$589,124Average Value$576Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes For Sale
Beachy, laid-back living in a historic fishing village
History lives in Cortez, one of the few remaining commercial fishing villages on Florida's Gulf Coast. “Historic Cortez is a gem,” says Kathy Cahill, a Realtor with Keller Williams on the Water. Founded in the late 19th century, Cortez was once so remote it was easier to access by sea than by land. Today it occupies a fairly busy area that connects Bradenton to the barrier island community of Bradenton Beach. “You’re on Sarasota Bay, just a hop, skip and a jump to the beaches,” says Cahill. “It’s quaint and historic, but you can also find a brand-new home. It has museums and a lot of things to do. It’s very unique.” Just west of Bradenton, Cortez is surrounded by quickly developing areas, but its community has also worked hard to preserve the special, "Old Florida" aspects of their neighborhood. Pristine, white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, fishing, paddling or boating out on the water, and public parks with carefully preserved natural habitats are all parts of life in Cortez that many residents love. It's "Wonderful having the Gulf breezes coming in and sitting at a little restaurant near the fishing docks to watch the sunset," says Cahill, explaining that fresh-caught seafood and boating are both essential parts of Cortez. With a traditional fishing community that has managed to survive amidst a modern and quickly growing society, Cortez is a unique slice of living history on Florida's sunny western coast inviting tourists, residents and buyers alike to spend some time relaxing, listening to the water and getting to know what makes Cortez so close to the hearts of its tight-knit community.
Cortez is surrounded with small islands separating it from Bradenton Beach.
Fishermen can be seen out on their boats of all sizes daily in Cortez neighborhood.
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Heading outdoors on Florida's Gulf Coast
In Cortez, residents are always just minutes away from their next adventure on the water or relaxing time at the beach. Whether spotting sealife like dolphins or manatees in the Anna Maria Sound, fishing out in Palma Sola Bay or heading across Cortez Bridge to Bradenton Beach to spend some time swimming and relaxing on the Gulf Coast, Cortez residents have almost unlimited access to some of the Tampa Bay area's best natural features. Less than a mile across the sound from Cortez, Bradenton Beach is known for its family-friendly and laid-back vibe. Many of the beaches have natural, grassy sand dunes separating them from Gulf Drive, the island's main thoroughfare, and the sand is so fine that "It feels like powdered sugar," says Cahill. When residents are finished digging their toes in the white sand and enjoying the Gulf of Mexico's clear, blue-green water, they can head over to Robinson Preserve to see some classic Florida wildlife in a wetland ecosystem bordering the Tampa Bay. With raised wooden platforms and lookout towers to survey the landscape from, residents can look back in time at an undisturbed natural habitat full of both lush vegetation and vibrant wildlife, from osprey and eagles diving for fish to turtles sunning themselves on logs.
The Cortez area is rich in marine life and has a vigorous boating culture.
Cortez and Bradenton Beach was a fishing village then grew into a popular tourist hotspot.
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Coastal Florida homes with diverse pricing
Housing in Cortez includes everything from small homes, original and remodeled, that date back to the village’s earlier days to multimillion-dollar estate-sized homes on the water featuring state-of-the-art boat slips for the more recreational pursuits the village’s location allows. “You have charming homes in the fishing village portion and a lot of waterfront properties,” says Cahill. “You’ve got single-family homes, old and new, and beautiful condominiums. It’s just a great mix.” With an average sales price of about $583,000, which is about $40,000 dollars higher than the surrounding area of Manatee County, homes in the village range from ranch-styles and other traditional homes that sell for as low as $350,000 to elegant Key West and Spanish-revival homes with waterfront access that sell for over $2 million dollars. Homes here, especially older ones are often remodeled and feature luxurious outdoor spaces so residents can enjoy the balmy Florida weather from the comfort of their own homes. Condominiums, which include some of the village’s newest construction, range in price from the low $200,000s to almost $1 million.
Cortez neighborhood is known to be filled with so much charm in the little fishing town.
Don't want to deal with grass then fill your yard with shells & rocks in Cortez neighborhood.
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The Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival
Cortez has been recognized as a national historic district since 1995 and is home to the Cortez Culture Center and the Florida Maritime Museum, located in a renovated 1912 schoolhouse on 95 acres of protected land on the shores of Sarasota Bay. The land was purchased as part of grassroots efforts by the nonprofit Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage to prevent development and is known by locals as the F.I.S.H. Preserve. F.I.S.H. partners with the village each year for the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, a two-day event that celebrates the community’s heritage. The village also hosts the Ben Gullet Mullet Invitational, a cast net-only tournament that helps raise money for F.I.S.H. and the Cortez Historical Society.
