$772,644Average Value$287Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
Life in Waterlefe: a gated golf and boating community
Waterlefe is a gated, master planned community in Bradenton that captures the Florida lifestyle in a way few neighborhoods can. Set along the Manatee River, it’s one of the rare places where you can enjoy both golf and boating, with the ability to cruise straight out to the Gulf of Mexico. Life here is built around amenities and connection, with the Master Property Owners’ Association maintaining the community and its shared spaces. That combination makes Waterlefe especially popular with retirees and anyone drawn to an active Florida lifestyle.
The River Club and community amenities
Waterlefe offers the kind of amenities you’d normally expect at a resort, but here they’re simply part of everyday life. “Waterlefe has an incredible sense of community centered around the River Club, our community clubhouse,” says Steve Slocum, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has lived in Waterlefe since 2000 and is proud to be one of its original residents. “It has become and will always be the focal point of why Waterlefe offers more.” The River Club serves as Waterlefe’s main social and dining hub and includes:
A heated saltwater pool with a spacious patio and tiki bar
An indoor fitness center with programs like yoga and Zumba
A members-only formal dining room for dinner and Sunday brunch
A more casual bistro and bar overlooking the Manatee River
A community library where residents can check out books
The River Club is funded through MPOA fees, and all purchases made there count toward Waterlefe’s annual $500 food-and-beverage minimum. Just next door, The Pointe has a playground and a private launch for kayaking and canoeing. Golf Club membership is optional and provides access to the 18-hole golf course with preferred tee times. The Golf Club is also home to the Sunset Grille at Waterlefe, which is open to the public. Boaters can join the Marina Club for a riverfront slip or rent space at The Cove, while fishing spots, walking trails and social clubs make it easy to stay active and meet neighbors. “We even have our own friendly way to say hello called the ‘Waterlefe wave,’” Slocum says.
Finding the right home in Waterlefe
Mediterranean-style homes give Waterlefe a classic Florida feel. The community has just over 600 homes spread across a few different sub-sections, including:
The Villas, maintenance-free villas with landscaping included
The Shores, gated waterfront homes, many with private docks
The Sound, paired estate homes at the end of Fish Hook Cove
The Watch and The Watch II, two- and three-bedroom condos
Home sizes vary widely, making it easy to find something that fits your needs. “Waterlefe offers single-family homes from 1,850 square feet to grand estates nearing 6,500 square feet,” Slocum says. “A good number of homes even include backyard boat docks, which is fairly unique.” That range of home types also spans a wide price range. Single-family homes typically start in the low $500,000s and can reach up to $2.5 million for high-end riverfront estates, while condos generally sell from the low $300,000s to the low $400,000s. Each subsection has its own HOA fees, but all homeowners pay annual MPOA dues of about $3,300, which cover River Club maintenance and basic cable and internet. You might hear people compare Waterlefe to River Strand or Heritage Harbour, but those communities don't offer the same boating access along the Manatee River.
What to know about flooding and insurance
Riverfront homes here naturally carry a higher flood risk, but Waterlefe overall has a lower flood risk than many waterfront communities, which can lead to more manageable insurance costs. “I could have a great house right on the water and still pay a fraction of what insurance would cost on the beach or in the Keys,” says Joe Murphy, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty who has lived in Waterlefe for more than 20 years.
Location and convenience around Waterlefe
One of the biggest perks of living in Waterlefe is that you don’t have to leave the community for recreation, dining or entertainment. “There’s not another place where you can golf in the morning, boat in the afternoon and then have dinner with friends and family in the evening,” Murphy says. When residents do head out, State Road 64 and I-75 make getting around easy. “Waterlefe feels like it’s out in the country, yet you’re close to shopping like Costco, Publix, Aldi, Target and a growing number of options all within five minutes of the gates,” Slocum says. For a night out, he adds that restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar are nearby in Lakewood Ranch. Larger shopping trips are convenient as well, with The Mall at University Town Center located just off I-75.
