Northwest Bradenton

Northwest Bradenton stands out, albeit quietly, among the city’s neighborhoods. “It’s like a community within a community,” says Jade Eller, a Realtor with Preferred Shore who grew up there. “It’s very secluded and private. It’s a really good family neighborhood.”

The neighborhood is known for its housing. “There are some nice upscale neighborhoods and a lot of upscale homes on the Manatee River,” says Kathy Valente, a Realtor with Michael Saunders & Company. The riverfront estates are the neighborhood’s largest and most-expensive homes, typically listing for $5 million or more. Inland, prices range from $500,000 to almost $2 million. Established midcentury homes often featuring ranch-style architecture occupy the lower end of the range, while custom homes typically featuring private pools occupy the higher end. The most sought-after of those homes are found at The Loop, a prestigious gated community that features a variety of architecturally distinct homes typically listing in the $1.5 million range. “The home values just keep going up because it’s a very desirable place to live,” says Eller.

Younger students can attend neighborhood schools Stewart Elementary, a traditionally high-performing institution rated 9 out of 10 by GreatSchools, and Martha B. King Middle. Older students can attend Manatee High, the oldest public high school in the city.

Northwest Bradenton is surrounded by water – the river on the north and Palma Sola Bay on the south and west. The Palma Sola Causeway on Manatee Avenue is a popular spot for residents who want to launch a boat, fish or just relax on a convenient stretch of beach. A few miles further west, Manatee Avenue connects directly across the bay to Anna Maria Island and its miles of white-sand beaches. The island can be accessed from the river as well. That journey often begins at Blenkers Boatworks & Marina, a full-service facility where boaters can stock up for a quick trip west to Anna Maria or east along the scenic Bradenton riverfront. And when the day is done, you can return home with your boat in tow. “There are no significant HOAs or any CDDs, so you’ll see a lot of boats parked in driveways,” says Eller. “It’s nice to be able to do that in a very popular boating neighborhood.”

The neighborhood is home to a pair of popular waterfront attractions. DeSoto National Memorial park commemorates the 16th century arrival of Spanish explorers to the Tampa Bay region. It’s a popular spot for kayak tours and summer youth camps. Robinson Preserve is a sprawling 600-acre tract that serves as a neighborhood park. Visitors can access the park through the main entrance, via boat at the aquatic entrance or by foot through a hike-in entrance from nearby Perico Island. “The preserve is really nice,” says Valente. “There are about 4 miles of hiking and walking paths. You can ride a bike. You can launch a kayak. People really like that aspect of living here.” Adds Eller, “It’s definitely an active neighborhood.” There’s more activity than ever before after a recent expansion, which added roughly 150 acres. New amenities include an observation tower and state-of-the art rubber mulch trails. “It’s like you’re bouncing along,” says Eller.

Retail and dining is concentrated on the south side of the neighborhood along Manatee Avenue. Beachway Plaza is anchored by a Publix and also includes the neighborhood’s favorite pizza place. “Danny’s Pizzeria is really popular,” says Eller. “It’s back in the original owner’s hands, and everyone is really happy about that.” Manatee Avenue is lined with stores and eateries. A few miles east is a Bradenton institution. The Shake Pit has been serving up ice cream and comfort food for decades. “That’s been there since my dad was in high school!” exclaims Eller.

High-end homes and natural attractions make Northwest Bradenton a uniquely appealing choice.

Written By

Matt Pallister

Photography Contributed By

Leila Sally

Video By

Austin Lewis