$789,540Average Value$276Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Life in Waterlefe: a gated golf and boating community
Waterlefe is a gated, master planned community in Bradenton that captures the Florida lifestyle in a way few neighborhoods can. Set along the Manatee River, it’s one of the rare places where you can enjoy both golf and boating, with the ability to cruise straight out to the Gulf of Mexico. Life here is built around amenities and connection, with the Master Property Owners’ Association maintaining the community and its shared spaces. That combination makes Waterlefe especially popular with retirees and anyone drawn to an active Florida lifestyle.
The River Club and community amenities
Waterlefe offers the kind of amenities you’d normally expect at a resort, but here they’re simply part of everyday life. “Waterlefe has an incredible sense of community centered around the River Club, our community clubhouse,” says Steve Slocum, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has lived in Waterlefe since 2000 and is proud to be one of its original residents. “It has become and will always be the focal point of why Waterlefe offers more.” The River Club serves as Waterlefe’s main social and dining hub and includes:
A heated saltwater pool with a spacious patio and tiki bar
An indoor fitness center with programs like yoga and Zumba
A members-only formal dining room for dinner and Sunday brunch
A more casual bistro and bar overlooking the Manatee River
A community library where residents can check out books
The River Club is funded through MPOA fees, and all purchases made there count toward Waterlefe’s annual $500 food-and-beverage minimum. Just next door, The Pointe has a playground and a private launch for kayaking and canoeing. Golf Club membership is optional and provides access to the 18-hole golf course with preferred tee times. The Golf Club is also home to the Sunset Grille at Waterlefe, which is open to the public. Boaters can join the Marina Club for a riverfront slip or rent space at The Cove, while fishing spots, walking trails and social clubs make it easy to stay active and meet neighbors. “We even have our own friendly way to say hello called the ‘Waterlefe wave,’” Slocum says.
Finding the right home in Waterlefe
Mediterranean-style homes give Waterlefe a classic Florida feel. The community has just over 600 homes spread across a few different sub-sections, including:
The Villas, maintenance-free villas with landscaping included
The Shores, gated waterfront homes, many with private docks
The Sound, paired estate homes at the end of Fish Hook Cove
The Watch and The Watch II, two- and three-bedroom condos
Home sizes vary widely, making it easy to find something that fits your needs. “Waterlefe offers single-family homes from 1,850 square feet to grand estates nearing 6,500 square feet,” Slocum says. “A good number of homes even include backyard boat docks, which is fairly unique.” That range of home types also spans a wide price range. Single-family homes typically start in the low $500,000s and can reach up to $2.5 million for high-end riverfront estates, while condos generally sell from the low $300,000s to the low $400,000s. Each subsection has its own HOA fees, but all homeowners pay annual MPOA dues of about $3,300, which cover River Club maintenance and basic cable and internet. You might hear people compare Waterlefe to River Strand or Heritage Harbour, but those communities don't offer the same boating access along the Manatee River.
What to know about flooding and insurance
Riverfront homes here naturally carry a higher flood risk, but Waterlefe overall has a lower flood risk than many waterfront communities, which can lead to more manageable insurance costs. “I could have a great house right on the water and still pay a fraction of what insurance would cost on the beach or in the Keys,” says Joe Murphy, a broker associate with Coldwell Banker Realty who has lived in Waterlefe for more than 20 years.
Location and convenience around Waterlefe
One of the biggest perks of living in Waterlefe is that you don’t have to leave the community for recreation, dining or entertainment. “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,” Murphy says. When residents do head out, State Road 64 and I-75 make getting around easy. “Waterlefe feels like it’s out in the country, yet you’re close to shopping like Costco, Publix, Aldi, Target and a growing number of options all within five minutes of the gates,” Slocum says. For a night out, he adds that restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar are nearby in Lakewood Ranch. Larger shopping trips are convenient as well, with The Mall at University Town Center located just off I-75.
Getting around beyond the gates
Golf carts are a common way to get around inside Waterlefe, but you’ll need a car once you head outside the gates. Both Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center are about a 10-mile drive away, while Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is less than 20 miles away. With quick access to I-75, it’s also easy to get to Sarasota, Tampa and the surrounding areas.
