Bradenton, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Nicknamed the Friendly City, Brandenton sits on the Manatee River on the west coast of Florida. The city is considered a hidden gem for all who live there with its close proximity to beautiful beaches and busy cities such as Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, while still being home to commercial properties and its own attractions. 

Climate & Geography

Located between Tampa and Sarasota, Bradenton is surrounded by both fresh and saltwater. The north end of the city is bordered by the Manatee River. The Riverwalk, located in downtown Bradenton, allows Floridians the opportunity to enjoy 1.5 miles of the river. 

Being that Bradenton is in the Sunshine State, there is an average of 249 sunny days per year in the city. Residents can expect increased precipitation and humidity from June through September with most of the yearly rainfall occurring during that time. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Bradenton houses a wide range of recreation and entertainment for art and nature lovers to enjoy including an eclectic art district called Village of the Arts, ArtCenter Manatee, fishing coves, River Strand Golf and Country Club, Manatee Village Historical Park, and Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, which is the largest natural and cultural museum on the Gulf Coast. Bradenton is also home to LECOM Park where the Pittsburgh Pirates conduct spring training and is home to the Bradenton Marauders. 

Cost of Living & Taxes

Due to grocery, housing, and transportation, the cost of living in Bradenton is 8.4 percent higher than the U.S. average, but lower than the Florida rate. The sales tax in Bradenton is 7 percent. In Florida, residents 65 and older who meet certain requirements can receive exemptions on property taxes. 

Health Care

Bradenton has five medical facilities, including Manatee Memorial Hospital, Suncoast Behavioral Health Center, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Centerstone Hospital, and Blake Medical Center. Blake Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in the Sarasota-Bradenton area and considered high performing in dealing with cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and hip replacements.