Communities in Manatee and Sarasota Counties
Communities in Manatee and Sarasota Counties each have their own unique character that all fall under the umbrella of what many people call paradise. Portfolio.com, the national business news site, named the Sarasota-Bradenton market as the most desirable community for retirement in the Nation. Area beaches have been chosen as among the best worldwide by the Travel Channel.
Sarasota and Bradenton are known for arts and culture including resident ballet, opera house, symphony, live theatre, art galleries, museums, comedy clubs and jazz bars. From upscale shopping on St. Armand’s Circle to the huge, outdoor Ellenton Factory Outlet Mall, you’ll find everything you need close to home. Even enjoy Pittsburg Pirates Major League baseball spring training and the Minor League Bradenton Marauders at Lecom Park. Air transportation is available at the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Clearwater/St. Petersburg or Tampa International Airport.
Sarasota and Manatee Counties are among the most desirable places to work, live, and raise a family.
These Community Profiles are brought
to you by Susan Klement, Realtor.
When you are ready to consider buying or selling a home, Susan Klement is your agent of choice for dedicated, knowledgeable, experienced service at the largest independent real estate firm in the region: Wagner Realty, serving the Bradenton-Sarasota market for over 70 years! Call Sue at 941-720-4107.
Bradenton, Florida
Cross the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from St. Petersburg and you are almost in the City of Bradenton home to sugar white beaches, teal blue waters and fresh local seafood…. all examples of experiences Bradenton has to offer. Over 20 public golf courses are located in Bradenton. It’s the place to have fun in the sun enjoying the beaches and all types of water and boat adventures.
Bradenton has become increasingly sophisticated while retaining its small-town charm. Downtown Bradenton is located on the west side of the city and is home to many of Bradenton's businesses and government buildings. The eastern side of Bradenton is growing at a rapid rate. The popular planned community of Lakewood Ranch, it is now becoming a most desirable part of town. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport provides convenient, near-by air transportation.
Just south of downtown is Village of the Arts, an eclectic neighborhood of renovated homes that provides galleries and studios for many local artists as well as restaurants. Another destination is The South Florida Museum where you will find Bishop Planetarium theater, home to one of three most advanced planetarium projectors in the world. Visit the Florida Museum where you can learn about the history of Southwest Florida, view tools used by ancient man and say hello to Snooty, the oldest living manatee in the world born in captivity, at the Parker Aquarium home, which is part of the museum.
Bradenton also is the spring training home of Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates play their spring training games at Lecom Park, considered by many as one of the best spring training stadiums in Florida's Grapefruit League.
Swing by the Manatee Village Historical Park, and step back into time and see how Manatee County's early pioneers lived. The village features the restored, 1913 train engine known as Old Cabbage Head, a blacksmith shop, a general store from 1903, smokehouse, turpentine still, Manatee's first courthouse and more and it’s all free! For active young families or retirees Real Estate agent Sue Klement knows neighborhoods and communities suitable for everyone whether it is a golf course, waterfront or a quiet residential community. Give Sue a call anytime at 941-720-4107.
City of Bradenton: http://www.cityofbradenton.com/
Click here to watch Bradenton Video Tour
Anna Maria Island
Located on the west coast of Florida, Anna Maria Island is the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Bradenton and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, and the intercostal waterway with canal systems networking throughout the island. The island is comprised of three different cities: Anna Maria, the northern most city, the “City” is really not a City but, a quaint little village (the entire village is a bird sanctuary); Holmes Beach, just to the south, is both residential and business oriented and has a bayside marina; Bradenton Beach, at the south end of the island, is residential and tourist oriented. All three cities have wonderful award winning restaurants, including the five star Beach Bistro, shopping, and both gulf and bay front beaches. Anna Maria Island is connected by the Manatee and the Cortez draw bridges just 8 miles west of the mainland city of Bradenton plus a draw bridge to Longboat Key.
