Bradenton, Florida is a major community in southwestern Florida. The county seat of Manatee County is home to about 52,000 residents. The Bradenton - Sarasota area is a major tourist destination, in part because of the white sand beaches that are considered to be some of the best in the world.

History

Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto arrived in the area in 1539. In the 19th century, a Dr. Joseph Braden built a fort-like residence that offered local settlers refuge from occasional attacks by the Seminoles. He was honored by community leaders who eventually named the settlement "Bradentown." Eventually, in 1943, Bradentown and Manatee were merged to form Bradenton.

Parks and Recreation

The Bradenton Riverwalk just opened in 2012. This 1.5-mile greenway lies between the DeSoto Bridge and the Green Bridge, and it runs along the banks of the Manatee River. Unlike the city parks in general, it is open 24/7.

In 1987, River Run Golf Links opened for play. Greens and tees were fully renovated in 2005. The par-70, 18-hole layout offers intriguing challenges to players of every skill level. McKechnie Field opened in 1923, and it hosts the spring training of the Pittsburgh Pirates.


Attractions and Activities

Owners of real estate in Bradenton can take their children to the Parker Manatee Aquarium to see "Snooty," the oldest manatee in captivity. Snooty was born on July 21, 1948, and he has long been the official mascot of Manatee County. The aquarium is adjacent to the Bishop Planetarium and the South Florida Museum, and all three can be experienced during one visit.

Events

The Bradenton Blues Festival is an early December event held at the Riverwalk that overlooks the Manatee River. Attendees savor varied cuisine as they enjoy the top blues artists that play at this premier music festival.



The Manatee Players state high-quality theatrical performances at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The acting troupe has won a first-place award from the American Association of Community Theatre.

Bradenton FL real estate runs the gamut from modest-sized condos to beachfront mansions. At any one time, there may be about 2,000 Bradenton homes for sale, so the skills of a good Bradenton real estate agent can be most beneficial to the prospective Bradenton home buyer. The homes for sale in Bradenton include a variety of newer Bradenton FL homes that feature three or four-bedrooms, deluxe kitchens and energy-efficient systems.

At the same time, there are Bradenton homes for sale that speak to the needs of young families on a budget. A variety of Bradenton properties are priced in the five-figure range. A skilled Bradenton realtor can help you focus on the best Bradenton real estate in terms of your important requirements.