Sarasota and Bradenton Properties
The Sarasota and Bradenton area from an outside perspective can be confusing. Each city has it’s own distinction but most locals refer certain parts of Bradenton and Sarasota as one due to how the county line runs. Many, including the mapmakers use to think that University Parkway (by the new Mall off of I75) was the dividing line between Manatee and Sarasota County but it really isn’t that simple. The county line actually weaves back and forth, and can be confusing to say the least, which is why people refer to some areas as Sarasota when it’s really Bradenton.
Where is Sarasota Located:
Sarasota for a geographic reference is located in Sarasota County along the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Sarasota County also includes the following islands, Lido Key, Coon Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, a portion of Long Boat Key and cities of Venice and Osprey. The city limits of Sarasota have expanded with the on-going real estate development and is almost 70 square miles currently.
Where is Bradenton:
Bradenton is located in Manatee County, north of Sarasota County and south of Tampa and is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Manatee River. Bradenton is largest city of the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice MSA. Manatee County also includes the cities of Lakewood Ranch (north), Parrish, Ellengton, Anna Maria Island and part of Longboat Key. Although Bradenton is the larger of the three cities, most people commonly refer the most of the Bradenton/Sarasota area as Sarasota.
Sarasota seems to be more in the limelight from a historical standpoint due to its significance in art and of course, one wouldn’t historically think of Sarasota without reference to the Ringlings and their contributions to the area overall.
Buying in Sarasota & Bradenton
- Look for properties in Manatee County and Sarasota County. Sarasota is located in Sarasota County. Lakewood Ranch is located in both Manatee County as well as Sarasota County
- The mortgage process in Florida can be different than other parts of the United States
- Insurance rules are different here due to weather conditions.
- Insurance inspections are required due to our coastal location