South Venice is a ginormous community west of 41 at literally just south of Venice Island. I heard from an old timer that it was originally planned to be a large mobile home park. The real Florida many snowbirds are seeking. Affordability and laid back atmosphere. Mostly modest sized homes built in the 1960s and 1970s on small and irregular lots. There are definitely some homes that need updating, but what you also find are a lot of wonderful streets with single family homes with lots bursting with mature landscaping. Some properties double wide where owners bought adjoining land that they use for kids private playgrounds or whatever they decide to grow from plants to fruit trees. Many homes have been reimagined as rental properties and are painted in bright colors with fun themes. Spot builders have discovered South Venice too, and you can find some brand new homes as people are discovering how much fun this neighborhood happens to be. From the south end of South Venice you can bike to Manasota Key Beach. In the middle there’s a boat launch and a neighborhood ferry that takes you over to a “private beach” on the north end of Manasota Key. It is for community members only and there’s a very low HOA fee that gets you into this group. There is a community center that hosts art shows, special events and pancake breakfasts. There’s also Shamrock Park that connects with the bike trails that are offshoots of the Legacy Trail. Favorite places to eat in South Venice are Three Bridges Brewery that has a fun Trivia Night. Off the Wagon, the Metro Diner, Tony’s Chicago Beef roadside hot dog stand to name a few. Some of the neighborhoods are directly on the water. It is a great place to go garage sale hunting on the weekends too.