Cortez neighborhood is a commercial fishing town which is one of the few left.
With Cortez neighborhood being a fishing town you can find fresh seafood everywhere.
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Waterfront restaurants and freshly caught seafood
Shopping and dining in Cortez is a highlight of the area and a must-see for those only visiting the area for a short time. There are several well-used fishing docks spread throughout the neighborhood along the water that residents can visit to watch fishing boats coming in for the day with their catches. At dinner time, little restaurants lining the docks are waiting for patrons to come in and enjoy seafood that comes straight from the ocean. One popular spot serving up daily fresh-caught specials is Swordfish Grill, while, for a little bit of everything and excellent views of the water, a local favorite is The Bridge Tender. Cahill recommends sitting outside by the "big tree with little twinkle lights" and loves the restaurant's grouper bites. For some quick groceries or fishing supplies, residents can stop by Cortez Market and, for more options, a full-service Winn-Dixie is located just east of the village along Cortez Road at the Shoppes of Paradise Bay.
There are a few waterfront restaurants to enjoy from Cortez kitchen to Swordfish Grill.
Want some fresh seafood for dinner then stop by Cortez Fish Market for their daily catches.
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Manatee County public schools and local education
Students in the neighborhood can attend Manatee County public schools like Seabreeze Elementary School, which receives a B-minus rating from Niche, W.D. Sugg Middle School, which receives a C rating and Bayshore High, which earns a C-plus according to Niche. Bayshore High is also a Cambridge International school. Bayshore High is also a Cambridge International school and features a College & Career Center to help students formulate their future plans.To get more educated on the local area, the Cortez Culture Center and Florida Maritime Museum are located right along Cortez Road: a relatively buzzy corridor that runs the length of the village. The center tells the story of the village from its founding to the present day, while the museum provides an array of exhibits and artifacts intended to promote and preserve the maritime heritage of communities like Cortez. A folk school on-site offers hands-on classes to teach the classic skills of the commercial fisherman.
Bayshore High School has 1,385 students in grades 9-12.
W.D. Sugg Middle School is a public school located in Bradenton, FL
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Getting around the greater Cortez area
Fortunately for Cortez residents, transportation is usually not an issue. When heading to the beach next door on Anna Maria island, residents can take the free island trolley all along the strip, or utilize the Manatee County public bus system to get around town so they don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Although traffic heading towards the beaches is heavier during tourist season, which is January through April, Cortez residents can normally expect fairly easy drives between destinations. To find the nearest hospital, residents can head just under six miles east along Cortez Road (44th Avenue) to find HCA Florida Blake Hospital. For out-of-state travelers, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is about 13 miles southeast along El Conquistador Parkway.
From fresh seafood daily to a 10 minute ride to the gulf of Mexico, Cortez neighborhood is home.
Public transportation helps your get around Cortez neighborhood & Bradenton.
