Manatee County · Riverfront
Palmetto Homes & Communities
Just across the Manatee River from Bradenton, Palmetto pairs riverfront living and easy interstate access with a wave of brand-new, value-driven communities.
Manatee River & marina access
Quick I-75 / I-275 commutes
New-construction value
Gulf beaches nearby
Local Guide
Living in Palmetto
Right across the Manatee River from downtown Bradenton, Palmetto is one of the most underrated values on the Gulf Coast. It's a small Manatee County city with real riverfront character — marinas, fishing, old-Florida downtown streets — paired with a wave of new, attainably priced communities. If you want water access and a new home without the coastal premium, it's worth a serious look.
Palmetto’s biggest advantage is location. Sitting at the northern edge of Manatee County with quick access to I-75 and I-275, it’s a genuine gateway between the Bradenton-Sarasota area and Tampa Bay — which makes it popular with commuters, value-focused families, and boaters alike.
County
Manatee
Setting
Riverfront, value-driven
Known For
Marinas & new-construction value
Beaches
~25–40 min (Anna Maria / Gulf)
Tampa / St. Pete
~30–45 min
River
Manatee River & marinas
Riverfront living & marinas
Palmetto sits right on the Manatee River, and the water is central to its appeal. Regatta Pointe and Riviera Dunes marinas give boaters deep-water access and a quick run to the Gulf, while the riverfront and historic downtown Palmetto offer a quieter, old-Florida feel. Communities like Sanctuary Cove, Riviera Dunes, and Laguna deliver waterfront and marina-side living for buyers who want their boat close to home.
At the western tip of Snead Island, Emerson Point Preserve covers 365 acres of coastal uplands, mangroves, and tidal marsh — with hiking trails, observation points, kayak launches, and the Portavant Temple Mound, a 1,000-plus-year-old Native American ceremonial site built by the Tocobaga people. It's one of the most scenic nature spots in Manatee County, and it's right here in Palmetto.
New construction & value
Much of Palmetto’s recent growth is new construction at price points that stretch a budget. Master-planned communities like Artisan Lakes, Esplanade at Artisan Lakes, Trevesta, Silverstone, and Willow Walk bring resort pools, fitness centers, and modern floor plans — often more attainable than comparable homes south of the river. For first-time buyers, growing families, and value-focused retirees, Palmetto is one of the area’s best opportunities to buy new.
Location: the Tampa Bay gateway
Palmetto’s position is its superpower. I-75 and I-275 are right there, putting St. Petersburg and Tampa roughly 30–45 minutes north — close enough for jobs, pro sports, and major airports — while Bradenton is just across the river and Sarasota a short drive south. The Gulf beaches at Anna Maria Island are about 25–40 minutes west, and Ellenton Premium Outlets and big-box shopping are minutes away.
The everyday & the real estate
Palmetto offers a quieter, more local pace than the bigger coastal cities, with parks like Emerson Point Preserve — a beautiful spot for trails, kayaking, and sunsets at the mouth of the Manatee River — close at hand. It sits in the A-rated School District of Manatee County. On price, Palmetto generally runs more attainable than Bradenton or Sarasota for comparable homes, especially in its newer communities, which is exactly why value-minded buyers are taking notice. I’ll pull current numbers for whatever you’re considering.
Who Palmetto is right for
- Value-focused and first-time buyers
- New-construction buyers
- Boaters and riverfront-lifestyle seekers
- Tampa Bay / St. Pete commuters
- Families wanting space and new schools
New Construction
14 Palmetto communities are building now
Having your own agent on a new build costs you nothing and protects your interests — just loop me in before your first model-home visit. I’ll send current pricing, incentives, and lot availability.
Explore Palmetto neighborhoods
30 communities and neighborhoods across Palmetto. Found one you like? Request current pricing and availability and I’ll follow up personally.
Master-Planned
9Artisan Lakes
Now BuildingA master-planned community by Metro Development Group in Palmetto, featuring a Crystal Lagoon — one of the largest in the U.S. Multiple neighborhoods within the development include Esplanade at Artisan Lakes (55+), Eave's Bend, and Edgestone townhomes. Resort-style amenity center with clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and an on-site full-time activities director.
