Fran Maxon Real Estate Inc
Bradenton, Florida: Community Overview Bradenton, Florida, is a vibrant coastal city located in Manatee County along Florida’s Gulf Coast, just south of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and thriving arts scene, Bradenton offers a mix of suburban and waterfront living, making it a desirable destination for families, retirees, and professionals. With affordable housing, top-rated schools, and a strong economy, Bradenton is one of Florida’s most sought-after places to live. Lifestyle & Community Bradenton offers a laid-back coastal lifestyle with a blend of urban and suburban amenities. Waterfront & Beach Access – Just minutes from Anna Maria Island and the Manatee River. Family-Friendly Atmosphere – Safe neighborhoods, great schools, and parks. Growing Economy – Job opportunities in healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. Outdoor & Active Living – Perfect for boating, fishing, golfing, and biking. Cultural & Arts Hub – Home to the Village of the Arts and the Manatee Performing Arts Center. Convenient Location – Close to Sarasota (30 minutes) and Tampa (1 hour). With its booming real estate market, growing job opportunities, and access to world-class beaches, Bradenton is a top destination for Florida living. Real Estate & Housing Bradenton offers a diverse range of housing options, from historic homes to modern waterfront estates. Historic Downtown Homes – Found in West Bradenton and Wares Creek. Waterfront & Luxury Homes – Located in Riverview Boulevard, Palma Sola, and Perico Bay Club. Gated Communities – Includes Lakewood Ranch, River Strand, and Harbour Isle. Golf Course Communities – Features Rosedale Golf & Country Club and IMG Academy Golf Club. New Construction Homes – Found in Lakewood Ranch, Heritage Harbour, and Braden River. Median Home Prices: Single-Family Homes: $400K – $700K Luxury & Waterfront Estates: $1M – $5M+ Townhomes & Condos: $275K – $500K With new developments and a strong demand for waterfront properties, Bradenton’s real estate market continues to grow. Education & Schools Bradenton is part of the Manatee County School District, offering top-rated public, charter, and private schools. Top Public Schools: Lakewood Ranch High School (A-rated, strong academics & sports) Braden River High School (Highly ranked) Dr. Mona Jain Middle School (STEM-focused) Robert Willis Elementary School Private & Charter Schools: IMG Academy (World-famous athletic and academic institution) Bradenton Christian School Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School Higher Education Nearby: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) University of South Florida (USF) Sarasota-Manatee Campus Ringling College of Art & Design (Sarasota, 30 minutes away) Bradenton’s highly rated schools and access to top colleges make it a great choice for families. Shopping, Dining, & Entertainment Bradenton has a vibrant downtown and plenty of retail and dining options, with easy access to Sarasota and Tampa for more entertainment. Shopping Centers & Malls: Ellenton Premium Outlets – High-end outlet shopping. University Town Center (UTC Mall, Sarasota) – Luxury shopping and dining. Downtown Bradenton Riverwalk District – Boutique shops and local art galleries. Westgate Shopping Center – Features major retailers. Dining & Local Favorites: Pier 22 – Waterfront dining with seafood and steak. Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant – Overlooks the Manatee River. Anna Maria Oyster Bar – A local favorite for fresh seafood. O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar – Popular for nightlife. Entertainment & Nightlife: Manatee Performing Arts Center – Hosts Broadway-style shows. Village of the Arts – A unique arts district with galleries, live music, and local artists. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature – Great for families and science lovers. Motorworks Brewing & Darwin Brewing Co. – Local craft breweries with live music. Bradenton’s cultural and entertainment scene is growing, offering something for everyone. Outdoor Recreation & Parks Bradenton is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with parks, beaches, and nature preserves. Bradenton Riverwalk – A 1.5-mile scenic trail along the Manatee River. Robinson Preserve – Features hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. De Soto National Memorial Park – A historic site with trails and river access. Emerson Point Preserve – Offers fishing, kayaking, and panoramic views. Lake Manatee State Park – Great for camping and boating. Coquina Beach & Manatee Public Beach – White sand beaches with picnic areas and fishing piers. Bradenton’s beach access and year-round sunshine make it one of the best places in Florida for outdoor activities. Healthcare & Medical Facilities Bradenton has several top-rated hospitals and medical centers, providing excellent healthcare services. Manatee Memorial Hospital (Full-service hospital) Blake Medical Center (Level II trauma center) Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (Specialized healthcare services) Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, 1 hour away) With its quality medical facilities and proximity to Tampa’s top hospitals, Bradenton residents have access to world-class healthcare. Transportation & Commuting Bradenton is well-connected to major highways, making it easy to travel throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast. I-75 & US-41 – Provide quick access to Sarasota, Tampa, and beyond. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – Just 20 minutes away. Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 1 hour away for domestic and international flights. Public Transit – Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) provides local bus service. Many residents commute to Sarasota, Tampa, or St. Pete for work while enjoying Bradenton’s lower cost of living. Employment & Economy Bradenton has a strong and diverse economy, with major industries in tourism, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Major Employers in Bradenton: Manatee County School District (Education) Manatee Memorial Hospital & Blake Medical Center (Healthcare) IMG Academy (Sports & Education) Feld Entertainment (Live show production, including Disney on Ice) Bealls, Inc. (National retail headquarters) Many residents work in Bradenton or commute to Sarasota, St. Pete, or Tampa for additional job opportunities. Community Events & Festivals Bradenton has a lively social scene, with year-round festivals and events. Bradenton Blues Festival – A major music festival on the Riverwalk. Cortez Seafood Festival – Celebrates fresh seafood and local fishing culture. ArtSlam – A live arts and street performance festival. De Soto Heritage Festival – A week-long celebration of Bradenton’s history. Farmers’ Markets – Weekly markets in downtown and Coquina Beach. Proximity to Nearby Cities Bradenton’s prime location makes it easy to access major Florida destinations: Sarasota – 30 minutes south (Cultural arts, beaches). Tampa – 1 hour north (Business, airport, nightlife). St. Petersburg – 45 minutes northwest (Museums, dining, waterfront parks). Orlando & Disney World – 2 hours east. Conclusion Bradenton, Florida, is a thriving coastal city offering beachfront access, strong job opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you're looking for a waterfront home, a family-friendly neighborhood, or a lively downtown atmosphere, Bradenton provides a high quality of life on Florida’s Gulf Coast.