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.
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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christine Walker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sunny Shores Park
Grills
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Leffis Key Preserve
Trails
Hiking
Coquina Beach
Picnic Area
Trails
Beach
Cortez Beach
Beach
Ocean
Herb Dolan Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Kayak/Canoe
Neal Preserve
Trails
Hiking
Transit
Airport
Sarasota/Bradenton International
20 min drive
Bus
Cortez Rd W & The Waterway
Bus
Cortez Rd W & 123rd St Ct W
Bus
Cortez Rd W & Coral Blvd
Bus
Cortez Rd W & 124th St Ct W
Bus
Cortez Rd W & 81st St W
Bus
Cortez Rd W & Palma Sola Blvd
Bus
Cortez Rd W & 92nd Ln W
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cortez
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cortez, FL sell after 102 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Cortez, FL over the last 12 months is $586,019, down 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beaches, Great Seafood, Fishing and Boating all minutes away! This coastal retreat incurred NO DAMAGE OR WATER DAMAGE FROM THE RECENT HURRICANES. Crafted by renowned builder John Cannon, this home is located in the exclusive, gated enclave of Harbour Landings in Cortez. Just moments from the white-sand beaches and azure waters of Anna Maria Island, this impeccably designed single-story
Here’s your chance to own a stunning, income-producing property in one of Bradenton’s most desirable neighborhoods—just one house away from Palma Sola Blvd and minutes from the white sands of Anna Maria Island. This spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bath multi-level home offers the best of Florida living, whether you're looking for a personal retreat, full-time residence, or a high-performing
Discover the ultimate Florida lifestyle in this stunning resort-style condo in the exclusive gated community of Palma Soma Bay Club! Nestled just 10 miles from the pristine beaches of Anna Maria Island. This luxury condo offers the best of both worlds-serene nature and vibrant city life. Step into this elegant first-floor unit and take in the private balcony view of Charlotte Lake, where nature
Looking for a waterfront property for your boat? Palma Sola Harbour is an active boating community with canals that provide a safe haven for your boat, as well as Florida wildlife. Enjoy your morning coffee watching the manatees, the dolphins, pelicans, and spoonbills. Just 1 mile to Cortez Fishing Village, 2 miles from Anna Maria Island so you don't have to worry about driving to the beach
Boat Lovers, Canal, Dock, Water Front, Minutes to Beaches, New Paver Circular Driveway, Newer Windows, New Impact Front Door, New Flooring, Lg Fl Room, 2 Car Garage. Experience the ultimate in waterfront living with this exceptional opportunity to own a private boat dock on a freshwater canal, offering direct access to the bay and Gulf. Imagine enjoying stunning sunsets, playful dolphins, and
Welcome to your dream escape nestled on a secluded private island with breathtaking, million dollar sunset views across the adjacent nature preserve! Step into luxury and tranquility with this exquisite 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom lakeside villa that embodies the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. As you enter this elegant end-unit villa, you'll be greeted by soaring high ceilings and modern
WATERFRONT - BRING YOUR BOAT!! ACCOMMODATES UP TO A 40-FOOT BOAT!! NO FLOOD DAMAGE FROM RECENT HURRICANES!! VERY UNIQUE LOCATION WITH SAFE MOORING FOR YOUR BOAT!!Welcome to your dream WATERFRONT coastal retreat in the heart of Cortez, Florida! Only 1 mile to the beach!! This unit comes with a 40-foot boat dock! This is an END UNIT which has extra windows and tons of natural light! This charming
Live the Florida lifestyle! Step into tropical seclusion and leave the stress of your everyday world behind. Vista at Palma Sola, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, quiet breezes and picturesque views, is an escape from the everyday, with features and amenities provided to give you a lifestyle of freedom and convenience. Jump-start your mornings with an active workout in our State of the
98 FOOT BOAT DOCK right in your backyard! This unique single family home is one bridge away from the gorgeous Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island. 3BR/2BA remodeled home. New appliances, freshly painted, new carpet. Attached workshop can also be used as a garage. Plenty of storage space. Fishing with in your yard! 1 pet is permitted with owner's approval and pet fee. Come make this tropical oasis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Christine Walker,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
7,167
Median Age
62
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
45%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$70,944
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$98,696
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
39.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.8%
% Population in Labor Force
45.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
62/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
41/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
