WHY CHOOSE MANATEE COUNTY?

Manatee County has consistently been named one of the best places to retire in the country and the reasons are obvious. The laid back lifestyle, cultural charm, average 75° year-round temperature, and island feel are just some of the reasons that set Manatee County apart as a residential destination. 

No matter what is drawing you to Manatee County — whether it is transferring to a new job, retirement, or looking for a great place to raise your family — the city has everything you need. The area is known for amazing water views, aquariums, and a laid-back vibe. 

Bradenton Weather

The summers can be extremely hot, but the cool breeze off of the water makes the temperatures more than manageable. The highs in the summer range between the mid-80s and the low 90s. The winter months are the coldest but rarely get below 40 degrees, with an average of around 50 degrees. The time of year that boasts the best weather in the area is between late February and early May as well as late October to early December. These times of year are cooler but still full of sunshine. 

The area does see a decent amount of precipitation, though the amount varies significantly from year to year. The wettest season in the area is from June through September, with over a 40% chance of rain on any day. The lowest chance of precipitation comes in late fall. 

Bradenton Demographics

Bradenton is considered an average-sized city just shy of 50,000 people, with over 20,000 households residing in the city. It does have a relatively higher population density, however, with just over 4,000 people per square mile. While the racial makeup of the city is primarily Caucasian, there is still some diversity in the mix with African Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders making up most of the rest of the population. 

The area has many families but is also known for its large retirement population, with 25% of the population over the age of 65. The average age of residents is 42 years old. Median household incomes are lower than much of the nation, with a median income of $34,902 in the city and a median family income of $42,366. Unlike many other cities in Florida, many of the residents of the city were born in the state of Florida. 

History of the City

The history of Bradenton can be traced back to the 1840s when Joesph and Hector Braden built a log cabin just south of the river in the hopes of establishing a new plantation along the Manatee. Unfortunately, Hector Braden drowned in 1846. 

The tragedy did not deter his brother, however, and soon Joesph had a built a sugar plantation and a sugar mill where the Braden and Manatee Rivers meet. By the early 1850s, his plantation home was completed and became referred to as "Braden Castle." While the house is no longer intact, you can still see the ruins today, and the area was a popular spot for picnics in the earlier 1900s.

The property had fallen into disrepair after mounting debt caused Joseph to lose the property and return to Tallahassee in 1857. The area finally saw more growth in the 1870s when it was established as Fort Braden and drew in a number of investors and business owners. 

The first mayor of the city suggested the name Bradentown in honor of Joseph Braden. The original name was misspelled though, and the area was known as "Braidentown" until the railroad came through in the early 1900s, and the name was changed to the proper spelling. 

The town became a tourist destination during the 20s and began to flourish. As the town grew, a new city hall and courthouse were constructed. As tourism became a mainstay in the city, it eventually changed its nickname and motto to "A Friendly City." 

Living in Bradenton

Bradenton has a high livability score, with top marks in amenities and weather. One of the popular reasons for residents to move to Bradenton is that the city and surrounding areas offer plenty to see and do both. Some of the most popular area attractions include the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium & Parker Manatee Aquarium, De Soto National Monument, and Robinson Nature Preserve. 

Another important factor that prompts many people to consider a move to the area is the affordability of the local real estate. The median price for a home in the city is around $135,000, which is over 18% lower than the average in the state and considerably lower than the national average. Even though the housing costs are low, the area is still expected to achieve steady appreciation over the year, with an appreciation average of 4.9% on property during the year and 10.7% projected five-year growth. 

Best Neighborhoods in Bradenton

There is a diverse range of neighborhoods in the city of Bradenton, and determining which area is best for you will have a lot to do with how much you can afford to pay for your home as well as what type of lifestyle suits your taste.

Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch is made up of more than 20 unique villages. Each offers distinctive homes & amenities, so we offer something for every size family and every stage of life. Some have golf courses, some are gated, some are 55-plus. All are close to our town centers and A-rated schools. Compare them all to find the combination that suits you.

Top 10 Reasons to Relocate to Lakewood Ranch