from downtown murals to statues lining walking trails.
The Venice Farmers' Market is the best place to get local produce on Sunday mornings.
Sarasota National is bursting with life and color that can be seen in the city's murals.
1/2
Sharks Tooth Festival is every spring
Venice hosts over 50 special events throughout the year, including the Fourth of July Fireworks, Downtown Halloween Strut and Holiday Parade every December. The annual highlight is the Sharks Tooth Festival, put on by Venice Main Street in spring. Residents and tourists flock to Downtown Venice to hear live music, try local food and explore the vendors selling shark teeth and other beach-themed goods. “It’s a big, family-friendly event,” Realtor Kathleen Stansfield with Exit King Realty. Morgan says. There is a kid’s zone where children can get their faces painted and go hunting for shark teeth.
The Venice Sharks Tooth Festival is family friendly and all ages are welcomed.
Sun Fiesta is an annual event occurring each January in Centennial Park.
1/2
Mediterranean influences in Venice homes
Venice’s homes have a median price of $440,000. Average home values increased significantly from 2020 to 2023, and while there was a slight drop in 2024 after Hurricane Milton, the value is slowly climbing. Most of the older properties in the city are ranch-style homes from the 1950s and 1960s, like those in South Venice and Edgewood, although there are some that date back to the 1920s. Newer homes in planned communities like Pelican Pointe display the Mediterranean influences found throughout the city. Condos in the bayfront neighborhood of East Gate typically range from around $300,000 to $400,000, though those along the water can soar to over $1 million. Manufactured homes here can be had for under $100,000.
Sarasota National's larger estate homes have three-car garages and brick-paved driveways.
Beach homes are nestled next to condominiums on Manasota Key.
1/2
A-rated Sarasota County Schools serve Venice
Venice is served by Sarasota County Schools, which receives an A rating from Niche and has school choice. Venice High School’s performing arts department calls the neighboring Venice Performing Arts Center home. The center also hosts national and international acts and is home to the Venice Concert Band, the Venice Symphony and the Venice Chorale, which anyone can join. Venice Christian School is a private Christian institution for kindergarten through 12th grade with a B rating. State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota has a satellite campus outside city limits.
Venice Performing Arts Center in Venice FL is an A rated school.
Venice SDA Christian Elementary School in Venice East is a private school grades K-6th grade
1/2
Severe weather preparations and general safety for Venice
Like most of Florida, Venice has a warm, humid climate for most of the year. Even in January, the city’s coldest month, temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Sarasota County has a very high risk of hurricanes. In 2024, the city experienced three storms in two months. In preparation for hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, Venice hosts the annual Hurricane Expo. “We want you to be prepared, not scared,” Anderson says. “If you’re armed with information on what to do and where to go and how to prepare, most of the time, you’ll be fine.”
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, violent crime rates in 2023 were down by 15%, while property crime rates were about 7% lower. Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the national average.
Major roads and public transportation in Venice
Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 41, known as the Tamiami Trail, run through Venice. Most of the city has free parking. Most roads downtown are pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Breeze, Sarasota County’s public transportation, has a bus route through the city. Tamiami Trail leads to Downtown Sarasota, less than 25 miles away, and to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, about 25 miles away. The airport will have a new terminal in early 2025, introducing more direct flights. The Venice Municipal Airport, located in town, is for private flights.
Written By
Zia Sampson
Photography Contributed By
Bre Gillian
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kimberly Lingley,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Venice, FL sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Venice, FL over the last 12 months is $405,375, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Wow! Imagine walking into your condo everyday and seeing your boat sitting right outside your patio doors! Welcome to 832 Whitecap Circle —an exceptional fully renovated, TURNKEY, 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo nestled in the highly sought-after Point Whitecap community on Venice Island. This rarely available canal-front unit offers stunning water views, a private 35 foot boat slip with direct access to
"Coastal Charm Meets Resort Living ~ Value Priced!" Don't miss out on this beautifully maintained and stylishly upgraded home. Built in 2016 and boasting nearly 2,000 sqft. of thoughtfully designed living space, this 2-bedroom + den/flex, 2-bathroom residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, function, and resort-style living.A bright and sunny interior filled with natural
Welcome to this stunning Meadow Brook model by Neal Communities, perfectly situated in the highly desirable, resort-style community of Grand Palm in Venice, Florida. Designed for modern living and effortless entertaining, this meticulously maintained home offers 2,100 square feet of thoughtfully designed space, impact-rated windows and doors, and a host of luxurious upgrades throughout.The Meadow
BETTER THAN NEW AND MOVE-IN READY! WATERFRONT POOL HOME WITH DEEDED GOLF MEMBERSHIP! This beautifully upgraded Maria floor plan offers over 2,200 square feet of open-concept living with 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Built just one year ago and located on a premium waterfront lot, this home features a private SALTWATER HEATED POOL & SPA—perfect for enjoying the Florida
Come see this recently updated Pool home in South Venice! 2bedrooms, 2bathrooms, 2car garage w/ oversized driveway + extended carport! This house features many updates. 2025 HVAC, 2025 Resurfaced Pool w/ new waterline tiles, 2023 Roof, and updates throughout. Inside are new fixtures, paint, tile floors, baseboards, blinds and more. The kitchen features wood cabinets with granite counters, garbage
Featuring a beautiful bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath TURN-KEY FURNISHED rarely available CORNER UNIT CONDO and the best is there is NO ONE ABOVE YOU! Upon entering this lovely Capri Isles condo, you’ll be wowed by the professionally decorated decor with a fabulous floor plan! The relaxing inspired beachy theme is found throughout as Venice Beach is just 3.5 miles away! The impressive title floors flow
WATER, BASIC CABLE & INTERNET INCLUDED Resort-Style Living at Wellen Golf & Country Club2BR + Den | 2BA | Detached Garage | Second-Floor Veranda UnitLive the Florida dream in this stunning second-floor Veranda at the exclusive, guard-gated Wellen Golf & Country Club! This spacious and beautifully appointed home features 2 large bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a versatile den—perfect for a home
2025 AVAILABLE: DEC.2026 AVAILABLE: JAN, FEB, MAR, APR.BOOK AT: $9800/PER MONTH (SEASON IS DEC-APRIL, 3 MONTH MINIMUM)*PRICES MAY VARY DEPENDING ON NUMBER OF NIGHTS BOOKED*This Gorgeous 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 2 Car Garage, Heated Spa & Pool Home is ready for your Vacation Living! Tastefully Furnished for your Vacation get-away or Short-Term Rental while you build or purchase your home.Located in the
2025 AVAILABLE: SEP, OCT, NOV, DEC.2026 AVAILABLE: JAN, FEB, APR.BOOK AT: $4000/PER MONTH (SEASON IS JAN-FEB, 1 MONTH MINIMUM)BOOK AT: $2450/PER MONTH (OFF SEASON IS APR-DEC, 1 MONTH MINIMUM)*PRICES MAY VARY DEPENDING ON NUMBER OF NIGHTS BOOKED*Welcome to your cozy winter retreat! This fully remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo is perfectly situated for you to enjoy all that Venice has to offer.
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.