Getting around beyond the gates
Golf carts are a common way to get around inside Waterlefe, but you’ll need a car once you head outside the gates. Both Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center are about a 10-mile drive away, while Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is less than 20 miles away. With quick access to I-75, it’s also easy to get to Sarasota, Tampa and the surrounding areas.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Waterlefe
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Waterlefe Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Waterlefe, Bradenton sell after 96 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterlefe, Bradenton over the last 12 months is $540,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to refined Florida living in the highly sought-after Waterlefe Golf & River Club, a premier gated community offering 24/7 manned security, championship golf, and direct boating access from the Manatee River to the Gulf of Mexico. This impeccably updated 4-bedroom, 3 full bathroom, 3-car garage residence blends luxury, comfort, and peace of mind with an extensive list of recent
Rarely available and completely reimagined, this original-owner home has been renovated to a level rarely seen at any price point. Everything is updated, and the home is completely move in ready! From the new roof and brick paver driveway to the striking extra-wide premium front door, every detail sets the tone. All windows and exterior doors throughout the home have been replaced with
In Waterlefe Golf & River Club, life is meant to be lived outdoors. Boat on the Manatee River in the morning, tee it up in the afternoon, and meet friends at the clubhouse in the evening. It’s a lifestyle that continues to separate this community from the rest of the market. Now with a major added advantage, the seller is including a brand new roof, with the buyer given the opportunity to select
Set on a private lake with preserve and golf course views, this pristine, fully updated contemporary residence is located within the gated community of Waterlefe Golf & River Club. The setting offers a rare combination of water, greenery, and open sightlines while maintaining a strong sense of privacy. Completely move-in ready, the home has been thoughtfully updated throughout. The kitchen
Imagine yourself living in this "CITY CHIC" home while residing in Bradenton's only Golf & Boating community! Designed with the elevated style of a metropolitan flat, the home has been intelligently reconfigured to prioritize modern utility and flow. Strategic updates include utilizing a part of the golf cart garage, which was wisely utilized to add 54 square feet, enhancing the pantry and
Thoughtfully Renovated 3-Bedroom Home with Professional Culinary Suite...All located in the area's only Golf & Marina Community...Waterlefe Golf & River Club.Reimagined for the modern host, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence features an open-concept floor plan that serves as a masterclass in functional luxury. The home's centerpiece is a bespoke culinary space that will truly be the heart
Experience effortless living and unmatched freedom in this beautifully crafted condo, nestled within the unique Waterlefe Golf & River Club community. Enjoy stunning views of both the water and golf course, along with access to a host of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle.This rarely available Stonington floorplan boasts contemporary Bamboo floors throughout, creating a clean and
Beautiful home in the gated Waterlefe Golf & River Club community. This home offers an impressive view overlooking water to the golf course fairway from the main living area and kitchen. Kitchen cabinets are solid wood with granite countertops. All interior doors are solid core with six panel patio doors allowing for an unabstracted view. A remote controlled Hurricane shutter shade was added in
This beautiful condo is located on the 8th fairway of Waterlefe Golf & River Club is being sold turnkey furnished. In the evenings, relax on the lanai while enjoying beautiful sunsets overlooking the golf course and pond. This 2-bedroom, 2 baths plus den home is very well maintained. The master bedroom features a king size bed while the second bedroom has a queen size bed and a sleeper sofa in
This distinguished condominium presents an impressive view of the Manatee River and is located within the esteemed Waterlefe Golf and River Club. Waterlefe is a premier golfing and boating community in Manatee County, Florida, offering residents access to a championship 18-hole golf course, private marina, clubhouse with bar and restaurant, fitness center, junior Olympic pool, tiki bar, grille
Looking for a championship golf course community and amazing Manatee River water access! Look no further, Waterlefe is the only golf and water access community in the area. Enjoy effortless Florida living in this beautifully maintained, newly painted 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with an oversized two-car garage located in the highly desirable community of Waterlefe Golf & River Club. Filled with
Stunning water and golf course views define this exceptional estate in the prestigious Waterlefe Golf & River Club, where refined luxury meets resort-style living. Designed for grand entertaining and everyday comfort, this expansive residence offers six bedrooms, five and a half baths, two primary suites located on both the main and upper levels, a private gated courtyard entry, and a separate
Downstairs Condo sitting on the 8th green and Manatee River at Waterlefe Golf & River Club - now available seasonally OR Long Term rental! Included in the fees are Electric, Gas and Water...Living on the Manatee River AND the Golf Course this unit features THE VIEW! Watch the Manatee River daily or your new friends challenge the 8th hole at Waterlefe - the choice is up to you. Waterlefe living
Leased 12/15/25 thru 3/31/2026 - Annual Lease in place 4/28/2026..... this Waterlefe Condo with views of the 8th Fairway and Manatee River behind the green offers you space, privacy and the Resort-Style Amenities you've been looking for! The Grand Haven Floorplan offers Soaring Ceilings, Open Concept Great room, large bedrooms all with Walk-In Closets and a den/office should you need the space
Incredible pond and golf course views await the renter of this newly renovated turn-key furnished condo in Waterlefe Golf and River Club. This two bedroom, two bath unit with den has an open floorplan with picturesque views from most windows including a large picture window with automatic shades in the living room. Upgrades such as hardwood flooring and crown molding are just a few of the
Absolutely beautiful single family home in Waterlefe is available to rent!! This unfurnished Jacaranda model property has 2 bedrooms plus a den, 2 bathrooms and boasts 2,004 square feet. The home has an open floor plan, large living room/dining room combination and split bedrooms. The kitchen has granite countertops, wood cabinets and lots of counter space for cooking/preparing. The living room
Beautiful ground floor condo on a preserve lot located in the much sought after Waterlefe Golf & River Club. A gated, golf and boating community. Spacious open floorplan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate formal dining area, and 2-car garage, living areas have tile floors and carpet in the bedrooms. Kitchen with granite counters, 42" cabinets, breakfast bar, and a eat-in kitchen area. Large
AVAILABLE APRIL 2026 AT $10,500/MONTH. BEAUTIFUL 5 BEDROOM/4 BATH WATERFRONT POOL HOME IN WATERLEFE GOLF & RIVER CLUB. This immaculate turnkey furnished waterfront single family pool home has 5 bedrooms (the 5th bedroom is currently used as a study/office, (closet is a locked Owner's Closet)/4 bathrooms and features the following: The main level has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study/office, large
THE WATCH AT WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER COUNTRY CLUB. This community is absolutely beautiful as you will notice after entering through the security gate. This condo features 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and an office/den with a 2 car garage and situated on the golf course. Enjoy the fresh air outside in either the screened lanai or the open patio right off the master bedroom. This home has a open floor
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