$775,254Average Value$276Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
Waterlefe offers golf, boating and luxury in one gated community
Along the edge of the Manatee River, Waterlefe is one gated community in a sea of other gated communities. It’s surrounded by them, all with one activity taking center stage: golf. But in the waterfront community of Waterlefe, golf shares its spotlight with waterfront activities. “It’s the only place where you can have a golf course view and a boat in your backyard,” says Joe Murphy, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty who has lived in Waterlefe for 22 years. “People who move to Florida, usually they want one of three things. And that’s usually to be on the beach, or they want a boat in the backyard, or they want a golf course — and in Waterlefe, they can have two out of the three.” Murphy adds that the beach is only an hour away, so it’s still easy to get that third box checked off with simple day trips. “I’m obviously a little bit biased because I live there, but my wife and I have both grown up here in Florida our whole lives and I’ve been all over the area selling homes, and I haven’t found a neighborhood that can match,” Murphy says. “That’s why we chose to live here, why we’re on our second house here. … No matter where I’m coming from, I always love to drive through the main gates, because I love to feel that sense of relaxation, that I’m living in paradise.”
Golfing and boating along the Manatee River, abundant amenities
Waterlefe’s 18-hole championship golf course sits on 172 acres. Five of its holes brush against the river or wetlands, providing views and unique challenges. Instead of having a strictly deeded membership like surrounding communities, Waterlefe residents can sign up for membership or cancel it whenever they want. “So that’s a nice option because a lot of people who buy into these golf course neighborhoods play all the time when they’re in their fifties or even sixties, but what happens when they’re in their seventies or eighties and can’t play all the time anymore?” Murphy says. “Here in Waterlefe, you can cancel your membership and give up that expense. In a neighborhood where it’s mandatory, you’re going to have to pay that no matter what, whether you’re using it or not.” There are resident discounts for pay-to-play options. Waterlefe has two marinas where residents without private docks can purchase or lease slips. One has 59 slips and the second has 13. Murphy says the neighborhood’s big boating culture creates a more easy-going vibe than in a typical golf community. “I’ve been a boater my whole life and I grew up on the Keys; I’ve always had a boat, I say I have salt water in my blood, but the boating on the river is phenomenal because it’s a protected waterway,” Murphy says. “So even on a windy day, the water is manageable.” He says that the lack of a wake zone between the river and the Terra Ceia Bay also adds to the great boating. Waterlefe has plenty of other amenities, too, including nature trails, a heated saltwater pool with a tiki bar and a riverfront clubhouse with a 24/7 gym that offers activities like yoga classes.
Condominiums and single-family homes near or on the river
Waterlefe’s Mediterranean-style homes range from condominiums to large houses. Some of these houses are landlocked, but Murphy says that over 100 of them back up to the water and have private boat slips. Condominiums usually cost between $375,000 and $480,000. Single-family homes without direct water access start at $425,000 and can climb to about $925,000 for a larger home that borders a lake. Many of these houses also have small, private pools. Truly waterfront homes typically cost between $1 million and $2.8 million, with some of the more expensive homes measuring at around 6,000 square feet.
Flood insurance for waterfront homes, below average CAP Index
FEMA places parts of the yards of waterfront homes in Flood Zone AE, meaning there is a 1% annual risk of flooding, but the houses themselves are just outside the zone. Regardless, Murphy says that flood insurance here is much different than insurance on oceanfront beaches. “I could have a great house right on the water, but have insurance that was a quarter of what it would cost to live out on the Keys or on the beach,” Murphy says. The neighborhood has a minor risk of flooding but an extreme risk of high winds. This extreme risk is due to hurricane season, which is a big part of life throughout Florida, especially in areas near the coast or rivers like Waterlefe and even Bradenton as a whole. The CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Active social clubs and a yearly art show
Waterlefe’s many social clubs make it easy for residents to have an incredibly active social life. One of the most active, the Manatee River Artists Guild, hosts an art show every November. “Basically, we turn our whole clubhouse into an art exhibit and we have fundraisers and gift baskets and things like that,” Murphy says. Free and open to the public, local artists and crafters exhibit their work alongside children from local elementary and middle schools.
Upscale dining in Waterlefe with more options along SR 64
Waterlefe has two restaurants; The River Club is an upscale residents-only restaurant, while Waterlefe Bar & Grille is open to people visiting for golf as well as residents. “We have a very affordable $500 a year food and beverage minimum, so you can enjoy the socialization as much as you want,” Murphy says. “There’s not another place where you can golf in the morning, boat in the afternoon and then have dinner with friends and family in the evening, and that’s what you can do in Waterlefe.” Residents drive about 3 miles to State Road 64, often called SR 64, for shopping and dining options. Restaurants like Ed’s Tavern 64 and Miller’s Ale House are stretched along the major road, and residents can pick up groceries at Publix, ALDI, Costco or Walmart.
A few miles to I-75 and local hospitals
SR 64 is the closest major road, but access to Interstate 75 is less than 5 miles away. Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center are about 10 miles from home.
