In Palmetto, Florida, a Gulf Coast city bounded by the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay, early 20th-century mom-and-pop shops still line 10th Avenue. “It’s not pretentious, but it has all the amenities,” says Greg Owens, who’s worked as a listing specialist with TeamWorks/Keller Williams on the Water since 2005. “You have some really nice homes, great parks, a bunch of marinas and restaurants along the river. Downtown is Old Town Florida, but it’s also a vibrant boating community.” Here, “Old Town Florida” means a free-standing post office dating back to 1880 and Colonial homes built as early as 1900. Visitors to Palmetto Historical Park will be reminded of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad railroad, the backbone of Palmetto’s agricultural industry in the early 20th-century. Just across the street is Sutton Park, a modern-day family gathering place home to the neighborhood’s Fourth of July festival and the DeSoto Children’s Parade.
Visitors of Palmetto Historical Park can view well-preserved structures and engaging exhibits.
Palmetto Historical Park invites visitors to explore the city's vibrant history.
1/2
Historic homes and estates on the Manatee River
In Palmetto, buyers will find manufactured homes starting at $200,000, ranch-style houses hovering around $400,000 and 1930s-era traditional homes starting at $500,000 in the historic river district. The community’s largest homes, which list for as much as $3.5 million, are found on Snead Island and along the Manatee River. “You have some really unique homes and gorgeous estates on the water,” says Owens. “Some real gems on Snead Island.” Sharing the waterfront are high-rise condominiums listing from the low $300,000s to more than $1 million.
If high-rise living is your thing, you'll feel right at home with a few choices in Palmetto.
Florida Ranch-style homes are very common in Palmetto.
1/2
Palmetto High School educates 1,984 students of Manatee County.
High school students create animatronic shows
Students can attend neighborhood institutions like Palmetto Elementary, which received a C from the educational review site, Niche, Lincoln Memorial Academy, a charter school that received a C-minus and Palmetto High, which was awarded a B. High school students have the option to enroll in the animatronics program where they can build independently controlled motors, write scripts, voice act and even learn how to design sets. An alternative option is the nearby Manatee School for the Arts, a B-plus-rated charter school that serves grades six through 12.
Blackstone Park has a new playground and several sports fields.
Annual fairs, fishing tournaments and jogging trails
In addition to the Palmetto Historical Park downtown, the neighborhood offers several other community activity centers. Blackstone Park’s athletic fields are home to organized baseball, softball and soccer competitions. The Manatee County Fair (known for its annual pageant, petting zoo and live music) takes place in January on Palmetto’s fairgrounds, and the Bradenton Area Convention Center is a modern venue for business events and trade shows. Anglers regularly pull snook and redfish from the waters surrounding Palmetto, and the Bradenton Yacht Club on Palmetto’s riverfront hosts the annual Crosthwait Memorial Fishing Tournament, one of the largest such events on the Gulf Coast. According to Owens, the paved pathways at Emerson Point Preserve on Snead Island are popular with bikers and joggers. Scan the Manatee River for dolphins while exercising.
Watch boat traffic from the Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
Retail and dining are concentrated along the U.S. Route 41 business corridor, which leads directly to Safe Harbor Regatta Pointe, a busy marina on the river. The adjacent Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant is a popular dockside eatery. “It’s one of the few spots where you can watch sailboats come and go,” says Owens, adding, “It’s one of those really cool places to sit and hang out. Order oysters from their raw bar or sample the lobster mac n’ cheese.
D’s Breakfast & Burgers, located on 10th Avenue, is popular with locals on weekend mornings. Fill up on a signature skillet breakfast before exploring Palmetto’s historic district.
The Riverhouse Waterfront restaurant is a must on a list of places to eat in Palmetto.
Palmetto's historic downtown is a nice place to spend a day.
Enjoy the gorgeous views from dockside seating at Riverhouse in Palmetto.
Palmetto's riverfront border makes for great boating and sunsets.
With plenty of public access to Manatee River, enjoy an afternoon boat ride in Palmetto.
1/5
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport serves as a gateway to Florida's Gulf Coast.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport 12 miles south
Whether Palmetto residents use the Manatee County Area Transit system (also known as MCAT) or make the 12-mile drive south, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is easily accessible down Route 41. From here, they can fly nonstop to nearly 50 unique U.S. cities.
