Moving to Bradenton, Florida

Moving to Bradenton, Florida
By
Mohit

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    Ever wondered what it’s like to call Bradenton home, the city that is fondly known as “The Friendly City”? It will not be difficult if you go through our blog post on moving to Bradenton, Florida.

    Bradenton, FL, lies in Manatee County, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. The city is the second most growing city in the US. It ranks 593 among the best places to retire in America. 

    Bradenton, FL, was established in the 1840s. The city was named after early settlers Joseph and Hector Braden, who came to this city to cultivate sugar. Now, it’s best known for horse surfing and the oldest standing antebellum plantation called the Gamble Mansion. The city is home to the chief producer of orange juice, the Tropicana production facility, Anna Maria Beach, and Robinson Nature Preserve.

    Let us explore the article promptly to know whether it is ideal for your relocation to Bradenton, Florida.

    Quick facts before moving to Bradenton, Florida

    Where is Bradenton, FL, located?

    Bradenton, FL, is along Florida’s Gulf Coast, south of Tampa Bay and north of Sarasota, in Manatee County, Florida, USA. Surrounded by fresh and saltwater, the city is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, providing over 20 miles of Florida beaches.

    Positioned conveniently on US 41 between Tampa and Sarasota, Bradenton covers 14.44 square miles, with 12.11 square miles as land and 2.33 square miles as water.

    Population in Bradenton, FL

    The estimated population of Bradenton, FL, is 56,961 residents as of 2023, 

    Bradenton’s population has seen a 2.2% increase from 2020.

    Diversity in Bradenton, FL

    Bradenton, FL, has a diversity score of 75 out of 100, indicating higher diversity than other U.S. cities. It is a diverse city with a variety of ethnic and racial groups, including:

    • White alone: 74.3%
    • Black or African American alone: 14.8%
    • American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 0.1%
    • Asian alone: 1.8%
    • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.0%
    • Two or More Races: 5.1%
    • Hispanic or Latino: 21.4%
    • White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 59.4%.

    Cost of living in Bradenton, FL

    The Cost of Living Index for Bradenton, FL, is 104.6, making it 4.6% higher than the U.S. average. However, certain expenses like housing, utilities, and healthcare are lower than the national average, with housing being 7% less, utilities 12% less, and healthcare 13% less. Since you’re considering moving to Bradenton, FL, here’s a breakdown of the city’s cost of living:

    • Bradenton’s average annual household income varies; the U.S. Census Bureau notes $55,795.
    • For a comfortable life in Bradenton, FL, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $70,560 for a family and $46,400 for a single person.
    • The average cost of living in Bradenton, FL, is $2108 per month. 

    The table below indicates Bradenton’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average.  

    Cost of Living CategoriesBradenton, FLNational AverageDifference
    Overall Cost of Living104.6100+4.6%
    Housing107100+7%
    Utilities88100-12%
    Transportation105100+5%
    Food & Grocery101100+1%
    Healthcare87100-13%

    Housing market in Bradenton, FL

    As you move to Bradenton, FL, look at the housing market’s stats below to see if buying a home or renting is the better option.

    • The average cost of buying a home in Bradenton, FL, can be estimated from the median sold price of $452,870 as of 2023.
    • The median home value in Bradenton was $450,000 as of 2023.
    • The homeownership rate in Bradenton, FL, was 59% in 2021, and around 41% of the population rents their homes.
    • The median list price per square foot for homes in Bradenton is $272.

    Average rental price in Bradenton, FL

    • In Bradenton, FL, the average rent for an apartment is $1,974.
    • For a studio apartment in Bradenton, monthly rent can range from $1,251 to $2,254.
    • One-bedroom apartments in Bradenton have an average monthly rent of $1,486.
    • If you’re looking for a three-bedroom house in Bradenton, the average monthly rent is $3,156.
    • The average monthly rent for a four-bedroom house in Bradenton is $2,908.

    Job market in Bradenton, FL

    Here’s a breakdown of the city job market and salary stats since you are moving to Bradenton, Florida, with your existing job position or as a job seeker:

    • The job market in Bradenton, FL, grew by 2.4% in the last year, and experts predict a 42.5% increase over the next decade, surpassing the US average of 33.5%.
    • Bradenton’s unemployment rate is 4.7%, lower than the national average of 6.0%.
    • The average salary in Bradenton is $38,637 per year or $18.58 per hour.
    • New companies in Bradenton have led the nation in creating jobs. In the past 12 months, 2,452 new businesses opened, employing 12.1% of the workforce, totaling 44,403 employees.