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Written By
Bayley Malo
Video By
Matt Ferguson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Laade,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Cortez, FL sell after 146 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Cortez, FL over the last 12 months is $1,265,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the ultimate coastal boating lifestyle without the upkeep in this TURNKEY FURNISHED CONDO. Click Tour 2 for Matterport 3D Tour. Welcome to Smugglers Landing, a premier waterfront community offering a deeded boat slip and wide (New Docks Going In This Year), deep-water canals ideal for sailboats or large boats, with quick and easy access to Anna Maria Sound and the Gulf. The elevated
Never lived in, this former builder model in Hunters Point offers a rare opportunity to own a like-new coastal home with immediate enjoyment and flexibility. Option to purchase the furniture as well as renting it out to offer added flexibility for part-time use. Stunning never-lived-in model home on one of the largest lots in Hunters Point, offering excellent privacy and expanded waterfront views
Don't settle for just a "water view", when you can have "water frontage", directly on Sarasota Bay AND have the unobstructive view to enjoy those majestic sunsets without leaving home. This 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Jacobson home comes turnkey furnished for the convenience of moving right in after taking ownership! Outside in the front of your home, the newer pavers add space for extra parking,
BRAND NEW ROOF 4/26. Waterfront, Private Boat Dock, Canal, Minutes to Intercoastal, Cul de Sac, 10 min from gorgeous beaches, Newer Paver Circular Driveway, New Impact Front Door, New Sod. WATERFRONT HOME W/ PRIVATE DOCK, UNDER $600k is a rare opportunity to own your own boat dock on a freshwater canal just a short distance to the pristine bay and gulf where you can watch gorgeous sunsets. This
One ore more photos have been virtually staged. Welcome home to this lovely villa in Mt. Vernon. Tucked away in this water front community, this villa offers you beautiful partial water views of one of the lakes from your back yard patio, from the primary bedroom and from the Florida room. This villa boasts over 1300 feet of interior space and an additional 250 Sq. Ft of interior space from the
Experience the ultimate coastal boating lifestyle without the upkeep in this TURNKEY FURNISHED CONDO. Click Tour 2 for Matterport 3D Tour. Welcome to Smugglers Landing, a premier waterfront community offering a deeded boat slip and wide (New Docks Going In This Year), deep-water canals ideal for sailboats or large boats, with quick and easy access to Anna Maria Sound and the Gulf. The elevated
*xquisite Palma Sola Bay Club Condo with Style, Strength & Stunning Views! Welcome to this beautifully designed first-floor residence in the highly desirable Palma Sola Bay Club. Built with durability and comfort in mind, this condo features full IMPACT glass windows and doors, offering exceptional peace, storm security, and energy efficiency. The building’s solid construction has proven itself
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Each day begins with the soft shimmer of Palma Sola Bay, where changing light, passing clouds, and quiet movement on the water create a living canvas just beyond your windows. Located only three miles from the legendary beaches of Anna Maria Island, this immaculate, turn-key furnished waterfront residence offers a rare blend of coastal drama,
RARE WATERFRONT OPPORTUNITY in Sunny Shores that is now allowing RV parking or a new mobile home on a fully cleared lot with stunning water views.This is one of the most affordable waterview lots in Manatee County and comes with something you rarely find: you own the land with NO HOA, NO lot rent, NO age restrictions, NO deed restrictions, and NO pet restrictions. A private boat slip is also
Welcome to Paradise Bay Estates! Seller is offering a fantastic incentive — Owner will pay the first year of maintenance fees with a full-price offer closing by April 30. This charming 1BR/1BA home is located in a highly desirable 55+ waterfront community just 2 miles from Anna Maria Island and the Gulf beaches. Move-in ready and being sold furnished, this home was refreshed following the 2024
Welcome to Salty Seagull at Hunter's point, stunning 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home is a perfect fit for you! This home is an intelligently powered home with coastal-inspired interior design and comes furnished! Brand new, canal-front, pool home located in an exciting eco-friendly community with a private dock that can accommodate up to a 24ft boat. Hunter's Point is a unique and brand-new
Welcome to your slice of paradise in the highly sought-after 55+ community of Paradise Bay Estates! Offered completely turnkey and move-inready, this home is designed for comfort and ease. This delightful 1BR/1BA home features a cozy living area and kitchen with a dining area too. One shed even includes a washer/dryer hookup for added convenience. The main bedroom currently features a queen
Vacant lot in Paradise Bay Estates. MUST be sold with lot 2-4 (MLS A4670972). Will not be sold separately. Design plans available for a lovely 2BR/2BA new elevated structure that will showcase the beautiful Sarasota Bay waterfront views from this location. Both lots need to be purchased together in order to accommodate a new structure. This rare opportunity to create a new home with outstanding
