Nestled on the banks of Florida's Manatee River, East Ellenton is a small residential community populated by retirees and families. It's about halfway between Tampa and Sarasota, and residents frequent both for dining and entertainment opportunities. It's also about a half-hour drive to Anna Maria Island's Holmes Beach, a popular weekend day trip for East Ellenton residents. The area's seen growth in recent years as part of a broader movement of Northeasterners into Southwest Florida, and a neighborhood that was once primarily retirees now sees kids biking down the streets. "The growth is due to the weather," says Carl Backman, President of the Friends of Rocky Bluff Library in Ellenton. "But it's also due to the cultural opportunities. I'm finding more to do in Florida than when I lived up North." The Orioles Spring Training in Sarasota and home games for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Rays fulfilled his love for sports, but what he really loves about living here is the sense of community. "With so many transplants, it's the kind of community that lends itself to getting together," he says. "People want to make friends. They want to get to know their neighbors."
Gated communities and homes on the Manatee River
Many homes in this sunny and scenic riverfront neighborhood belong to gated communities, often offering residents access to amenities like pools, spas, fitness centers and landscaping services. Architecture within and outside these communities is often Spanish-influenced, though some bungalow, ranch-style and manufactured homes are also typically available. The average list price in East Ellenton is about $430,000, with listings starting at $250,000 for a two- to three-bedroom home and getting as high as $700,000 for a large luxury waterfront estate. Most listings, however, tend to fall in the $400,000 to $500,000 range, and many offer beach-town amenities like pools and waterfront access.
Admire the functional simplicity of ranch homes in East Ellenton.
Manufactured homes offer an affordable and efficient housing solution in East Ellenton.
Vibrant Spanish quadplexes line the streets in Spanish Point
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Manatee County School District home to nationally renowned Manatee Technical College
Students in East Ellenton attend schools in the Manatee County School District. They start at Virgil Mills Elementary School, which received a B-plus on the educational review site Niche, before continuing to Buffalo Creek Middle School, which received a B, and Palmetto High School, which received a B-minus. Manatee County School District is also home to the nationally renowned Manatee Technical College, which offers career and technical education for 15 of the 20 fastest-growing industries in Manatee, like health science, salon services and construction and manufacturing.
Virgil Mills Elementary School educates 711 students.
Buffalo Creek Middle School has 1,250 students enrolled.
Palmetto High School educates 1,984 students of Manatee County.
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Picnic on the river and take a swing at the best par 5 in Southwest Florida
Buffalo Creek Park is in the middle of East Ellenton, a well-maintained green space with athletic fields, playgrounds and paved trails. Its large pavilion is a popular picnic spot, and residents with dogs enjoy its large fenced-in dog area. East Ellenton residents head south to the Manatee River for a more secluded picnic area: Picnic Island and The Pavilion are two residents-only spots overlooking the rivers where locals like to relax and enjoy a peaceful meal. Golf fanatics are right at home in East Ellenton: the neighborhood's home to two renowned golf courses, Moccasin Wallow Golf Club and Buffalo Creek Golf Course. Designed by Ted McAnlis on 200 wooded acres with 16 lakes, Moccasin Wallow is home to the hole locals claim to be the best par 5 in Southwest Florida and the recently renovated MOC Bar and Grill. The club is open to the public, but memberships are available, and non-members can try out its perks with the "member for a day" option, which starts as low as $1. With 18 holes, practice facilities, a clubhouse and a snack bar, Buffalo Creek Golf Course was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Ron Garl to challenge experienced golfers while providing an experience accessible to players of all skill levels. The public course takes up 6,900 yards, and season passes are available. Families frequent the state-of-the-art Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, a 115,000-square-foot facility with two NHL-sized ice rinks, indoor football and soccer fields, a fitness center and a dance studio. With opportunities for all ages to get active here, it's a bustling community center that brings together the residents of East Ellenton.
A golfer drives a ball from the green at Buffalo Creek Golf Course in East Ellenton.
East Ellenton combines small-town charm with picturesque water views of the Manatee River.
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Shopping sanctuary at the Ellenton Premium Outlets
East Ellenton is home to the area shopping destination, Ellenton Premium Outlets, which boasts an extensive catalog of retailers selling overstock items at clearance prices. The shopping center has 130 outlet stores, where top brands like Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue sell products at 70% off department store prices. There's an abundance of fast-food options surrounding the center, like Taco Bell, McDonald's and Starbucks, as well as sit-down fast-casual options like Applebee's, Chili's and Ruby Tuesday. For a scenic meal in a hometown restaurant, locals stop by the casual riverside Woody's River Roo, which serves American food and cocktails in a beachy atmosphere with a tiki bar and live music. For a classic American breakfast or lunch, they swing by the local diner Butterfields, and for family-style Italian, they head to mom-and-pop shop Ferraro's Italian Grille. For groceries, locals shop at Publix or the Life & Food Superstore, a sustainability-oriented bulk grocery store. The shop boasts the largest selection of candy, nuts and spices in the area, allowing shoppers to create custom trail mixes and set their prices by controlling portion size. The shop also has a smoothie bar with acai bowls and a selection of specialty groceries like keto products, freshly ground peanut butter and organic coffee, and they host ongoing events like cooking classes, art classes and product showcases.
Enjoy waterfront meals at Woody's River Roo in East Ellenton.
