The northernmost barrier island of the Sarasota Keys is home to three small cities, and each of them presents attractive opportunities for house hunters and real estate investors. Holmes Beach is larger than its sister municipalities Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach, and the housing options are outstanding.
Beachfront properties are more reasonable priced in Holmes Beach than in other housing markets along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The three miles of white sandy beaches are the main attraction in this charming island community of about 5,000 residents. Like other towns in Manatee County, Holmes Beach has been able to hold on to its Old Florida heritage, which is made evident by its main commercial district of quaint shops, boutiques, restaurants, taverns, and supermarkets.
Lovers of the arts will certainly enjoy living in Holmes Beach. An artists’ guild and a handful of galleries can be found on the northern end of the island, where there is even a historical museum and a performance space for the local chorus and orchestra of Anna Maria Island.
The eastern shore of Holmes Beach looks out onto Palma Sola Bay, which means that some lucky homeowners get two waterfront views: The Gulf of Mexico to the west and Manatee County to the east. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching in Anna Maria Island or exploring the nearby Robinson Preserve by small boat or canoe.
The housing market in this community ranges from Old Florida homes to stately waterfront mansions just steps away from the beach. Pricing varies widely and sellers are very open to negotiation.
Holmes Beach is connected to continental Florida by the Manatee Avenue causeway, which leads directly to Downtown Bradenton and everything the city has to offer. Golf, tennis, horseback riding, sports, breweries, museum, art galleries, movie theaters, shopping malls, and much more can be found across the bay in Bradenton. The youngest residents of Holmes Beach can attend Anna Maria Elementary on the island; middle and high school students do not have to travel too far.
Holmes Beach Florida Homes
Holmes Beach Florida Condos