    What are the top employers in Bradenton, FL

    • Bealls
    • First Watch
    • School District of Manatee County
    • Burkes Outlet Store
    • Manatee County Sheriff’s Office
    • Intertape Polymer Management Corp
    • Employee Leasing Solutions Inc
    • Manatee Memorial Hospital
    • Manatee Community College
    • Lakewood Ranch Medical Center

    Most typical job titles in Bradenton, FL

    • Cashier
    • Sales Associate
    • Server
    • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
    • Home Health Aide
    • Retail Sales Associate
    • Customer Service Representative
    • Registered Nurse
    • Crew Member

    Highest paying jobs in Bradenton, FL

    • Physician
    • Dentist
    • Pharmacist
    • Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
    • Nurse Practitioner
    • Construction Manager
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Journeyperson Plumber

    Is it safe is it to live in Bradenton, FL

    Bradenton’s overall crime rate surpasses state and national averages, reaching 2,264 crimes per 100,000 people. This is a 5.15% increase from the Florida average but slightly below the national average. To help you make the right decision, we have collated crime and safety stats for Bradenton, FL. 

    • The violent crime rate in Bradenton is 504.2 crimes per 100,000 people.
    • The property crime rate in Bradenton is 2,178.4 crimes per 100,000 people.
    • The likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime in Bradenton is 1 in 35.
    • Victimization odds can fluctuate based on the city’s different areas. For instance, the chance of being a victim of violent crime may range from 1 in 195 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 389 in the northeast part.
    • Property crime dominates in Bradenton, with 23 per 1,000 residents. This category encompasses offenses like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
    • The violent crime rate, covering assault, murder, rape, and robbery, is 5.62 per 1,000 residents.

    Safest neighborhoods in Bradenton, FL

    • Pomello Park
    • Winding River / Mill Creek
    • Rosedale / Serenity Creek
    • Esplanade / Central Park
    • Preserve at Panther Ridge
    • Silverlake
    • Braden Woods
    • Perico

    How fast can you commute in Bradenton, FL

    The average commute time for people in Bradenton, FL, is about 25 minutes, with slight variations depending on specific areas within Bradenton.

    In Bradenton, most people drive alone to work, and public transportation is available through the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT), offering bus routes and trolley services with limited route and frequency options.

    Specific areas in Bradenton, like zip code 34209, have an average one-way commute of 24.7 minutes, while in zip code 34211, it takes approximately 31.6 minutes.

    The city is pedestrian-friendly, making biking and walking viable alternatives for commuting in many areas.

    List available public transportation in Bradenton, FL

    • Bradenton, Florida, relies on Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) for primary public transport, offering bus services on multiple routes throughout the city and its environs.
    • MCAT’s fixed route bus services operate Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing convenient commuter options.
    • The various bus routes MCAT provides, including Route 1 to Route 203, cover extensive areas in Bradenton.
    • The Anna Maria Island Trolley complements the bus services, operating daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., enhancing transportation options.
    • The Handy Bus service, offered by MCAT, provides door-to-door assistance for individuals with disabilities who cannot use regular buses.
    • The Skyway ConneXion service to Pinellas County and Bay Pines VA operates on weekdays, excluding Sundays and holidays, providing additional connectivity.

    How is the weather in Bradenton, FL

    Suppose you plan to move to Bradenton, Florida, for your summer vacations or holidays. In that case, you should know that the city has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, cooler winters. The following vital stats give you a clear picture of Bradenton’s weather and climatic conditions. 

    • The city experiences two seasons: a hot season lasting 4.7 months from May 17 to October 7 and a winter season lasting 2.7 months from December 9 to March 1.
    • There’s significant rainfall throughout the year, with the annual precipitation expected to increase from about 54.1″ to about 56.1″, and August is the wettest month.
    • Due to its subtropical climate, Bradenton doesn’t usually get snow.
    • August is the hottest month, with an average high of 89°F, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 53°F and a high of 71°F.
    • The best time to visit Bradenton, Florida, is mid-March to the end of April. 

