Bradenton is a beautiful Florida city that is situated on the Manatee River, south of Tampa, and near Sarasota. It is a city with a vibrant arts scene, an abundance of natural coastal beauty, and plenty of unique neighborhoods. It also has a smaller but thriving LGBTQ community that is friendly and welcoming to all. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Bradenton, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love.
A Look at Bradenton's History
Like much of Florida, Bradenton was first long-inhabited by Native American tribes before its eventual discovery by Hernando de Soto in the 1500s. It maintained a Spanish influence for some time until the area eventually became part of the United States. Bradenton was named after Dr. Joseph Braden, whose home had been a refuge for many in the area, and it was officially incorporated in 1903. The city quickly became a popular place to live, not only for its natural beauty but also for its ideal location. Today, Bradenton is a diverse and thriving city with plenty of opportunities and much to see and do for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Bradenton
Read more fun facts about Bradenton here.
Bradenton’s LGBTQ Community
Bradenton is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Sarasota is Bradenton’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Bradenton?
If you love plenty of sunshine, warm weather, and no snow, you’ll love Bradenton’s weather. Summers can be very warm and humid, with temperatures in July topping out at an average of 90°F. The trade-off is that winters are usually very mild, with lows in January dropping to around 52°F. Bradenton receives no snow and around 54 inches of rain per year. For those who love sunshine, Bradenton receives plenty of it each year – an average of around 249 sunny days, in fact.
Can’t-Miss Events in Bradenton
If you live in Bradenton, you won’t want to miss the Sarasota Pride celebration just a short drive away. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, it is a great time to get together with friends and allies and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Bradenton area.
Held each Saturday from October through May, the Bradenton Farmer's Market is a community market and gathering place that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce and homemade food, local art, great live music, and many other family-friendly activities. You'll definitely want to be sure to stop by and check out all it has to offer!
The Best Neighborhoods in Bradenton
If you're considering moving to Bradenton, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Bradenton is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a Bradenton gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Bradenton is around $495,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Bradenton’s Village of the Arts is one of the largest live-work art communities in Florida, featuring beautiful historic cottages dating back to the 1920s and 30s. More than 30 businesses are part of the village, and it is a wonderful place to spend the day browsing galleries, feeling inspired, and having fun.
Bradenton’s Riverwalk overlooks the Manatee River, and many consider it one of the best spots in town to enjoy a day of entertainment and fun. It is a beautiful space full of activities and attractions stretching 1.5 miles. In addition to an abundance of shops and restaurants, visitors can enjoy volleyball games, relaxing in the beautiful parks, art shows, and even the 400-seat Mosaic Amphitheater which hosts performances throughout the year.
Parks and Recreation
If you love beaches, you’ll love Bradenton – as it offers access to many miles of beautiful coastline. Some of its beaches include Anna Maria Beach, Coquina Beach, Cortez Beach, Holmes Beach, Manatee Beach, and Whitney Beach. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a day soaking up the sun and sea.
Emerson Point Preserve is a 365-acre preserve located at the tip of Snead Island at the mouth of the Manatee River. This natural treasure features amazing examples of Florida's wildlife and native plant communities, in addition to several prehistoric and historic sites.
Bradenton Nightlife
Located only a short drive away in Sarasota, The Purple Rhino is worth the trip. This is Sarasota's oldest gay bar, and definitely one of its most popular. It has a local dive-bar feel and friendly and welcoming crowds. It’s also known for hosting wonderful drag shows.
Oasis is another popular area nightspot famous for its dancing, strong drinks, and great music. From late afternoon until midnight, it operates as a bar with drinks and pub food, but from midnight on, it transforms into a lively dancing venue for all to enjoy.
Contact a Bradenton Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Bradenton, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Bradenton, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Bradenton gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
