Bradenton

Bradenton grew up along the Manatee River in the mid-1800s, when settlers established one of the earliest communities on Florida's lower Gulf coast. Named for pioneer Dr. Joseph Braden, whose fortified plantation house sheltered residents during the Seminole conflicts, the town developed as a center for citrus, celery farming, and river commerce. The area became closely tied to Major League Baseball as the longtime spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Through the 20th century Bradenton grew steadily as a quieter, more affordable alternative to Sarasota across the bay. In recent decades explosive growth in eastern Manatee County — led by the vast Lakewood Ranch community — has made greater Bradenton one of the most dynamic housing markets in the region.