Melissa Helms Realtor at Exit King Realty Venice

09/23/2026

🏡 Wellen Park Neighborhood Spotlight

THIS WEEK: LAKESPUR

Looking for an affordable way to live in Wellen Park? Lakespur is a community you definitely need to know about.

One of the things that makes Lakespur stand out is the variety it offers. You can find both condos and single-family homes here, giving buyers different options depending on their lifestyle, space needs and budget.

And for families, the location is another big plus, with Lakespur conveniently located near the new Wellen Park High School.

🌴 WHY BUYERS ARE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT LAKESPUR
✔️ Both condos AND single-family homes
✔️ One of the more affordable options within Wellen Park
✔️ New-construction homes
✔️ Modern floor plans
✔️ Community amenities
✔️ Beautiful Florida surroundings
✔️ Convenient location within Wellen Park
✔️ Close to the new Wellen Park High School
✔️ Convenient to Downtown Wellen Park, shopping, dining and entertainment

🏡 BEST FOR
✔️ Buyers looking for more affordable new construction
✔️ First-time Florida buyers
✔️ Families
✔️ Full-time residents
✔️ Seasonal homeowners
✔️ Buyers who want the Wellen Park lifestyle without necessarily moving into one of the higher-priced communities
✔️ Buyers who want the option of a condo or single-family homes

🤔 THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Lakespur offers different types of homes, so make sure you're comparing the total cost of ownership, including HOA and CDD fees.
• As a growing community, construction and development will continue as additional homes are built.
• If you're buying for a family, take a look at the location of the new Wellen Park High School and consider how that fits into your daily routine.
• With condos and single-family homes available, think about how much space, privacy and maintenance you really want before choosing your home.

⭐ MELISSA'S TAKE

What I like about Lakespur is the variety and value.
Not everyone relocating to Wellen Park needs or wants a large single-family home. Lakespur gives buyers another option, with both condos and single-family homes and a price point that can make getting into Wellen Park more accessible.

And for families, being close to the new Wellen Park High School and future K-8 is another factor worth considering.

For someone who tells me, "I want to live in Wellen Park, but I need to be smart about my budget," Lakespur is definitely a community I'd put on the list to explore.

💡 MELISSA'S INSIDER TIP
Don't assume you need to spend more to get the Wellen Park lifestyle you're looking for.

When you're touring Lakespur, compare the condos and single-family homes side by side. Think about how much space you actually need, how much maintenance you want and what amenities matter most to you.

Sometimes the best fit isn't the biggest house—it's the home that gives you the lifestyle you want while keeping your overall budget comfortable.

I'm spotlighting a different Wellen Park neighborhood every week to help you understand the differences between communities and, most importantly, find the one that's right for YOU.

👇 If you were moving to Wellen Park, would you consider a condo if it meant a more affordable way to enjoy the Wellen Park lifestyle?

09/16/2026

🏡 Wellen Park Neighborhood Spotlight

THIS WEEK: OAKBEND

Could a smaller, boutique community with Downtown Wellen Park right outside your door be what you're looking for?

If you're researching Wellen Park, Oakbend is a community that deserves a closer look.

With only 189 homes, Oakbend offers a much smaller neighborhood feel than many of the larger communities throughout Wellen Park. And one of its biggest draws? Its walkability to Downtown Wellen Park.

🌴 WHY BUYERS ARE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT OAKBEND
✔️ Boutique community with only 189 homes
✔️ Two builders: Toll Brothers and ICI Homes
✔️ Single-family homes
✔️ Walkable to Downtown Wellen Park
✔️ Close to restaurants, shopping, entertainment and community events
✔️ Convenient access to everything Wellen Park has to offer
✔️ Smaller community atmosphere

🏡 BEST FOR
✔️ Buyers who want a smaller neighborhood
✔️ Buyers who value walkability
✔️ Full-time Florida residents
✔️ Seasonal homeowners
✔️ Buyers who want to be close to Downtown Wellen Park
✔️ Buyers who prefer having a choice between two builders

🤔 THINGS TO CONSIDER
• With only 189 homes, Oakbend has a much smaller community feel than some of the larger neighborhoods in Wellen Park.
• Having only two builders means fewer builder choices, but it also makes it easier to compare the homes and floor plans available within the community.
• If walkability to Downtown is important to you, pay attention to the location of the homesite within Oakbend. Not every home will have the same walking distance.

