Located just 45 miles from Tampa, lies the sunny and welcoming city of Bradenton, FL. The area is best known for its Tropicana juice producing plant and being the spring training location of the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, it’s also home to amazing schools, beautiful neighborhoods and a thriving local economy. Want to know if living in Bradenton is right for you? Keep reading for all the details on this wonderful Florida community.
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Who Lives in Bradenton?
About 57,644 people call Bradenton, FL home. While three-quarters of the population is white, 16% of residents are Latinx and 20% are Black. Only about 38% of locals were born and raised in Florida; nearly half the population came here from another state, and 13% traveled here from another country. Bradenton has a median age of 43, and the largest age bracket in the city is made up of retirees over the age of 65.
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Bradenton’s Cost of Living
Home values in Bradenton are extremely affordable, with a median home price of just $150,400, which is $28,000 less than the Florida median and $43,000 less than the national median. Property taxes here are mid-range, with most families paying between $800-$1,500 per year. While the majority of the population owns their homes, about 45% of Bradenton residents choose to rent instead and pay about $1,269 per month. Both rental costs and home prices in Bradenton have been increasing year over year, which is important to keep in mind as you search for your new residence.
The Weather in Bradenton
It’s no secret that a city in central Florida, located right on the coast, is sunny and warm. In fact, Bradenton enjoys 249 sunny days per year, compared with a U.S. average of just 205 days. Because the average temperature in Bradenton tends to stay above 50 degrees even during winter, you won’t need to worry about snow here. However, Bradenton does get a fair amount of rain, so be sure to bring along your boots and an umbrella!
Bradenton Schools
One thing Bradenton has is plenty of schools; in fact, the city is home to a stunning 168 schools, including 46 middle schools and 31 high schools across public and private school systems. The highest-rated school in Bradenton is the State College Of Florida Collegiate School, which offers an accelerated course of study by allowing students to be enrolled in both high school and college classes at the same time. By the time students graduate from this high school, they’ve already earned their associate’s degree, without having to pay tuition!
Bradenton Jobs
Wondering where you might work in Bradenton? The largest and most prominent business in Bradenton has to be Tropicana, which employs more than 8,000 in total, including 900 Bradenton locals at the Bradenton production plant. But Tropicana isn’t the only employer in town! Other top Bradenton companies include Champ Sports, Bealls, Blake Medical Center, and IMG Academy.
Brqadenton’s local economy was hit hard in 2008, but has been bouncing back as existing and new businesses continue to grow. Although the median household income is a bit low at $42,000 per year, it’s been growing, gaining 4% from 2016 to 2017 alone. The employment rate is also growing; in 2016, Bradenton added more than 1,000 jobs!
Things to do in Bradenton
There’s always something fun to do in Bradenton! Whether you’re shopping at the Ellenton Premium Outlets, or DeSoto Square Mall, exploring the outdoors on a sunny day or catching a performance at a bar or music venue, this city is one that works hard and plays harder. To jumpstart your local to-do list, here are two must-see spots.
LECOM Park
Love baseball? Then you’ll definitely want to visit LECOM Park for a game! During spring training, LECOM Park is the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, so you’ll have to fight for seats against Pitt’s die-hard fans. During the regular seasons, LECOM becomes a minor-league stage, where you can watch the famous Bradenton Marauders hit and run their way to victory!
Robinson Preserve
In the Sunshine State, there’s nothing like getting outside and enjoying Florida’s incredible weather. Robinson Preserve is a top Bradenton, FL destination for outdoorsy young folks and families alike. Spanning more than 480 acres, the Preserve features numerous walking, hiking, and biking trails, along with a skate park and playground that are perfect for your kids and teens. Waterways wind through the park, offering “kayak trails” as well as perfect spots for fishing. And of course, as a nationally recognized nature preserve, there are hundreds of species at home in Robinson Preserve, making this a perfect destination for nature lovers and birders!
Bradenton’s Top Neighborhoods
Before you find your dream home in Bradenton, you’ll need to narrow down which neighborhoods are your favorite. This can be tough since Bradenton has so many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from. The main zip codes in Bradenton are 34205, 34206, 34208, 34209, and 34210, and the main area code is 941.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got some quick info on Bradenton’s best neighborhoods, right here:
- Silverlake: Features large homes selling for around $200,000-$350,000. Most of the homes here were built during or after 2005.
- Candlewood: This is a perfect community for families, with plenty of single-family Bradenton homes for sale. Prices start at $180,000.
- Bradenton East: This well-established community includes numerous charming homes with a range of styles and architecture. The median sales price here is $140,000, offering an affordable option in Bradenton.
- Sterling Lake: Beautiful homes, a community pool, and a gorgeous lake are just some of the features of this top Bradenton neighborhood.
- Wares Creek: Beautiful bungalow homes dot the streets of this neighborhood, most of which were built in the ‘20s and ‘30s. The area is known for its historic charm.
The Village of the Arts
One special neighborhood in Bradenton is the Village of the Arts, a revitalized neighborhood that is zoned for both residential and commercial use. Along the streets, you find tons of home/galleries and studios for some of the best artists in the area. On the first Friday of each month, the whole village comes together to celebrate “First Fridays,” when all the galleries open, and you can explore the art, along with food and live performances and demonstrations.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Largo, FL or let us introduce you to a local agent in the area.
Restaurants in Bradenton
The list of wonderful restaurants in Bradenton is seemingly endless. If this is your first time here, you might be overwhelmed by all the choices. So, to help, we’ve gathered the important info about our two favorite spots in town.
PIER 22 Restaurant
For your next date night, head out to PIER 22 Restaurant for an evening you won’t forget. The elegant and upscale atmosphere pairs perfectly with a menu of fresh seafood and sushi. For incredible drinks, make sure you stop by during Happy Hour from 3-7PM daily!
- Hours: 11AM–10PM Sunday, 11:30AM–10PM Monday-Thursday, 11:30AM–10:30PMFriday-Saturday
- Website: https://www.pier22dining.com/
- Phone: (941) 748-8087
- Address: 1200 1st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Anna Maria Oyster Bar – Cortez
Anna Maria Oyster Bar is the perfect place to bring the whole family. With dishes like New England Clam Chowder, nine different preparations of Oysters, and classics like popcorn shrimp, you best make sure you arrive hungry!
- Hours: 11AM–9PM Sunday-Thursday, 11AM–10PM Friday-Saturday
- Website: http://www.oysterbar.net/
- Phone: (941) 792-0077
- Address: Cortez Village, 6696 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
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Tips for Moving to Bradenton
- Prepare for plenty of sun, and bring warm-weather clothes.
- If you love Tropicana Orange Juice, you’ll love living here.
- There are plenty of fantastic neighborhoods to choose from.
Need help with your relocation to Bradenton? 2 College Brothers are the movers you can trust for every part of the moving process. Give us a call today at 813-922-1528!
