Life 2.0From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, Erie to Allentown, Pennsylvanians have been heading to Venice for winters, and for good, for a long time. If you are thinking about joining them, here is what I tell people every week, from someone who has lived in Sarasota County for more than 40 years. We will use Pittsburgh as our yardstick.
Trade the Snow Shovel for a Beach Chair
In January, Pittsburgh averages a high of about 36° and a low of about 21°. Philadelphia is a little milder at about 41°. Venice averages a high of about 72° and a low of about 52°, with Gulf water around 66°. That is roughly 36 degrees warmer than Pittsburgh, every day of the month.
Summer is the trade-off: hot, humid, and short afternoon thunderstorms most days from June through September. Most of my Pennsylvania clients say they will take that deal in a heartbeat. For the full picture, see my Venice weather by month guide.
Venice weather right now. Go ahead, compare it to your forecast back home.
Taxes: Pennsylvania vs. Florida
Pennsylvania surprises people here, because it is already gentle on retirees.
- Pennsylvania: a flat 3.07% state income tax, plus local earned income taxes set by many municipalities and school districts.
- Retirement income: Pennsylvania generally does not tax Social Security, pensions, 401(k) or IRA distributions, so for many retirees the income tax savings from moving are smaller than you might expect.
- Property taxes: Pennsylvania’s average effective property tax rate is about 1.26%, higher than most states, according to Kiplinger. For many of my Pennsylvania buyers, the bigger difference is the property tax bill and, of course, the weather.
- Florida: no state income tax. None.
- Florida property taxes: homeowners who make Florida their primary residence can qualify for the homestead exemption, which lowers the taxable value and caps how much the assessed value can rise each year (here’s my post on the Florida homestead exemption). Big news for 2027: voters just approved Amendment 3, which greatly expands that exemption on non-school property taxes, and people who are Florida residents by December 31, 2026 get the bigger savings sooner. Here is what Amendment 3 means for you.
The Honest Part: Insurance and Flood Zones
I will not sugarcoat it. Homeowners insurance costs more in Florida than in Pennsylvania, and some homes need flood insurance. It varies a lot by location, elevation, roof age and construction, and there are plenty of Venice neighborhoods outside the higher-risk flood zones. Before you fall in love with a house, read Venice FL flood zones: what every homebuyer needs to know, and get an insurance quote early. I help my clients do both before they make an offer.
“There’s NO STRESS because he does everything from A to Z.”
— Bobbie H.
Getting Home to Pennsylvania Is Easy
Family visits, doctor appointments, a Steelers or Eagles game: you will be flying back and forth, and the good news is that Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is about 30 to 40 minutes from Venice. According to Sarasota Magazine’s 2026 list of SRQ nonstop flights, you can fly nonstop to:
- Pittsburgh: Allegiant and Southwest, both year-round
- Philadelphia: American, year-round
- Allentown: Allegiant, year-round
- Harrisburg: Allegiant, year-round
Airline schedules change, so always check before you book. Tampa and Fort Myers airports offer even more choices. My easy flights to Venice post has more.
Still Working? Your Lanai Is Your New Office
Not everyone moving to Venice is retiring. Many of my Pennsylvania buyers are CPAs, attorneys, consultants, engineers and tech folks who keep their practices and careers going, just from a better view. Swap the office tower and the winter commute for a laptop on the lanai, a pool a few steps away, an outdoor kitchen for lunch and maybe a boat tied up at the dock for after work.
For working professionals, the tax math can matter even more than it does for retirees. Leave behind Pennsylvania’s 3.07% state income tax plus local earned income taxes, and the same paycheck can go further here. How your income is taxed depends on where you live and where you do the work, so this is one to run by your tax specialist.
Plenty of Venice homes are built for it: a quiet room for video calls, fast internet, and a screened lanai that makes a pretty great corner office. Tell me how you work, and I will help you find the setup that fits.
What Does a Home Cost Here?
Venice has a little bit of everything: condos and villas, single-family homes, new construction in Wellen Park, golf and country club communities, and waterfront homes with boat docks. Prices range widely depending on how close you are to the Gulf, the age of the home and the community amenities. I keep an updated overview on what Venice FL real estate costs, and you can browse current listings with my click-and-go searches by price, city and neighborhood.
Fun You Can’t Find in Pittsburgh
Shark tooth hunting on Venice Beach. Sunset at the fishing pier. Dinner on the water in January. Golf, pickleball and kayaking all winter long. Here is my list: You Can’t Do This in Cleveland, Pittsburgh or Indianapolis: 13 Fun Things to Do in Venice, FL.
Buying From Pennsylvania? I Do This Every Week
Many of my buyers start their search hundreds of miles away. I can preview homes for you by video, help you understand communities and HOAs before you visit, and line up your inspections, insurance quotes and closing so the move goes smoothly. We Buy Our Clients A $500 American Home Shield® Warranty at Closing, when you buy with Bill & the Sandcastle Group. It is part of our Venice Insider Plan (VIP).
Start with my complete Venice relocation guide, then give me a call. Real people answer the phone here, and I am happy to help.
Call or text Bill Garrison, RE/MAX Palm Realty, at 941-400-2307.