Manatee Memorial Hospital provides compassionate care and medical services to the community.
Important to know: nearby medical care and hurricane season
Palmetto residents can access medical care at Manatee Memorial Hospital, located 3 miles down Route 41. The facility has been nationally recognized for providing high-quality stroke care.
Hurricanes are a concern on Florida’s Gulf Coast, especially during the summer months. The city of Palmetto has planned evacuation maps and shelters, and residents are encouraged to install permanent storm shutters on their windows.
Written By
Kevin Haswell
Photography Contributed By
Clint Bliss
Video By
Nathan Allen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gina Marie Holm,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Palmetto, FL sell after 77 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Palmetto, FL over the last 12 months is $387,642, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
WATERFRONT 3 BR + DEN — PRICE IMPROVEMENT! Experience elevated Florida living in this beautifully renovated 2,306-square-foot residence, complemented by a 190-square-foot screened waterfront balcony showcasing expansive views toward Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The bright, open-concept interior blends sophisticated coastal style with thoughtful upgrades. The remodeled kitchen
MARKET ADJUSTMENT!!! GORGEOUS fully renovated WATERFRONT corner residence in The Bay Club. This beautiful 3-bedroom plus den, 2-bath coastal contemporary condo is completely MOVE-IN READY, offering sweeping water views of Terra Ceia Bay, Tampa Bay, and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge as your backdrop. This desirable split-bedroom, open-concept layout features two spacious balconies, allowing
Bask in the ultimate Florida lifestyle with this Holden model in Palmetto's sought-after Trevesta community, where sun-drenched, open-concept living making a perfect home for your family. This two-story home features four spacious bedrooms, an upstairs loft, an flex/bonus room, and three full bathrooms, including a first-floor guest suite and a primary retreat complete with a garden soaker tub,
Virtually Staged. Welcome to Silverstone North, one of Palmetto’s most exciting newer communities, where modern living meets everyday convenience and a true Florida lifestyle. Built in 2023, this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 2,400 square feet of thoughtfully crafted space, blending function, flexibility, and style. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the open
Back on the market — buyer financing fell through, giving you a second opportunity to own this exceptional condo! The good news? The condo itself passed lending requirements with flying colors, making this a fantastic opportunity for qualified buyers.Welcome to your slice of paradise in the highly sought-after Palms of Terra Ceia Bay! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath end-unit
Welcome to this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow nestled in Palmetto's Historic River District. Blending timeless charm with thoughtful modern upgrades, this home offers comfortable living, exceptional storage, and a location that places you in the heart of one of Manatee County's most exciting revitalization areas. Step inside to discover an impressive living room featuring soaring
Nestled within Skyway Village Estates, a resident-owned cooperative community, Unit 114 on L Street offers a peaceful setting and an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle. Located on a quiet interior street, this home provides a relaxed atmosphere with convenient access to community amenities. The 3/2 interior features comfortable living spaces filled with natural light, while two enclosed lanais
Welcome to Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes, a resort-style waterfront community offering exceptional value, convenience, and coastal living near downtown Bradenton, the marina, restaurants, shopping, medical facilities, and area beaches. This beautifully maintained residence offers approximately 1,847 square feet of comfortable living space with a desirable open layout, spacious living and dining
**Coastal Florida Living in The Palms of Terra Ceia Bay** Enjoy the relaxed Florida lifestyle in this spacious first-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with a dedicated office in the desirable gated waterfront golf community of The Palms of Terra Ceia Bay in Palmetto, Florida. This well-maintained building offers peace of mind with a completed Milestone Inspection Report and Reserve Study (SIRS) on
**Experience the best of Florida living in this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo located in the desirable gated waterfront golf community of Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Country Club.** Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this well-maintained home offers a peaceful setting with an inviting open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, and beautiful ceramic tile flooring throughout the main living areas. The
Welcome to Willow Walk, a friendly community of tree lined streets and shimmering ponds just minutes from I-75 and US-301, where this beautifully maintained two story home sits on a quiet cul-de-sac with a fully fenced backyard and no rear neighbors. Built in 2017 and offering 3,278 square feet with four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a dedicated den, a formal dining room, and an upstairs loft,
5 Bedrooms + Den | Pool Home | Conservation Lot | No Side Neighbor Why wait for new construction or a pool to be built? This 2021 built home has a beautiful entry that welcomes you into a thoughtfully designed layout that blends function and comfort. The secondary bedrooms are positioned in a smart split plan at the front of the home, giving everyone their own space and privacy. At the heart of
