10 Best Independent Living Communities in Venice, FL
With a great sense of community and numerous social and cultural events throughout the year, Venice, Florida, is quickly attracting more and more retirees. And with a greater influx of seniors to the city located between Fort Myers and Sarasota, it’s only natural to find an increasing number of senior housing options cropping up. Independent living is one such option.
A Place for Mom partners with 10 independent living communities located within a 10-mile radius of Venice’s city center. Most of these communities offer more than independent living, ensuring a continuum of care with their assisted living and memory care services. What’s more, many of the communities feature bountiful amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, beauty salons, game rooms, and billiard lounges.
To make the selection process a little easier, A Place for Mom has put together this guide about independent living facilities in the Venice area. Below, you’ll learn more about these communities as well as information on payment options, local and state regulations, transportation methods, nearby health care facilities, and local activities for seniors. We hope this helps you or your loved one choose a retirement community.
Venice Independent Living Facilities | 811 Reviews
The chef is awesome. The food is awesome. They are understaffed at times, but as I am told that is true of most places. I would personally drop by and visit weekly if not every few days. My sister and I did...
The activities here Tuscna Gardens are so much fun! The activity director [name removed] took us all around town to see christmas lights. She even made homemade cookies and hot chocolate on our bis ride....
I believe the staff is helpful and kind. My family member doesn't need a lot of activities but they have enough to keep her occupied. The facility is nice although not super modern.
I would have no problem telling anyone that all of the staff and residents are like family. I can be away 1 or 2 days and know that my Mom is safe and being taken care of. My Mom loves being there.
It was brand new when we checked in, so time will tell how things go moving forward, but during our time there, everything was as I expected. My Aunt was cared for completely! The staff did all they could do...
Our house cleaners do a poor job don't even move trash cans to clean. Housekeeping is MINIMAL. If clients expect apt to be cleaned, laugh. Facility is clean in public places. Staff and residents are...
5 across the board. It's been great! They really like my Mom and we would certainly recommend A Banyan Residence community to other families.
Caring and attentive staff, they felt like family. Overall it is a really good place. I would recommend Venice Palms Senior Living to others.
Once I placed my request through “A Place for Mom.”I was introduced to BrookDale Colonial Park and several other Senior Communities. I was struck by Breanna’s warm informative information and monthly cost....
Everything has been very good at the Gallery- my father passed away peacefully in his sleep In Sept. she's in the assisted living apartment that they were originally planned for on their move. Management is...
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Everyone was very kind and friendly. They were wonderful with the patients very caring and kind. I had dinner in the dining room with my husband a few times and the menu was varied and well.prepared. When...
All good except food and wait staff shortage. Clients are leaving the facility because of the lack of food quality and inadequate staffing in the dining room.
A Place for Mom helped us connect with Elance now known as The Barclay. My parents have been thrilled with this location. It went very smoothly and we cannot be more grateful for the end result. They have...
Seaside Springs Retirement Community is a down to earth community, it is a happy place. They prepare good food and the staff members are wonderful. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would...
Our family and loved one have had a great experience with Elison of Bella Vita. The community is clean. The staff are is friendly, caring, and helpful. Everyone is very welcoming. There are meals and...
Adviniacare is a pleasant community. Get care for the elderly with pleasant caretakers. Excellent activities to participate in. The living accommodations (singe room) are of various size at various rental...
The Pavilion of Downtown Venice has cared for my dad for 7 years. The building is a landmark which offers an “old world” feeling. The staff is caring, patient and experienced. They can deal with any and all...
Heartis is a new and very clean community. My loved ones have been in two other communities in the Sarasota/Venice area, and this is their third—they are quite hard to please. However, they are happy here at...
