Venice, Florida, isn’t just a destination for snowbirds. It’s also a haven for retirees due in no small part to its location. Not only does the area have some of the best beaches (and seafood), but it’s conveniently located about 19 miles from Sarasota and about 70 miles from Tampa.
A number of senior apartment complexes can be found in Venice. Many offer a host of amenities, activities, and services that will make you feel at home — or like you’re living at a luxury resort. Depending on the community you choose, you can enjoy an on-site swimming pool, billiards room, game room, fitness center, library, and more. And this doesn’t even account for all the nearby activities.
However, moving to a senior apartment community can be tough. To help you or your family arrive at a decision, A Place for Mom has put together this guide on senior apartment communities in the Venice area. Below, you’ll find specific community listings as well as information about payment options, applicable laws and regulations, transportation methods, health care choices, and more.
I joined the Windsor just recently and my experience has been great so far. I have had good rapport with the people who work here and they have been able to make me feel comfortable by answering my...
I could not allow another day to pass without sharing the wonderful experience that my mom had in respite care! The Windsor is a combiation of a resort and a grand loving home! Working with the Sales...
Very helpful and caring staff. Very welcoming towards visitors. Picked because size of available apartment and because it offers a guarantee of lifetime care.
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...
It's been going well, so far. I am still getting moved in so I haven't had a chance to really check everything out. It's a clean place though, and the staff is friendly. Everything is nice, and I like it so...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Venice community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
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The cost of a senior apartment community in the Venice area averages about $1,925 per month, according to A Place for Mom.[01] This figure generally includes rent, associated fees, and service fee add-ons. However, it can vary based on location, unit size, floor plan, amenities, and other additional services. You can expect to pay as much as $3,084 per month or as little as $1,739 per month to live in certain communities.
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the immediate Venice area and do not include additional fees for ancillary services.
Senior apartments are a bit different from other senior living options. They’re more akin to retirement communities than assisted living, which provides care services to residents who need help with daily activities. As such, you’ll likely need to rely on private resources to pay for a senior apartment. However, there are also other methods, including VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance.
Most seniors will rely on private payment methods to fund their senior apartment stays. This includes retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, retirement account distributions, and investment-generated income. It could also include any of the following options:
Number of veterans who live in Venice
About 84% of Venice veterans are over the age of 65
Veterans who want to move to a senior apartment community in Venice have a range of benefits available that could help offset their costs. The VA Pension is probably one of the most common options, as it can be used toward housing-related expenses. If you are a wartime veteran and require assistance with daily activities (such as bathing, grooming, etc.), you may also be eligible for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit. You can apply for Aid & Attendance online or at a regional VA office.
Another option you may want to look into is VA Disability Compensation. This monthly tax-free benefit is available to veterans with a service-connected disability or a preexisting condition made worse by serving in the military. There are other veteran benefits, such as adapted housing grants, listed online. Additionally, Veterans of Foreign Wars has an Unmet Needs program that offers financial grants to veterans facing hard times. Payments can reach up to $1,500 and be used to cover the costs of basic needs, including rent.
As you explore your options, you may find that the VA benefits system is complex. You or your family might need help determining eligibility and applying. Veterans services officers can help you access the benefits you’ve earned. In Venice, veterans services organizations (VSOs), such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans, can help get you in touch with a veterans services officer.
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.
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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.
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), Florida’s Medicaid program, is operated by the Agency for Health Care Administration. SMMC does not cover the monthly costs of living at a senior apartment community. However, it can cover medically necessary in-home assistance administered by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or qualified home health aid through one of its waiver programs.
For example, the Long-Term Care Waiver can help offset the costs of attendant care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and medication administration. It can even be used for home accessibility adaptations. To cover other health care costs, you can apply through the home and community based services waiver program.
Assistance is available if you run into any issues with the application process or have questions about insurance benefits. Financial counseling is available through the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging. There’s also the Florida Ombudsman Program, which can answer questions
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
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.
Seniors who are at least 65 and individuals diagnosed with certain illnesses or disabilities are eligible for the federal health insurance program Medicare. Medicare can help offset medically necessary health care services, such as inpatient hospital stays, short-term in-home care, and certain physicians’ services. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cover the costs associated with a senior apartment community. If eligible, you can apply online.
There are a number of Medicare and adjacent programs that can provide further assistance. These programs include:
Need help applying for Medicare? Reach out to the Social Security Administration for support. You can also rely on the Florida Ombudsman Program for advocacy support.
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
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
For Florida residents, public assistance for senior housing often falls into one of two buckets: the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or Social Security benefits.
The HCV program for Venice, Florida, is run through the Venice Housing Authority. It helps low-income families, income-eligible seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing. The benefit is paid directly to the property owner, so it’s important to check whether the community accepts this type of payment prior to applying. As with any government program, eligibility requirements do apply.
With Social Security, you’ll find four different benefit options. The most common is the Social Security in retirement benefit. Anyone over 62 years old with enough work credits is eligible. Individuals who have a disability and enough work credits are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Seniors over 65 with disabilities can benefit from Supplemental Security Income regardless of their work history. Finally, the survivors of eligible workers are eligible for Social Security survivors pensions.
Venice resident public assistance resources
Venice Housing Authority
201 Grove St.
Venice, FL 34285
Phone: 941-488-3526
Fax: 941-486-0418
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. – 12 p.m.
