It may be known as the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World, but based on the locals, you may be surprised by how many more sharks are on land than in water.
Home to sun, sand, and snowbirds, Venice is the idyllic sort of place one escapes to after a life of cold winters in the North
It may be known as the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World, but based on the locals, you may be surprised by how many more sharks are on land than in water.
Home to sun, sand, and snowbirds, Venice is the idyllic sort of place one escapes to after a life of cold winters in the North. What it lacks in population diversity (the majority of the population is over 65 years of age), it more than makes up for in charm and beauty; palm trees line the streets, and numerous tributaries connect the land to the Gulf of Mexico in a way reminiscent of its Italian sister city of the same name. Life is a bit slower in Venice, and the locals wouldn't change a thing.
The first thing you need to keep in mind when looking for an apartment in Venice is that the city is only 16.6 square miles, so if you must stay within the city limits, your options are somewhat limited. That said, there are a few different apartment complexes to choose from, and their rates are pretty standard for the area; not super pricey compared to the bigger cities like Miami or South Beach, but still not super cheap, either. You'll want to start looking well before you make the move, especially if you are looking to move in the winter months, as Venice is a very popular vacation spot for those looking to escape the snows elsewhere in the country.
Coastal Living
There are a couple of complexes practically in the Gulf of Mexico, and they tend to offer daily, weekly, and monthly rates for both 1 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom apartments. Stick further inland for cheaper rates. Remember- you are never very far from the beach when living in Venice, so unless your pockets are deeper than the deep blue sea nearby, do your heart and pocketbook some good and bicycle to the beach instead. $$$$$
City Center
A handful of miles from the Gulf, you can get a decent 3 bedroom apartment for rent that won’t break the bank. Given that the beach is nearby, regardless of where you lay your head in Venice, the savings in rent seem worthwile. $$
Venice is known as the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World”, and holds a Shark Tooth Festival each April. Divers and shark fans from all over the world descend on the town, providing a fantastic boost to the local economy. All proceeds from the Festival itself go directly to charity, so feel free to fully participate in all the various activities; examine the work of more than 100 artists, explore the wares of fossil collectors, and gather teeth from the white, sandy beaches. You can also nom down some delicious seafood or BBQ while listening to live music and entertain the kiddies with the Shark’s Tooth Scramble (hopefully a game and not breakfast gone all wrong.). For the athletically-minded, there is even a Shark’s Tooth 10k Run!
There's plenty to do the rest of the year, too; numerous restaurants dot the coastline, and the City of Venice often holds events and activities for all ages, from cooking classes to Children's Day at the local Farmer's Market. This is a city that holds community close to its heart.
Pretty much wherever you may roam in the area, you’ll have cougars galore; women substantially outnumber men, and with a median age of 69 (no joke!). Reality TV shows don’t even compare.
Venice is a city with a dual nature; on one hand, there's an overabundance of retired people, and on the other hand, you've got the plethora of younger people who stream into town for all things Shark’s tooth-related. That’s a lot to pack into a relatively small area of land. Add in the gorgeous coastline, Renaissance-style buildings, and copious water sources, and you’re left with a very unique place; one that seemingly contradicts itself at every turn and yet works harmoniously with all of its multiple personalities.
