Smart home buyers tend to pay attention to more than just property prices; they seek opportunities created by socioeconomic trends. In the wake of the real estate downturn of 2008, many buyers moved away from the suburbs and into urban areas; as a result, housing markets such as Downtown Bradenton experienced faster development, which in turn pushed property prices higher. Over the last few years, this trend has been reversing as developers such as CalAtlantic Homes set their sights on suburban locations such as Palmetto.

Old Mill Preserve is a gated community that reflects the ongoing trend of larger and more elaborate homes available at prices that are lower than those of similar properties in places such as Downtown Bradenton. Old Mill Preserve is for smart buyers who know that they can get far more home for their dollars in the suburbs.

Located between the Heather Glen and Buffalo Creek golf courses east of I-75, Old Mill Preserve is being developed by CalAtlantic Homes as its premier community in Southwest Florida. Construction started in 2016 and has progressed at a gradual pace with eight floor plans and three elevations. The architectural style combines Mediterranean and country home designs to produce a high level of curb appeal. This is a neighborhood where homes sit on lots larger than 5,500 square feet, and where even the coziest floor plan has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and more than 1,400 square feet of living space.

At Old Mill Preserve, home buyers can expect extras such as high-end HVAC units controlled by smart thermostats, quartz counters, crown molding, stonework exteriors, covered lanais, and designer kitchens. Pricing starts under $225K, but values are bound to increase in 2018 due to the neighborhood’s proximity to the Silver Leaf and Parkwood Square shopping centers. The beaches of Manatee County are close enough to visit every weekend, and the Ellenton Premium Outlets are just 10 minutes away.