    Education system in Bradenton, FL

    If putting your kids to school after moving to Bradenton, FL, is your concern, read the vital stats about the education system in the city. 

    • Education in Bradenton, Florida, is overseen by Manatee County School District.
    • The district has 77 schools, including 44 elementary, 12 middle, and 11 high schools, along with ten other types like charter and special education schools.
    • The district serves 42,919 students with 2,504 full-time teachers, resulting in an average student-teacher ratio 17.14.
    • The overall school ranking in Bradenton is 6 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Florida public schools.
    • However, individual school performance varies; for example, the State College Of Florida Collegiate School is ranked 56th out of 792 schools.
    • Other schools, like the Manatee School Of Arts/Sciences, have lower proficiency scores in math and reading.
    • Education costs in Bradenton differ based on the level of study and residency.
    • Lower division courses at the State College of Florida cost $102.48 per credit hour for in-state residents and $386.52 for out-of-state residents.
    • Upper-division courses cost $112.08 for in-state residents and $442.08 for out-of-state residents.
    • At the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Bradenton, tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year ranges from $36,545 to $43,665 for Florida residents and from $39,545 to $43,665 for non-residents, depending on the year of study.

    Best Middle Schools in Bradenton, FL

    • Braden River Middle School
    • Carlos E. Haile Middle School
    • Rowlett Middle Academy
    • R. Dan Nolan Middle School

    Best Elementary Schools in Bradenton, FL

    • B.D. Gullett Elementary School
    • Freedom Elementary School
    • Tara Elementary School
    • Ida M. Stewart Elementary School
    • Gene Witt Elementary School

    Best High Schools in Bradenton, FL

    • State College of Florida Collegiate School
    • Lakewood Ranch High School
    • Braden River High School
    • Manatee High School
    • Bayshore High School
    • Manatee Learning Academy
    • IMG Academy
    • West Coast Christian Academy
    • Bradenton Christian School

    Best Universities and Colleges in Bradenton, FL

    • State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
    • University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
    • New College of Florida
    • Ringling College of Art and Design
    • Eckerd College

    What are the best things to do in Bradenton, FL

    The famous attractions and things to see in Bradenton, Florida, are:

    • Immerse yourself in nature at Robinson Nature Preserve, offering hiking trails, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
    • Feel the thrill at Freedom Factory, a famous local race track providing high-speed excitement.
    • Explore the history of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto at De Soto National Memorial, a fascinating national memorial park.
    • Dive into exhibits on natural history, astronomy, and manatees at the Bishop Museum Of Science And Nature.
    • Step back in time at Manatee Village Historical Park to discover the history of Manatee County.
    • Experience a variety of live performances at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
    • Delight in marine life education for kids at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
    • Tour Mixon Fruit Farms to learn about orange juice production and savor delicious orange ice cream.
    • Enjoy the rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees at Palma Sola Botanical Park.
    • Embark on a thrilling family adventure at TreeUmph! Adventure Course, featuring elevated obstacle courses with zip lines and rope bridges.

    Best neighborhoods in Bradenton, FL

    The best places to live in Bradenton, Florida, are:

    • Point Pleasant
    • Palma Sola Park
    • Wares Creek
    • Ballard Park
    • Covenant Way
    • Azalea Park
    • Citrus Meadows
    • Riverview Boulevard

    Pros and cons of living in Bradenton, FL

    Here, we allow you to weigh your possibilities of moving to Bradenton, Florida, by considering the city’s pros and cons.

    ProsCons
    Proximity to beachesRisk of hurricanes
    Affordable cost of living compared to other Florida citiesHigh humidity and heat in summer
    Outdoor recreational activitiesLimited public transportation
    Cultural attractions like the Village of the ArtsSome areas with higher crime rates
    Good fishing and boating opportunitiesSeasonal traffic congestion
    Diverse dining optionsRisk of flooding in certain areas
    Growing job marketMay lack nightlife options compared to larger cities
    No state income taxPresence of pests like mosquitoes
    Friendly community atmosphereIt can be crowded during the tourist season

    Conclusion

    In short, if you plan to move to Florida, Bradenton is the best place to raise a family. It is widely recognized for having warm and welcoming residents. There is plenty of nature, events around town, art and science, good education and sports. So, immediately select the best part of the town and pack your bags now.