Bradenton Florida Real Estate market

 Bradenton Beach City, the seat of the Manatee County Florida, offers a lot of opportunities for homeowners. The beauty of the place attracts many. Residents and tourists enjoy, most especially the tranquil and pristine beaches. 

The region offers numerous remarkable golf courses including the River Run Golf Links. Myakka River State Park features an abode of wildlife and rare birds. People also can do hiking trails and boat tours. At the nearby Ana Maria Island, visitors have opportunities to watch egrets, manatees, dolphins and other types of wildlife. The real estate market of Bradenton has been doing good for many years, despite of its ups and downs during periods national economic crisis. It can be also seen with its several hotels and motels like Best Western Midtown, Island Breeze Inn, The Ringling Beach house and more. The median home cost in Bradenton is $90,490. Home appreciation the last year has been -11.16 percent. Another great thing about Bradenton is that compared to the rest of the country, Bradenton's cost of living is 19.60% -lower than the U.S. average. Most of the communities in Bradenton are in its western side since that area is also the location of the city’s downtown. However, the Eastern side of Bradenton is growing at a rapid rate. Initially starting as the popular subdivision Lakewood Ranch, it is now becoming a heavily populated part of town. Most of the communities are newer than in West Bradenton. However the majority of foreclosures in Manatee County took place in that area due to the fact, that a much higher loss in value happened compared to the areas of West Bradenton which is located nearer to the beaches. 

Recently, the average price per square foot for Bradenton FL was $74, a decrease of 9.8% compared to the same period last year. Likewise, the median sale for the homes in the city from the month of December to February was $109,800 based on 696 home sales (trulia.com). If we compare this price from the same period a year ago, the median home sales price decreased by 8.5 % or $ 10,200. Additionally, the number of home sales also decreased by 26.8%. According to Trulia, there are currently 3,832 resale and new homes in Bradenton including 23 open houses, as well as, 2200 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Bradenton FL was $222,671 for the week ending Mar 09, which represents an increase of 0.1%, or $157, compared to the prior week.

Climate and Storm History of Bradenton Florida

The City of Bradenton Beach is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. Just like most of the cities in Florida, Sarasota has subtropical climate. The city is truly perfect for those who love to enjoy mild climate. The city’s January temperature (winter) ranges from 51 F to 72 F while on April (spring) it goes from 60 F to 82 F. Whereas, during summer, the temperature makes it to the highest in July with 73 F to 91 F and in October (autumn) the temperature ranges from 65 F to 85 F. Its annual precipitation is 54.1 inches. Snow also does not fall in this city. Current issues on the climate of this place were about the “too” cold winter in Florida and the above normal temperature in spring. The government is also currently tackling about climate change. The ebb and flow of high tide at the beach has also shown a considerable change.  

On the other hand, hurricanes regularly passed Bradenton. A hurricane can usually go through any part of Florida, including Bradenton. Most of its residents have been aware of it, and does prepared for any storm to come. In fact, most homes have undergone Four Point Inspections and Wind Mitigation Inspections to ensure the safety of the people. So, most homeowners have a generator & 6 gas cans, a "hurricane stash" of non-perishable food and bottled water for emergency. In 2004, hurricane Charley made destroying hit in many cities in Florida but fortunately, Bradenton was not included. To say that Bradenton has not had "the big one" doesn’t mean the next one won't be it. Additionally, because Bradenton is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Anna Maria Sound, along with low elevations, the City is highly vulnerable to the dangers of flooding. The most significant life-threatening flood threat lies in the tidal surges from the Gulf of Mexico associated with coastal or tropical storms and hurricanes. However, an additional major threat for property damage is due to tidal flooding from Sarasota Bay, combined with any significant rain event regardless of the time of year. The City of Bradenton Beach falls entirely with the 100 year floodplain, and is identified as a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In fact, In June 1992, an unnamed tropical depression developed in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm produced fourteen (14) inches of rain in Manatee County. Combined with high winds, it destroyed seventy (70) homes in west central Florida killing two people. In March 1993, what became known as the storm of the century rapidly intensified producing seventy (70) mph winds and strong bands of thunderstorms locally as it moved north toward the Florida panhandle. Then, in September 2004, two hurricanes passed the city. Hurricane Frances came first in the earlier part of the month causing local flooding and beach erosion. Subsequently, in the middle part of the month, Hurricane Ivan stayed three miles off shore, but still, it produced tides 3 to 4 feet higher than the normal flooding. Still, in September 2004, Hurricane Jeanne, similar to Hurricane Frances, took the same track causing additional flooding and beach erosion. Lastly, in 2008, Hurricane Gustave and Hurricane Ike both have been classified as a category 4, traversed the Gulf of Mexico, which has led to flooding along the Gulf of Mexico.

