Bradenton, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Bradenton
Bradenton is a city of just under 50,000 on the west coast of Florida. It calls itself the friendly city. It is located between Tampa and Sarasota on Tampa Bay and the Manatee River. One of the most interesting things about Bradenton is its Village Arts Center, a reclaimed and specially zoned area where artists live and work. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold their annual spring training here at McKechnie Field. Photo of City Hall courtesy of Wikipedia in the public domain, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Bradenton and Home Prices
Zillow reports the median home value was $390,138 in mid-2023.
What Is Special about Bradenton
Bradenton offers easy access to beaches and boating. It is a big town for art because of the Viilage Arts Center, which spans 36 acres and has 200 homes in it. Each gallery and studio is a home. Many retirees find the area attractive. Baseball fans love watching the Pirates get ready for the season. Nearby Cortez is old time fishing village that is a popular place to visit.
What Is Not Special about Bradenton
This is an older part of Florida so there is some crime, plus traffic and suburban sprawl on busy Route 41.
Who Will Like Retirement in Bradenton
People looking for an inexpensive place on the west coast of Florida and low-key living style might like Bradenton.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism and retirement are big drivers. Tropicana's juice production is centered here and is one of the largest employers.
Climate and Physical Environment
Bradenton is on the west coast of Florida between Tampa and Sarasota to the south. The average January temperature is about 60 and the average July temperature is about 80. Expect a daily rainshower in the summer.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
ArtCenter Manatee is the center for art and art education with a nearly 10,000 sq. ft. building in downtown Bradenton featuring three galleries, five classrooms, an Artists Market gift shop and an art library. The Village Arts Center, which provides special downtown zoning for artists, gives the town an artsy flair. There is also the South Florida Museum, a planaterium, and an aquarium. The Village of the Arts remains the largest arts district on the Gulf Coast. Bradenton's Riverfront Theatre is also located here.
Crime
The crime rate is a bit above the national average.
Medical facilities
Manatee Memorial Hospital serves Bradenton, along with several other medical centers. Nearby Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, and Sarasota have every kind of medical facility and specialist.
Transportation
Sarasota/Bradenton Airport offers regular air service. I 75 goes through town. Bradenton is below average in walkability when compared to other communities.
Valuable Links
City of Bradenton Village of the Arts Wikipedia Bradenton Village of the Arts
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