Welcome to 4515 Mount Vernon Drive, a rare 2-bed, 2-bath, 1,341 sq/ft canal-front condo in the highly desirable 55+ Mount Vernon community, where relaxed coastal living meets exceptional amenities. This well designed, single level unit features an open floor plan with a bright living and dining area that flows seamlessly into the Florida room, ideal for morning coffee, evening relaxation, or
Welcome to this stunning waterfront home in the sought-after San Remo Shores Boating Community—a true boater’s dream! Situated on deep sailboat water with no bridges to the Gulf, this home offers direct access to Sarasota. No Bridges to the Gulf!Located just 3 miles from Bradenton Beach and steps from the charming Cortez Fishing Village. Just over the bridge to Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key,
Real Property Management Horizons are delighted to offer for rent this stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, fully furnished condo perfectly located - overlooking the Bay and Anna Maria Island, Manatee County, FL. This 2nd floor unit offers an open plan living space that seamlessly incorporates a kitchen, dining area, breakfast bar, and living room, creating a bright, spacious and inviting
$3,250 per month
3 Beds
3 Baths
1,988 Sq Ft
Enjoy cheerful coastal living in this beautifully furnished 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom flexible, annual, monthly, or seasonal rental located in the highly desirable Waterway Condominiums community with breathtaking views of Palma Sola Bay. This spacious residence is fully turnkey and thoughtfully designed, featuring tasteful coastal décor and a comfortable, functional layout. The home offers a king
AVAILABLE FOR A 5.1.26 MOVE IN. LEASED JUNE 2026 & FEB-MAR 2027. ONLY A DRAW BRIDGE AWAY, LESS THAN 3 MILES, FROM THE PRISTINE BEACHES OF THE GULF OF MEXICO. THIS TURNKEY FURNISHED 3 BEDROOM 2.5 BATH POOL HOME GIVES YOU VACATION LIVING 365 DAYS A YEAR ON A SALTWATER CANAL WITH A PRIVATE DOCK AND BOAT LIFT. ENJOY A QUIET AND LAID-BACK FLORIDA LIFESTYLE WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME. COME STAY FOR
Annual rental! Beautiful lakefront home in Bayview Lake Estates. This updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2-car garage home has great water views from nearly every room. Updates include new laminate flooring, screened lanai, roof, hurricane garage door and A/C. The home has also been freshly painted inside and out. The Open Floor plan with split-bedroom design provides privacy for everyone. The primary
Beautifully updated lakefront home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an oversize 1 car garage. Only 4 miles to Gulf Beaches. Lawn care and irrigation is included in rent. This home also has an amazing lake view. Also open to a Lease/Purchase.
Annual turnkey furnished condo available for immediate move in. Just minutes away from the Open Waters and the Pristine Beaches of The Gulf of Mexico. This Turnkey Furnished 2 bed 2 bath Waterfront Residence gives you Vacation Living 365 Days a Year. Located on a Saltwater Canal nestled in the Tidy Island Nature Preserve. Residence features a Great Room with Vaulted Plank Ceilings, Wood Burning
Experience cheerful waterfront living in this beautifully renovated, single-story 2BR/2BA end-unit villa in the sought-after 55+ community of Casco Dorado. Perfectly positioned on a protected deep-water canal with direct access to Palma Sola Bay, this home offers peaceful water views and the kind of laid-back Florida lifestyle renters are looking for—with manatees, birds, mullet, and other local
Available March 24th Experience the beauty of waterfront living with breathtaking, water views from your own PRIVATE PATIO!! Watch dolphins, manatees, aquatic birds, and fish in your own backyard oasis. Located just 5 minutes from Anna Maria Island, this newly renovated, tile through-out condo is fully turnkey furnished and nestled in a quiet, golf cart-friendly, and pet-friendly community. The
San Remo Waterfront Pool Home....Waterfront Pool Home with Deep Water Canal Access | Slip Included | Minutes to Palma Sola BayWelcome to your own waterfront retreat in West Bradenton—perfectly positioned on a deep water canal with direct access to Palma Sola Bay and some of the best inshore fishing on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Enjoy true Florida living with a private dock featuring water,
Complete remodel 2025. Rest and rejuvenate at The Anna Maria Sound Dockside Cottage in Cortez Village. This modern beach, mid and long term rental home has 2 large bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms and passes the day by the bay on this canal front low maintenance vacation site. The modern kitchen with full amenities is part of the larger living room kitchen combination open floor plan. The Gulf of
Lance BiekerLANCE BIEKER, LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER
Experience elevated coastal living in this beautifully appointed 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence in the prestigious Palma Sola Bay Club, ideally positioned along the tranquil waters of Palma Sola Bay. This exclusive, resort-style community offers a refined blend of privacy, comfort, and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy sweeping panoramic bay views and unforgettable sunsets from your private
Available starting 6.1.26. Available for 2027 season. Luxury, turnkey furnished condo located minutes from the pristine beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. This tastefully decorated 3 bed 2.5 bath condo has tile in the main areas and carpets in the bedrooms. The master bedroom balcony features a gorgeous lake and community pool/clubhouse view. The living room features an open floor plan with balcony
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