Top Bradenton Florida Restaurants

One of the most exciting things to do in visiting a place is food tripping. In Bradenton, you can enjoy this experience with its numerous restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. From Italian foods to Classic American dishes, Bradenton restaurants makes you feel so special with its delicacies that you will never forget

 

Now, let’s begin with Bradenton’s exquisite Italian restaurant, Carrabba’s restaurant. Carrabba’s offers flavorful, handmade Italian dishes like crispy calamari, homemade lasagna and a variety of fresh fish, seafood and meats cooked over our wood-fired grill. Desserts are also sweet and tasty like the Cinammon Apple Crostada, Dessert Rosa, Panna Cotta, and a variety of Bacinos. Some of its entrees include Filet tips with Polenta, Chicken Cacciatore, and Rigatoni Al Forno. 

Another is Miller’s Dutch Kitchen. Miller’s takes pride of its fresh and high quality Dutch foods. This Dutch restaurant makes you feel like being in Holland with its savory dishes like Beef Liver and Onions, Meatloaf, Beef Pot Roast, Chopped Sirloin, Roast Beef, Country Fried Steak, Ham, Spaghetti, Shrimp Special, Fish Special, Chicken Cordon Bleu and more. 

Owned by the Moore and Hick’s family since 1967, Moore’s Stonecrab Restaurant one of the oldest restaurants in the Manatee County. It has been known for its delicious Crab recipe. During a season, we serve between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of stone crab claws .Most of its seafood comes from the local fishermen. But if you want to try Mexican and Peruvian dish, drop by El Warike Restaurant. It even features lunch specials that are available during the week, all $9.99 or less. The restaurant also has an amiable atmosphere.

On the other hand, for those whose trip is for Polish-German dishes, try to visit at Castle Café. Castle Café serves extensive menus that are all traditionally prepared. For those who love to taste a new set of New American style cuisine, stop at Pelican Pete’s Seafood Bar and Grill. This Grill destination in Bradenton is well-loved by its curry dish that is totally exceptional. It offers great entertainment, fab music and brilliant atmosphere.

Another must-see restaurant in Bradenton is Siciliano’s. Known for its special Pizza, Siciliano’s lets you enjoy the true taste of a real Sicilian plate. But despite of the high-quality of its pizzas, still the prices are affordable. 

However, if you want to eat something that’s Asian, visit Thai Lotus Restaurant. This restaurant features Thai cuisine which is a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences combined to make something uniquely Thai. With its numerous outside culinary influences, authentic Thai food combines flavors and ingredients in a way that gives it a distinct, unforgettable personality all its own. It also includes the best available hand-painted benjarong dinnerware in the lamthong style (liquid gold) specially imported from Thailand for their customers enjoyment. Here are some of its special dishes: Pad Thai, Pad Thai Woon Sen, Pad Bamee, Thai Lotus Fried Rice, Rainbow Fried Rice, and more.

So, what are you waiting for, come and explore Bradenton’s multicultural restaurants and have some awesome and real fun!

Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Bradenton, Florida

   

Bradenton City is a simple yet charming place in the Manatee County, Florida. This city is situated at the tip of the Anna Maria Island which is at the southern entrance to Tampa Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. This middle-sized coastal city is the 48^thlargest community in Florida.

Staying in Bradenton can be totally pleasurable. Here in this place, you can do a lot of fun activities and visit several historical landmarks and museums. First, Bradenton is proud to have miles of pristine sand beaches on the Gulf side. A docking and mooring area is also on the mangrove lined bay side. Aside from that, you can also have some quite time by fishing from the popular City Pier, wherein a full service Cafe which sells baits is open. After fishing, you can visit to one of the city’s parks within city limits, including beach front with picnic facilities and public restrooms. Now, let’s have the historical places. One of Bradenton’s landmarks is the De Soto National Memorial which relates the story of Spanish Conquistador Hernando De Soto.  Guides are available to demonstrated period weapons and describe De Soto’s exploration. Bradenton also has a number of important museums. The South Florida Museum allows visitors to see and explore the region’s great history. In this place, specifically in the Parker Aquarium, Snooty, the oldest living manatee in the world born in captivity, may be found.  Another historical site to see is the Manatee Village Historical Park. This national historic site contains a collection of historic buildings ranging in ages from 1860 to 1914 including an 1887 church, a 1903 General Store, and a 1912 farmhouse. All of the buildings are filled with period furnishings and a 1914 steam engine is also on display. A planetarium called Bishop Planetarium can also be found in this museum. You can also visit Ray’s Canoe and Kayak Centre if you want to take an adventure by kayaking and canoeing. But if you love Golf, Bradenton has the River Club Bradenton. In this golf course, waters, open front nine, a tree-studded back nine and 16 holes are made for your pleasure. Other notable golf areas are River Strand Golf and Country Club, and IMG Academies Golf, The Links at Greenfield Plantation and Country Club. Next stop is the Wheel fun Rentals. This establishment is home of the nation’s premier recreational rental outlets. It offers fun for the entire family with its unique vehicles. You can try a Surrey with a fringe on top or one of other specialty cycles. They offer sizes for couples or for the entire family to share. For those who like parasailing, you should visit the Longboat Pass Parasail because here you can have an exciting experience of soaring or dipping into the Gulf of Mexico through parasailing.  Bradenton’s beautiful seas can now be explored with Captain Kim’s Boat Rides and Charters. Captain Kim brings you to a wide variety of awesome tours and charters like historical sightseeing, eco tours, fishing, shelling trips, or charters for reunions, weddings and other memorable events. Bradenton is really a friendly community with its celebration throughout the year like the “Prelude”, Bridge Street Festival, Anna Maria Privateers, and Santa Claus parades.

                                                                                                                                              

Well, with all of these beautiful, exciting, and fun activities and landmarks, one can say that Bradenton is a great place for you to come.

City of Bradenton, Florida General Info (Statistics, Demographics, etc)

Incorporated in 1903, Bradenton is a city located in Manatee County, Florida, USA.

Area

Bradenton has a land area of 12.11 sq mi (31.4 km²) and a water area of 2.33 sq mi (6.0 km²) 16.14%. Its total area is 14.44 sq mi (37.4 km²).

Location

Specifically, Bradenton is located at 27°29′18″N 82°34′40″W. It is situated between Tampa and Sarasota. To the north of it is the Manatee River. Waterways, both fresh and saltwater, surround the place. Facing the Gulf of Mexico, and into Tampa Bay, the city has over 20 miles of Florida’s famous beaches which are mostly shaded by Australian pines. Also, Bradenton Beach’s business district and communities on the southern end of Anna Maria Island is a favorite hub for tourists and residents. On the other hand, Downtown Bradenton is located on the west side of the city.

