At one time North Manatee County was known for agriculture, the home of the county fair, and not much more. Today, it can lay claim to Riviera Dunes, a community on the northern bank of the Manatee River that contains what is arguably the largest concentration of luxury homes and condominiums in the county. The community is also built around the County’s newest and most modern marinas.

Growth has also been rampant along the 301 corridor between Palmetto and Parrish. The Ellenton Factory Outlet mall is one of the busiest malls in the county. Further east, the upscale golf course community of River Wilderness continues to expand.

Yet with all of this growth the community goes the extra mile to maintain its heritage. The City of Palmetto boasts that over 160 of its buildings are on the National Register – significant accomplishment in a town of only 13,000 residents.

This section of the county offers something for everyone. Boaters will love Snead Island just west of Palmetto with easy access to the pristine fishing waters of Terra Ceia Bay and Tampa Bay as well as the previously mentioned Riviera Dunes Section. Golfers will love River Wilderness and Terra Ceia Bay Club. The downtown riverfront district features older homes on sprawling riverfront lots with century old oaks dripping with Spanish Moss. Further east, homes with one to five acre lots are available or, for than matter, entire ranches with pastures and barns.

Yet, like every place else in the area, there is still plenty to do. The area is less than an hour away from major professional sports franchises including the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Bucs, and Tampa Bay Rays. IMG Academies, including the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy are about 30-40 minutes away. The home of the Orlando Magic is also only a couple of hours away, along with the other countless Orlando attractions. Finally, don’t forget major league baseball spring training – you are in the heart of it with the Pittsburg Pirates in Bradenton and the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota, plus dozens of other teams within a short afternoon’s drive.