Largest city on Anna Maria Island with a strong local identity
Holmes Beach, located on Anna Maria Island off the Bradenton coast, has successfully blended the business of tourism with the pleasure of living full-time in a waterfront community. “A good thing about Holmes Beach is that the short-term rental housing is concentrated in one specific area. So you have nice neighborhoods throughout, where you can walk around and meet your neighbors,” says Jason Sato, a Realtor with Sato Real Estate who grew up in Holmes Beach.
The city of around 5,000 full-time residents is the largest of the three municipalities comprising Anna Maria Island. It’s located between the small cities of Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach and is connected to the Bradenton mainland by the Anna Maria Island Bridge. Its population is roughly five times that of either of its island sisters. Its status as a tourist haven ultimately has been a benefit to the residents who call the city home. “Growing up in Holmes Beach and living on Anna Maria Island now, from a resident standpoint, tourism has meant more shops, more restaurants and more activity.”
Many Holmes Beach homes include private docks for boating and waterfront access.
Holmes Beach is ranked among the most beautiful beach towns in the United States.
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Single-family homes range from beach cottages to estates
The city’s distinct residential identity is strengthened by the relative affordability of its housing. “Holmes Beach is probably best if you’re not looking for a home that you can rent out,” says Sato. “It’s the best bang for your buck on Anna Maria Island. You can find a nice home here for under $1 million. You can’t do that anywhere else on the island.” Single-family housing consists of cozy beach homes, traditional ranch-style homes, elevated coastal homes and waterfront estates. “There’s a wide range in prices,” says Sato. “From under $1 million to just over $10 million.” Condominiums, which are more prevalent in Holmes Beach than the other two cities, start in the $600,000 range.
Holmes Beach has many single-level ranch homes ideal for easy living near the water.
Sprawling Holmes Beach estates feature resort-style pools and tropical landscaping.
Holmes Beach condominiums offer low-maintenance living near beaches and shops.
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A local A-rated elementary and B-rated mainland schools
Students can attend Anna Maria Elementary, an A-rated school in Holmes Beach, and mainland schools, Martha B. King Middle and Manatee High, a B-rated institution that is the oldest public high school in Bradenton.
Anna Maria Elementary in Holmes Beach serves 195 students with an A-rated curriculum.
Martha B. King Middle School near Holmes Beach has 914 students and a B rating.
Manatee High School serves Holmes Beach and is one of Bradenton’s largest public schools.
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More beaches and boatable canals than other island cities
Water is the obvious center of recreational activity in the city, which features more beaches than the other municipalities combined. Manatee Public Beach is a popular gathering spot along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach also features sand volleyball, children’s play areas and a gift shop for when the relatives come to visit. There are two boat ramps in the city, providing convenient access to the bays on the other side of town that connect to the open waters of the Gulf. Many of the residential streets are on fingers of land that create unique opportunities for boaters. “There’s more access to the beach and boating than in the other areas,” says Sato. “Holmes Beach has the most boatable canals, so there are more options for boaters. There are also way more waterfront homes for the boaters.” A city park provides additional recreation, including courts for tennis and pickleball and a skating rink. The Key Royale Club offers its members exclusive access to a 9-hole golf course, the only course on the island.
Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach has showers, restrooms, and a tiki bar for beachgoers.
Kayakers can access Anna Maria Sound from Holmes Beach’s many launch points.
Holmes Beach offers sunshine, soft sand, and clear Gulf waters for beach lovers.
Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach features the island’s only private golf course.
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Marina Drive is home to shops, taverns and local favorites
Retail and dining options are concentrated along Marina Drive, which features the Island Shopping Center and Duffy’s Tavern, an island institution known for its burgers. Residents also have access to a full-service Publix and an array of eateries throughout the city. Popular among the locals are Skinny’s, another established eatery offering warm food and cold beer, and The Ugly Grouper, a funky Old Florida restaurant with a 3,000-pound metal fish out front. Those looking for upscale waterfront dining will find it at Beach Bistro.
Visitors might be greeted by colorful parrots at the Island Shopping Center in Holmes Beach.
Duffy’s Tavern in Holmes Beach is a longtime favorite for burgers and casual island dining.
Publix in Holmes Beach is a convenient spot for groceries and everyday essentials.
The Ugly Grouper in Holmes Beach serves seafood with a side of local art and island vibes.
Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach offers upscale dining with Gulf-front views.
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Photography Contributed By
Leila Sally
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On average, homes in Holmes Beach, FL sell after 81 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Holmes Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $901,250, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover pristine coastal luxury in this exclusive Gulf-front condominium on coveted Anna Maria Island. This impeccably maintained residence is being offered turnkey furnished, providing an effortless transition into an elegant, fully appointed beachside lifestyle—all framed by sweeping views of Anna Maria’s tropical paradise and the shimmering Gulf. A private elevator opens directly at the door
This turnkey, island-style retreat, built in 2013, is offering three bedrooms and two full baths, spanning approximately 1,797 square feet of living space. Though technically part of a condominium association (Marina Drive Condominium Association), this home feels and lives like a detached single-family residence, giving owners/renters the privacy and comfort of a standalone villa. The floor plan
PRIME LOCATION | BRAND NEW RENOVATIONS | ELEVATED-LUXURY-LIVING | ELEVATOR | FENCED SALTWATER POOL | MOVE-IN READY |Located on a peaceful street and embraced by the natural beauty of a mangrove preserve, this elevated coastal residence delivers privacy, modern luxury, and a coveted Holmes Beach lifestyle. Thoughtfully renovated over seven months between 2023 and 2024, the home blends timeless
This is your golden moment! Units 1, 2, 3 and 6 are all listed for sale and is zoned for nightly rentals. Beachfront boutique building is comprised of only six units. This top-floor two-bedroom, two-bath unit has breathtaking views of the sugary sandy beaches of Anna Maria Island and the Gulf. This is a rare opportunity as unique buildings like these are few and far between. It could be the ideal
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. This is your golden moment. Units 1, 2, 3 and 6 are all listed for sale and zoned for nightly rentals. Beachfront boutique building is comprised of only six units. This renovated two-bedroom, two-bath unit has magnificent views with shells and sand at your back patio that lead you to the private path, which opens to the breathtaking sands of the
Escape to your own slice of Waterfront Paradise in this old Florida charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom ground-level home perfectly positioned on a serene canal in the heart of Holmes Beach. No stairs to climb—just effortless single-story living with direct access to the water and endless outdoor enjoyment. Open-concept living area with traditional Mexican tile that flows seamlessly and includes a
Property Id: 1760224Taking applicants now for 2025-26 season. Rent reflects months of Jan and Apr. This is a 1 BR/1 BA with a sleeper sofa in main room.55+ community with some flexibility on age. On-site laundry, shuffleboard, and marina. Pickleball, park, and playground nearby. This property won't last long due to its high-demand location. Just 50 steps to the beach and free
Your home away from home or a turnkey option for easy relocation. Furnished Annual or Long Term Rental Available Immediately. Did NOT flood last year. This spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island offers an updated living space including kitchen and baths, granite counters, laminate floors, high ceilings, pantry closet, and a stacking washer and dryer. The Primary
Beachside Luxury Rental – 3BR, 2.5BA with PoolLive just steps from the sand at 4808 Gulf Drive Unit B, an upscale and fully furnished 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home located in the heart of Holmes Beach. Available for starting July 19th, this multi-level coastal retreat blends modern comfort with laid-back island living—perfect for a long vacation or seasonal stay.Step into a bright,
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