Demographics

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the Bradenton's 2007 population to be 53 471. In fact, the city is the largest Principal City of the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area (population: 682,833). But formally, as of the census of 2000, there were 49,504 people, 21,379 households, and 12,720 families residing in the city. Bradenton’s population density was 1,578.3/km² (4,088.5/mi²). The number of housing units were up to 24 887 at an average density of 793.5/km² (2,055.4/mi²). The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.85. The place consists of different racial groups like 78.14% Whites, 15.11% African Americans, 0.29% Native Americans, 0.79%Asians, 0.05% Pacific Islanders and 3.91 % others. The population was spread out with 21.6% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 25.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. Its median age is 42 years.

Economy

There are several great and world-class industries in Bradenton, Florida. One of these is the Tropicana Products, which is of the world's largest producers and marketers of orange juice. Founded by Anthony T. Rossi, an Italian immigrant, in 1947, by  it has grown to over 8,000 employees in 2004, and markets its products throughout the United States. Another is the Champs Sports, also a nationwide sports-apparel chain  headquartered in Bradenton. Unfortunately, Bradenton has been hit considerably hard by the United States housing market correction, as reported by CNN, projecting a 24.8% loss in median home values by the third quarter of 2008. 

Tourism

Aside from its pristine and beautiful beaches, there are many places that one should visit in Bradenton. It has the Art Center Manatee, Cortez Fishing Village, De Soto National Park, Gamble Mansion, Myakka River State Park, South Florida Museum, Palma Sola Botanical Park, and so on.  Bradenton is also home to the Village of the Arts, a renovated neighborhood immediately south of downtown where special zoning laws allow residents to live and work in their homes. The Village of the Arts remains the largest arts district on the Gulf Coast. 

History of the city of Bradenton, Florida

A city located on the Manatee River, Bradenton is a place with a significant history. Ancient artifacts that were recovered indicated that local Indian tribes had a presence on Anna Maria as long as 2000 years before the island was 'discovered' by Spanish explorers. These Indians were said to have more likely they ventured to the island to fish and swim in the surf. Timucan Indians are also thought to have resided in the area 1,000 years ago. In the present, the South Florida Museum features Native American and natural history exhibits, as well as historical dioramas. For a glimpse of life in 19th century Bradenton, visitors can tour the renovated historic buildings of Manatee Village Historical Park. 

The area is believed to have been discovered by the Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto who discovered the place in 1530. Soto was known for his search for the legendary El Dorado. To remember De Soto’s discovery of the city, a memorial in 3000 Seventh Street was made in honor of the conquistador which marks the spot where he first arrived in Bradenton. However, despite of De Soto’s initial discovery, the city was named from Joseph Braden. Dr. Braden was a sugarcane magnate who settled in the area in 1853. Also in the early 1800s, sugar plantations took up much of the land along the river. Folklores tell that Braden’s fort-like home and sugar mill served as a refuge for early settlers against recurrent attacks from (Seminole Indian) Native Americans. Manatee County’s first permanent white settler was Josiah Gates who arrived in 1842. However the first settler on the island was George Emerson Bean, who built his 1893 homestead on the northern tip of the island in the area that now bears his name. Long before the community was known as Cortez Beach but during the late 20's the editor of the Bradenton Herald began calling the city Bradenton Beach and so the name Bradenton was created. In 1943, when the Florida the Florida legislature merged the cities of Manatee (incorporated in 1888) and Bradentown (incorporated in 1903), Bradenton was formed. Soon, developments were made in the city. One of the first projects was the construction of a bridge from the Village of Cortez to Bridge Street on the Island in 1921-1922. It was an important bridge because it made the transportation of the city better leading to its rapid progress. Consequently, Bridge Street became the center of the community. And in 1926 a bridge was added from the island to Longboat Key Bradenton. Also during the 1920s the first Bradenton Beach City was built. However, the current city hall was built in the late 1970s. And in 1952,  the city of Bradenton was incorporated and in 1967 the new draw bridge was built and then opened to  5th Street North. Today, Bradenton continues to preserve its heritage and value its history by making museums and celebrating historical events.