Anna Maria Island is a laid back community that subscribes to “Island Time” and has been described as 'Old Florida' with buildings no higher than three stories. Three fishing piers extending into bay waters offer a unique dining experience while watching the occasional porpoises, fishermen and passing boats. You'll find bottlenose dolphins and manatees in our waters, green parrots in the trees and the fishing, both for sport and for the table, is excellent. Locals and tourists all take advantage of the FREE trolley service to travel up and down the island.
With year round sunshine, a warm tropical climate and water temperatures averaging In the 80s, the Island has seven miles of wide open white sugar sand beaches and there are many public accesses to the beach with free parking very nearby. The Island is 7.5 miles long and less than 1 mile wide with a total year round population of only 8,250. One can easily walk the entire length of the Island without ever leaving the gently lapping waves of the Gulf. On Anna Maria Island, time stands still for kids of all ages. Life here is not about standing in line for a crowded ride or sitting in traffic for hours. It's about lying on a beach perfecting your tan, kayaking into the setting sun, deciding where to dine, or simply waiting for the next catch.
Many people call this paradise and are interested in buying either a primary or second home on the Island. There are homes to fit every life style available from small cottages to very large million dollar plus estates. Imagine living in a place where soft breezes from the Gulf of Mexico make every day a vacation. Real Estate agent Sue Klement knows all of the communities on Anna Maria Island and can help you make an ocean side lifestyle a reality. Contact Sue anytime at 941-720-4107.
Click here to watch Tour Anna Maria Island Video I
Click here to watch Tour Anna Maria Island Video II
Long Boat Key
Longboat Key is a tranquil, elegant, upscale barrier island community located to the west of Sarasota on Florida’s west coast. The Town lies within Manatee County on the north end and the southern portion is in Sarasota County. The island is surrounded by the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and serene Sarasota Bay.
The area is popular among retirees and is also a desirable resort and second home community. Longboat Key has a population of approximately 8,000 permanent residents which increases to approximately 21,000 during tourist season. The island features many unique and expensive Gulf front condominiums in distinctive high rise buildings as well as single family homes on canals mostly on the Bay side.
Gulf of Mexico Drive is the only main thoroughfare and runs north-south through the eleven mile long island. Entry to the town is via draw bridges, from the south by New Pass Bridge connecting Longboat Key and Lido Key and Longboat Pass Bridge on the north leading to Anna Maria Island.
Three small shopping centers are located on the island: Whitney Beach Shopping Plaza, The Centre Shops of Longboat Key, and Avenue of the Flowers Shopping Plaza. St. Armands Circle is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. There are more than 150 stores located on this renowned Key and you can spend the day exploring the shops and relaxing in the restaurants. Whether you’re looking for high fashion clothing and jewelry boutiques or casual beachwear, you can find it on St. Armands Key.
Sarasota’s many cultural centers are only minutes away from Longboat key, including the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Asolo Theater, Ringling Museum, Sarasota Ballet and Opera, and several other live theaters. The area is populated by wildlife as well. These waters are home to manatee, dolphins, and fish, while pelicans, osprey, and a variety of shorebirds call land home.
For active young families to retirees, considering a distinctive home or condominium Real Estate agent Sue Klement knows Longboat Key and can guide you in your search. Give Sue a call anytime, 941-720-4107.
Town of Longboat Key
Click here to Watch Longboat Key Video Tour
Northwest Bradenton
Northwest Bradenton is a part of the City of Bradenton and is located where the Manatee River empties into Tampa Bay. It is an upscale community of impressive homes and estates revered for its winding old growth oak tree lined streets many with beautiful riverfront views. Northwest Bradenton is among the most prominent and historic areas of Manatee County being located, where on a hot day in May 1539, Spaniard Hernando de Soto came ashore intent on capturing the riches of La Florida. The De Soto National Memorial located in Northwest Bradenton is comprised of approximately 26 acres on a spit of land at the mouth of the Manatee River where it meets Tampa Bay. The park has over 3000 feet of shoreline and is comprised of mangrove swamp and pine flatlands. The park is open free to the public.
