Rapalo is a small gated community of 109 single-family homes in Venice, Florida. Located off Englewood Road/SR 776 in the 34293 ZIP code, the neighborhood offers newer resale homes, low-maintenance landscaping, a community swimming pool, lakes, and convenient access to Manasota Key beaches, shopping, restaurants, Wellen Park, Englewood, and historic Downtown Venice.
Rapalo was developed by D.R. Horton through its Express Homes division beginning in 2016, with builder sales completed around 2018. Because the community contains only 109 homes, it provides a smaller residential setting than many of the large master-planned developments found throughout southern Sarasota County.
Homes in Rapalo
Rapalo consists entirely of detached single-family homes with one-story floor plans, attached two-car garages, and contemporary open living spaces.
Original D.R. Horton floor plans range from approximately 1,542 to 1,828 square feet of air-conditioned living space. Most homes provide three bedrooms and two bathrooms, although current resale listings may show some four-bedroom configurations depending on the floor plan or how individual owners have used or modified interior spaces.
Common features include open-concept kitchens and great rooms, split-bedroom layouts, walk-in closets, interior laundry rooms, kitchen islands, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, screened lanais, and attached two-car garages.
Because Rapalo is now an established resale community, individual homes vary in upgrades and condition. Buyers may find newer roofs, updated flooring, hurricane shutters, remodeled kitchens or bathrooms, expanded lanais, fenced yards, generators, and other owner improvements.
D.R. Horton Express Homes
Rapalo was developed using several floor plans from D.R. Horton’s Express Homes collection. Original models included designs such as the Harwich, Aria, Eastham, and Cali.
The smaller Harwich plan offered approximately 1,542 square feet, while the Aria provided approximately 1,672 square feet. Larger designs approached approximately 1,750 to 1,828 square feet.
These homes were designed around efficient single-level living with open kitchens, family rooms, private primary suites, guest bedrooms, two-car garages, and covered or screened outdoor living areas.
Since builder sales are complete, buyers searching Rapalo today will be purchasing resale properties rather than new construction.
Lakes & Neighborhood Setting
Rapalo incorporates several ponds and landscaped common areas throughout the neighborhood. Select homes overlook water, while others back to landscaped areas or neighboring residential communities.
The community’s smaller size, gated entrance, sidewalks, mature landscaping, and limited through traffic create a quieter residential atmosphere than buyers may find in much larger developments.
Rapalo Community Amenities
Rapalo offers a modest recreational amenity package centered around its community pool area.
- Gated community entrance
- Resort-style community swimming pool
- Poolside gathering pavilion or cabana
- Landscaped common areas
- Community ponds and lake views
- Private community roads
- Sidewalks
- Lawn and grounds maintenance
The amenity package is intentionally simpler than those found in large resort-style communities, which may appeal to buyers who want a pool and maintained neighborhood without paying for an extensive clubhouse complex or large collection of recreational facilities.
Low-Maintenance Living & No CDD
Rapalo provides a low-maintenance lifestyle through its homeowners association. Current MLS records show association services that include community-pool maintenance, grounds maintenance, common-area upkeep, and private-road maintenance.
Rapalo also has no Community Development District fee.
Association dues, included services, pet restrictions, leasing policies, architectural rules, parking requirements, and other community regulations can change, so buyers should review the current governing documents before purchasing.
All-Ages Community
Rapalo is not a 55+ community. Current Stellar MLS records identify it as an all-ages residential neighborhood.
The single-story homes and low-maintenance landscaping may appeal to buyers seeking easier Florida living, but ownership is not restricted by age.
Rapalo Location
Rapalo is located off Englewood Road/SR 776 just south of Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice, Florida 34293. The neighborhood is adjacent to established communities such as Ventura Village and Gulf View Estates.
Its location provides convenient access to U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail, shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, golf courses, Wellen Park, Englewood, and Venice.
Nearby Beaches & Attractions
One of Rapalo’s strongest location advantages is its proximity to Manasota Key. Manasota Beach and other Gulf Coast destinations are just a short drive from the community.
Residents can also reach Caspersen Beach, Venice Beach, historic Downtown Venice, Downtown Wellen, CoolToday Park, Lemon Bay, golf courses, parks, nature preserves, boating areas, and the Legacy Trail.
Similar Venice Communities
- Ventura Village – A nearby gated community offering single-family homes and villas, lakes, preserves, a clubhouse, pool, and low-maintenance living.
- Gulf View Estates – An established single-family community with low HOA dues, no CDD, and convenient access to Manasota Beach.
- Pennington Place – A gated community of single-family homes and villas with low-maintenance landscaping, pool, spa, ponds, preserves, and no CDD.
- Southwood – An established gated Venice community with single-family homes, mature landscaping, lakes, and community recreation.
- Caribbean Village – Another D.R. Horton community offering gated single-family living, lakes, resort-style amenities, and convenient access to Venice and I-75.
Rapalo Homes for Sale | Venice Florida
Explore current Rapalo homes for sale below. With only 109 residences, inventory can be limited. Available properties may include lake-view homes, interior lots, updated residences, screened lanais, fenced yards, and homes with varying levels of hurricane protection and owner improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapalo
Where is Rapalo located?
Rapalo is located off Englewood Road/SR 776 just south of Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice, Florida 34293. The community is convenient to Manasota Key beaches, Venice, Englewood, Wellen Park, shopping, restaurants, and golf.
How many homes are in Rapalo?
Rapalo contains 109 detached single-family homes developed by D.R. Horton’s Express Homes division.
Is Rapalo still a new-construction community?
No. Rapalo began development in 2016, and the builder’s new-home inventory was sold out around 2018. Homes available today are resale properties.
What amenities does Rapalo have?
Rapalo amenities include a gated entrance, community swimming pool, poolside gathering pavilion or cabana, landscaped common areas, ponds, sidewalks, and private community roads.
Does Rapalo have a CDD fee?
No. Current Stellar MLS records identify Rapalo as a community without a Community Development District fee.

