The Central Florida city of Bradenton draws much of its identity from the Manatee River. City investments led to the creation of the Riverwalk in 2012, and the 2-mile stretch has already become the heart and soul of the city, helping to rejuvenate the quaint downtown. “Bradenton is up-and-coming,” says Jade Eller, who grew up here and now works as a Realtor for Preferred Shore in neighboring Sarasota. “It’s not as developed as Sarasota, and the downtown area is still old school, but the Riverwalk is really, really nice and was the right step toward changing the area. I hope downtown Bradenton’s infrastructure will improve to bring more businesses and a diverse crowd to the area and help it grow into what it should be.” The river also provides plenty of outdoor adventures, and the Gulf Coast and its beautiful beaches are just minutes away in this appealing locale that combines modern amenities with Old Florida charm.
Bradenton draws much of its identity from the Manatee River which runs along its side.
The Riverwalk is a 2-mile stretch that has already become the heart and soul of the city.
Spend your days on the water Boating, Kiteboarding, Kayaking, Fishing and so much more.
Manatee Beach Park is where you can enjoy the water, local cafe & tiki bar at Holmes Beach.
1/4
Riverwalk, nearby Gulf beaches offer plenty of outdoor activity
The river has traditionally been the anchor of outdoor recreation in the city, as well as a significant driver of the economy. The Riverwalk features a walking and biking path, a fishing pier and an array of amenities, from a Family Fun Zone to beach volleyball courts to a skate park. The city recently doubled the size of the Riverwalk to 3 miles, adding public art and connecting it to Mineral Springs Park. “It has definitely gotten people outside and helped develop more of an urban lifestyle,” Eller says. “It is bringing the community together.”
The river itself provides direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, and the waters surrounding the city are well known for their stock of sportfish. Boat ramps and marinas dot its shores. The barrier islands along the Gulf are less than 10 miles from downtown Bradenton, and their white-sand beaches are a haven for outdoors enthusiasts. “This is definitely a waterfront community, and most of the things that go on around here, from fishing charters to festivals, revolve around the waterfront,” says Marsha Winegarden, a real estate agent with Wagner Realty who has sold dozens of homes in the city.
G.T. Bray Park is a sprawling complex that is the center of activity among the many parks, preserves and green spaces that can be found throughout the city. LECOM Park is a major attraction for one month each year as host of Pittsburgh Pirates spring training games. It has been a city feature for more than 100 years. The ballpark was long known as McKechnie Field and has been renovated several times. It is THE place to be every March.
The riverwalk is home to an array of amenities from a skate park to a Family Fun Zone.
Boat ramps & marinas run along the shores of Bradenton giving access to the Gulf of Mexico.
Lighted facilities let visitors continue to play into the night at G.T. Bray Park.
LECOM Park is a major attraction for it host the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training games.
1/4
Pier 22, Oak & Stone are popular waterfront restaurants
Waterfront restaurants are a highlight of the city’s dining scene, offering highly rated food and more. “Pier 22 is outstanding. It’s a place where you can sit by the marina and the boats go by,” Winegarden says. “There’s also a pizza place, Oak & Stone, that offers gorgeous, gorgeous views of the river.” Old Main Street hosts the Bradenton Market each Saturday from October through May. The popular event offers fresh goods, live music and local art. The market is hosted by Realize Bradenton, a nonprofit group founded in 2010 to implement elements from Bradenton’s 2009 Cultural Master Plan. Realize Bradenton is behind many positive changes in the area over the past decade. The group is responsible for the Bradenton Blues Festival, held on the Riverwalk each December, and the online shopping marketplace Made in Manatee, where residents can buy merchandise from Manatee County businesses. The Old Manatee Historic District is another relatively new addition that features vintage stores, thrift shops and boutiques. Retail trade is one of the city’s top industries.
Pier 22 is a waterfront restaurant where you can sit by the marina & watch the boats go by.
Oak & Stone is a pizza place that offers gorgeous views of the river from it's rooftop.
Bradenton Market is a popular event offering fresh foods, live music and local art.
The Old Manatee Historic District is a relatively new addition that features vintage stores.
1/4
Village of the Arts is a cultural hub
Village of the Arts is the cultural heart of the city. The neighborhood, located in what was once a neglected section of town, is now a colorful community for artists. The nonprofit Artists Guild of Manatee and the resident artists and business owners have created an eclectic hub of galleries, studios and community events. On the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of the month, residents gather for art walks that include food and music. Bradenton is also home to several museums that feature different aspects of the city’s history.
Village of the Arts neighborhood is now a colorful community for artists.
Bradenton is home to many studios allowing artiest to express themselves.
ArtCenter Manatee is home to beautiful galleries & studios where you can take art lessons.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature teaches the history of Bradenton & home to manatees.
