Old-Florida charm on Anna Maria Island — Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and the historic Cortez fishing village.
The Bradenton barrier islands — Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, plus the historic Cortez fishing village — are Old Florida at its best: a seven-mile ribbon of sugar-sand beaches, pastel cottages and a no-high-rise skyline that has kept its small-town soul. With around 373 homes for sale and a median near $1.8M, it is one of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after — and tightly held — coastal markets.
The median list price across Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Cortez is around $1.8M, but prices range widely — from condos in the $500Ks to $800Ks up to Gulf-front estates well over $5M. Canal homes with docks and beach-to-Gulf locations command the biggest premiums.
Anna Maria (north end) is the quietest and most exclusive; Holmes Beach (center) is the largest with the most amenities and inventory; Bradenton Beach (south end) is the liveliest, near Bridge Street. Cortez, on the mainland side, is a historic working fishing village.
Yes — the islands have a strong vacation-rental market, but each city sets its own rules on minimum stay and licensing. Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach allow short-term rentals with permits, and regulations change, so confirm the current rules for a specific property before you buy. We can help.
Yes — around 110 condos are typically for sale, from Gulf-front buildings to smaller low-rise complexes. The islands keep a no-high-rise ethos, so most condos are low-density, preserving the small-town feel.
Anna Maria Island is reached by the Anna Maria Island Bridge (Manatee Ave / SR 64) or the Cortez Bridge (Cortez Rd / SR 684) from mainland Bradenton. A free island trolley runs the length of the island, so many residents get around without driving.
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The Bradenton barrier islands — Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, plus the historic Cortez fishing village — are Old Florida at its best: a seven-mile ribbon of sugar-sand beaches, pastel cottages and a no-high-rise skyline that has kept its small-town soul. With around 373 homes for sale and a median near $1.8M, it is one of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after — and tightly held — coastal markets.
Each island has its own personality. Anna Maria, at the north end, is the quietest and most exclusive, home to Bean Point where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. Holmes Beach sits in the middle — the island's largest community, with the widest range of homes and the walkable shops and restaurants near Manatee Public Beach. Bradenton Beach anchors the south end by the Historic Bridge Street Pier, with a lively, laid-back beach-town feel. Just across the water, Cortez is one of Florida's last working fishing villages — a National Historic District where you can still buy fresh grouper off the docks.
Homes here range from restored 1940s beach cottages and canal-front homes with private docks to Gulf-front condos and new coastal estates — roughly 110 condos are on the market at any time. Strong short-term-rental demand makes the islands a favorite for second-home buyers and investors, though each city sets its own rental rules worth understanding before you buy. The islands connect to mainland Bradenton by the Anna Maria Island and Cortez bridges, and a free island trolley makes it easy to get around without a car.
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