Most recently Robinson Preserve opened and it features paddle and hiking trails, boardwalks, a 40 foot tall observation tower, and a Visitors Center. The preserve allows visitors to experience a Native salt marsh habitat.
Just fifteen minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and equally convenient to downtown Bradenton, residential opportunities abound in Northwest Bradenton’s prestigious riverfront, from newer condominiums to luxurious waterfront mansions, there are choices to suit every lifestyle in these historic waterside neighborhoods. To learn more call Real Estate Sue Klement anytime at 941-729-4107.
Sarasota
Sarasota is one of America's most desirable places to raise a family, live and work. Forbes Magazine has named Sarasota one of the best places for business and careers citing the clean air, sparkling white powdery sand beaches and warm sunny climate that have made it world famous as a center for the good life. Money magazine recognized it as the nation's best small city, one of the best places to retire, and one of the cities with the best health care systems.
With over 600,000 people, the Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte area is one of the largest, most affluent markets in Florida. In the last 5 years, it has grown 4 times faster than the national average.
The beauty of Sarasota will get your attention on your first visit. The colors of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay highlight the sugar white sand of Longboat, Lido, and Siesta beaches.
Fun recreational and cultural events offer activities for every taste and budget. Sarasota offers big city amenities with a small town style of living. The center of the Theater and Arts District provides many different experiences, including Main Street, a setting for art festivals, many fine dining restaurants, and even a Saturday morning Farmers Market. Just off Main, discover Palm Avenue’s many fine art galleries, the antique shops of Pineapple Avenue, and the picture perfect Sarasota waterfront. Naturalists will love the nearby Selby Botanical Gardens, featuring tropical plants from bamboo to exotic orchids. Sarasota is also a great golfing community with over 50 courses in the area.
Sarasota boasts some of the oldest and newest real estate in the area. Some homes were built over 50 years ago. Others are new, gated waterfront estates with manicured grounds, marble foyers, high ceilings, the newest technological advances and spectacular views. There are many elegant and sophisticated condominiums also available.
Sarasota is a tropical paradise on the Gulf of Mexico that offers abundant natural beauty, cultural tradition, plenty of sunshine and top-rated schools.
Come enjoy the breathtaking sunsets, educational museums, operas, ballets, plays, water sports, golf tournaments, and boat races. Real Estate agent Sue Klement says: “there are residential options for every lifestyle, including golf and country club communities, waterfront, single - family homes and condominiums plus historic old world homes. To learn more call Sue anytime at 941-729-4107.
Click here to watch Sarasota tour video.
Lakewood Ranch
Lakewood Ranch is an 8,500 acre planned community, a place to live, work and play, located on the east side of Bradenton, close to I-75. There are seven villages populated by townhomes to multi-million dollar mansions. It has been designated as the largest green-certified community in the US, every home here meets the Florida Green Building Coalition's Green Home Standard. Here, you're as likely to run into an osprey, otter or deer as you are your next-door neighbor.
Lakewood Ranch is a community with fine and family oriented restaurants, top rated schools (one of the primary reasons families choose to live here), specialty shops and boutiques, business parks, Manatee Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, three different golf courses; an athletic center, swimming pools and 18 lighted tennis courts. There’s over 80 clubs including Polo and Cricket clubs and 21 places of worship. There are more than 150 miles of trails, lakes, parks, and nature preserves; in fact, half of the land at Lakewood Ranch is set aside as open or recreational space.
Arts and Culture are important at Lakewood Ranch. Enjoy Music on Main, An Evening Under the Stars, the Suncoast Wine Festival and Art at the Ranch are favorites and close by are the theaters and cultural events in Sarasota and Tampa. Lakewood Ranch is a great place to live, shop, and work. With Interstate 75 right at the western edge of the community there is easy access to everywhere. Sarasota airport is only a few miles away and Tampa airport is less than an hour. The Gulf beaches with miles of sugar-white sand are about half an hour to the West. To learn more call Real Estate Sue Klement anytime at 941-729-4107.
