Lake of the Woods is an established deed-restricted single-family home community in Venice, Florida 34293. Located near Venice East Boulevard and Center Road, the neighborhood offers mature landscaping, winding residential streets, sidewalks, preserve areas and a convenient location near shopping, healthcare, Gulf beaches and Historic Downtown Venice.
Lake of the Woods is one of three distinct neighborhoods within the larger Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda master association. The original Lake of the Woods neighborhood contains approximately 182 homesites and should not be confused with the much larger Lakes of Jacaranda neighborhood located nearby. Both communities share the same master association, but they have different neighborhood structures and amenities.
Homes in Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods was the first neighborhood developed within the Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda community. Gulfstream Development Corporation began the original development before Taylor Woodrow later acquired the remaining property and continued development of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Most Lake of the Woods homes were built during the early 1990s and feature traditional Florida single-family architecture with mature landscaping and established streetscapes.
Depending on the property, buyers may find:
- Two-, three- and occasional four-bedroom floor plans
- Approximately 1,500 to more than 2,800 square feet of living space
- Two- and three-car garages
- Single-story layouts
- Open and split-bedroom floor plans
- Vaulted or cathedral ceilings
- Screened lanais
- Private swimming pools
- Lake, preserve or landscaped views
- Mature oak and palm landscaping
- Tile or shingle roofs depending on the home
- Updated kitchens, bathrooms and hurricane protection in renovated properties
Because the neighborhood is now more than 30 years old, buyers should compare roof age, HVAC systems, windows, electrical panels, plumbing, hurricane protection and interior renovations when evaluating individual homes.
Lake of the Woods vs. Lakes of Jacaranda
The names can be confusing, but Lake of the Woods and Lakes of Jacaranda are separate neighborhoods.
The Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda master association includes:
- Lake of the Woods – approximately 182 lots
- Lakes of Jacaranda – approximately 613 lots
- Park Estates – approximately 76 lots
Together, these neighborhoods contain approximately 871 lots governed by the Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda master homeowners association.
Lake of the Woods was developed first. Lakes of Jacaranda was created later after Taylor Woodrow acquired the remaining development property and J&J Builders began constructing homes on that portion of the community.
This distinction matters when comparing homes because neighborhood-specific fees, amenities and responsibilities are not identical.
Does Lake of the Woods Have a Community Pool?
The recreational complex with a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis court and pickleball courts belongs specifically to the Lakes of Jacaranda neighborhood and is maintained through that neighborhood’s additional association dues.
Official association materials state that the recreational facility is for the private use of Lakes of Jacaranda residents and their guests.
Buyers considering a home in the original Lake of the Woods neighborhood should therefore not assume that ownership automatically includes access to the Lakes of Jacaranda clubhouse or pool.
Nature, Lakes & Walking Paths
Natural surroundings are one of the defining features of Lake of the Woods.
The neighborhood borders a wildlife preserve and includes access to a walking path that allows residents to enjoy the community’s wooded surroundings, lakes and wetland areas.
The broader Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda community surrounds approximately 35-acre Lake Meredith and contains additional lakes, wetlands and preserved natural areas.
Depending on location within the neighborhood, homes may overlook wooded preserve areas, landscaped common areas or nearby lakes.
Lake of the Woods HOA
Lake of the Woods is a deed-restricted community with required membership in the Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda Homeowners Association.
The master association is responsible for community-wide items that may include:
- Common areas
- Roads
- Lakes and wetlands
- Community monuments
- Walking paths
- Landscaping
- Architectural standards
- Deed-restriction enforcement
- Community management
The master association governs Lake of the Woods, Lakes of Jacaranda and Park Estates, while individual neighborhoods may also have additional responsibilities or association structures.
Buyers should review all applicable governing documents, budgets and current assessments for the specific property before purchasing.
No CDD in Lake of the Woods
Current Lake of the Woods property records report no Community Development District, or CDD.
Homeowners pay required association assessments, but there is no separate CDD assessment associated with current Lake of the Woods homes.
Is Lake of the Woods a 55+ Community?
No. Lake of the Woods is not an age-restricted 55+ community.
The neighborhood attracts a mixture of full-time residents, seasonal owners and retirees, but ownership is not restricted by age.
Public Utilities
Current Lake of the Woods property records show homes served by public water and public sewer.
Some individual properties may also have private irrigation wells or other supplemental systems, so buyers should verify the utilities serving the specific home they are considering.
Lake of the Woods Location
Lake of the Woods is located in Venice, Florida 34293 near Venice East Boulevard, Center Road and Jacaranda Boulevard.
The neighborhood is convenient to grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, golf courses and everyday shopping.
Interstate 75 is also nearby, providing access north toward Sarasota and south toward North Port and Punta Gorda.
Nearby Beaches & Attractions
Residents can reach Venice Island and Gulf beaches within a convenient drive. Popular destinations include Venice Beach, Brohard Beach, Caspersen Beach, Nokomis Beach and the Venice Fishing Pier.
Historic Downtown Venice offers restaurants, boutiques, galleries, Venice Theatre, Centennial Park and community events.
Additional recreation includes the Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Park, boating, fishing and numerous public and private golf courses throughout the Venice area.
Similar Venice Communities
- Southwood – An established Venice community offering single-family homes and villas with mature landscaping and no CDD.
- Chestnut Creek – An established community known for lakes, mature landscaping and several distinct residential neighborhoods.
- Venice East – A large established neighborhood with approximately 900 homes, optional community involvement and nearby public golf.
- Venice Gardens – One of Venice’s larger established residential areas with lakes, mature neighborhoods and no mandatory master HOA.
- Jacaranda West – An established Venice neighborhood surrounding Jacaranda West Country Club with single-family homes and golf-course surroundings.
Lake of the Woods Homes for Sale | Venice Florida
Explore current Lake of the Woods homes for sale below. This established Venice neighborhood offers approximately 182 single-family homesites with mature landscaping, private pools on many properties, preserve and lake surroundings and convenient access to shopping, beaches and Downtown Venice. Buyers should carefully distinguish the original Lake of the Woods neighborhood from Lakes of Jacaranda when comparing association fees and recreational amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake of the Woods
Is Lake of the Woods the same as Lakes of Jacaranda?
No. Lake of the Woods and Lakes of Jacaranda are separate neighborhoods within the larger Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda master association. Lake of the Woods contains approximately 182 lots, while Lakes of Jacaranda contains approximately 613 lots.
Does Lake of the Woods have a community pool?
The clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis and pickleball complex belongs to the Lakes of Jacaranda neighborhood and is reserved for Lakes of Jacaranda residents and their guests. Buyers in the original Lake of the Woods neighborhood should not assume that those recreational amenities are included with ownership.
Does Lake of the Woods have a CDD?
Current Lake of the Woods property records report no Community Development District or CDD. Homeowners do pay required association assessments.
Is Lake of the Woods a 55+ community?
No. Lake of the Woods is not an age-restricted 55+ community.
How many homes are in Lake of the Woods?
The Lake of the Woods neighborhood contains approximately 182 lots and is one of three distinct neighborhoods governed by the Lake of the Woods of Jacaranda master homeowners association.


