Learn More About Bradenton, Florida
Learn More About Bradenton, Florida
Bradenton, Florida is a midsize city in Manatee County on Florida’s Gulf coast. It has a population of just over 55,000 people and sits between Sarasota and Tampa. The city has a somewhat unique geography in that it is surrounded by waterways and is separated from the outer barrier islands by the intercostal waterway. Bradenton enjoys a very temperate climate which sees the average high in the low 70s in January and well above 90 in July. The city has a reputation for being a very relaxed and laid-back community which is very friendly to artists and creative types.
One of the most interesting and unique features of Bradenton, Florida is its downtown-adjacent village of the arts. This is a neighbourhood with special zoning permission that allows residents to live and have creative workspaces out of their homes. This has resulted in a small section of the town which features a number of amazing studios, restaurants, art galleries, and other creative enterprises that residents can tour and enjoy. The village of the arts is central to Bradenton’s cultural identity.
Another central piece to Bradenton’s cultural identity is the recently created Bradenton Riverwalk. First opened in October 2012, the Riverwalk is a 1.5 mile public park which overlooks the Manatee River. Designed as a something-for-everyone public space, the Riverwalk features and amenities such as the great lawn which is ideal for picnicking and river gazing, The Botanical Walk which showcases some of Florida’s most beautiful plants birds and wildlife, the 400 seat mosaic amphitheatre for concerts, plays and community events, family fun zone, and splash pad.
For those who enjoy exploring and connecting with nature, there is the South Florida Museum which features both the Bishop Planetarium as well as the Parker Manatee Aquarium. And of course, beach lovers will take advantage of their proximity to amazing Gulf coast beaches such as Annamarie Island, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach
Bradenton did not escape the housing crisis of 2008 as it saw a nearly 25% loss in median home value by the third quarter of 2008. However, the area has seen a rebound in the housing market and certain areas, such as Lakewood Ranch, are growing at a very impressive rate
Bradenton’s schools are administered by the Manatee County school District. Manatee County is proactive and striving to achieve the best possible education system for the students and the community. These efforts have been showing results in the fact that the graduating classes of 2016 earned more than 15 ½ million dollars in scholarships and were accepted to just under 200 colleges and universities across the country. The Manatee County School District’s graduation. Rate has increased 13.2% in the past five years
Three of the major high schools in Bradenton are Lakewood Ranch high school, Braden River High school, and Manatee High School.
Bradenton is one of the best kept secret’s along Florida’s golf coast. Not as famous as Tampa or Sarasota, Bradenton has plenty to offer through the rich cultural fabric of it’s downtown core, its scenic parks rivers in beaches, and its safe schools and community neighborhoods.