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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterlefe, Bradenton over the last 12 months is $582,500, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautiful condo is located on the 8th fairway of Waterlefe Golf & River Club is being sold turnkey furnished. In the evenings, relax on the lanai while enjoying beautiful sunsets overlooking the golf course and pond. This 2-bedroom, 2 baths plus den home is very well maintained. The master bedroom features a king size bed while the second bedroom has a queen size bed and a sleeper sofa in
Welcome to luxury maintenance-free living in the highly sought-after Waterlefe Golf & River Club. This spacious second-floor residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and approximately 2,343 square feet of beautifully designed living space with stunning golf course and water views. The open-concept floor plan features high ceilings, abundant natural light, a spacious great room, and an expansive
Light and bright, this beautifully appointed Waterlefe condo is certain to delight! Enjoy entertaining on your private screened balcony overlooking the 9th tee of the Waterlefe Golf Course with fresh breezes from the nearby Manatee river. The spacious floorplan with 2343 SF includes 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms AND a Den. Other features include High ceilings, Continuous Tile Floors throughout,
Located within the gated community of Waterlefe Golf & River Club, this residence on Big Bass Place offers a compelling mix of privacy, space, and meaningful structural upgrades, paired with a layout that works for everyday living. Set along a quiet interior street, the home immediately makes an impression with 22-foot soaring ceilings and a bright, open interior that creates volume without
Discover a rare lifestyle opportunity in Bradenton’s premier golf and marina community. This former model home at Waterlefe Golf & River Club is situated on a unique "double bonus" lot, offering panoramic views of both the water and the challenging par-5 sixth hole. Premium Upgrades & Modern Infrastructure were Designed for peace of mind and efficiency as this residence features full impact-rated
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Original owner and very private Bonus Room Hemingway-model with views of a great bass fishing pond and the 3rd hole at Waterlefe Golf & River Club, the areas Only golf & boating community. This adaptable floor plan is waiting for your personal touches and features a versatile bonus room, perfect for a second home office, media lounge, or create your
Experience the peak of maintenance-free living in Bradenton’s premier golf and marina community: Waterlefe Golf & River Club. This upgraded residence offers a rare blend of culinary-grade infrastructure and modern design. A chef’s vision realized, the heart of this home was reimagined by a professional with a culinary arts degree, resulting in a kitchen that functions as beautifully as it looks.
Experience effortless living and unmatched freedom in this beautifully crafted condo, nestled within the unique Waterlefe Golf & River Club community. Enjoy stunning views of both the water and golf course, along with access to a host of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle.This rarely available Stonington floorplan boasts contemporary Bamboo floors throughout, creating a clean and
Virtually Staged. Experience true resort-style living in the HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER, amenity-rich Waterlefe Golf & River Club, where everyday life feels like a getaway. From a Championship Golf Course and Marina on the Manatee River to a vibrant River Club with dining, fitness, social events, and scenic nature trails, this gated community offers a lifestyle that is both active and relaxing, all in
Stunning water and golf course views define this exceptional estate in the prestigious Waterlefe Golf & River Club, where refined luxury meets resort-style living. Designed for grand entertaining and everyday comfort, this expansive residence offers six bedrooms, five and a half baths, two primary suites located on both the main and upper levels, a private gated courtyard entry, and a separate
This distinguished condominium presents an impressive view of the Manatee River and is located within the esteemed Waterlefe Golf and River Club. Waterlefe is a premier golfing and boating community in Manatee County, Florida, offering residents access to a championship 18-hole golf course, private marina, clubhouse with bar and restaurant, fitness center, junior Olympic pool, tiki bar, grille
Welcome to Waterlefe Golf & River Club, a hidden gem, situated along the Manatee River! Resort style Living. Premier Gated community. Perfect Florida Retreat. Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac. Within the Grounds Maintenance Free area, discover this immaculate, newly upgraded 2 Bedroom + Den, 2 Bath. Lives like new! Move-in Ready! Open, Great Room Design with freshly painted interior-2026. New Tile
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
AVAILABLE FOR 2027!!!! 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
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, study/office, large open family/great room, dining room,
Incredible pond and golf course views await the renter of this newly renovated turn-key furnished condo in Waterlefe Golf and River Club. This two bedroom, two bath unit with den has an open floorplan with picturesque views from most windows including a large picture window with automatic shades in the living room. Upgrades such as hardwood flooring and crown molding are just a few of the
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
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