The northernmost barrier island of the Sarasota Keys is home to three charming municipalities: Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. This section of Manatee County is highly coveted by house hunters due to its natural beauty and Old Florida appeal, but finding a waterfront primary residence or second home in Bradenton Beach is not a far-fetched task.
Miles of white-sugary sand beaches are the main attraction in this city, which gets its fair share of visitors. There are only about 1,500 permanent and seasonal residents in Bradenton Beach who enjoy the Historic Old Town district, the City Pier, boat ramps, public parks, art galleries, chic boutiques, and more. Beach combing, fishing and boating are popular activities in Bradenton Beach: outdoor lovers will enjoy the nearby Palma Sola nature preserve and its camping and canoeing opportunities.
Due to its proximity to the City of Bradenton, it is easy to think of this tiny municipality as an exclusive beachfront suburb. Bradenton Beach is by no means an isolated community; a short drive on two scenic causeways is all it takes to get to the numerous commercial and business districts of Manatee County. Some errands can be accomplished without leaving the island; there is a Publix supermarket in nearby Holmes Beach and a Publix Fresh Market that specializes in gourmet and organic items down in Longboat Key, which is about 20 minutes away and worth the scenic drive.
Bradenton Beach attracts seasonal residents and retirees as well as families. Some of the public schools that serve the city are Anna Maria Elementary School, W.D. Sugg Middle School and Bayshore High. A number of private academies and colleges are also in proximity. On the weekends, many families take advantage of the playgrounds and picnic areas at Sunset, Lou Barola and Herb Dolan Parks.
Although Bradenton Beach is a small housing market, the residential opportunities here are numerous. Beachfront high-rise condominium towers compete with bungalows, Florida ranch-style homes and Mediterranean-style waterfront mansions. Real estate pricing is very reasonable in Bradenton Beach, and thus house hunters should be on the lookout for available listings.
Bradenton Beach Florida Homes
Bradenton Beach Florida Condominiums