I know it's hard to find good help these days but I know they were short of help when my mom was there. She required I think more help then they could give her. But when they did help they were kind and...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Venice community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Venice community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Venice area
- What families are saying about independent living in Venice
- How people pay for independent living in Venice
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Venice
- Venice independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Venice? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Venice area
The average monthly cost of an independent living community in the Venice area is $3,991, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes rent, associated fees, and service fee add-ons. However, prices can vary greatly based on location, unit size, floor plan, amenities, and other services. But this data reflects the total average cost of what residents paid at our partner communities in the Venice area.
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the Venice area and do not include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Venice, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Venice, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Venice vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Venice, FL by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Venice over time
What families are saying about independent living in Venice
Recent reviews for independent living in Venice
Sarabella Senior Living in Sarasota, FL
A Banyan Residence in Venice, FL
The Fountains of Hope in Sarasota, FL
How people pay for independent living in Venice
You or your loved one can pay for independent living in a variety of ways. Some seniors use a combination of resources to cover the costs, while others foot the bill completely out of pocket. To help you understand your options, we’ve provided additional information on a range of payment methods, including private resources, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Many seniors use private resources to fund their stays at independent living facilities. Why? Unfortunately, insurance rarely helps offset the room and board costs of independent living. As such, you may find yourself relying on retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated by investments, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Venice
About 84% of Venice veterans are over the age of 65
Veterans living in the Venice area will find a variety of benefits available that may help offset the costs associated with independent living. To start, there’s the VA Pension. This benefit serves as a supplement to your personal resources and can be put toward housing-related expenses. If eligible, you can apply it directly to the monthly fees of a senior community.
For veterans who require assistance with daily activities, the VA Aid & Attendance benefit is another option. Aid & Attendance can be put toward anything that helps improve wartime veterans’ quality of life. Applications are available online or at a regional VA office.
There are additional benefits as well, such as VA Disability Compensation, a tax-free benefit made available to veterans with service-connected disabilities or existing conditions made worse from service in the military. Check out the full list of benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
If you find yourself facing some financial difficulties, you can look into the Unmet Needs program offered by Veterans of Foreign Wars. Grants vary based on your individual circumstances but can reach up to $1,500. These funds can help cover the costs of your basic needs, such as rent and utilities.
When it comes to VA benefits, you may run into a few questions. Luckily, help is available. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) offer a range of services and can assist you with understanding eligibility requirements, identifying available benefits, applying for those benefits, and connecting you with additional resources. If you’d like more information about working with a VSO in Venice, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans can connect you with a veterans services officer who can help. You can also contact the Sarasota County Veterans Services Office or the Regional VA Benefits Office for help.
Resources for Venice veterans
Sarasota County Veterans Services Office
4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 139
Venice, FL 34293
Phone: 941-861-3047
Email: veterans@scgov.net
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
Largo, FL 33778-1630
Phone: 727-518-3202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Regional VA Benefits Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Post 159
1770 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34292
Phone: 941-488-1157
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8118
832 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34285
Phone: 941-303-6671
Disabled American Veterans Post 101
600 Colonia Lane E
Nokomis, FL 34275
Phone: 941-488-4500
Email: venicegulf101@gmail.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) is the name of Florida’s Medicaid program, and it’s operated by the Agency for Health Care Administration. To apply, check out the official SMMC website. Independent living communities are considered a form of general housing, so SMMC doesn’t cover the cost of room and board. Rather, this benefit is designed to cover care-related services administered by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or qualified home health aid.
To apply for in-home care, you can utilize one of Florida’s waiver programs. Perhaps you’re dealing with an injury that requires physical therapy; the Long-Term Care Waiver could be of benefit. The same could be said if you were to need occupational therapy, speech therapy, or medication administration. This is just one part of the home and community based services waiver program, which can cover health care costs delivered where a person lives.
If you have questions about coverage, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging offer a Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHIP) program. SHIP offers financial counseling to Medicaid enrollees. There’s also the Florida Ombudsman Program, which offers long-term care advocacy support.
