The Southwest Florida housing market stands out for many reasons, and smart residential planning is one of them. In Manatee County, for example, the success of the Lakewood Ranch master-planned development has inspired home builders to create similar residential projects, and Heritage Harbour is a good example in this regard.

Heritage Harbour in Bradenton is a collection of three neighborhoods within a gated community. It is located east of I-75 and north of State Road 64, near the banks of the Manatee River. In order of affordability, the neighborhoods are Lighthouse Cove, River Strand and Stoneybrook. With three distinct lifestyles to choose from, house hunters in Bradenton are certain to find an appealing property to suit their tastes at Heritage Harbour.

Lighthouse Cove is generally recommended to first-time home buyers and young families looking for homes under $200K. This section of Heritage Harbour features comfortable and affordable townhouses arranged near a large lake and nature areas. The amenities at Lighthouse Cove include nature trails, athletic fields, a playground, and a green area for picnics.

The River Strand section offers a golf lifestyle closer to the Manatee River. Home buyers can find condos, three-bedroom villas and single-family residences with lake and golf vistas. The brand-new clubhouse for the 27-hole golf course is the center of attention at River Strand. This section of Heritage Harbour is recommended for golf enthusiasts looking for great value.

Stoneybrook is a very well-appointed residential section that offers a full country club lifestyle experience. This section features single-family estates of up to five bedrooms and four bathrooms built on 3,300 square feet of living space. The elegant architectural style is a modern revival of Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean designs, and the listings range from $345K to $639K. In addition to a tournament-level golf course, Stoneybrook residents can also use the clubhouse and recreation center with a swimming pool, a spa, and outdoor areas for grilling and socializing.

Heritage Harbour is located about 20 minutes away from Downtown Bradenton and 40 minutes from the Manatee County beaches. A major shopping and entertainment district is less than 10 minutes away on the intersection of I-75 and State Road 64.