Welcome to the essence of Florida living in this meticulously maintained, beautifully appointed, nearly new Palazzio model, offering over 3,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space in the highly sought-after Esplanade at Artisan Lakes. Step through the elegant double-door entry and immediately experience the home's inviting ambiance, highlighted by soaring ceilings, abundant natural
Welcome to one of Bel Mare’s most beautifully updated residences; this exceptional end-unit Rapallo floor plan offers over 3,350 total square feet and captures SWEEPING WATER VIEWS in multiple directions. Enjoy sunrises over the Manatee River and Riviera Dunes Marina from the east-facing balconies, along with stunning sunset views to the west; a rare and highly desirable combination. Arrive via
PENTHOUSE WITH PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS, SUNSETS & PRIVATE ELEVATOR IN BEL MARE! Experience expansive water views and unforgettable sunsets from this 15TH FLOOR PRIVATE ELEVATOR RESIDENCE in Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes. Positioned high above the Manatee River, the views stretch west toward ANNA MARIA ISLAND AND THE GULF, creating a truly elevated coastal setting. This rarely available PENTHOUSE
Located in Palmetto, FL just minutes from St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and Sarasota, this gated community offers striking one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes with modern finishes, lakefront amenities, and easy access to I-275 and I-75. For those who know how perfect Florida can be, Alton Palmetto offers a calmer, more connected kind of coastal living.
Virtually Staged. Now available in the highly desirable Stonegate Preserve community in Palmetto, FL, this 3-Bedroom, 2.5-Bath Townhome with recently screened in covered patio offers fresh, modern living just minutes from beaches, shopping, and dining. Step into a bright and open layout on the first floor featuring a spacious living room, dedicated dining area, and a sleek kitchen with stainless
Imagine starting your mornings with a peaceful walk along scenic paths, spending afternoons relaxing poolside with neighbors and friends, and ending your day in a beautifully crafted three- or four-bedroom townhome or single-family residence. Each spacious home at Symphony Lakes is thoughtfully designed with premium finishes, including quartz countertops, marble-inspired bathrooms, and white
This might be the easiest—and most affordable—way to start living the Florida lifestyle. Welcome to **5185 Rocky Coast Place in Palmetto**. It’s fresh, private, and close to everything, with a fenced yard overlooking a preserve—so there are **no neighbors directly behind you**. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful community pool, playground, and dog park. **This home is welcome to pets. **Not familiar
Reward yourself with our brand new luxury apartments in East Palmetto, Florida! Inside our beautiful 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans we offer open concept layouts, large lanais, full size washer and dryer, and faux wood flooring, creating the ultimate space for your new home! Enjoy our resort style pool, yoga studio, pickleball courts, car wash and EV charging stations. At Gateway Commons, youre
Welcome to this spacious 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in Palmetto, FL, offering 3,326 sq. ft. of comfortable living space with a 2-car garage. Designed with both space and convenience in mind, this home is ideal for families, remote workers, guests, or multigenerational living. The main level features an open and inviting living area with a modern kitchen, large center island, walk-in pantry, and
At Abrazo at Robinson Gateway, home feels a little more like, well, home. Enjoy the comfort of thoughtfully designed detached and paired residences—complete with stylish interiors, spacious layouts, and private fenced yards. With no neighbors above or below, you’ll enjoy a more independent, home-like rental experience. This is rental living—reimagined, with Palmetto, FL homes for rent that fit
Spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom rental home located in the desirable Palmetto area. This well-maintained property offers an open-concept layout, a modern kitchen with ample cabinet space, comfortable living areas, and plenty of natural light throughout. The primary suite features a private bath and generous closet space. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, schools, and easy access to I-75
Live the way you've always wanted without compromising style or quality. At The Carlton at Robinson Gateway, our apartment residences are designed with you in mind. Now you really can have it all...lifestyle included.
Beyond its opulent amenities, Isla Palmetto is a community hub, celebrating the vibrant culture and creativity of its surroundings. The apartments regularly host exclusive events, from art exhibitions featuring local artists to intimate community gatherings that capture the spirit of Florida's diverse scene. Residents are not just tenants; they are part of a story that celebrates the unique
Stafford at Artisan Lakes apartment homes in Palmetto, FL put you at the center of it all. Tucked into one of Manatee County's most sought-after neighborhoods, Stafford offers thoughtfully designed 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartment homes with upscale finishes, resort-worthy amenities, and an unbeatable location - just minutes from I-75 and within easy reach of three of Florida's greatest cities.
