It’s possible that Bradenton is one of the best-kept secrets on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s not as well-known as other nearby cities such as Sarasota and Tampa, but it deserves the attention of homebuyers who are thinking about a Florida retirement. Bradenton is surrounded by tranquil beaches, championship golf courses, and lots of nature.
It’s also home to Harbour Isle, a remarkably designed lifestyle community that’s well-suited for buyers who dream of living on the water. Active adults seeking Bradenton homes for sale will want to consider the new and resale properties in this gated, beachfront community.
Home Models
Minto Communities began building condos and attached homes at Harbour Isle in 2010, and when construction is complete, there will be 686 homes. Buyers can choose the final details and features of their homes by selecting a new construction unit, or they can select a property that’s move-in ready.
All homes have energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and energy systems. Also, the architecture gives residents a feeling of southern charm and resort-style living. There are 10-foot ceilings, breezy and open floor plans, and upgrades like tile floors and granite counters.
The Nautical Series features four condo models with 1,457 to 1,650 square feet, two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, and assigned parking. Condos are in a mid-rise building, giving residents impressive coastal views from their balconies. This series has the most affordable homes, with prices ranging from the mid $400s to the mid $500s.
The Seascape Series offers single-story living in two-story buildings. Attached homes offer 1,621 to 21,69 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and attached two-car garages. There are dens in each home, and six models to choose from. Each home in the Seascape collection is available as resale. The price range for this series is from the high $400s to the mid $600s.
Finally, there’s the Island Series, where buyers will find the most space. The seven available models offer 1,987 to 2,960 square feet, two or three bedrooms, two or three bathrooms, an attached two-car garage, and a flex room that can be used as a den or an office. Some models also have a sunroom. Prices start in the $400s and go up to the $800s.
Amenities
The amenities at Harbour Island would make Jimmy Buffet proud. Residents who like the idea of lost shakers of salt and cheeseburgers in paradise will enjoy hanging out at the amenity complex, which includes a private beach club and the Mangrove Walk Pool and Kayak Launch.
Living at Harbour Isle means access to a boathouse with a kayak launch. There are also private cabanas and a tiki relaxation area. Residents can gather around the firepit, cook something delicious in the outdoor kitchen, and spend as many leisurely hours as they want at the pool.
The Beach Club includes a 23,000-square-foot clubhouse that takes up two floors. On the first floor, there’s a cozy community lounge, and upstairs, there's the Sky Bar Lounge. There’s also a multi-purpose room for club meetings and events, and a covered terrace that invites outdoor dining. Residents can work out in the fitness center and stretch out on the yoga lawn. The Beach Club also has another resort-style pool, a cabana bar, and a private sandy beach. In addition to this, the marina offers wet slips and dry boat storage.
Lifestyle and Location
Inviting trails for walking and biking wind through the community, and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins, manatees, seabirds, and other wildlife. The community is on Anna Maria Sound, close to Holmes Beach, so residents can have their fill of picturesque sunsets, walks in the surf, and community activities like kayaking and fishing. Residents get together for sewing groups, photography clubs, and water aerobics classes. Frequent pool parties are hosted in the evenings.
Harbour Isle is a special blend of laid-back luxury and high-energy activity. Once you’re settled into your new home, you can divide your leisure time between chilling at the private beach and pushing yourself in the fitness center. There’s a beautiful blend of lifestyles and preferences among the neighbors in this community, and residents can be as socially active as they choose to be. While this community is perfect for active adult living, there are no age restrictions at Harbour Isle.
Living in Bradenton, Florida
Living at Harbour Isle provides enough recreation and fun, but the rest of Bradenton awaits. Bradenton Beach, Coquina Beach, Anna Maria Island, and Longboat Key are all popular beaches close to the community. Residents can hop on a deep-sea fishing charter, rent a boat of their own, go snorkeling, or simply sit in the sun. There’s lots of shopping and dining along the coast as well. Anna Maria Oyster Bar provides soothing ocean views to accompany your lunch, dinner, or casual drink.
For golfers, Bradenton has a long list of challenging and relaxing courses to try. Manatee County Golf Course is a great place to start. There’s also River Run Golf Links on the banks of the Braden River. Waterlefe Golf & River Club runs along the Manatee River and allows players to enjoy acres of natural preserves while they drive the long ball.
Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy being close to parks and trails. Harbour Isle is a few minutes from Robinson Preserve, where there are boardwalks and observation platforms overlooking wetlands, mangroves, and tidal marshes. De Soto National Memorial Park provides nature trails, beaches, and historical exhibits chronicling the struggles both settlers and indigenous people faced in the 1500s.
Also, baseball fans will especially enjoy living in Bradenton. It’s the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Bradenton is just off Interstate 75. It’s less than an hour from Tampa and St. Petersburg, and it's just 30 minutes from Sarasota. Harbour Isle is just off State Road 64.