8 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Bradenton, FL

Are you looking for a mix of Old Florida, waterfront living, and urban amenities? Try Bradenton, a small city south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast of Florida. Founded on the Braden River in the 1840s, this town has evolved from a sugar plantation and winter resort to an ideal destination for those looking for a laidback coastal lifestyle.

Midway between the larger cities -and popular vacation destinations- of St. Petersburg and Sarasota, Bradenton has the old Florida charm you’re looking for with a modern, riverfront city. Beautiful beaches, boutique shopping, and excellent dining are minutes away.

What is it about Bradenton that locals like? Why do people opt to live here over the oft-touted retirement center Sarasota or the urban metro of Tampa Bay? Let’s take a closer look at Bradenton and its top neighborhoods.

Why live in Bradenton?

In Bradenton, you get the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to larger cities like Sarasota and Tampa for easy access to big-city amenities like theme parks, live music, and airports but far enough away for extra peace and quiet.

This small city developed along the Manatee River near the confluence of the Braden River. Boaters aren’t far from Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. Palma Sola Bay borders its west. One of the Gulf Coast’s best island towns, Anna Maria, is just offshore, attracting tourists with miles of sugar-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Getting around to where you want to be is easy. All you have to do is jump on I-75, and you can access the Suncoast’s best attractions for work or a day trip. Plus, locals can pick from three airports, all less than an hour away: Sarasota-Bradenton, St. Petersburg International, and Tampa International.

Of course, you don’t need to leave Bradenton for things to do. Besides boating or fishing on the Manatee River or sunbathing on Anna Maria Island, Bradenton has a fun and quirky art community. Riverwalk brings in families with its splash pad, fishing pier, and kids zone. The district has shopping and dining in a coastal setting.

The nearby Desoto National Memorial provides an educational and cultural experience, while visitors are wowed at Bishop Museum of Science by live animal encounters with manatees.

Robinson Nature Preserve is a popular walking park with elevated boardwalks through the mangroves. Bird watchers congregate to find coastal species and local birds.

For all its attractions and things to do, the old and new Florida flair of Bradenton’s neighborhoods truly makes this city special. There’s a wealth of waterfront living, and since it’s mostly riverfront, it’s more affordable than other nearby cities. You can still access the Gulf through the river system, giving you salt and freshwater boating choices. December 2022 had a median list price of $455,000 with 2,200 homes for sale!

Here are a few of our picks for the best neighborhoods in Bradenton to check out:

Azalea Park

Located near West Bradenton, this vibrant community is beloved for its tranquil feeling, live oaks, and palm trees. It’s a great place to live if you want easy access to the local attractions while still feeling tucked away in a suburban setting.

Azalea Park is close to Robinson Preserve and the DeSoto National Memorial. Residents have unparalleled access to marinas, shopping centers, top-notch eateries, and art galleries.

Azalea Park boasts an impressive selection of Colonial and Mediterranean-style homes, each situated on generously sized lots around a quarter acre in size. Some have views of the Manatee River.

Covenant Way

Regarding second homes or snowbird living, Covenant Way seems to be a popular choice, with 18-25% of homeowners being part-time residents. Still, the streets are well-kept, and the yards well-maintained.

Generally, the area consists of mainly three- to four-bedroom single-family houses and apartment blocks. A large part of the housing stock in this neighborhood is owner-occupied; however, 18% are seasonally inhabited, suggesting that up to a quarter may be vacant for at least half of each year.

Palma Sola

Palma Sola Park is your ideal destination if you’re looking for a classic charming neighborhood. This established community has been around since Bradenton’s early days, with winding streets lined by plush palm trees.

Situated between the magnificent Palma Sola Bay, Tampa Bay, and Manatee River, Palma Sola sits on a peninsula. Just 10 minutes from Bradenton Beach, Palma Sola offers plenty of outdoor activities like golfing and boating. It overlooks the river and Snead Island. Residents have several marinas, water access points, a riverfront memorial park, and the Robinson Nature Preserve.

Indulge in all the Florida beauty that comes with this remarkable location! Palma Sola Park homes are understated yet elegant residences with well-maintained front yards and modest walls all around them. Home styles vary widely, reflecting the many eras of development. Some historic homes date back to the 1920s and offer a life of luxury with their simple waterfront living.

Point Pleasant

A short drive from downtown Bradenton and even closer to Anna Maria Island, Point Pleasant is known for its proximity to beautiful beaches and waterfront dining options. In addition, it has parks filled with natural beauty and family-friendly facilities like the G.T Bray Recreation Center.

Point Pleasant is a quaint neighborhood with fewer than 100 homes. It sits on a small peninsula jutting out into the Manatee River. It’s also within walking distance from downtown Bradenton and the pubs on Old Main Street. Put together, it makes Point Pleasant a desirable location in Bradenton FL.

Besides the waterfront views, what draws people are its classic properties with endless styles to choose from: craftsman-style houses, Colonial and Spanish residences, and midcentury designs. Not only that, but you can also find some mid-rise condos and surprisingly affordable apartments scattered in between.

Point Pleasant had no listings in December 2022, but past housing prices hovered near $354,900.