Venice resident Medicaid resources
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care
Phone: 877-711-3662
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-412-4000
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 800-963-5337
Fax: 850-414-2150
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Florida Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 850-414-2323
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Fax: 239-652-6989
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Anyone over the age of 65 or diagnosed with specific illnesses or disability is eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program. While Medicare can’t be used to offset the room and board costs of an independent living community, it’s still a valuable benefit for seniors who require medically necessary health care. Medicare covers inpatient hospital stays, short-term in-home care services, and a range of doctor’s fees.
There are several programs available to Medicare beneficiaries, including:
- Florida Medicare Savings Program. The Medicare Savings Program can help cover at least some of the costs of Medicare premiums and copays for income-eligible seniors.
- Florida Discount Drug Card Program. The Florida Discount Drug Program is a general pharmaceutical assistance program that can offset the costs of medication.
- Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE). SHINE can be a great resource if you require financial assistance because they can help you with the application process and answer questions.
The Florida Ombudsman Program also offers long-term care advocacy support. You can also contact the Social Security Administration to apply in person.
Venice resident Medicare resources
Venice Social Security Administration Office
1435 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34292
Phone: 888-676-2944
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – noon
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 800-963-5337
Fax: 850-414-2150
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Florida Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 850-414-2323
Florida Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 888-419-3456
Florida Discount Drug Card Program
Phone: 866-341-8894
Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Florida, independent living communities have one main regulation: At least 80% of units must be occupied by individuals who are 55 or older.[04] If operating as an age-restricted community, the property owner must demonstrate that they provide housing for older adults through their policies and procedures.
Independent living communities must also follow the same laws as other rental properties. This means they must comply with the following regulations:
- The Fair Housing Act, which protects renters and home-buyers from discrimination.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
- Standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Senior communities are subject to additional regulations if they offer additional services outside of independent living, such as assisted living or memory care.
All long-term care facilities are subject to regular inspections by Florida’s Department of Health. These inspections will assess the state of the property and determine whether the community is providing the appropriate services associated with its license. You can view inspection reports online on the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Venice independent living communities
The state of Florida has no specific COVID-19 regulations for independent living communities aside from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention best practices. However, individual communities may have their own guidelines. Inquire directly with your chosen facility for more information.
Vaccinations. Vaccinations and boosters are encouraged but not required.
Masking. People can wear a mask at any time but it’s not required.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
Staff safety. Facilities should make ventilation improvements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Types of independent living in Venice
Independent living communities are similar in nature to apartments; they offer seniors the option to live independently with a few additional perks. Venice is the perfect place if you’re looking for an independent living facility in a beachside city. You’ll love the city’s subtropical climate and Italian architecture. Plus, some facilities may even seem like resorts, providing residents with access to plentiful amenities. In the following sections, we’ll take a look at what you can expect from independent living in Venice, Florida.
Continuum of care
Many senior living communities offer a continuum of care. These facilities allow you to age in place should you need assistance or additional services in the future. In Venice, you’ll be able to choose from the following partner facilities:
- 2 stand-alone independent living facilities
- 1 independent living and senior apartment facility
- 2 independent living and assisted living facilities
- 5 combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities
On-site amenities
Most independent living communities in Venice take the idea of convenience and relaxation seriously, putting a great deal of thought into the amenities they offer. If you’re looking for a community with an on-site fitness center, for example, you won’t be disappointed. Roughly 70% of communities in our partner network offer this amenity. You’ll also find communities where you can take a dip at the on-site swimming pool, get a little creative at the arts and crafts center, sit down with a good book at the in-house library, or shoot a round of pool at a billiards lounge. Need to narrow down your independent living community choices? It’s all a matter of determining what amenities you want.
Getting around town
Though independent living communities are perfect for seniors who don’t require assistance with daily activities, our partner network understands the difficulties of traveling when you’re older. Many communities make it easy for residents to get around town by offering resident parking options. Additionally, 70% of our partner facilities provide complimentary transportation, and 30% offer at-cost transportation.