1/4
Bungalows, ranch-style designs and waterfront housing
The median sales price is $425,000, significantly lower than the neighboring cities of Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. Bungalows and ranch-style designs are prominent. Prices range from the mid-$200,000 to $900,000-plus. The largest and most expensive options are waterfront homes in neighborhoods such as Northwest Bradenton. “Home prices have continued to rise in Bradenton, but the market is adjusting a bit,” Winegarden says. “Two years ago, you’d put a home on the market and be lucky to have it listed for more than a week. As a result, the low inventory led to higher prices. They’re still adding inventory with new construction, but the market has kind of peaked.”
Older condos and townhouses range in price from under $100,000 to around $500,000. Newer options, typically located near the water, range from the low $400,000s for a riverfront unit to more than $1 million closer to the Gulf. Homeowners should be aware that insurance rates reflect the risks of flooding and wind damage. The most recent hurricane season was impactful. “The closer to the water, the more damage you got from Milton,” Winegarden says. “But there were select areas away from the water that had damage to their roofs and fencing.”
From bungalows, renovated homes to estates Bradenton neighborhood has a place for everyone.
Ranch style homes are great for first time home owners in Northwest Bradenton/Palma Sola.
Bradenton is filled with many Condominiums that run along it's waters edge.
Waterfront estates are stunning to look at & are the most expensive homes in Bradenton.
1/4
Nation's top athletes come to the city to attend IMG Academies.
Students are served by the Manatee County School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Several of its schools are highly rated, including Manatee High School, which earns an A-minus and features several Career & Technical Education programs. Bradenton is also home to IMG Academies. The preparatory boarding school for students in sixth through 12th grades is known nationwide for its sports development programs, attracting many of the country’s top athletes. It is rated A-plus by Niche.
The State College of Florida's Bradenton campus is also home to the State College of Florida Collegiate School, a charter school that serves grades 6 through 12 and is rated A-plus. The district offers school choice, so eligible students can attend schools outside of their geographic zones. “The schools in general are great, and that attracts young families,” Eller says.
Manatee High School is the oldest public high school in Bradenton.
IMG Academies is a preparatory boarding school known nationwide for its sports development.
The State College of Florida's Bradenton campus is a great local college to attend.
State College of Florida Collegiate School is a charter school that serves grades 6-12th.
1/4
Major roadways connect to Sarasota, Tampa
Manatee County Area Transit operates regular bus routes. The city is also very bikeable, with dedicated lanes added to the downtown area in recent years. U.S. Highway 41, which is known regionally as Tamiami Trail, provides direct access south to nearby Sarasota and its international airport about 10 miles away. It also connects north to Interstate 275 for trips to Tampa and its international airport about 40 miles away. State Road 64, known locally as Manatee Avenue, connects to Interstate 75 about 7 miles east of the city. Manatee Memorial Hospital is located just blocks from downtown along U.S. 41.
Crime
The 2023 annual report from the Bradenton Police Department showed that violent crime was up about 9% from the previous year, while property crime was down by roughly the same percentage. Burglaries continued a downward trend and fell by almost 29% year-over-year. Total offenses fell 4%.
Looking for a dedicated, hardworking, and down-to-earth local Realtor who will be committed to helping you 24/7? Look no further. I'm Dawn Bear, your go-to friendly real estate professional in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. With over $85M in successful closings, I am here to guide you through one of the biggest investments of your life with expertise, commitment, and honesty.
I've been a full-time resident of Sarasota County since 1988 and have been actively working on Siesta Key since 1990. My deep-rooted connection to Siesta Key has given me unique insights into this vibrant market, allowing me to offer unparalleled expertise for buyers and sellers in the area. However, my experience and services extend far beyond Siesta Key, covering the broader Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties.
I am proud to work with William Ravels Real Estate, with local offices in Siesta Key and downtown Main Street. As a listing agent, I benefit from our global partners, Luxury Portfolio International and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, connecting me to 550 top firms and over 134,000 agents in more than 70 countries. Working for a brokerage that was recently named the #1 top real estate company by Inman exemplifies the power and strength behind my local expertise, knowledge, and experience. Homes.com has also selected me as their leading source for information in Siesta Key based on their research and recommendations, which were unsolicited. I was also previously recognized previously as the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year and chosen by the Sarasota County Tourism board by my peers as the Manager of the Year prior to working exclusively in real estate at William Ravels. This recognition is a testament to my dedication and expertise in the area, people, and the needs of our community.
My personal journey in real estate began in 1994, and since then, I have purchased 29 investment properties. Over the past 30 years, I have also managed, developed, marketed, and restructured four resorts, gaining invaluable experience in all aspects of real estate. My diverse background allows me to specialize in waterfront properties, vacation homes, luxury estates, first-time home buyers, and investment opportunities. I am passionate about real estate and take pride in providing my clients with the best possible guidance and support. Living in an area with many second-home investors, I offer unique expertise in the tourism market, ensuring that my clients receive the most realistic and beneficial information when making their decisions. Let my experience and dedication work for you. Whether you're buying or selling, I am here to provide you with exceptional service and results. At the end of the day, you want a really smart hard working Realtor that will always have your best interest as the #1 priority and that is me, Dawn Bear. Call today!
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