Click here to watch Lakewood Ranch Video Tour
Ellenton
Ellenton is located to the north east of the area’s largest city, Bradenton. The town is built along the shores of the Manatee River and features many beautiful river front communities and homes. The population in July 2009 was 3,436.
Ellenton is a fairly young community where the median age is 46. The median household income has grown from $32,570 in 2000 to the present level of $41,250.
Ellenton is a shopper’s paradise since it is home to The Prime Outlet Shopping Mall, a Caribbean style village which is the largest outlet center in west Florida. Since Florida has such consistently pleasant weather all 130 factory outlet stores open to the outside and are reached by covered outdoor walkways surrounded by lush foliage and fountains. Some of the factory outlet stores here are Coach, Banana Republic, the Gap, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Avenue's 'Off Fifth' and Ann Taylor as well as many, many others. The Prime Outlet Shopping Mall also features a full food court, with inside and outside dining.
Located just North of the Prime Outlet Mall is the 115,000 square foot "igloo-like" complex that features two NHL size ice rinks, a 13,500 sq/ft indoor soccer/football field, a fitness center, video game room, conference rooms, concessions area, birthday party rooms. So escape from the summer heat to an ice skating rink!
The Gamble Mansion and Plantation Historic State Park are also located in Ellenton. This antebellum mansion is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were donated to the state. Today, the mansion is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are available regularly.
Real Estate agent Sue Klement says: “there are residential options for every lifestyle in Ellenton, including golf communities, waterfront, single - family homes and condominiums. To learn more call Sue anytime at 941-720-4107.
Click here to watch Ellenton Tour Video
Palmetto
Palmetto is a waterfront community located on the Gulf of Mexico, just north of Bradenton. The City is approximately seven square miles in size with a population of a little over 14,000 residents. Its southern boundary is the Manatee River which provides for wonderful waterfront shopping and restaurants with views of yachts and other pleasure boats which use the river for access to the Gulf of Mexico.
Palmetto has seen considerable growth with the construction of several condominium developments, many with panoramic water views. The City continues to maintain balance between growth and expansion, while maintaining the “Old Florida” character that residents have come to love.
The City features over 60 acres of green space, 12 public parks and an estuary park next to the Manatee River.
Real Estate agent Sue Klement says: “there are residential options for every lifestyle, including golf and country club communities, waterfront, single - family homes and condominiums and Historic old - world homes. To learn more call Sue anytime at 941-720-4107.
Cortez
When you need to slow your life down a bit and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider Cortez, Florida. You can take a stroll through the entire village in an afternoon but you would be missing the history of Florida’s early days.
Cortez is located on the northern edge of Sarasota Bay just across the intercoastal waterway from Anna Maria Island. Cortez has one of the few remaining active commercial fishing waterfronts in Florida. In fact, this historic village would probably not even exist today if not for the fishing for mullet a delicious fish that can only be caught by net.
One of the early fishing operations still exists today. The Star Fish Company dates back to the early 1920s and expanded to a retail market operation in the 1960s which now includes a small dockside outdoor restaurant that still serves fresh Florida seafood. It’s known for its quintessential seaside dining on picnic tables where diners enjoy watching fishing boats as they pass by the seagulls and pelicans perched on the pylons.
Although commercial fishing is definitely not as dominant today in Cortez, the nearly 5,000 residents continue to try to preserve the maritime and cultural history and attraction of the little village.
Quaint vintage homes share Cortez with some new home construction in keeping with the heritage of the Village. Real Estate agent Sue Klement knows Cortez and invites you to see the homes, waterfront views and the gorgeous sunsets. Give Sue a call anytime at 941-720-4107.
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