Finding a new home west of I-75 in Bradenton is not going to be easy in 2022. High demand, low inventory, and rising home values have resulted in a migration of new construction projects to the eastern sections of Manatee County, but there are still opportunities available to smart home buyers who wish to live closer to Downtown Bradenton.

The Cottages at San Lorenzo is a residential enclave developed by national home builder D.R. Horton in 2017. This gated community is located near luxurious neighborhoods such as The Inlets and San Casciano, and it matches the ambiance of the district with an architectural style inspired by Mediterranean and northern Italian design. The 130 homes in San Lorenzo offer living spaces from 1,504 to 2,447 square feet. With lot sizes close to 5,000 square feet, many properties come with large backyard spaces. A few homes have lake views while others overlook wetland preserves.

All properties in this community are still under warranty; if you are familiar with the work of D.R. Horton, you know that you can expect details such as granite counter tops, decorative lighting, elegant cabinetry, and overall quality construction. The two-story models feature balconies that can be accessed from the bedrooms.

San Lorenzo is conveniently located close to the Rivers Edge shopping market on Manatee Avenue; this is where you can find a remodeled Publix supermarket. From this point on, driving to Holmes Beach and Anna Maria island will take you less than 30 minutes. Even more shopping can be found at the Ellenton Premium Outlets just across the Manatee River.

Residents of San Lorenzo enjoy nature trails, a dog park, a playground, and outdoor grilling spaces. The surrounding wetland preserves add an element of privacy. As of late 2021, pricing started at $373K for a three-bedroom home with 2.5 bathrooms located very close to the playground area. By virtue of its proximity to Downtown Bradenton, value appreciation is pretty much guaranteed.