Venice Isle Estates

Pros

• Venice Isle is described as a beautiful place that is well maintained and home to beautiful people.
• The staff at 2600 Executive Drive Venice Isles is praised for their unwavering work ethic and responsiveness.
• OBIE is commended for promptly addressing the issue and painting the area to completion.
• The park offers a wide range of activities, dances, card games, and social dinners.
• The community features two pools, jacuzzis, a tennis court, and a gym.
• The 55+ community is described as clean, well-kept, and full of friendly residents.
• The pool area is accommodating with ample chairs, shade, and umbrellas, making it inviting.
• Residents note that the park is resident-owned and that homeowners have input through a management board.
• The overall environment is portrayed as peaceful, inviting, and ideal for retirees, with extensive 55+ activities.
• The home sites are spacious due to resident ownership, contributing to a comfortable living environment.

Cons

• A place where really old people carry a clipboard around to write down ANY violations you may have.
• Extremely rude group of people.
• Extremely jealous group of people.
• Shareholders policing other shareholders... not a great idea.
• Most of these people are really hateful to each other.

Review

Venice Isle on the southwest Florida coast is described by many as a beautiful, well-kept place that draws a lot of praise for its setting and its people. Reviewers repeatedly emphasize the park's aesthetic appeal: immaculately clean surroundings, nicely kept grounds, and a Florida lifestyle that combines sunshine with a strong sense of community. It's a place where the scenery - lush landscaping, tidy common areas, and inviting outdoor spaces - serves as a backdrop for a social scene that many residents clearly value.

The living experience at Venice Isle is framed by a robust array of amenities and a sense of structure that comes from an owner-operator model. The park is described as resident-owned, with a management board that gives homeowners a voice in park management. The amenities are substantial: two swimming pools (one heated for winter and another cooling in the summer), hot tubs, a gym, tennis courts, a jacuzzi, and a well-organized pool area with ample seating. Beyond the water features and fitness facilities, residents highlight spaces like clubhouses and a tiki hut, which serve as hubs for socializing and recreation. The community also seems to embrace a busy calendar, including dances, dinners, pancake breakfasts, and organized social events, all of which contribute to a lively, active retirement lifestyle.

A notable thread in many reviews is the responsiveness and professionalism of the staff and maintenance team. A specific anecdote stands out: when a master bath ceiling leak needed attention, manager Tina and assistant manager Heather coordinated with the maintenance technician OBIE, who themselves went the extra mile by painting and finishing the repair the very next day. This kind of incident illustrates how some residents perceive the maintenance culture - efficient, courteous, and capable of delivering tangible results quickly. The sense of teamwork among managers, staff, and tradespeople is frequently cited as a positive hallmark of the community.

Social life and rhythm are another cornerstone of Venice Isle's appeal. The park is described as a place where people share stories, play card games, and enjoy homemade Italian dinners with neighbors like Ol Pete on Jolanda Circle. The presence of families and friends along with the friendly, welcoming atmosphere helps create what many see as a "lovely, fun, and quiet" environment. The abundance of activities - tennis, bocce ball, shuffleboard, mini golf, line dancing, and various clubs and games - combined with performances and organized events, makes it feel both homey and entertaining. For many residents, this is a place to build relationships, enjoy gatherings, and feel part of a supportive community.

Yet the neighborhood isn't without its critics and tensions. A recurring theme among some reviewers is concern about governance and cost. There are voices noting that maintenance fees have doubled, a change that can be challenging for those living on fixed incomes. Others describe a climate of "policing" or scrutiny among residents, with mentions of clipboard-wielding volunteers writing down violations and a sense that shareholders police other shareholders. These comments portray a more contentious side of a community that is otherwise praised for its organization and activity. There are even remarks about a perceived rudeness or hostility among some residents, as well as a sense that the social atmosphere isn't universally welcoming. In particular, a few reviews describe the community as "too crowded" during special events like the Shark Tooth Festival and reference a climate that some find tense or inhospitable.

The realities of life in a Florida 55-plus community also intersect with weather and external events. Some reviewers point to damage or disruption from Hurricane Ian, noting that the area was hit hard and that parts of the park were affected, though many still describe the overall maintenance and beauty of the place as they continue to rebuild and enjoy the lifestyle. It's clear that residents value resilience and the ability of the community to rebound, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with severe weather in this region.

Overall, Venice Isle appears to be a desirable, amenity-rich, 55-and-over community that offers a strong sense of belonging, an array of activities, and a well-maintained environment. It attracts people who want a friendly, active retirement with plenty of social options, a dedicated management structure, and a landscape that supports a vibrant, engaged lifestyle. At the same time, potential residents should be aware of the trade-offs: rising fees, governance dynamics, and a social climate that some perceive as overly scrutinizing or competitive. For many who seek a beautiful Florida place to spend their winters or enjoy year-round living in a close-knit senior community, Venice Isle presents a compelling blend of charm, opportunity, and community spirit. Those coming to visit or consider a move may find it a wonderful place to call home, especially if they value an active schedule, well-kept grounds, and a park where neighbors look out for one another.

This area of Venice, Florida offers convenient access to a variety of amenities that may be appealing for senior living. With several pharmacies located within a short distance, residents can easily access their medication needs. Nearby physicians and medical facilities, such as the Heart & Vascular Center and Venice Regional Medical Center, provide quality healthcare services in close proximity. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options ranging from casual cafes like Starbucks to more upscale restaurants like Bonefish Grill and Carrabba's Italian Grill. Places of worship and a dog-friendly park add to the community feel of the area, making it an attractive choice for seniors looking for convenience and a sense of community.

Pharmacies

• Venice Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Gulf Coast Scripts (1.6 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Heart & Vascular Center Of Venice (0.5 miles)
• Suncoast Eyehealth (0.8 miles)
• Surgery Center at St. Andrews (0.9 miles)
• Center For Sight (0.9 miles)
• Milagros M Seguerra-Doctora (1 miles)
• McCormick Laser & Vein Clinic (1 miles)
• Foot, Ankle & Vein Clinics (1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Croissant & Co. (2 miles)

Restaurants

• First Watch (0.8 miles)
• Flanagan's Pub (0.8 miles)
• Angelo's Italian Market (0.9 miles)
• Mi Pueblo (0.9 miles)
• Bonefish Grill (1 miles)
• Bogey's Restaurant & Sports Pub (1.2 miles)
• Carrabba's Italian Grill (1.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of the Nazarene (0.9 miles)
• Lift Church (1.3 miles)
• Emmanuel Lutheran Church (1.3 miles)
• Epiphany Cathedral (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Venice Regional Medical Center (1.6 miles)
• Anthem Insurance Companies (1.8 miles)
• Rodriguez, Charles Venice Healthpark Surgery Center (1.9 miles)
• Center Of Surgical Excell (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Brohard Paw Park & Beach (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Spotlight Theatres Venice Luxury (2.3 miles)