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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Keith Jamison,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Palmetto, FL sell after 73 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 $377,990, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turnkey 3BR/2BA end-unit villa with 2-car garage in the gated Palms of Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Bayfront Community. This bright and beautifully maintained home offers the perfect Florida snowbird or year-round lifestyle with an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, porcelain tile floors, and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, attractive appliances, a built-in wine
Welcome to Florida LUXURY LIVING at its finest in this stunning 2 bedroom plus den residence; with the flexibility of a third bedroom, offering breathtaking PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS of Terra Ceia Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg skyline. Designed for effortless coastal living, this move-in-ready condominium features an open-concept layout, desirable split floor plan, and
Enjoy the best of **Florida waterfront and golf course living** in this beautifully maintained **3-bedroom, 2-bath condo overlooking the 18th hole of Terra Ceia Bay Golf Course and a scenic lake** filled with native Florida wildlife. Located in the sought-after **Palms of Terra Ceia Bay**, this move-in-ready residence offers peaceful views, privacy, and an unbeatable lifestyle just minutes from
Enjoy what Florida living is all about in this GORGEOUS waterfront 4 bedroom 3 bath pool home showcasing the Summerwood Grand model, the largest floor plan available from Pulte homes, in this sought after Trevesta community! The front entrance features a welcoming covered front patio and custom leaded glass hurricane rated door that make a striking first impression as you enter into a home with
Turnkey 3BR/2BA end-unit villa with 2-car garage in the gated Palms of Terra Ceia Bay Golf & Bayfront Community. This bright and beautifully maintained home offers the perfect Florida snowbird or year-round lifestyle with an open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, porcelain tile floors, and abundant natural light. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, attractive appliances, a built-in wine
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to your dream home in the prestigious gated section of Trevesta in Palmetto, Florida — a thriving, master-planned community where comfort, luxury, and lifestyle converge. Need a large home??? One of the largest floor plans!!! Perched on an oversized conservation lot, this stunning 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 3-car garage home offers the perfect
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
Welcome to Florida LUXURY LIVING at its finest in this stunning 2 bedroom plus den residence; with the flexibility of a third bedroom, offering breathtaking PANORAMIC WATER VIEWS of Terra Ceia Bay, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and the St. Petersburg skyline. Designed for effortless coastal living, this move-in-ready condominium features an open-concept layout, desirable split floor plan, and
Enjoy the best of **Florida waterfront and golf course living** in this beautifully maintained **3-bedroom, 2-bath condo overlooking the 18th hole of Terra Ceia Bay Golf Course and a scenic lake** filled with native Florida wildlife. Located in the sought-after **Palms of Terra Ceia Bay**, this move-in-ready residence offers peaceful views, privacy, and an unbeatable lifestyle just minutes from
Wake up to panoramic Manatee River and Riviera Dunes Marina views from this exceptional 7th-floor corner waterfront residence in Bel Mare, where a semi-private elevator foyer opens to soaring ceilings, walls of glass, and a spacious east-facing balcony perfectly positioned for spectacular waterfront sunrises. This beautifully designed 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium offers the ideal blend of
One or more photo(s) has been 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
RARELY AVAILABLE WATERFRONT CORNER RESIDENCE WITH TWO PRIVATE BALCONIES – FURNISHED & MOVE-IN READY IN RIVIERA DUNES Here’s your opportunity to own a beautifully maintained 3-BEDROOM, 2-BATH WATERFRONT CORNER CONDO with EXPANSIVE MARINA AND WATER VIEWS in the highly sought-after Laguna at Riviera Dunes in Palmetto. This RARE END UNIT stands apart with TWO SEPARATE PRIVATE BALCONIES, offering
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
Gorgeous and modern, two-story home in Willow Walk! Offering 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and over 2,400 square feet of living space, this home is ideal for an extended or growing family. Lots of natural light, enhancing the already open and inviting layout. The welcoming foyer flows into a versatile flex room that can easily serve as a home office, library, play room or additional living space.
