Listing Description
Palmetto, Florida: Community Profile
Palmetto, Florida, is a waterfront city in Manatee County, located on the Gulf Coast along the Manatee River, just north of Bradenton and across from Sarasota. Known for its historic charm, coastal lifestyle, and growing economy, Palmetto offers a mix of small-town atmosphere and urban conveniences.
With beautiful waterfront parks, a strong real estate market, and a family-friendly community, Palmetto is a desirable location for families, retirees, and professionals looking for affordability and Gulf Coast access.
Location & Accessibility
Gulf Coast location in Manatee County, near Bradenton and Sarasota.
35 miles south of Tampa, 20 miles north of Sarasota, and 10 miles from Anna Maria Island.
Easy access to I-75 and U.S. Highway 41, connecting Palmetto to Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 20 minutes away.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 45 minutes away.
Palmetto offers suburban comfort with quick access to Florida’s major Gulf Coast cities.
Population & Demographics
Population: ~13,600 residents (as of 2023).
Median Age: ~50.7 years – a mix of retirees, young families, and professionals.
Diverse Community: A mix of long-term residents and newcomers drawn to the coastal location.
Growing Economy & Housing Market – Population growth due to new housing developments and business expansion.
Palmetto balances small-town charm with suburban and waterfront living.
Lifestyle & Community
Palmetto offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
Waterfront Living & Boating Culture – Located along the Manatee River, with marinas and waterfront restaurants.
Historic Downtown Charm – Features locally owned shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Outdoor & Recreational Activities – Fishing, kayaking, hiking, and golfing are popular in the area.
Proximity to Sarasota & Tampa – Easy access to urban entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions.
Family & Retiree-Friendly – Affordable housing, top-rated schools, and 55+ communities.
Palmetto is ideal for those looking for a quiet, affordable coastal town with access to larger cities.
Real Estate & Housing
Palmetto offers a variety of housing options, from historic homes and new developments to waterfront properties.
Waterfront & Luxury Homes – Located in Riviera Dunes, Sanctuary Cove, and Terra Ceia Bay.
Suburban & Family-Friendly Neighborhoods – Includes Artisan Lakes, Palmetto Estates, and Fairways at Imperial Lakewoods.
55+ Retirement Communities – Popular in Tidevue Estates, Palm Bay, and Imperial Lakes.
New Construction & Master-Planned Communities – Growing in Trevesta, Willow Walk, and Jackson Crossing.
Median Home Prices (2024):
Single-Family Homes: $350K – $600K
Luxury & Waterfront Homes: $600K – $2M+
Condos & Townhomes: $250K – $450K
Palmetto offers affordable coastal living compared to Sarasota and Tampa, making it a great option for homebuyers and investors.
Education & Schools
Palmetto is part of the Manatee County School District, offering public, charter, and private schools.
Top Public Schools:
Palmetto High School – Known for strong academic and athletic programs.
Buffalo Creek Middle School – Offers advanced academic programs.
James Tillman Elementary School – A top-rated elementary school.
Private & Charter Schools:
Palmetto Charter School – A highly rated charter school with small class sizes.
Manatee School for the Arts – A performing arts-focused public charter school.
Bradenton Christian School (Nearby in Bradenton) – Offers private K-12 education.
Higher Education Nearby:
State College of Florida – Bradenton Campus
University of South Florida (USF) – Sarasota-Manatee Campus
Ringling College of Art and Design (Sarasota)
Palmetto offers strong education options with access to top universities nearby.
Shopping, Dining, & Entertainment
Palmetto has local shopping and dining options, with larger retail centers in Bradenton and Sarasota.
Shopping Centers & Malls:
Ellenton Premium Outlets (10 minutes away) – A major outlet mall with designer brands.
Shoppes at Paradise Bay (Bradenton, 15 minutes away) – Offers grocery stores, restaurants, and local shops.
University Town Center (Sarasota, 25 minutes away) – A luxury shopping destination.
Dining & Local Favorites:
Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant – A popular spot for seafood and sunset views.
Seagrape Seafood Market – Known for fresh local seafood.
Blue Marlin Grill (Anna Maria Island, nearby) – Offers upscale coastal cuisine.
Cuban Breezes Café – A favorite for Cuban sandwiches and coffee.
Entertainment & Nightlife:
Regatta Pointe Marina – A boating and waterfront entertainment hub.
Manatee Performing Arts Center (Bradenton) – Hosts theater performances and concerts.
Downtown Sarasota (Nearby) – Offers nightlife, art galleries, and live music.
Tampa’s Ybor City (45 minutes away) – A major nightlife destination.
Palmetto offers a mix of casual dining and entertainment with easy access to bigger cities.
Outdoor Recreation & Parks
Palmetto is perfect for outdoor lovers, with parks, golf courses, and waterfront access.
Emerson Point Preserve – Offers hiking, kayaking, and historical sites.
Riverside Park – A scenic park along the Manatee River with picnic areas and trails.
Buffalo Creek Park & Golf Course – A popular local golf destination.
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park – A coastal nature preserve with trails and fishing spots.
Bradenton & Anna Maria Island Beaches (Nearby) – Some of Florida’s most beautiful Gulf beaches.
With year-round warm weather and scenic waterfront views, Palmetto is great for outdoor living.
Healthcare & Medical Facilities
Palmetto has access to top-rated hospitals and healthcare centers.
Manatee Memorial Hospital (Bradenton, 10 minutes away) – A full-service hospital.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (Nearby) – Offers specialized care and surgery centers.
Tampa General Hospital (45 minutes away) – One of Florida’s top-ranked hospitals.
Residents have access to excellent healthcare within Palmetto and nearby cities.
Transportation & Commuting
Palmetto is car-dependent, but offers good highway access for commuting.
I-75 & US-41 – Provide direct routes to Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Pete.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 20 minutes away.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 45 minutes away – A major airport for domestic and international flights.
Public Transit – Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) provides local bus services.
Many residents commute to Bradenton, Sarasota, or Tampa for work while enjoying Palmetto’s lower cost of living.
Conclusion
Palmetto, Florida, is a growing waterfront city, offering affordable homes, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, a waterfront retreat, or a suburban investment property, Palmetto provides the perfect mix of coastal beauty and modern convenience.
