Southwood is an established, deed-restricted residential community in Venice, Florida, located in the 34293 ZIP code near U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail and Venice East Golf Club. Developed in multiple sections beginning in the late 1980s, Southwood offers a mixture of single-family homes and detached villa-style residences surrounded by mature landscaping, lakes and quiet residential streets.
Southwood is especially appealing to buyers looking for an established Venice neighborhood with maintenance-friendly living, community swimming amenities and convenient access to shopping, golf, Downtown Venice, Gulf beaches and the growing Wellen Park area. The community also has no CDD, although homeowners association fees and included services vary depending on the specific section and association.
Homes & Villas in Southwood
Southwood was developed in phases over many years, resulting in a broader selection of residences than buyers may initially expect. Properties include detached villas and traditional single-family homes, with many featuring Mediterranean or Florida-inspired architecture, tile roofs, attached garages and screened lanais.
Homes generally range from approximately 1,300 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet, although individual properties vary by section. Buyers may find two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans as well as residences with dens, expanded living areas and private pools.
Depending on the property, features may include:
- Two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans
- Single-story living
- Attached two-car garages
- Tile roofs
- Screened lanais and Florida rooms
- Private swimming pools
- Lake and pond views
- Preserve or landscaped views
- Vaulted or cathedral ceilings
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms
- Hurricane-impact windows or other storm protection on select homes
Because Southwood was developed over an extended period, renovations and major home components can differ substantially from one property to another. Buyers should compare roof age, HVAC systems, plumbing, windows, hurricane protection and other improvements when evaluating individual homes.
Southwood Sections & HOA Structure
One of the most important things for buyers to understand is that Southwood is not governed as one completely uniform neighborhood. The community contains multiple residential sections and sub-associations, including original Southwood sections as well as named enclaves within the larger community.
Association fees, maintenance responsibilities, pool access, gate access and included services can differ depending on the property. As a result, buyers should review the association documents and fee schedule for the specific Southwood residence they are considering rather than assuming that every home has the same HOA arrangement.
Depending on the section, association services may include:
- Lawn and landscape maintenance
- Irrigation
- Community pool maintenance
- Cable television
- Internet service
- Trash service
- Common-area maintenance
- Association management
- Maintenance of lakes, ponds and recreational areas
Buyers should confirm the current association fee, reserve funding, insurance responsibilities, rental restrictions, pet policies and maintenance obligations before purchasing.
Is Southwood a Gated Community?
Southwood includes multiple residential sections, and gated access can vary within the larger community. Some Southwood enclaves are specifically gated, while other sections have different access arrangements.
Because Southwood listings may use the broader community name even when homes are located within different associations or sections, buyers who specifically want a gated neighborhood should verify the entrance and access arrangement for the individual property.
Southwood Community Amenities
Southwood provides neighborhood recreational amenities designed to complement its maintenance-friendly residential setting. Amenity access can vary by association, but community features may include:
- Community swimming pools
- Clubhouse or poolside gathering areas in select sections
- Landscaped lakes and ponds
- Sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets
- Mature tropical landscaping
- Common recreational areas
- Neighborhood social activities
The combination of community recreation and association-maintained landscaping makes Southwood especially attractive to buyers seeking a lower-maintenance primary residence or seasonal Florida home.
No CDD Fees in Southwood
Southwood does not have a Community Development District, commonly referred to as a CDD. This can be an important consideration for buyers comparing Southwood with newer master-planned communities in Venice and Wellen Park where annual CDD assessments may appear on the property-tax bill.
Southwood homeowners do pay association fees, which vary according to the home’s section and the services provided by that association. Buyers should review both the current HOA disclosure and property-tax bill for the specific residence they are considering.
Venice East Golf Club Near Southwood
Southwood is located next to Venice East Golf Club, providing convenient golf access without tying golf membership to Southwood homeownership.
Venice East Golf Club operates separately from the Southwood homeowners associations and offers public golf as well as optional membership programs. The club also provides a driving range, golf instruction, leagues and other golf activities.
This arrangement can appeal to buyers who enjoy having a golf course nearby but do not want the expense or obligation of a mandatory bundled golf membership.
Southwood Location in Venice
Southwood is located in Venice, Florida 34293 near U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail, providing convenient access to shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare and everyday services throughout southern Venice.
The community is positioned between the established attractions of Venice Island and the newer shopping, dining and entertainment destinations developing throughout Wellen Park. Jacaranda Boulevard and nearby roadways also provide access toward Interstate 75 and other parts of Sarasota County.
For buyers who prefer an established neighborhood but still want convenient access to newer commercial development, Southwood offers a particularly central location in southern Venice.
Nearby Beaches & Attractions
Southwood residents are within a convenient drive of several Gulf Coast beaches, including Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, Brohard Beach and Manasota Beach.
Historic Downtown Venice offers locally owned restaurants, shops, galleries, cultural attractions and community events. Additional nearby recreation includes the Venice Fishing Pier, Legacy Trail, Shamrock Park, boating, fishing, kayaking and numerous public and private golf courses.
Downtown Wellen and the greater Wellen Park area provide additional restaurants, shopping, community events and entertainment south of the neighborhood.
Similar Venice Communities
- Venice East – An established nearby neighborhood offering single-family homes, mature landscaping, optional association membership and convenient access to Venice East Golf Club.
- Venice Gardens – A large established Venice neighborhood with a broad selection of single-family homes, mature homesites and a central 34293 location.
- Sawgrass – An established Venice community offering single-family homes, community recreation, golf-course surroundings and no CDD.
- Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club – A gated Venice golf community with single-family homes and villas, extensive amenities and optional golf membership.
- Pennington Place – A maintenance-oriented Venice community near U.S. 41 and Manasota Beach offering single-family homes and villas.
Southwood Homes for Sale | Venice Florida
Explore current Southwood homes and villas for sale below. Because Southwood contains multiple sections and associations, buyers should compare each property carefully based on HOA fees, included maintenance, gated access, community amenities, home updates and association rules. Southwood does not have a CDD, and Venice East Golf Club operates separately from the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Southwood
Is Southwood a gated community?
Southwood contains multiple residential sections, and gated access varies within the larger community. Some enclaves are gated while other sections have different access arrangements. Buyers should verify the specific section of the home they are considering.
Does Southwood have a CDD?
No. Southwood does not have a Community Development District or CDD. Homeowners do pay association fees that vary by section and the services provided.
What does the Southwood HOA include?
HOA services vary by Southwood section. Depending on the property, fees may include lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation, community pool access, cable television, internet, trash service, recreational facilities and common-area maintenance. Buyers should verify the current services and fees for the specific property.
Is golf membership required in Southwood?
No. Southwood is located next to Venice East Golf Club, but the golf club operates separately from the Southwood homeowners associations. Venice East Golf Club offers public play and optional membership programs.
What types of homes are available in Southwood?
Southwood offers detached villas and single-family homes in a variety of sizes and floor plans. Many residences feature single-story designs, attached garages, screened lanais, tile roofs and lake, pond or landscaped views, while some homes also include private swimming pools.
