Just a short drive south of Tampa, there’s a place where small-town life is waiting to embrace you. It’s Bradenton, FL, an authentic small Florida town that’s big on charm but still has an urban vibe. Bradenton isn’t packed with restaurants and shopping; you won’t find Broadway shows. You will find an abundance of beautiful homes in various sizes and styles. Yes, Bradenton’s a resort town, but that’s part of its charm; it feels like you’re on vacation all year. Hide-Away even offers boat storage in Bradenton. Store your vessel with ease and enjoy quick access to the water whenever adventure beckons! Read on if you’re moving to Bradenton and looking for a neighborhood to call home. We have a collection of the best neighborhoods in Bradenton for your perusal below!
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Point Pleasant
Admittedly tiny, Point Pleasant features fewer than 100 homes. Its location on a little peninsula that juts out into the Manatee River is the epitome of desirable. What attracts most folks here, though, are the classic homes in just about every style you can imagine. There are a handful of gorgeous Craftsman homes along with Spanish, American Vernacular, and Colonial for good measure. Mixed in with these high-priced marvels are some mid-rise condos and, surprisingly, some cheap apartments. (The infamous Point Pleasant Apartments, where many artists got their start.) The one drawback is Westminster Communities, a massive retirement village that, unfortunately, keeps expanding. Besides that, however, Point Pleasant is the epitome of small-town living on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Palma Sola Park
One of the oldest communities around Bradenton is Palma Sola Park. If you like winding streets with distinctive but not gaudy homes, this is the neighborhood for you. Yes, some homes are rather pricey, but there are still some affordable choices. The draw is that, cheap or not, the entire neighborhood is just so charming. The palm tree-lined streets, well-kept front yards, and modest nature of the place are simply intoxicating. If a town with classic charm is what you seek, Palma Sola Park deserves a good, hard look.
Wares Creek
If you’re looking for a home you can renovate, Wares Creek is a good choice. That’s especially true if you love bungalows, as there are plenty to choose from. This neighborhood also has a musical vibe, as many musicians live here. They began coming after the Bradenton Blues Festival, which started in 2012, became popular. The home prices in Wares Creek are still surprisingly affordable but they sell incredibly fast. Like all the other communities on today’s list, Wares Creek has its share of waterfront homes. Even if you can’t afford one, the creek is fantastic. You can kayak to your heart’s content as dolphins swim by and say hello.
Ballard Park
Ballard Park is right next door to Wares Creek. (Technically, it’s on the other side of the creek.) If a budget home in Bradenton is what you want, this is the spot. Yes, it’s a little run-down and not nearly the eye-candy of some other neighborhoods. The draw, however, is the low housing prices. Like every part of the Tampa / Sarasota / St. Pete metro area, the Ballard Park part will improve eventually. If you get in now and find your perfect spot, you’ll be a step ahead when that finally happens. Plus, everything that’s great about Bradenton will still be available. The beaches, quaint shops, laid-back lifestyle, you name it. If anything, it’s worth a look, especially if you’re on a strict budget.
Covenant Way
Covenant Way is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Bradenton, FL, with prices to match. You’ll find homes in the half-million+ price range, and rental rates are higher also. Still, if you can afford it, Covenant Way is gorgeous, with well-kept streets and beautiful yards. Plus, about 25% of the folks who own are only here in Winter, so you’ll have the place to yourself!
Azalea Park
One of the best words to describe Azalea Park is “picturesque.” This neighborhood is one of the quietest and safest in Bradenton. It’s affluent, yes, but more than a few affordable homes are still available. Also, you’ll be within walking distance of De Soto National Memorial Park. The views of the Manatee River from the park are spectacular. Azalea Park is an older Bradenton neighborhood with a good mix of families, singles, and retirees. If that sounds like your kind of community, be sure to check it out.
Citrus Meadows
With cozy, reasonably-priced homes, Citrus Meadows is a great place to live in Bradenton, FL. This community, like many here, is well established, and many homes are tiny. That makes them highly affordable and a great starter home for young families. Citrus Meadows will be a great choice if you’re just starting and your budget has limits.
Final Thoughts about the Best Neighborhoods in Bradenton, Florida
What did you think of today’s list? Did you see a community you liked or maybe fell in love with? We sure hope you did and that the information we provided was worth your time. At Hide-Away Self Storage, we know Bradenton well. With 7 self-storage facilities in Bradenton, we should! Bradenton movers know us well because they bring many of our customers here when they arrive from out of state.
If you have questions about self storage in Bradenton, check out our main page. It has all of our locations plus their addresses and phone numbers. You can call or drop by and speak with the on-site manager. They will gladly answer all your questions and show you the various sizes of storage units we offer. By the way, you can reserve a storage unit in Bradenton online in under 10 minutes! There’s no deposit necessary, and it will be waiting for you when you arrive. Until then, welcome to beautiful Bradenton, FL! There’s no better place for small-town living on the gorgeous Gulf Coast!
This article was originally published on 12/04/2020. It was updated on 9/20/2022.