Venice-Port Charlotte Area, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Retirees heading to Florida have many choices when it comes to beautiful coastal destinations, but they shouldn't overlook the spectacular Venice area. This lovely coastal stretch has all the allure of South Florida without the prohibitive price tag. What's more, the nearby Charlotte Harbor offers many additional attractions and communities for active adults.

Located on the coast of Southwest Florida, Venice is a welcoming city which boasts beautiful beaches, unique shops, diverse restaurants and a variety of recreational attractions. Venice lies about 30 minutes south of Sarasota, within 90 minutes of Tampa and less than three hours from Orlando.

Beautiful beaches and picturesque parks are found throughout the Venice area, yet the Venetian Waterway Park stands out as one of the area's best outdoor attractions. This lovely park stretches on either side of the Intracoastal Waterway providing nearly 10 miles of waterfront viewing and ample space for recreations.

Close to downtown, Venice Beach is one of the area's most popular beaches for both tourists and local residents. Those who prefer a more secluded shoreline will love Caspersen Beach, and retired anglers will enjoy the fishing at the family-friendly Nokomis Beach. Venice's North Jetty Beach is known for its fabulous fishing and surfing. It is also a great place to watch boats pass through the Intracoastal Waterway.

Fishing, boating, kayaking and other water sports are among the area's most popular activities. However, a wide selection of challenging golf courses are sure to lure many active adults away from the shore from time to time.

While Venice is characterized by its coastal beauty, there are many other desirable attractions. Cultural venues are plentiful, including the Venice Symphony, the Venice Art Center and the Venice Theatre. History lovers will enjoy a trip to Historic Spanish Point in Osprey, and everyone will love being pampered at The Springs International Spa.

Active adult communities in Venice include both age-restricted and age-targeted developments. At Venetian Falls, potential homebuyers will find affordable homes in a luxurious setting. The community has a spacious clubhouse, resort-style amenities and diverse social groups. For those who prefer an open-age community, IslandWalk at West Villages boasts its own Town Center with a variety of amenities, as well as services including a post office and a beauty salon.

About 30 miles from Venice, retirees will love the tranquil area along the Charlotte Harbor, including Port Charlotte, North Port and Punta Gorda. This secluded area is off the beaten path so it does not have the crowds of tourists which flock to many other Florida beaches. Yet it has all the beauty and attractions of more well-known locations, including nature preserves, golf courses, restaurants and shopping centers.

The Charlotte Harbor area is also a great option for retirees who choose to live in the Venice area. Active adult communities worth a closer look include the luxurious Riverwood golf course community, the affordable homes at Kings Gate in Port Charlotte and the intimate neighborhood of Cypress Falls at The Woodlands.