Introduction

When it comes to smart real estate moves in Florida, sometimes the best ones are the quietest. Oakbend, a new gated community tucked into the southern end of Sarasota County, is a perfect example of that. Located in the Playmore District of Wellen Park—arguably its most valuable pocket—Oakbend could be one of the most strategic places to buy as we head into late 2025 and 2026.

Let’s take a closer look at why.

Location: Why Geography Matters Here

Oakbend sits right in the sweet spot of Wellen Park. You're just north of CoolToday Park, the Atlanta Braves’ spring training stadium that offers year-round events and a tiki bar, and just south of Downtown Wellen—the new suburban downtown that's added walkability and vibrancy to this part of Venice.

What makes Oakbend unique is its proximity. It's within true walking and biking distance to restaurants, concerts, farmers markets, and miles of paved trails—a rarity in Florida suburbs. And on top of that, you’re less than 9.5 miles from four different beaches: Manasota Key, Venice Beach, Caspersen (famous for shark teeth), and even Brohard, Sarasota County’s only dog-friendly beach.

You’re also a manageable drive to Siesta Key (27 miles) and downtown Sarasota (32 miles), giving you access to larger city amenities without sacrificing the laid-back charm of Venice.

Scale: Boutique Community with Big Advantages

Oakbend is small—just 181 total homes. And that’s intentional. In a region where 500- to 1,500-home developments are the norm, Oakbend’s size allows for a quieter, more intimate living experience.

What does this mean for you?

• Less construction traffic over the years.
• Quicker buildout timelines and less uncertainty about what the final community will look like.
• Fewer people sharing amenities, which makes for a more peaceful day-to-day.

If you've been hesitant about large-scale communities or don’t want to wait a decade for your neighborhood to mature, this kind of scale matters.

Builders + Floor Plans: Toll Brothers & ICI

This community is a two-builder mix: Toll Brothers and ICI Homes, and it's a strong one.

• Toll Brothers will offer 5 floor plans between ~2,100 and 3,000+ square feet. These are primarily single-family homes with 2-car garages, three or more bedrooms, and a mix of one- and two-story layouts. Think: upscale, low-maintenance, no-frills elegance. Pricing is expected to fall between $650K–$900K+ based on past projects like Solstice.

• ICI Homes, on the other hand, brings more flexibility and a touch of semi-custom. Homes here can go over 3,800 square feet, include 3-car garages, and offer more personal design options. Pricing might start in the high $700Ks to low $800Ks, and max out well under the $1.4M+ you’d need in Lakewood Ranch for comparable quality.

The lot layout is also thoughtfully designed, with water views, curved streets, and the potential for larger rear yards—ideal if you want space for a pool or more breathing room.

Amenities: Private, Practical, and Well-Located

Despite its boutique size, Oakbend doesn’t skimp on amenities. Expect:

• Resort-style pool
• Fitness center
• Pickleball courts
• Dog park
• Playground
• Clubhouse

Plus, the community ties into Wellen Park’s 30+ miles of trails and has quick access to everything downtown Wellen has to offer—from Foxtail Coffee and gourmet ice cream to food trucks and outdoor concerts at The Yard.

This double-layer of on-campus and off-campus amenities offers a unique lifestyle blend that most communities can’t touch.

Who Oakbend Is (and Isn’t) For

Who it’s for:

• Relocators who want a smart long-term bet—central, walkable, but not overly pricey.
• Buyers who missed out on communities like Solstice or Abaco and want another shot at Toll Brothers or ICI.
• Empty nesters seeking peace, predictability, and walkability.
• Families who want a higher-end home in a more laid-back beach town environment.
• Second-home buyers looking for security and intimacy in a lock-and-leave setup.

Who it’s not for:

• Those on tight timelines—builds might not complete until mid to late 2026.
• Buyers who want one specific builder or plan that’s not offered here.
• Shoppers looking for ultra-luxury custom homes or sprawling resort-style amenities.
• People who aren’t sure about Venice or Wellen Park—geography still needs to be your starting point.

Final Thoughts

Oakbend isn’t loud, flashy, or trying to be everything for everyone. But that’s kind of the point. It offers what so many other master-planned communities don’t:

• Location that makes walking viable
• Builders with high-end credibility
• A scale that feels livable
• A price point that blends practicality with quality



If you're thinking long-term, want to get in before pricing cycles shift, and value both lifestyle and logic in your decision-making, Oakbend might just be a sleeper hit worth paying attention to.

And if you want help figuring out if it’s the right fit, or you’re comparing it to other communities like Palmera, Everly, or Wild Blue—reach out anytime.