Ultimate Guide: Moving to Bradenton Florida

Bradenton is a beautiful community on Florida's Gulf Coast. Located on the Manatee River as it opens into Tampa Bay, Bradenton is only 25 miles from St. Petersburg via the Sunshine Causeway and Bridge or 45 miles from Tampa along the coast Tampa Bay on I-75. With a population of 57,644, it is the main city in North Port, Bradenton, and Sarasota area.

Bradenton Demographics (Who Lives There?)

The estimated Bradenton population in 2018 was 57,644, according to the census bureau. Only 38 percent of Bradenton residents were born and raised in Florida. 74 percent of the population is Caucasian, 16 percent are Latinos, and 20 percent are African-American. While half of the residents of Bradenton came from different states in the USA, 13 percent came from foreign countries. The largest age demographic in Bradenton is over-65 retirees. Over 90 percent of Bradenton residents are US citizens.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bradenton?

A big part of why folks retire to Bradenton is the low cost of living. The average home price is $150,000. This is less than the Florida average by $28,000 and less than the national average by $43,000. Property taxes are low to mid-range between $800 and $1,500 a year. Those who rent in Bradenton (about 45 percent) pay $1269 a month on average. However, it is important to note that the trends for both rents and property prices have been steadily going up over the years.

Bradenton Weather

Not only is this central Gulf Coast Florida city warm, as you would expect it to be, but it boasts 249 days of sunshine every year! This beats the national average by 44 days. The temperature rarely falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in Bradenton, so that Northern retirees will have successfully escaped winter snow. But, the central Gulf Coast of Florida does get a fair share of rain.

Schools in Bradenton

For folks with children, there are lots of schools. The city offers 46 middle schools as well as 31 high schools. There is also a robust private school system. For advanced students, the Collegiate School of the State College of Florida offers advanced courses of study combining high school and college classes. Besides getting an excellent education, kids who attend this school can receive their college associate degree simultaneously as their high school diploma and never pay a cent of tuition.

Employment in Bradenton

If you are working age, the largest employer in the city is Tropicana, which has more than 8,000 employees at its production plant in Bradenton. Other options include Champ Sports, IMG Academy, Costco, Blake Medical Center, and Bealls.

Despite being struck by the 2008 Financial Crisis, Bradenton has been steadily recovering. The median family income is $42,000 and has been growing steadily.

Activities in Bradenton

This city has lots to do for its residents, from excellent shopping at the DeSoto Square Mall or Ellenton Premium Outlets to nightspots with music, dancing, and drinks. And, obviously, the warm and sunny climate offers tons of fun outdoor activities. Here are two that you need to check out first.

LECOM Park

Every spring, you can take in a few spring training games as Bradenton is where the Pittsburg Pirates warm-up for the Major League season. When the regular season begins, the Bradenton Marauders play in Class A Advanced Florida State Minor League as a Pirates' farm team. (Don't forget to check out their All You Can Eat Five Game Plan!)

Robinson Preserve

This 682-acre nature preserve attracts outdoor enthusiasts, and it is all within the city boundaries of Bradenton. The preserve is a mix of tidal marsh, mangrove, and former farmland allowed to regress into the coastal wetland. A 2.5-kilometer pedestrian-only trail of rubberized material allows you to enjoy the wetland areas and keep your feet dry!

Also, there are places to launch your kayak and on-land trails, as well as picnic areas. If you want to explore further, there are 19 park areas within just a few miles of Bradenton.

Best Neighborhoods in Bradenton

Although the city features many great places to live, here are our choices of the best.

Bradenton East

With many excellent homes, this neighborhood features an average sale price of $140,000 and provides a very affordable housing option.

Candlewood

If you will be raising a family in Bradenton, this is a great community with good schools and home prices that start as low as $180,000.

Wares Creek

For pure charm and a bit of Florida history, this neighborhood offers attractive bungalows dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.

Silverlake

For larger homes in the $200,000 to $350,000 range, a fantastic lake, community pool, and strong home values come to this neighborhood. The majority of homes in this neighborhood are less than 15-years-old.

Sterling Lake

This area also has a community pool, excellent homes, and lakeside property.

Bradenton Village of the Arts

Our favorite Bradenton community is this revitalized neighborhood with both commercial and residential properties. Browse the art galleries and studios, especially on First Fridays, when all neighborhood galleries are open. This neighborhood boasts nice restaurants and live music.

Bradenton Restaurants

Newcomers to Bradenton are always surprised and pleased with the variety and quality of eating establishments in the city. Here are just a couple that we suggest you check out.

Restaurant Edelweiss

On the East side of the city, this restaurant features classic German food, a beer garden, live music, and a popular Sunday brunch. It is located at 611 Manatee Ave E, and you can make reservations, call them here.

Fav's Italian Cusina

Come to this genuine Italian restaurant in the center of Bradenton, near the river, for homemade pasta and a cozy atmosphere. Come here to enjoy Italian cuisine, not to party all night. They close at 8 pm! They are located at 419 12th St W, and you can reserve a table by calling 941-708-3287.

Moving to Bradenton?

If you are planning a move to Bradenton, call us at 941-357-1044 for professional moving services.