Manatee County public schools
Manatee County School District earns a B-plus from Niche. Children can attend Freedom Elementary School, which has an A-minus, and Carlos E. Haile Middle School, which has a B-plus. Parrish Community High School earns a B and offers extracurriculars like broadcasting, rowing and Dungeons and Dragons clubs.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Waterlefe
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Waterlefe Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Waterlefe, Bradenton sell after 101 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterlefe, Bradenton over the last 12 months is $567,500, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Set on a private lake with preserve and golf course views, this pristine, fully updated contemporary residence is located within the gated community of Waterlefe Golf & River Club. The setting offers a rare combination of water, greenery, and open sightlines while maintaining a strong sense of privacy. Completely move-in ready, the home has been thoughtfully updated throughout. The kitchen
Golf Course condo living defined here...as it's all about the view! Start each day as the sun rises along the first fairway - filling the unit with the morning sun and gaze upon the water and fairway as golden hour arrives, really, any time of day, you have to drink-in this view. Many updates included here like interior paint, floors, plantation shutters, quartz counters, painted cabinets with
Located a few yards from the 9th green at Waterlefe sits your next home - plus, it's in Waterlefe Golf & River Club - The areas Only Golf and Boating Community! Enjoy views of the 9th hole and the Saltwater Marsh that only gets better as we approach the Golden Hour - still the favorite spot in Waterlefe to drink in the beginning and end of another epic day. Updates include a new quartz counter in
Discover ultimate privacy in this upgraded Jacaranda model Including NEW ROOF within the gates of Waterlefe Golf & River Club—the only golf and marina community in the area. Positioned on an oversized corner lot within a double cul-de-sac, this original owner home features a rare side-load garage and professional landscape updates designed for privacy Recent Improvements here include New Roof
Thoughtfully Renovated 3-Bedroom Home with Professional Culinary Suite...All located in the area's only Golf & Marina Community...Waterlefe Golf & River Club.Reimagined for the modern host, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence features an open-concept floor plan that serves as a masterclass in functional luxury. The home's centerpiece is a bespoke culinary space that will truly be the heart
WATER VIEW VILLA in WATERLEFE GOLF & RIVER CLUB — the area’s ONLY COMMUNITY WITH BOTH BOATING & GOLF! With {NEARLY 2,000 SQ FT} of bright, inviting living space, this home combines COMFORT, STYLE, and EASY LIVING whether full-time or seasonal. Welcome to the Jacaranda model. Step inside to a SPACIOUS DINING & LIVING AREA highlighted by a BAY WINDOW and TRAY CEILING. The light, airy color palette
Seeking the perfect blend of comfort and resort-style living? This second-floor, partially furnished Grand Haven condo in Waterlefe Golf & River Club is now seeking new ownership—offering a rare opportunity to enjoy elegant design, spacious living, and captivating views. With over 2,300 square feet of thoughtfully planned space, this residence features three bedrooms, two baths, and a versatile
WELCOME TO WATERLEFE, WHERE YOUR PERFECT FLORIDA RETREAT AWAITS! Maintenance-assisted, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home and turn-key furnished - ready for you to start enjoying the exclusive and relaxed life style you've always dreamed about in a highly sought after Golf and Boating Community on the sunny west coast of Florida along the shores of the Manatee River. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac street, the
Welcome to 927 River Basin Ct, a stunning residence in the highly coveted, gated community of Waterlefe Golf & River Club—where luxury meets lifestyle. This beautifully maintained home features three spacious bedrooms (one currently used as a game room), two full baths, and an open floor plan designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining. Rich hardwood floors grace the office and
Take a look at this beautiful 1st floor condo with ALL NEW STAINLESS STEAL APPLIANCES, NEW ROOF and NEW EXTERIOR PAINT!! This charming first-floor condo is in the highly sought-after Waterlefe Golf and River Club which is a premier Golf and Marina community! This bright and airy Condo offers 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a den, a large kitchen, and a separate dining area with a breakfast
Downstairs Condo sitting on the 8th green and Manatee River at Waterlefe Golf & River Club - now available seasonally OR Long Term rental! Included in the fees are Electric, Gas and Water...Living on the Manatee River AND the Golf Course this unit features THE VIEW! Watch the Manatee River daily or your new friends challenge the 8th hole at Waterlefe - the choice is up to you. Waterlefe living
Leased 12/15/25 thru 3/31/2026 - this Waterlefe Condo with views of the 8th Fairway and Manatee River behind the green offers you space, privacy and the Resort-Style Amenities you've been looking for! The Grand Haven Floorplan offers Soaring Ceilings, Open Concept Great room, large bedrooms all with Walk-In Closets and a den/office should you need the space for working/studying while home. The
Absolutely beautiful single family home in Waterlefe is available to rent!! This unfurnished Jacaranda model property has 2 bedrooms plus a den, 2 bathrooms and boasts 2,004 square feet. The home has an open floor plan, large living room/dining room combination and split bedrooms. The kitchen has granite countertops, wood cabinets and lots of counter space for cooking/preparing. The living room
Beautiful ground floor condo on a preserve lot located in the much sought after Waterlefe Golf & River Club. A gated, golf and boating community. Spacious open floorplan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate formal dining area, and 2-car garage, living areas have tile floors and carpet in the bedrooms. Kitchen with granite counters, 42" cabinets, breakfast bar, and a eat-in kitchen area. Large
BOOKED JAN-MAR 2026. AVAILABLE APRIL 2026 AT $10,500/MONTH. BEAUTIFUL 5 BEDROOM/4 BATH WATERFRONT POOL HOME IN WATERLEFE GOLF & RIVER CLUB. This immaculate turnkey furnished waterfront single family pool home has 5 bedrooms (the 5th bedroom is currently used as a study/office, (closet is a locked Owner's Closet)/4 bathrooms and features the following: The main level has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,
THE WATCH AT WATERLEFE GOLF AND RIVER COUNTRY CLUB. This community is absolutely beautiful as you will notice after entering through the security gate. This condo features 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and an office/den with a 2 car garage and situated on the golf course. Enjoy the fresh air outside in either the screened lanai or the open patio right off the master bedroom. This home has a open floor
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