Manatee County is a housing market filled with landmarks, one of the most famous being the IMG Academy of Bradenton, which since 1987 has been graduating high-profile athletes such as Andre Agassi, Venus and Serena Williams, Landon Donovan, Taurean Green, Marc Colombo, Nelly Korda, and quite a few others. Expansion of the IMG Academy has prompted residential developers to build housing solutions for students and their families; Bollettieri Resort Villas was completed in 2002, and it was followed by Academy Park in 2007.

Although most residents of these maintenance-free communities are affiliated with the IMG Academy, listings are open to all prospective home buyers. At Bollettieri Villas, two and three-bedroom units offer between 1,119 and 2,271 square feet of living space; they are built in a style reminiscent of Key West homes, and homeowners get their own covered carports. The larger units at Academy Park Villas are built in a Spanish Colonial style and offer greater privacy; the floor plans feature interiors of at least 2,039 square feet, and some of them offer four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. In general, the properties at Academy Park Villas offer more luxurious extras.

As of September 2019, pricing at Bollettieri Villas started at $249K. Three-bedroom listings at Academy Park start under $600K. In these two gated communities, residents and guests enjoy heated swimming pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, and green spaces. Both neighborhoods are immaculately cared for by IMG groundskeepers and contractors. The South Bradenton location is perfect; the downtown districts are just 15 minutes away, and driving to the beach takes about the same time. The nearest shopping district is a few blocks north along 53rd Avenue, and a large Publix supermarket can be found at the Bradenton Commons shopping center.

Real estate investors should keep in mind that IMG Academy allows rental agreements at both Bollettieri and Academy Park Villas for a minimum of six months. Rental demand in these two neighborhoods is always high, particularly during the golf and soccer seasons, which bring a stream of student-athletes and their families from around the world. Purchasing units at these prestigious neighborhoods will always be a smart investment.