Ferraro's Italian Grille is known for combining traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist.
Shop designer and brand name stores at Ellenton Premium Outlets in East Ellenton.
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Explore arts and culture in Bradenton
In Ellenton, the Rocky Bluff Branch Library hosts ongoing educational and recreational programming for adults and kids alike. Parents take their preschoolers to story times, teens take art classes and music lessons and families gather for family-friendly movie nights. Adults enroll in ESL classes and meet regularly for bridge club, and kids hang out at homework labs while parents practice a guided mindfulness meditation. "A lot of people travel to Tampa and Sarasota for their weekend activities," says Backman, but there's plenty to do just across the Manatee River in Bradenton. The ArtCenter Manatee has art classes for adults and youth in addition to ongoing events like artist demonstrations, holiday celebrations and nighttime workshops. The Manatee Village Historical Park, which preserves Manatee County history with exhibits in historical and replica buildings, hosts lectures, guided tours and its annual "An Old Florida Christmas" celebration, complete with food, live music, crafts and vendors. Palma Sola Botanical Garden has ongoing and seasonal events, like yoga classes, gardening workshops and its Winter Nights Under the Lights festival, a light display with food trucks, live music, a gift market and hot cocoa. Science enthusiasts enjoy astronomy observation nights and guided fossil expeditions at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, and donors dress up for The Bash at The Bishop, its annual gala and fundraiser. At Christmas, residents enjoy the Bradenton Riverwalk Holiday of the Arts Festival, a free-admission art sale with works by over 100 vendors across Florida.
Take Interstate 75 to Sarasota and Interstate 275 to St. Petersburg
East Ellenton is bordered to the west by Interstate 75, which residents take south to Sarasota, and connects with Interstate 275, which residents take to get to St. Petersburg. The closest airport to East Ellenton is the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a small airport 16 miles south that offers nonstop flights across the US and takes East Ellenton to destinations worldwide. East Ellenton's closest hospital is the HCA Florida Blake Hospital, which is 11 miles away in Bradenton. Manatee County Area Transit has bus routes running through East Ellenton every Monday through Saturday from 5:30 am to 8 pm.
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
East Ellenton
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
East Ellenton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Ellenton, Ellenton sell after 86 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in East Ellenton, Ellenton over the last 12 months is $384,900, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Under Construction. For a limited time, we're covering all closing costs - up to $15,000 - and providing blinds, a full appliance package, and a washer and dryer. Move in with confidence, comfort, and real value from the start.Under Construction. Builder/Seller incentive: Up to $20,000 of the purchase price available for buyer’s closing costs, prepaids, or rate buydown. Terms subject to
Enjoy easy living in this newer and spacious home in the highly desirable gated community of Oakleaf Hammock. This 2018-built home features a generous 3,201 square feet with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and 3 car garage. The primary suite is conveniently located on the main floor and boasts a tray ceiling, plantation shutters, extra spacious walk-in closet, en-suite bath with garden tub and dual
Affordable 2-Bedroom Home in Sought-After Colony Cove - Only $29,900! This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom 960 sq. ft. home in the age-qualified community of Colony Cove offers incredible value in sunny Ellenton, Florida. Featuring a durable metal roof and an AC unit installed just 1 year ago, this home provides peace of mind for years to come. Additional updates include laminate flooring throughout (5
Land Owned, beautiful 2bd/2ba home located on a large lot in the 55+ community of Ridgewood Oaks. Also included is a 2-car detached garage that is very deep with plenty of room for not only cars, but an additional workshop space. Outside features a large carport with room for multiple cars and another enclosed area for an additional workshop or craft room. Entering the home, you will find
Looking for PARADISE?? Beautiful updated 2bd/2ba home on the water, resting on one of the largest lots in the Ridgewood Oaks 55+ community. 1,876 sq. ft of living space offers a beautiful formal living room, separate family room, dining room, and a huge master bedroom. The kitchen and family room overlook the water with amazing views of the wildlife. The bright kitchen features granite counter
Enjoy the Florida Lifestyle in this beautiful updated, land owned, 2 bd/2ba home with amazing lake views. Home features a spectacular Florida room with new windows and AC. Upgraded flooring and carpet thoughout with new style double pane windows. Large living room and dining area with lake views. A fully appointed kitchen with stainless appliances. Primary bedroom has ample room for a king sized
This beautifully updated home in the highly sought-after Terra Siesta MH Park is move-in ready and perfect for those 55 and over! Recently upgraded, the home features new vinyl siding and skirting, luxury vinyl flooring throughout, updated trim, and modern counters, hardware, sinks, and fixtures in both the kitchen and bathrooms. The main bath boasts a new walk-in shower with surround, and fresh
*LEASE SPECIAL* ~$3,195 monthly rent if an Annual Lease is signed during the week of December 21,2025 to December 27, 2025. That is a $4800.00 savings~Welcome to this high end home ready for your family this spring. Put that lawn mower, leaf blower, trimmer and weed killer to rest, and head to the beach or Sunday brunch instead! Landlord is including weekly vendor serviced lawn maintenance,
Discover elevated living at Palm Grove Luxury Apartments in Ellenton, FL. This brand-new community offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes with 10-foot ceilings, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, full-size washer/dryer, walk-in closets, and private entrances. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a pool and spa, 24/7 fitness center, pickleball court, dog park, pet spa,
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