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Esplanade at Artisan Lakes
Taylor Morrison's 55+ active-adult neighborhood within Artisan Lakes. The approximately 11,000 sq ft amenity center includes a fitness center, movement studio, massage treatment room, activity rooms, and catering kitchen. Outdoor amenities feature a resort pool and spa, covered cabanas, fire pit, event lawn, dog park, and sports courts for tennis, pickleball, and bocce. Single-family homes and villas range from approximately 1,700 to over 3,000 sq ft. Now sold out — resale only.
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Eaves Bend
A family-friendly neighborhood within the Artisan Lakes master plan, with approximately 424 homes built between 2018 and 2023 by Taylor Morrison and Meritage Homes. Residents share the Artisan Lakes amenity center with its clubhouse, fitness center, resort pool, tennis courts, and dog park.
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Edgestone
A townhome neighborhood within the Artisan Lakes master plan, with approximately 260 homes built between 2018 and 2023 by Taylor Morrison. Six townhome floor plans were offered. Now sold out — resale only. Residents share the Artisan Lakes amenity center.
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Trevesta
Now BuildingA gated master-planned community in Palmetto with multiple builders including Neal Communities, M/I Homes, Lennar, and David Weekley Homes. Amenity center features a clubhouse with 24-hour fitness center, zero-entry resort pool, splash pool, children's play zone, and a dedicated lifestyle director. Tennis, racquetball, walking trails, and a community park round out the offerings.
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Silverstone
Now BuildingA D.R. Horton community in two phases — Silverstone South (approximately 299 homes, built 2017-2020) and Silverstone North (still selling new construction). Silverstone North has no CDD, with HOA of approximately $136/month covering pool, clubhouse, and common-area maintenance. Homes feature D.R. Horton's Smart Home Automation system. Concrete-block construction on both floors.
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Willow Walk
Developed by Kolter Land Partners on 272 acres of former farmland, with 718 single-family home lots across two phases. Builders include D.R. Horton, Maronda Homes, and Inland Homes. Homes range from approximately 1,300 to 3,600 sq ft. Community pool, clubhouse with pavilion, fitness center, playground, and nature preserve.
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Fresh Meadows
A mid-1990s neighborhood of single-family homes with larger-than-average lot sizes for the area. Mature oak trees and patches of Florida forest give the community a natural, park-like setting. Amenities include a community pool, basketball courts, playground, and tennis courts. Convenient to US-41 for commuters to Tampa or Bradenton.
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Forest Creek
A gated Neal Communities neighborhood of 464 homes with Mediterranean Revival-style architecture, ranging from approximately 1,100 to 3,100 sq ft. Amenity center includes clubhouse with fitness center and game room, resort pool, spa, basketball court, playground, and dog park. An 18-acre lake features a kayak launch and fishing pier. HOA covers lawn maintenance.
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Coasterra
5Coasterra
Now BuildingA master-planned community in Palmetto with multiple builders and neighborhoods, anchored by a 20-acre lake and 160-acre nature park with walking trails. Club Coasterra features a state-of-the-art fitness center, resort-style pool, secluded beach, event lawn, pickleball courts, splash pad, jogging trail, lakeside pavilion and bar, fire pit, lakehouse, sports fields, playground, and dog park. Builders include Taylor Morrison, David Weekley Homes, Meritage Homes, Cardel Homes, and M/I Homes across distinct neighborhoods.
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Esplanade at Coasterra
Now BuildingTaylor Morrison's active-adult neighborhood within the Coasterra master plan. Single-family homes range from 1,483 to 4,591 sq ft with 10 floor plans. Features a grand amenity center with resort-style zero-entry pool, cabana seating, fitness facilities, lakeside trails, outdoor kitchen, and curated wellness and social programs.
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Cove at Coasterra
Now BuildingTaylor Morrison's family-friendly neighborhood within the Coasterra master plan, featuring 10 one- and two-story floor plans. Homes include natural gas, gourmet kitchens, and covered lanais. Residents enjoy all Coasterra amenities including the clubhouse, fitness center, park, and nature trails.
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Palms at Coasterra
Now BuildingTaylor Morrison's move-up neighborhood within the Coasterra master plan. Nine single-family floor plans range from 1,768 to 3,461 sq ft on larger lot sizes. Homes feature natural gas, gourmet kitchens, luxurious primary suites, and covered lanais. Upgrade options include outdoor kitchens, extended lanais, and 3-car garages.