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Waterfront Townhome Oasis – Fully Renovated & Move-In Ready! Welcome to your dream home in a charming community of townhomes and villas, where tranquility meets convenience. This beautifully redone 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhome offers stunning pond views from your private screened-in lanai and a
Spectacular water views of Manatee River! The luxury end unit condo features a mix of warm wood floors & tile throughout. The large well appointed kitchen with stainless appliances and stone countertops will bring out the chef in you. The open floorplan looks through the large high wind load rated sliding doors onto the private patio with great views of downtown Bradenton & Manatee River. Boat
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath end-unit townhome offering modern finishes, added privacy, and a functional layout perfect for everyday living. This home is a show stopper with upgrades LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING THROUGHOUT the entire home—NO CARPET—providing a clean, high-end look that is both stylish and easy to maintain. The spacious kitchen is equipped with sleek
Welcome to your next home in the desirable Old Mill Preserve community! Located at 5806 Oak Mill Terrace in Palmetto, this well-maintained single-family residence offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and Florida living. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, this home is designed with an open and inviting layout ideal for both everyday living and
You need to see this large spacious ranch style home with updated kitchen! The large kitchen with stainless appliances will bring out the chef in you. If you seek a home office this has the space with a wonderful bonus room. The fenced in back yard is great for those who have a small pet or just want to sit outside and relax in the sun. Located in a great community just blocks from Manatee River!
Available July 1. Available as annual rental or minimum 7 month term. The fully furnished 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1 car garage townhome features a bright open layout, a fully equipped kitchen, and in-home laundry. Relax on the screened lanai overlooking a peaceful preserve, or take advantage of the community pool. Located in a prime spot with easy access to Tampa, St. Pete, Sarasota, and area beaches,
Welcome to the Fairways at Imperial Lakewoods, where luxury meets comfort in this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. The perfect blend of a thoughtful floor plan, numerous upgrades, and golf course views. Dive into paradise! Relax on the expansive screened-in patio and take a refreshing dip in the inviting pool—a perfect retreat for warm, sunny days. Convenient Location: Proximity to I-75, restaurants,
Wake up to breathtaking sunrises over the Manatee River and Riviera Dunes Marina from this stunning 7th-floor corner waterfront residence available for lease in Bel Mare at Riviera Dunes. This beautifully positioned 2-bedroom, 2-bath luxury condominium offers expansive water views through walls of glass, a semi-private elevator entry, and a spacious east-facing balcony overlooking the marina and
Spectacular updated 2 bed, 2 bath & den that has luxury items like heated and lighted mirrors. The large well appointed kitchen with stainless appliances and stone countertops will bring out the chef in you. New beautiful luxury plank flooring throughout. The open floorplan looks through the large high wind load rated sliding doors onto the private patio with great views of pond with water
Beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome – Palmetto, FL | Annual Lease This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers a thoughtfully designed layout with custom, high-end touches throughout. From the stylish wallpaper and designer paint selections to the eye-catching kitchen backsplash, this home has a polished, upscale feel that truly stands out. The kitchen has a RO system and there is a whole
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
Spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath half duplex for rent! This first-floor home offers 765 sq ft, fresh paint, vinyl plank flooring, and is move-in ready. The kitchen has plenty of cabinet space, and each bedroom has a ceiling light/fan. Enjoy a huge backyard and a convenient location close to Palmetto High School, shopping, and restaurants. Small dogs and cats are welcome with a one-time non-refundable
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
130
Median Rent
$2,300
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,399
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,549
Median Townhouse Rent
$2,100
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$2,150
Median Condo Rent
$2,238
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,200
Weather
Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Fairly friendly
Bike Score®®
40/ 100
Fairly friendly
Walk Score®®
50/ 100
Somewhat friendly
Transit Score®®
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.
