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 78 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 $908,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Huge Price Improvement ~ Buyer Financing Fell through & Back on the Market!! Mediterranean-inspired coastal luxury meets the laid-back charm of island living in this fully furnished, elevated Anna Maria Island Villa, just one block from the Gulf and a short stroll to Skinny’s and Manatee Beach. With no HOA, this Single-Family Home offers complete privacy and freedom, and its solid construction
Steps to the Beach: A Deluxe Retreat with Massive Rental Power! Why choose between a vacation home and a smart investment? This stunning, fully remodeled villa offers the best of both worlds. Nestled just a short stroll from the sand, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom sanctuary w/ private garage is a masterpiece of coastal design. But the beauty is more than skin deep—this property is a proven earner,
Steps from the Gulf! Experience the best of Anna Maria Island in this charming, ground-level 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in a premier Holmes Beach community. This residence perfectly balances modern upgrades with the relaxed, "Old Florida" charm that makes this island world-famous.THE INTERIOR: The heart of this home is the newly remodeled kitchen, featuring crisp quartz countertops,
GREAT VACATION rental history with many repeat guests!!!! This charming home at the beach could be all yours. Nestled in the heart of Holmes Beach, where you can take a short stroll down Holmes Boulevard to city center where you will find adorable shops and restaurants where you can sit, sip, and dine and enjoy a real small town coastal experience. This lovely bungalow style home features a
One-of-a-kind beachfront condominium at Tiffany Place. Rarely available in this boutique building of only 33 units is this fully renovated coastal retreat offering direct Gulf views from the primary suite and balcony, something few units can claim. Every inch of this elevated second-floor condominium has been thoughtfully updated with high-end finishes, from the gorgeous porcelain tiled floors
Paradise Found while being just a 3-minute stroll to the soft sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf beaches!!! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom coastal retreat is the ultimate island getaway. Step inside to an open, light-filled living space perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach. Relax on the front balcony with morning coffee and a gulf breeze. The spacious primary suite features a luxurious
This annual rental is a completely remodeled, furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom second floor condo in a waterfront community at 6300 Flotilla Dr Unit #98 offers 1,151 square feet of living space. The living room features ample space for relaxation. Cable TV is included for two tv's as is free WIFI. Each bedroom provides plenty of closet space, while the modern bathrooms are designed for
Available for Winter Season 2026. $5,500 per month plus taxes/fees for a 3 month stay January through March. Individual months available as well but price will change for a stay less than 3 months. New to the rental market and wide open for Season. Welcome to the charming Starfish at 211 77th St East Unit, a cozy and inviting unit is nestled in the heart of Holmes Beach and a short 2 blocks to
Feel at home in The Tangerine House, a quaint ground-level beach cottage nestled in a quiet island neighborhood, just four houses from the beach. This split-design home offers 2-bedrooms and 2-bathrooms.This home provides all the comforts of home, with tile flooring throughout and beachy decor. The eat-in kitchen and king-size bedroom have French doors that open to the private heated pool.
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