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Edgewater at Coasterra
Now BuildingThe gated neighborhood within the Coasterra master plan, built by David Weekley Homes and Cardel Homes. Single-family homes with 3-5 bedrooms, 2-4 bathrooms, and up to 2,862 sq ft. HOA covers gate maintenance, pool, and common areas. Resort-style amenities and lake access included.
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New Construction
6Curiosity Creek
Now BuildingA Metro Development Group master-planned community planned for approximately 1,800 homes. Builders include Lennar, D.R. Horton, and DRB Homes. Features ULTRAFi high-speed internet, solar-powered Streetleaf streetlights, and smart-home integration throughout. Amenities include a swimming pool with splash zone, park, and multi-use trails.
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Stonegate Preserve
Now BuildingA Lennar master-planned community spanning approximately 400 acres with more than 700 homesites across three collections — The Town Estates, The Manors, and The Executives. Sixteen floor plans range from 2,189 to 3,868 sq ft with 3-6 bedrooms. All homes include Lennar's Pinnacle finishes with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ceramic tile. Some homes feature Lennar's Next Gen suite.
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Mandarin Grove
Now BuildingA new construction community in Palmetto with two builders offering distinct product lines. D.R. Horton builds Express-series homes from 1,328 to 2,605 sq ft (3-5 bedrooms) with Smart Home Automation included. Perry Homes offers larger floor plans from 2,011 to 3,253 sq ft. Both builders are actively selling.
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Pepper Grove
Now BuildingA KB Home community in two phases — Pepper Grove I and Pepper Grove II. One- and two-story single-family homes range from approximately 1,511 to 3,016 sq ft. KB Home's built-to-order process lets buyers personalize floor plans, fixtures, and finishes at the KB Home Design Studio.
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Sanderling
Now BuildingA Mattamy Homes community of 95 single-family homes just off US-41 in Palmetto. Eight floor plans range from 1,504 to 2,799 sq ft with 2-4 bedrooms. No CDD fees. Mattamy's signature open-concept layouts feature Great Room and dining areas flowing together, with covered lanais on every home. Located within five minutes of I-75 and I-275.
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Southpointe
Now BuildingA gated M/I Homes community of 86 single-family homes and villas on Moccasin Wallow Road, just 1 mile from I-75 and 2.5 miles from I-275. Twelve floor plans with open layouts and modern kitchens. Resort-style pool and pickleball courts on-site. No HOA fees. Every home backed by M/I Homes' 10-year transferable structural warranty.
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Waterfront
4Riviera Dunes
A gated waterfront community on the Manatee River, centered on a full-service marina with 219 wet slips (35-110 ft) in an 88-acre protected harbor averaging 18 ft depth — often called "hurricane protected." Multiple residential neighborhoods include Bel Mare and The Palms (condos) and The Hammocks (townhomes), plus custom single-family homes. Dockside Social Bar and Grill is on-site. Direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico.
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Laguna at Riviera Dunes
Four mid-rise buildings housing 160 condominiums on the Manatee River within the Riviera Dunes community. Units range from 1,700 to over 4,000 sq ft, from two-bedroom suites to two-story penthouses. 24-hour guard-gated with panoramic river and marina views. Amenities include two heated pools, BBQ grills, tennis courts, clubhouse, fitness center, and two electric-vehicle charging stations.
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Sanctuary Cove
A gated waterfront community built by WCI Homes on a canal leading to the Manatee River. Single-family homes with select properties including private boat slips. A community boat lift transfers boats from the private lagoon to the river. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, resort pool, and tennis courts. The Water's Edge section offers large custom-home lots.
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Rivers Reach
A gated Neal Communities neighborhood along the Manatee River with 120+ homes built between 1986 and 2019. Three- and four-bedroom single-family homes range from approximately 1,600 to over 3,000 sq ft on spacious lots. Amenities include resort pool, fitness center, playground, volleyball court, kayak launch, and nature trails through preserve areas along the river.
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Established Palmetto
6Imperial Lakes Estates
A resident-owned, gated 55+ community spanning 65 acres in Palmetto, established in 1982. Homes range from 864 to 1,652 sq ft. Amenities include two heated pools, spa, pickleball and tennis courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball, and a spacious clubhouse with regular social activities including darts, bingo, and card games. HOA includes cable and internet.
