Venice Apartments and Rentals

The natural beauty of Venice is just one of the reasons why so many people are attracted to the area. Nestled along the southwestern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the moderate temperatures of the summer and warm winters make the city an ideal place to live or spend the winters in. As one of the few cities in Florida’s west side that is not separated from the Gulf by a barrier island, the true history of the city is alive and well today. Located in Sarasota County, Venice is one of five communities that cover 80.3 square miles along the coast.

Venice apartments for rent mesh the beautiful history of the city and modern beach lifestyle. Sunbathers find peace in the white sand beaches, surfing, boating and fishing right outside their doorsteps. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Venice is just less than 20,900 residents.

The city of Venice’s history began in the 1870s when Richard Roberts established a home near Roberts Bay and planted an orange grove. By 1884, he sold some of the land to Frank Higel who also established a citrus operation that featured canned goods such as citrus jams, pickled orange peel, lemon juice and orange wine. Over the course of 30 years, the family prospered as boat builders, fishermen, contractors and grove caretakers. By 1911, the construction of the railroad to Venice sparked development in the area. However, the settlement of the area happened over a long time span and Venice remained a small fishing town until the 1920s.

By 1926, Venice started looking more like a modern development with the first constructed road. In the same year, hotel Venice opened up, as well as Venice Avenue, a key feature of the plan for the community. The 200-foot boulevard and 100-foot parkway served as a gateway to the city. Later that year, residential construction began, which consisted of large homes along Venice Avenue and moderate homes in the Edgewood area. The unique charm of Venice was influenced by the Northern Italian Renaissance architectural style brought to the area by the New York firm Walker and Gillette. By 1927, Venice became a city.

Residents in Venice are submerged in the thriving workforce of Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Some of the top employers in the region include Publix Supermarkets, School Board of Manatee, School Board of Sarasota, Tropicana Products, Bon Secours, PGT Industries and Blake Medical Center.

Students living in apartments in Venice have plenty of opportunities for post-secondary education nearby. For instance, the State College of Florida, Ringling College of Art and Design, New College of Florida and Gulf Coast Marine Institute are just a few schools where residents can earn their associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

Living in Venice is affordable to many, which is a driving force for residents to move to the city. According to Best Places, the overall cost of living is 1 point lower than the national average, food is 3 points higher and utilities are 8 points lower. The low cost of utilities is likely due to the mild climate year round. The average cost for rentals in Venice is also fairly reasonable. According to statistics from the U.S Census Bureau, the average cost of apartments is $976.

The arts are alive and well in Venice, and the city’s annual events are proof. The Venice Craft Festival and Venice Arts Classic are among the top attractions for residents and visitors alike. These events complement one another, as one takes place in the spring and the other in the winter. Featuring some of the nation's most talented artists, these events take place in downtown Venice. The Art Classic is a showcase of sculptures, photography, glass and paintings; and the Art Festival features a green market with beautiful flora, fresh kettle corn, gourmet spices and - of course - crafts.

Rent.com® can help you get settled in a Venice apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.