Located in the southwest corner of Manatee County, Tidy Island in Bradenton is a very special neighborhood that not many real estate professionals know about. Although Tidy Island is not really an island, it certainly feels like it; this neighborhood is located in a peninsula of the northern estuary of the Sarasota Bay, looking at Longboat Key right across the water.

Before residential development started in Tidy Island, the peninsula was inhabited by indigenous people who took advantage of the fertile land and abundant fishing. The archeological sites on Tidy Island indicate that the earliest settlements date back to 500 A.D.

Developers of Tidy Island envisioned a Caribbean resort villa combined with Old Florida styles. The result is an interesting combination of condominiums, single-family residences and townhouses. There are some Florida ranch-style homes around, but most properties have been remodeled to feature Caribbean and Mediterranean architectural designs.

With less than 100 residences in this neighborhood, available listings tend to sell very quickly. In early 2016, a large two-bedroom and two-bathroom condominium unit with more than 2,000 square feet under air conditioning was listed for $425K, a great price considering the majestic views of the Sarasota Bay. A modest, four-bedroom waterfront mansion can be negotiated under $1.6 million. Pricing will depend on the level of customization and the location; some properties are nestled by mangroves and canals while others provide sweeping ocean views.

When it comes to amenities, Tidy Island was one of the first Southwest Florida communities to offer the resort lifestyle. Residents enjoy two saltwater swimming pools, tennis courts, hot tubs, and a clubhouse. The local nature preserve was designed by the National Wildlife Federation, and it can be accessed through numerous trails.
As for convenience, Tidy Island residents can drive to the Village of Cortez in less than five minutes, and they can reach Bradenton Beach in about 15 minutes.