The coastal geography of Manatee County is unique in the sense that it presents residential developers with opportunities to build special subdivisions such as Flamingo Cay in Bradenton. Not many people know about this waterfront neighborhood, which is preferred by boaters, anglers and lovers of the outdoors.

Flamingo Cay is located opposite of the Winston Tract Kayak Park, between Anna Maria Island and West Bradenton on Manatee Avenue West. Most drivers heading to Holmes Beach from Bradenton are not even aware of Flamingo Cay unless they stop to explore the canals to the south of Robinson Preserve.

House hunters looking for Old Florida ambiance with a touch of nature should make a point of inquiring with their real estate agents about Flamingo Cay. Some of the waterfront homes in this neighborhood date back to the late 1960s, and they can be listed for as low as $250K. The traditional architectural designs are Florida ranch-style homes and beach cottages with two bedrooms and no more than two bathrooms.

On the higher end of the housing spectrum at Flamingo Cay you can find properties that have been renovated in the Mediterranean style, and these tend to be great deals. For example, a mid-2015 listing featured three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a studio, private dock with new seawall, and a breakfast bar for under $400K.

Besides boaters and anglers, Flamingo Cay will also appeal to seafood chefs and nature lovers. This is a neighborhood where residents can catch dinner right outside their homes, and they can also launch their boats or kayaks from their private docks and piers. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk to Robinson Preserve, where nature paths, kayak trails and picnic areas await.

Flamingo Cay is just a four-minute drive away from Holmes Beach and 15 minutes from Downtown Bradenton, which makes it one of the best situated and most affordable waterfront communities of Manatee County.