Experience effortless living and everyday comfort at Quinn Residences at Moccasin Wallow, a brand-new rental townhome home community in the heart of Parrish, Florida. This thoughtfully designed neighborhood offers beautifully built townhomes with modern features like granite countertops, luxury flooring, stainless steel appliances, and smart-home technology—all designed to elevate your
Intro 100
Set within the interior of a peninsula bordered by the Terra Ceia Bay and the Manatee River, West Ellenton is a vestige of the Old Florida way of life "That's filling up fast, homes are being built at a record rate," says Scott Nivens, a local real estate agent with Exit King Realty. "When I first moved to Manatee County in 1982, none of these subdivisions were here." Despite this new construction, West Ellenton is one of the few remaining neighborhoods in the area where residents can find open, natural space and undisturbed habitats. But today, as popular areas like St. Petersburg and Sarasota expand, "More and more locals are heading to Manatee County to get away from the city," says Nivens. This "mixture of residential and Old Florida area" remains highly desirable for its unique combination of convenience paired with generous amounts of space.
Housing 150
With an average sales price of $360,000, homes in West Ellenton are about $50,000 less than those in nearby Palmetto. Offering both manufactured homes and traditionally built, single-family houses, this area is particularly popular with both working families and retirees. Manufactured homes here usually sell for $50,000 to $150,000 and often don pastel colors siding with wide windows and attached carports. Single-family homes in West Ellenton usually sell for around $350,000-$600,000 and feature more modern stylings, like wood-paneled siding or stucco exteriors. In addition to homes clustered within subdivisions, somewhat unique to this area is its abundance of private properties sitting on single-acre lots beside woods and cattle farms.
Schools 100
Students in West Ellenton are served by the Manatee County School District which is ranked 25th out of the 67 school districts in Florida according to Niche. Students here can attend schools such as James Tillman Elementary, Lincoln Memorial Middle and Palmetto High, all of which received a B-minus from Niche. Middle and high school students can also attend the Manatee School for the Arts. With the motto "Live the arts," this charter school boasts a 97% graduation rate and offers programs in music, dance, the digital arts and more.
Transportation 50
West Ellenton is a car-dependent community. United States Highway 41 as well as Interstates 75 and 275 provide residents with quick access access to Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and the rest of the surrounding area. Locally, West Ellenton is only 4 miles from the town of Palmetto and 16 miles from the beaches of Bradenton. For those commuting to St. Pete, the Skyway Bridge provides easy access, but as the area continues to be developed, expect traffic to be common during rush hour.
Shopping and Dining 75
With a central location, West Ellenton isn't far from shopping and dining options like those found in nearby Bradenton, St. Pete or Tampa. Locally, the Ellenton Premium Outlets offers brand name stores at discount prices as well as several restaurants and eateries.
For a quick bite, head to TK Grill & Barbeque for some grilled meats like their signature slow-smoked pork with black beans and rice. When in the mood for a drink, Corporate Ladder Brewing Company offers beers and lagers on tap.
For groceries, Detwiler’s Farm Market features farm-fresh produce and local seafood options. This market with a hometown feel also has a deli, bakery and meat department.
Parks 50
For those wanting to find some undisturbed Florida nature, the Felts Audobon Preserve is popular with birders and those wanting to take a casual stroll. With more than a mile of footpaths, this 28-acre preserve is home to pine flatwoods, ponds, wetlands and meadows that have attracted a documented 194 avian species and 33 butterfly species.
Situated on the West end of Snead Island, Emerson Point Preserve is another popular spot, especially for people who want to enjoy the balmy waters of the Tampa Bay. This preserve has beaches, wildlife, boardwalks, walking trails and even a Native American historic site.
Another Old Florida spot is the Palmetto Estuary Preserve. This protected piece of coastal habitat is a great place to admire the waters of the Manatee River and spot wildlife like dolphins and even manatees.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
104
Median Rent
$2,315
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,350
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,553
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,075
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,100
Median Condo Rent
$2,335
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,298
Weather
Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
40/ 100
Moderately walkable
Walkability®
60/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