⭐ MELISSA'S TAKE
Oakbend is one of those communities that I think buyers should see in person.

What makes it stand out to me is the combination of a smaller, boutique neighborhood and the ability to walk to Downtown Wellen Park. You can have your own home and neighborhood setting while still being close to restaurants, events, shopping and everything happening downtown.

For someone who tells me, "I want to live in Wellen Park, but I don't want to be in a huge community," Oakbend is one I would definitely put on the list to explore.

💡 MELISSA'S INSIDER TIP
If you're considering Oakbend, actually walk from the neighborhood to Downtown Wellen Park.

It's easy to look at a map and think something is walkable, but experiencing the route yourself gives you a much better idea of what that convenience would really feel like as part of your everyday lifestyle.

I'm spotlighting a different Wellen Park neighborhood every week to help you understand the differences between communities and, most importantly, find the one that's right for YOU.

👇 Would being able to WALK to Downtown Wellen Park be a must-have for you?

09/08/2026

🏡 Wellen Park Neighborhood Spotlight

THIS WEEK: EVERLY

If you're researching neighborhoods in Wellen Park and want a little more space, privacy and an upscale feel, Everly is definitely one to put on your list.

Everly is a beautiful, gated community offering single-family homes in a peaceful setting, with larger homesites and beautiful lake and preserve views. It's a great option for buyers who want the convenience of living in Wellen Park while enjoying a little more space and privacy.

🌴 WHY BUYERS ARE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT EVERLY

✔️ Gated community
✔️ Larger single-family homes and homesites
✔️ Beautiful Lake and preserve views
✔️ Resort-style amenities
✔️ Open-concept home designs
✔️ A peaceful, private feel within Wellen Park
✔️ Convenient access to Downtown Wellen Park, shopping, dining and entertainment
✔️ Close to everything Wellen Park has to offer while still feeling tucked away

🏡 BEST FOR
✔️ Buyers looking for more space
✔️ Full-time Florida residents
✔️ Seasonal homeowners
✔️ Families
✔️ Buyers who value privacy and larger homesites
✔️ Buyers looking for an upscale new-construction lifestyle

🤔 THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Everly's larger homes and homesites can mean a higher price point than some of the other Wellen Park communities.
• If you're comparing homes, pay close attention to the homesite. A lake or preserve view can make a significant difference in the feel of the home.
• As with any Wellen Park community, HOA and CDD costs should be considered when comparing your overall monthly and annual housing expenses.

⭐ MELISSA'S TAKE

Everly is one of the communities I would show to buyers who tell me they want a little more space and privacy without giving up the convenience of being part of Wellen Park.

I especially like the combination of larger homesites, beautiful surroundings and the gated community feel. For buyers who don't want to feel like they're packed into a neighborhood, Everly can offer a little more breathing room while still keeping you close to Downtown Wellen Park and everything else the area has to offer.

💡 MELISSA'S INSIDER TIP

When you're touring Everly, don't just compare the homes themselves. Take a drive through the community and look at the different homesites.

Ask yourself where you'd want to spend your mornings, where you'd like your backyard to face and how much privacy you want. Sometimes the right homesite can be just as important as choosing the right floor plan.

I'm spotlighting a different Wellen Park neighborhood every week to help you understand the differences between communities and, most importantly, find the one that's right for YOU.

👇 If you were choosing a home in Wellen Park, would a larger homesite and more privacy be important to you?

08/26/2026

🏡 Wellen Park Neighborhood Spotlight

THIS WEEK: BRIGHTMORE 55+

If you're looking for an active adult community in Wellen Park, Brightmore is definitely one you should know about...
Brightmore is Wellen Park's first dedicated 55+ community, designed specifically for buyers who want an active lifestyle, low-maintenance living and a community centered around connection and amenities.