River District/Riverview Blvd

Riverview Boulevard is your destination if you seek the epitome of Bradenton’s upscale market. Also known as the River District, the neighborhood has been home to generations of families in Manatee County.

Riverview Boulevard is positioned in a prime spot for boaters. This area along the winding boulevard contains large waterfront properties overlooking the Manatee River. And, with top-rated public schools nearby and low crime rates, it’s in demand by families.

Most properties had 3,000+ square feet of space with four or more baths. Riverview is known for its old stone houses dating from the 1930s and newer high-end constructions with modern designs like the Mediterranean or Florida Key-style.

Village of the Arts

Take a leisurely walk through the quaint and colorful streets of Village of the Arts, where you will discover an incredible variety of award-winning restaurants, specialty shops, and Bradenton’s finest art galleries. Here in this live-work community, artists live alongside art galleries, cafes, pubs, bookstores, boutique shops, yoga studios, and other creative outlets, making this a popular destination for anyone exploring its diverse culture.

The village has cozy bungalows, cottages, and live/work lofts. Home styles are typically Mediterranean Revival or Craftsman-style homes that fit the village’s vision of an artsy neighborhood.

In December 2022, three homes were for sale with a median list price of $258,500. The homes were approximately 1,200 sq ft.

Wares Creek

Another waterfront community, this suburban residential area has quiet streets lined with mature trees and single-family residences. The neighborhood’s location across the creek from downtown Bradenton makes it easy for residents to take advantage of nearby attractions. Many locals like the walkability to live music venues, shops, art galleries, and eateries along Bradenton’s Riverwalk.

Music is popular in Wares Creek, as the nearby park hosts the Bradenton Blues Festival. A few parks provide access to outdoor activities such as walking trails and playgrounds.

Wares Creek boasts more than 300 homes, most of which have been standing for at least 65 years. A few even date back to the late 19th century! This picturesque neighborhood showcases diverse architectural styles, from cozy Florida bungalows and cottages to grand Spanish Colonial-style residences and early Florida Ranch-style homes.

Wares Creek had 12 homes for sale with a median list price of $350,000 in December 2022. The most expensive real estate was $825,000.

West Bradenton

Another desirable community in Bradenton is the census-designated area of West Bradenton, which mixes well-established homes and newly constructed ones. It has a rural feel, yet locals have master-planned suburban developments and waterfront estates to choose from.

The area’s central Bradenton location provides quick access to the best attractions in town and some of the best in Manatee County, such as Robinson Preserve, Coquina Beach, and the Desoto National Memorial.

Like many parts of Bradenton, West Bradenton has many options for waterfront living near the Manatee River or on one of its bayous. The 30 homes for sale had a median list price of $500,000 in December 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Neighborhoods to Live in Bradenton, FL

How much do you need to make to live in Bradenton, FL?

To live comfortably in Bradenton, FL, an individual needs to earn a living wage of approximately $21.68 per hour, which translates to about $45,103 annually before taxes. This estimate covers basic expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.

For a family with two working adults and two children, the required income increases to about $107,515 annually, with each adult needing to earn at least $25.85 per hour. These figures are based on the latest data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator for the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton metropolitan area.

Is Lakewood Ranch a good place to live?

Yes, Lakewood Ranch is a great place to live in Manatee County, offering potential relocators a wide range of amenities and benefits. This master-planned community, between Bradenton and Sarasota, spans over 31,000 acres and includes multiple villages and gated communities, each with unique character and amenities. Residents enjoy access to top-tier schools, over 150 miles of trails, numerous parks, golf courses, and a thriving job market.

Lakewood Ranch also features excellent healthcare facilities, including the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Furthermore, Florida’s tax benefits, such as no state income tax and a reasonable cost of living, make it an attractive location for retirees and families. The median household income in Bradenton is $61,916 according to the Census.

Where do most retirees live in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL Metro Area?

Many retirees choose to live in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton Metro Area for its relaxed yet upscale coastal lifestyle, cultural amenities, and various retirement communities catering to different preferences and budgets. And let’s not forget about Florida’s tax benefits.

Popular neighborhoods for retirees include Lake Ridge Falls, a gated community with scenic lakes and walking paths; Cascades at Sarasota, which offers resort-style living with extensive amenities; and Esplanade by Siesta Key, known for its luxurious and active lifestyle. Whispering Sands, located along Siesta Beach, provides beachfront living with low-maintenance homes and community clubhouses.

Live in Bradenton, FL

Bradenton FL offers an outstanding balance between city life and outdoor activities in Manatee County. From beautiful waterfront homes to modern midrise condos, whatever kind of lifestyle you have in mind can be found in this delightful city with a low unemployment rate, top-rated schools, and a median home value below the national average. Many locals chose Bradenton because they found its rustic charm and quieter neighborhoods more appealing than other places in the Tampa Bay or Sarasota metro. Plus, it makes waterfront living more affordable on the Suncoast.

With so many neighborhoods to choose from, you can live the life you’ve always wanted in Bradenton FL. Regardless of your setting, you’ll find a sense of community that’s hard to come by in many other cities.