Geography

Bradenton is located on US 41 between Tampa and Sarasota. The largest city in Manatee County, the area is surrounded by waterways, both fresh and saltwater. Bordered to the North by the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico to the West, Bradenton is located on the mainland and is separated from the outer barrier islands of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key by the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Eastern side of Bradenton is growing at a rapid rate. Initially spurred by the popular subdivision Lakewood Ranch, it is now becoming a heavily populated part of town. Located just off 1-75, this side of the city hosts mostly newer neighborhoods while the West side beachfront retains its old-Florida charm and coastal popularity.
 

Attractions

Known as “The Friendly City,” Bradenton boasts year-round sunshine, a picturesque downtown on the Manatee River, beautiful parks, and lively arts and music scene. Bradenton is also ideally situated between Tampa/St. Petersburg and Sarasota, providing quick commutes (for business or pleasure!) to the Suncoast’s larger cities.

Located just South of Tampa Bay, the area that now encompasses the city of Bradenton was discovered in 1539 by Hernando DeSoto, an event commemorated each spring with the month-long Florida Heritage Festival. Explore Bradenton’s Old Florida history by visiting its museums, parks, and preserves. Stroll along the waterfront downtown, the RiverWalk (a new riverfront park featuring shops and fountains) and the Village of the Arts – a working artist’s community. Of particular interest is Manatee Village Historical Park, a collection of restored, historic buildings from Manatee County’s pioneer past that includes a courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, and a Florida cowboy bunkhouse. It’s culture and it’s fun and it’s all in Bradenton. 

If enjoying the year-round warm temperatures and sunshine are tops on your agenda, Bradenton boasts beautiful white sand beaches and offers ample opportunity to enjoy scuba, snorkeling and water sports of all kinds. Boating and fishing can be enjoyed on both the Gulf and the Manatee River, while lush green golf courses (both public and private) offer championship quality sport throughout Manatee County.

Bradenton offers all the amenities you’d expect from a large suburban city as well as sprawling parcels of land to the East and gorgeous beachfront property to the West. Its perfect mix of convenience, diversity and warm Florida charm make Bradenton more than an ideal city to visit; in fact, Bradenton is the ideal place to call home! 

Real Estate

From charming Old Florida bungalows to magnificent beachside estates and new luxury condominiums, Bradenton caters to every sort of lifestyle possibility.

From the waterfront communities in the West to the sprawling homesteads in the East (as well as all of the golfing, 55+ and family neighborhoods in between!), Bradenton has something special to offer everyone! No matter what your preference, residential and recreational opportunities abound throughout this city.