🌴 WHY BUYERS ARE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT BRIGHTMORE
✔️ Wellen Park's dedicated 55+ community
✔️ Onsite Bar and Restaurant
✔️ Resort-style amenities designed for an active lifestyle
✔️ Beautiful clubhouse and social spaces
✔️ Fitness and wellness opportunities
✔️ Pickleball and other recreational activities
✔️ Low-maintenance lifestyle
✔️ A variety of home styles designed for today's active adult buyer
✔️ Convenient location close to Downtown Wellen Park, shopping, dining and entertainment

🏡 BEST FOR
✔️ Active adults age 55+
✔️ Retirees and pre-retirees
✔️ Seasonal homeowners
✔️ Buyers looking for a low-maintenance Florida lifestyle
✔️ Buyers who want to meet people and enjoy an active social community
✔️ Anyone who specifically wants to live in a 55+ neighborhood

🤔 THINGS TO CONSIDER
• Brightmore is a dedicated 55+ community, so it may not be the right fit for buyers looking for a traditional all-age neighborhood.
• The community has a very specific lifestyle focus. If having lots of amenities and opportunities to be social is important to you, that can be a huge positive.
• It's important to compare the homes, HOA costs and lifestyle here with other communities in Wellen Park before deciding which option is the best fit.

⭐ MELISSA'S TAKE
Brightmore is a great option for buyers who specifically want the convenience of a newer home combined with an active adult lifestyle.
What makes it different is that you're not just buying a home—you're choosing a community designed around the 55+ lifestyle.
And now that Brightmore has been open for almost a year, buyers can get a much better feel for what living there is actually like.

💡 MELISSA'S INSIDER TIP
When you're touring Brightmore, spend some time exploring the amenities—not just the model homes.
Think about how you actually want to spend your time once you move to Florida. Do you picture yourself playing pickleball, working out, relaxing by the pool or participating in community activities?
That's often the best way to determine whether a 55+ community like Brightmore is truly the right fit for your lifestyle.
I'm spotlighting a different Wellen Park neighborhood every week to help you understand the differences between communities and, most importantly, find the one that's right for YOU.

👇 Would you want to live in a dedicated 55+ community, or would you prefer an all-age neighborhood?

08/14/2026

🏡 Wellen Park Neighborhood Spotlight

THIS WEEK: SUNSTONE LAKESIDE

If you're looking at Sunstone, there's something new you need to know about...

Sunstone Lakeside has officially opened its new clubhouse and amenity center! 🎉

And one of the things that makes this neighborhood especially interesting is that Sunstone Lakeside residents have access to BOTH amenity centers.

The two sides of Sunstone are connected by a beautiful wooden bridge, making it easy to enjoy everything the community has to offer.

🌴 WHY BUYERS ARE TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT SUNSTONE LAKESIDE
✔️ Brand-new clubhouse and amenity center
✔️ Resort-style pool
✔️ Access to the original Sunstone amenity center as well
✔️ Connected by a wooden bridge and boardwalk
✔️ Larger single-family homes and homesites
✔️ 50- and 60-foot homesites, with lake and preserve views available
✔️ Convenient location near Downtown Wellen Park, CoolToday Park, shopping, dining and entertainment

🏡 BEST FOR
✔️ Buyers looking for a larger new-construction home
✔️ Full-time Florida residents
✔️ Seasonal homeowners
✔️ Families
✔️ Buyers who want resort-style amenities without giving up space
✔️ Buyers who love the idea of having TWO amenity centers to enjoy

🤔 THINGS TO CONSIDER

• Sunstone Lakeside is the newer section of Sunstone, so construction is still part of the landscape as the neighborhood continues to develop.

• The homes and homesites are generally larger than what you'll find on the original Sunstone side, which can mean a higher price point.

• If you're comparing the two sides of Sunstone, don't just compare the homes. Look at the homesite, views, location within the neighborhood and which amenities are most important to you.

⭐ MELISSA'S TAKE

Sunstone Lakeside is really interesting because you get the feeling of a newer, more spacious neighborhood while still being connected to the established Sunstone community.

I especially like the fact that residents have access to BOTH amenity centers. And with the larger homes and homesites on the Lakeside side, this could be a great option for buyers who want a little more space while still having that active, resort-style Wellen Park lifestyle.

