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Why People Love Bradenton, Florida

A City "Addicted" to Water Sports & Golf

Posted April 23, 2011

    Located immediately north of Sarasota, the city of Bradenton is a delightful place to live, play golf, explore the arts and and have fun on the water or on the numerous soft beaches. Bradenton is the county seat of Manatee County.

    Let's be clear about this, though -- Bradenton is "all but addicted" to the game of golf and to water sports of all kinds. It has way more than its share of fine golf courses -- one perfect for whatever level of player you are. For relaxed living in a golf course community, you cannot beat the cosmopolitan, yet still homey, city of Bradenton Florida.

    Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, its gulf-front island neighbor across the causeway, offer every conceivable opportunity for boating, scuba diving, fishing and sailing.

    You may also enjoy just kicking back for an evening of dining out or having a drink with friends in one of the many restaurants or pubs on downtown Bradenton's historic Old Main Street.

    Historically, the area now called the City of Bradenton, covering roughly 14.4 square miles, was discovered in 1539 by Hernando DeSoto when he landed on Shaw's Point to begin his 4,000 mile trek in search of El Dorado, "The Lost City of Gold." Each Spring, the Hernando DeSoto Historical Society celebrates DeSoto’s landing with a month-long series of events including the SeaFood Festival, a homemade boat race at the Palma Sola Causeway beach, a fishing tournament, a musical and fashion show, a formal-dress ball, and parades.

    Downtown Bradenton attractions include the South Florida Museum, McKechnie Field, the spring training home of Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, the Bishop Planetarium theater, home to one of the world's most advanced planetarium projectors. Bishop Planetarium includes an outdoor amphitheater, playground equipment, benches and gazebos and a granite-marble memorial to the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. The city hosts family-fun attractions and events throughout the year including Winter Wonderland, Get Down Downtown, and other events on downtown’s beautiful, well-lit streets and Rossi Waterfront Park, the crown jewel of the city's park system.

    Bradenton is also home to the "Village of the Arts," a growing neighborhood of renovated cottages just south of downtown that provides homes, studios and galleries for dozens of local artists and other small businesses, including three restaurants. The businesses all open their doors on the first Friday evening and following Saturday afternoon of the month during the ArtWalk.

    Whether you are a young family, a single professional, an investor, or an about-to-retire or already enjoying retirement senior, for a lifetime of relaxed living you should come see how Bradenton Florida. It has become increasingly cosmopolitan in character while retaining its small-town charm. You may wish to visit RealizeBradenton.com for an overview of the City's arts, culture and heritage. Simply put, Bradenton is a wonderful, safe and growing place to live and visit.

    If a new and rapidly growing master-planned community is your cup of tea, the gigantic Lakewood Ranch community is located right on the edge of the city of Bradenton, just northeast of the city of Sarasota.

    Sound interesting ? You bet it does. So, if you've been thinking about coming to Bradenton to look around, time is of the essence. Bradenton has been noticed by many who wish to relocate to the Sarasota - Bradenton Sun Coast area. In March, 2011 home and condo sales in the Sarasota - Bradenton real estate market reached the highest level in six years. And, pending sales, those housing units under sales contract but not yet closed, were the highest since the real estate boom ended in 2005. The Bradenton real estate market is clearly well into its recovery, so if this city sounds appealing, you need to contact either Rich Stover, Sarasota golf course homes expert or Dick Plumb, a Sarasota real estate specialist. Let them find you that perfect home or condominium here in Bradenton.