Venice independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Venice independent living
Availability of select dining options in Venice independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Venice independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Venice? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Venice
Median annual income for Venice seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Venice
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Nationally ranked in two adult specialties and regionally ranked as the sixth-best hospital in Florida, Sarasota Memorial Health is a Level II trauma center. It’s recognized for being high-performing in heart attack, heart failure, aortic valve surgery, kidney failure, stroke, gastroenterology, hip and knee replacement, and seven other procedures and conditions.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital
Awarded a five-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital is a general and surgical medical center that’s ranked as high-performing in heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and hip and knee replacement.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Voted “best hospital” by a local publication, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an acute care hospital that provides a range of services, including cancer care, diabetes care, and orthopedics.
Transportation for seniors in Venice
Of our partner independent living communities in Venice, 70% offer complimentary transportation, and 30% offer at-cost transportation making it easy to get around.[07] However, there are other ways to get around Venice, too.
Though the area is mostly car-dependent, Sarasota County Area Transportation (SCAT) operates two bus lines in Venice. Seniors and Medicare cardholders receive a discounted fare of $0.75 for one-way trips, and anyone 80 or older rides for free. SCAT also operates SCATPlus, a curb-to-curb rideshare service for individuals who are unable to use fixed routes. The cost of the SCATPlus service is $3 per trip, and personal care attendants ride for free.
Active seniors should know that Venice is bikeable, earning a score of 56 out of 100 for its bike infrastructure.[08] In fact, the city has been recognized as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Trails of note are the Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Park Trail, and Island Park Loop.
If you’re hoping to get around by foot, it all depends on the neighborhood. Venice has a walk score of 31 out of 100, with the neighborhoods of Venice, Venice Edgewood, and East Gate ranking anywhere from 41 to 51 for walkability.[08]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Venice
Venice is home to a range of activities and attractions that may be of interest to seniors. To start, there are the beaches. Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach are must-sees. Caspersen Beach, in particular, features a beach as well as a nature trail that takes you through a coastal hammock of dunes, marshes, mangroves, and tidal flats. It’s become quite the destination for bird and other wildlife watching. Outside of Venice, Sarasota is another wonderful option for beaches where you can soak up the sun at Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
Speaking of birdwatching, the Venice Area Audubon Society will not disappoint. While its nature center is currently closed to the public, the “rookery” is open from dawn to dusk and offers seniors opportunities for free birdwatching. You can also participate in one of its many programs, such as its birding field trips, bird stewardship, pollinator garden, and more.
If angling is more your game, then a trip to the Venice Fishing Pier is in order. With 700 feet of area to cast your line, there’s most definitely a spot for you. But you can only drop one line in the waters, as per a recent ordinance. Once you’ve caught your fill, consider heading over to Centennial Park. This park features ample green space, walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful landscaping. Plus, the central gazebo holds regular events and concerts that may be of interest.
Should you want to enjoy the arts, there’s always the Venice Community Center. Depending on the month, you can listen to some music at a tribute concert, hit up the booths at an arts and crafts show, or find some treasures at an antique show. You can also visit the Venice Museum and Archives. There, you’ll find more than 30,000 photographs, archives, and other objects on the city’s history.
Out and about on a Saturday? You must make a point of swinging by the Venice Farmers’ Market. Obviously, you can pick up a week’s worth of produce, bread, and seafood from a host of different vendors. Just don’t forget to grab a delicious lunch from one of the food stalls and enjoy some live music from local entertainers.
If you’re looking for fellowship, the Senior Friendship Center is a great place to socialize and participate in an array of activities, such as fitness classes, book clubs, crafting, Tai chi, ballroom dancing, crocheting, pickleball, and more. All classes and activities are free to members, and annual memberships currently run $125.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles, Brookdale Colonial Park and Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Venice, FL. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Venice is $4,238 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Florida Commission on Human Relations. (n.d.). Housing – 55 & Older Communities.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Venice.
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