💡 MELISSA'S INSIDER TIP

When you're touring Sunstone Lakeside, don't just look at the model homes. Walk across the wooden bridge and explore the original Sunstone amenities too.

Seeing both sides in person will give you a much better feel for how the community is connected and which side might be the better fit for your lifestyle.

I'm spotlighting a different Wellen Park neighborhood every week to help you understand the differences between communities and, most importantly, find the one that's right for YOU.

👇 If you were choosing between the two, would you prefer the original Sunstone or Sunstone Lakeside?

08/05/2026

🏡 Wellen Park Neighborhood Spotlight

This Week: Sunstone

Could Sunstone be the right neighborhood for your Florida lifestyle?

If you're looking for a community with a variety of home styles, modern amenities, and easy access to everything Wellen Park has to offer, Sunstone is definitely worth exploring.

One of the things that makes Sunstone unique is the variety of floor plans available, giving buyers more choices to find a home that fits their lifestyle and budget.

🌴 Why buyers love Sunstone

✔️ Resort-style pool and amenity center
✔️ Fitness center and pickleball courts
✔️ Beautiful lakes, walking paths, and green spaces
✔️ Variety of home designs
✔️ Convenient location near Downtown Wellen Park, shopping, dining, and Gulf Coast beaches

🏡 Best For

✔️ Full-time Florida residents
✔️ Families
✔️ Retirees
✔️ Remote workers
✔️ Buyers looking for affordable new construction with a variety of options

🤔 Things to Consider

• HOA and CDD fees should always be part of your home-buying budget.

• Compare model homes with quick move-in homes to see what's included versus what's upgraded.

⭐ Melissa's Take

What I like most about Sunstone is the flexibility it offers. Whether you're looking for your forever home, a seasonal retreat, or your next chapter in Florida, there's a good chance you'll find a floor plan that fits your needs.

💡 Melissa's Insider Tip

When touring Sunstone, visit both the model homes and quick move-in homes. Even if two homes have similar square footage, the included features and design styles can be very different. Taking the time to compare can help you find the best value for your lifestyle.

I'm spotlighting a different Wellen Park neighborhood every week to help you discover which community is the best fit for your lifestyle.

👇 If you were moving to Wellen Park, what would matter most to you: builder, amenities, location, or home design?

08/01/2026

This does not surprise me one bit! Number 3!!! Woohoo 🙌🏻 I’ve been lucky to have lived here over the past 10 years watching it grow and become this amazing community and has so much more to come. I’m so excited my family and I get to be a part of this!!!

Come live the Wellen Life!!!

https://www.rclco.com/publication/the-top-selling-master-planned-communities-of-mid-year-2026/?fbclid=IwdGRjcATaGm9wZG9mAWZkaWQWULqc-XQAIXsXa3mrSHqZUO_2L4Fz1GV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5DqDGU7hFtllemLjMkVDQDc53cCxJDlGFWrs7OvNxHD8oWXQKGXfvhSnBM6A_aem_ZHbioXlkN17tDUJDiUtqaA

Overall, sales among the Top 50 Master-Planned Communities rose approximately 2.9% year-over-year, a meaningful contrast to the broader new home market, which saw national new home sales decline 5.6% through mid-2026

04/28/2026

I’ve been a little quiet on here lately… but behind the scenes, I’ve been out filming and touring everything happening in Wellen Park 👀

And this 👇
Palmera at Wellen Park — grand opening night.

Resort-style pool ✔️
Full bar ✔️
Golf carts rolling in at sunset ✔️
That “this is why people move here” feeling ✔️

This amenity center just opened — and it honestly turned out even better than expected.

These are the kinds of communities buyers are asking me about right now.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Wellen Park or Venice, message me and I’ll send you:
• current homes available
• pricing
• what it actually costs to live here

Or tell me… would you live here? 🌴

04/07/2026

POV: This is everyday life here 🌴

It’s not just the beach… it’s everything that comes with it.

That’s why so many people are making the move to Wellen Park & Venice right now.

If you’ve been thinking about it, but still have questions… I’m here to help 🤍