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Tropic Isles
A 55+ resident-owned community on nearly 60 acres directly on Terra Ceia Bay, featuring 2.5 miles of waterfront with three enclosed harbors, canals, a yacht club, and a marina with boat ramp. Direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay with no bridges. Amenities include heated pool, shuffleboard, exercise room, auditorium, activity center, and library.
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Bay Colony
A waterfront neighborhood on the bay at the edge of deep, wide canals leading to the Gulf of Mexico. A mix of home styles with many properties on canals offering direct boating access. Family-friendly area with an active Property Owners Association that sponsors social and community events year-round. No HOA fees — deed-restricted.
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Fairways at Imperial Lakewoods
An established community of 300+ homes built between 2001 and 2014, set around the Imperial Lakewoods Golf Club. Homes range from approximately 1,600 to over 4,000 sq ft with many offering golf-course, pond, or tree-canopy views. Golf membership is not required — the club restaurant is open to all. The 600+ yard 18th hole is consistently rated Manatee County's best and is in the Golf Hole Hall of Fame. Not gated; low HOA fees.
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Palmetto Point
An established waterfront neighborhood of 527 homes near the Skyway Bridge, dating back to 1956. Home styles include Key West, Spanish-inspired villas, coastal-contemporary, and classic Florida ranch. Many homes feature backyard pools, covered lanais, and private boat slips. No HOA or CDD fees. An active civic association organizes community events throughout the year.
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Crystal Lakes
A non-gated community of single-family homes built between 2006 and 2012 in Palmetto. Named for several lagoons and lakes that provide a natural backdrop throughout the neighborhood. Amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center, basketball court, playground, and nature trail around the community's centerpiece lake. Active HOA organizes regular events and activities.
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Palmetto FAQ
Is Palmetto, FL a good place to live?+
For value-minded buyers, Palmetto is one of the best opportunities on the Gulf Coast: riverfront character, marinas, and brand-new communities at prices generally more attainable than Bradenton or Sarasota, plus a quick commute to Tampa Bay. The trade-offs are that it’s smaller and more local in feel, and beaches are a 25–40 minute drive. If new construction and value matter most, it’s hard to beat.
Is Palmetto cheaper than Bradenton?+
Generally, yes — Palmetto often runs more attainable than Bradenton and Sarasota for comparable homes, especially in its newer master-planned communities. That value, plus riverfront and marina access, is the area’s biggest draw. I can show you exactly where your budget goes furthest.
How far is Palmetto from Tampa and St. Pete?+
Palmetto sits right at I-75/I-275, so St. Petersburg and Tampa are roughly 30–45 minutes north — one of the easiest Tampa Bay commutes in the Bradenton-Sarasota area, which is a big reason commuters like it.
Does Palmetto have new construction?+
Yes — new construction is one of Palmetto’s calling cards. Master-planned communities like Artisan Lakes, Trevesta, Silverstone, and Willow Walk are actively building, often at attainable prices with resort amenities. Builder pricing and incentives change frequently; I can send the current list and represent you with the builder at no cost.
Is Palmetto good for boaters?+
Very — it’s one of the area’s standout boating spots. Marinas like Regatta Pointe and Riviera Dunes offer deep-water access and a quick run down the Manatee River to the Gulf, and communities like Sanctuary Cove and Riviera Dunes put you right on the water.
What outdoor activities does Palmetto have?+
Emerson Point Preserve is the highlight — 365 acres of coastal trails, kayak launches, and the Portavant Temple Mound, a 1,000-plus-year-old Native American ceremonial site. You also have river fishing, boating from the marinas, and easy access to Robinson Preserve (682 acres) and Anna Maria Island just across the water. For a smaller city, the nature access is outstanding.
How do I see homes for sale in Palmetto?+
Tell me what you are looking for and I will send a current, hand-picked list that fits — including options before they hit the public portals. Call or text (941) 350-0224, or schedule a quick consult and we will start with your must-haves.
Thinking about Palmetto?
Let’s talk through neighborhoods, budgets, and timing — no pressure, no obligation. I’ll send a current, hand-picked list of Palmetto homes that fit what you’re after.