The best places to live in Bradenton

They say that every day here is a breeze, and it’s hard to argue with that. With plenty of sandy beaches, affordable homes, great weather, and everything from trendy shops to old fashioned restaurants, Bradenton, and Manatee County at large have something for everyone. Where you end up is depends on what suits you best. If you haven’t spent a lot of time down here, then you probably don’t know where to live in Bradenton.  After all of these years, I’ve gotten a good feel for the best spots in and around the city, so I can tell you where the best places are. Here are the best neighborhoods and towns.

Bradenton Proper

I think the whole area around the city is great, but nothing can compare to the city itself. This city with about 55,000 people has a thriving tourism industry, and is full of great things to do. There’s Spanish history, a mild climate, plenty of water access and green space. There isn’t much that we don’t have. Living in Bradenton is like living where the past meets the future. There are sports, restaurants, shops, and even a large arts district, too. The housing prices are reasonable, and there is plenty of space for you, too. When asking where to live in Bradenton, this is the first place that you need to consider.

Bradenton Beach

Located on an island off of the main land, Bradenton Beach is full of gorgeous resorts, sweeping views, and cozy homes. The prices are a bit higher than on the mainland, but that’s to be expected when you are one of the nation’s premier tourist destinations. The island is quiet and has a different feel from life in Bradenton. It isn’t quite as bustling or vibrant. I’d say it would be a great place to look if you want things to be a little quieter, and care more about taking a relaxing walk on the beach than you do having a night out. That doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do, though! There are plenty of restaurants, seafood places, and relaxing piers to hang out on.

Cortez

West of Bradenton and connected to Bradenton Beach by a bridge, Cortez is a beautiful fishing village, and one of the few of them left on the gulf nowadays. Here you have some beautiful beaches and piers, too, but also have a lot of great options for jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. There’s plenty of history and plenty of affordable real estate. The outdoor activity, access to green space, and distance from downtown make this a good spot for a young family who likes to have fun on the weekends. There’s still plenty to do, you just need to step out of your door.

Bradenton and its surroundings are one of the best places in the country to live, raise a family, retire, or even just spend the warm winter months in. Good schools, great weather, and a thriving tourism industry mean that we have fun, culture, and family stuff all wrapped into one. There are plenty of great places, so knowing where to live in Bradenton means you need an expert real estate agent. Try some of these great spots in and around town, and I am sure we will see you soon.