Burgeoning Neighborhoods

Five neighborhoods in the Bradenton area are getting hotter by the minute.

SRQ Magazine | May 2022

By Abby Weingarten

From the Bradenton River District, Riverview Boulevard and Northwest Bradenton to Downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island’s Key Royale, each corner of Manatee County has its own signature charm and in-demand market.

Bradenton River District

North of Manatee Avenue, positioned between historic Fogartyville and Wares Creek, is a tranquil, oak-tree-lined section of Bradenton known as the Bradenton River District. This district encompasses the area between the 1900 Block and 26th Street West, with the Manatee River at the ends of the streets. Homes in this area range from early-1900s construction to brand-new structures, and residents soak in views of Wares Creek, Point Pleasant, Palmetto and Downtown Bradenton. Some of the original settlers of Bradenton even called this area home.

“This district is a very hot neighborhood, and most Bradenton people called it ‘Old Bradenton’ for many years. In 2001, I named it the Bradenton River District, because I’m a strong believer in naming something for more value,” says Brenda Boyd May, the owner of Boyd Realty LLC, which was established in 1952 in Manatee County. “Several local people have started moving down to the exciting River District, and lots of houses have been remodeled or torn down and rebuilt. All of the streets have historical street lights and lead to the Manatee River. It is a lovely times-past neighborhood that is very hard to get into.”

The proximity to Downtown Bradenton, and the fact that the area is just minutes from the beaches, makes the Bradenton River District one of the most sought-after locations in Manatee County. It is within the Bradenton city limits yet not limited by deed restrictions, which lends the district to an eclectic array of homes. There are no cookie-cutter structures in this vicinity.

“Majestic oaks and established vegetation provide a bucolic setting found in this small area of town,” says Lynne Callahan, a realtor with Michael Saunders & Company. “A sense of neighborhood, front porches, dog walkers and even ducks call this area home.”

Riverview Boulevard

While most West Bradenton neighborhoods are located north of Manatee Avenue, the Riverview Boulevard area extends all the way to De Soto Memorial Highway and De Soto Memorial Park. Riverview Boulevard has always been one of the most prestigious streets in Manatee County, with its winding, tree-lined stretches from Northwest Bradenton to Downtown Bradenton.

The majority of homes along Riverview Boulevard were built in the 1950s and 1960s, though many have been extensively renovated or torn down and rebuilt. The north side of the Boulevard is lined with waterfront estates along the Manatee River—most with dazzling water views, located on deep-water parcels with direct Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico access via the Manatee River. The south side of the Boulevard has a diversity of homes on large lots and, in many instances, these homes have a peek at the Manatee River.

“Riverview Boulevard has more multi-million-dollar houses than any other location in Bradenton,” May says. Kathy Valente, a realtor with Michael Saunders & Company, adds that Riverview Boulevard homes also have access to the Warner’s Bayou boat ramp (which is situated on a deep-water bayou and has a boat launch).

“You can go kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, or simply enjoy a day of fishing from the boat ramp,” Valente says. “The boater enthusiast will relish life on the Manatee River with its easy access to the Gulf waters, with no bridges.” The Riverview Boulevard area is also close to hospitals, shopping districts, the Bradenton Country Club, public and private schools (including Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School and IMG Academy), De Soto Memorial Park and Robinson Preserve. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is less than a half-hour drive away.

The neighborhood is ideal for serious anglers and beach lovers because of its proximity to area waterways. And the fact that there are no deed restrictions in the Riverview Boulevard area is another benefit to buyers.

Northwest Bradenton

When it comes to Northwest Bradenton—the area north of Manatee Avenue West—there are plenty of single-family homes with an Old Florida vibe, as well as small sections of condos and villages. Of the latter, one of the newest developments is Harbour Isles, which offers a mixture of vacation-style condo living and single-family, carriage-style homes with a clubhouse overlooking Anna Maria Sound.

New commercial construction is booming and family-centric amenities—like local farms, parks and beaches—are right around the corner from Northwest Bradenton homes. “Northwest Bradenton has that small-town feel of family-oriented demographics, but it also has a level of vacationing families at the same time,” says Gregory Zies, a realtor with Michael Saunders & Company.

Primarily, this area is a well-established neighborhood but there is still a sprinkling of newer construction, Zies says. One of the main perks of living in Northwest Bradenton is the nearness to Palma Sola Bay, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, as well as the Robinson Preserve, De Soto Memorial Park and two public boat ramps. Northwest Bradenton is also home to Palma Sola Botanical Park, as well as Geraldson’s Family Farm (an 11-acre farm that is open to the public for picking fresh fruits and vegetables). The area continues to expand around these local gems.

“It’s been several years since we’ve seen the amount of commercial activity in Northwest Bradenton that we are seeing right now. Target is currently in the process of renovating our old Kmart, located at Manatee Avenue West and 75th Street Northwest, which is also marketing for additional anchor stores,” Zies says. “We also have a number of restaurants going through permitting and construction, as well as other commercial projects breaking ground.”

Downtown Bradenton

Downtown Bradenton is undoubtedly in rebirth mode. The area offers a mix of condominiums, apartments and single-family homes (many of which are historic bungalows). And there are plenty of small and large condo communities with Manatee River views.

“Downtown Bradenton will climb vertically in the future with hotels and condos. Point Pleasant is the home of Tropicana Founder Anthony Rossi, and it is a beautiful point on the Manatee River with turn-of-the-century houses and mid-century condos,” May says. “The architecture is a graceful reminder of the past. And the Bradenton River District can be seen across the Manatee River.”

Debbie Vogler, a realtor with Michael Saunders & Company, says that the residences in Downtown Bradenton (100-plus-year-old homes right near newer structures) exemplifies the diversity of it buyers. “This combination of old and new is reflected in the demographics of the residents—from active retirees to young professionals,” Vogler says. Downtown Bradenton has everything from the Manatee Performing Arts Center to the Village of the Arts to LECOM Park for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ spring training and the Bradenton Marauders’ minor league baseball games. The downtown Riverwalk is rife with walking paths, a playground, a water play area, an amphitheater, day docks, a fishing pier, a sand volleyball court and a skateboarding park.

“Plenty of restaurants, bars and shops downtown make for a vibrant feel,” Vogler says. “The many activities, including the public market on Saturdays and the annual blues fest, draw people to Downtown Bradenton, and many buyers want to live there for the convenience and entertainment.”