In Venice, senior apartment communities fall under the general housing category, so there aren’t many specialized laws or regulations they need to abide by. However, senior housing facilities must rent at least 80% of units to people who are 55 or older.[04] They must also publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the community is for older adults, as well as comply with the rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Senior apartments are also held to the standards set by the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Property owners or landlords cannot discriminate against you or offer less favorable terms and conditions if you belong to a protected class. Reasonable accommodations must also be made if you have a disability. For example, a property would need to provide a ramp into the building if one doesn’t already exist. Additional information is available on tenant laws through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.
The Venice Building Department inspects work on any senior apartment building that requires a permit. Results of these building inspections can be found on this online portal.
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida has no specific COVID-19 regulations for senior apartment communities. However, some individual facilities may have guidelines in place to protect residents. It’s best to check with the senior apartment community you’re considering and adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Vaccinations. Getting vaccinated is encouraged but not required.
Masking. People may choose to mask at any time.
Facility cleanliness. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is recommended.
Staff safety. Ventilation improvements are encouraged to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Senior apartments in Venice offer seniors the opportunity to downsize to residences that require less upkeep and maintenance. This perk, combined with the subtropical climate, makes for a pleasant retirement. You’ll love exploring the city’s northern Italian architecture and sandy beaches. What’s more, the senior apartment complex you choose may offer even more services, amenities, and activities.
Generally speaking, senior apartment communities in Venice offer the convenience of aging in place. In some apartments, this means an open floor plan, wider doorways, walk-in tubs, wheelchair-accessible showers, ramped entrances, and more. You can also choose residential units with a private patio, deck, or balcony. As a bonus, because senior apartments are considered general housing, you can live with your dog or cat at most apartment buildings.
The properties often come with a variety of common areas. Some may just have a TV lounge, central fireplace, and outdoor patio. However, others may offer a more resort-style living experience. Some facilities have swimming pools, fitness centers, game rooms, and billiards lounges. You may also find communities that have an on-site library or arts and craft center.
Senior apartment communities provide residents with opportunities to socialize. Many facilities offer athletic programs, such as yoga classes, stretching classes, water aerobics, or walking clubs. You may also be interested in some communities’ wellness classes, art classes, gardening clubs, bridge clubs, book clubs, or pinochle clubs. Wine tasting may also be on the itinerary at some apartment communities.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Venice
Median annual income for Venice seniors 65 and older
Sarasota Memorial Health is a Level II trauma center that provides a wide range of medical services. It’s nationally ranked in two adult specialties and recognized for being high-performing in heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, gastroenterology, and another 10 procedures and conditions.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital is a general and surgical medical center that offers patient-centric treatment plans. It is considered high-performing in a number of areas, including heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and hip and knee replacement. It’s also received a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an acute care hospital that’s been voted “best hospital” by a local publication for three years now. It provides a range of services, including cancer care, diabetes care, and orthopedics.
Most people get around Venice by car. This is partly because the city isn’t very walkable, with a score of 31 out of 100 on Walk Score, which ranks walkability in comparison with other cities.[07] It’s also not known for its public transit; Venice only features two bus lines.
The Sarasota County Area Transportation (SCAT) does offer what’s known as SCATPlus, which is a curb-to-curb rideshare service for eligible individuals. The static routes available in the Venice area do come at a reduced cost to seniors: $1.25 for anyone between the ages of 65 and 79, and free for anyone who’s older.
Active seniors may be interested in Venice’s bike infrastructure. The city is quite bikeable. In fact, it’s been recognized as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. You may want to check out the Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Park Trail, and Island Park Loop — all of which are popular among residents.
There’s plenty to do in the Venice area. You’re living in Florida, after all. Though the city itself is relatively small, it has something to offer almost every senior. For instance, anyone interested in classic cars may want to visit Ideal Classic Cars. It’s part museum, part dealership — which means you could leave with a new set of wheels.
Bird-watchers may enjoy the Venice Area Audubon Society. Its free birdwatching takes place between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. most days of the week. Anglers, on the other hand, may enjoy a trip to the Venice Fishing Pier. it not only offers 700 feet to cast your line, but it also has a bait shop and picnic shelters nearby.
Interested in history? Check out the Venice Museum & Archives. Enjoy more than 30,000 photographs, archives, and other objects involving the area’s history. As an added bonus, admission is free Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you want to hit the beach, you’ve got a number of options. There’s Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Brohard Beach and Paw Park, which is dog-friendly. You can bring your four-legged family member to enjoy a day on the sand. If you love the outdoors, you may also want to visit Centennial Park. It offers plenty of green space to relax and enjoy the day as well as walking paths to get your steps in. If you head out of Venice, Sarasota provides more beach options where you can enjoy the ocean breeze at Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
As with almost any city, Venice offers seniors the opportunity to socialize and take part in an array of activities at a local senior center. In this case, it’s the Senior Friendship Centers, where you can find fitness classes, board game sessions, and more. You can even learn a new language!
The Windsor of Bradenton, The Windsor of Lakewood Ranch and Westminster Manor, a CCRC are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Venice, FL. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Venice is $2,478 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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. (2023). Housing – 55 & Older Communities.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Venice.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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. (2023). Housing – 55 & Older Communities.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Venice.