When celebrated home builder Neal Communities started developing The Harborage in Bradenton, the real estate market in Southwest Florida was at its peak. The project started as an idea to start developing communities that deviated from the cookie-cutter Mediterranean revival style that became prominent with Lakewood Ranch.

These days, The Harborage is a riverfront community that offers various floor plans for unique lifestyles. The architectural style is inspired by New England coastal communities, and home buyers can choose between townhouses, single-family homes and low-rise condominium units. The focus is on providing residents and their guests with a relaxing and maintenance-free lifestyle.

The smaller townhouses at The Harborage are larger than your average condominium unit in Southwest Florida; they start at two bedrooms and two full bathrooms built on 1,496 square feet of living space. These homes are attached, but they only share courtyards.
Single-family residences in this community feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms on at least 1,600 square feet of interior space. The large lots accommodate two-car garages, patios, front yards, driveways, and plenty of landscaping.

The resort-style amenities of The Harborage take full advantage of the Braden riverfront. Docking space, a fishing pier, observation deck, picnic areas, and walking trails are the main attractions; they are followed by the heated swimming pool, spa and fitness center. Residents who do not keep boats at The Harborage enjoy fishing and kayak trips to Ward Lake and Jiggs Landing, but the real adventure is to navigate a boat north to the Manatee River and west to Anna Maria Island.

As of early 2016, the most affordable townhouse listing at The Harborage started under $180K; listings for single-family homes started at $259K. Considering the quality construction, prime location and amenities of this gated community, these prices are true bargains in Manatee County.