Bradenton

Set along the banks of the Manatee River, Bradenton is a city of vintage charm and natural beauty with a bustling music, arts, and sports scene. This is a casual community of young professionals, families, and active retirees who enjoy the area’s stunning beaches, boating, and a downtown energized with culture.

The area’s vast waterways carved the land and helped write the story of this small city. In the 1500s, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto landed near the mouth of the Manatee River, which was also known as “The Singing River”, based on a Native American legend. Early pioneers and settlers claimed they were serenaded by mysterious voices coming from the water.

Today — even without the voices — the city works hard to maintain this meaningful connection to the water by investing in parks, waterside infrastructure, and coordinated revitalization efforts. The city is also the access point for miles of beautiful Florida beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.