Just minutes away from Florida’s western beaches, the Islands on the Manatee River is a 225-acre gated community and the perfect place to find Florida Gulf Coast properties for sale. Located on its own private island which borders the north shore of the Manatee River, the private docks behind the homes offering direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The waterfront community is near the conveniences of several of the best Florida retirement cities which include Bradenton, Sarasota, and Lakewood Ranch. St. Petersburg and Tampa are also not far away. For day trippers, Sea World, Universal Studios, or Walt Disney World in the Orlando area lie to the east or head south to the Everglades National Park stretching from Naples to Miami or the Art Deco appeal of South Beach in Miami.

The Islands on the Manatee River is a boating community with easy access to the Gulf of Mexico. The river attracts manatees, playful dolphins, birdlife and during the winter months, colleagiate rowing teams. The homes in the neighborhood carry a Spanish Colonial and British West Indies architectural theme. Decorative bridges, tall palm trees and streets lined with brick pavers add the community's curb appeal. 

The primary amenity is the waterfront River House which is under construction and will become the gathering place for stargazing and community social events. The new Fort Harner Bridge will provide quick access to the amenities and golf courses of Lakewood Ranch and downtown Sarasota. Ownership at The Islands provides membership opportunities to the nearby River Wilderness golf course, a course part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and rated as one of the Top 50 Courses by Florida Golfer magazine. The club has a swimming complex, tennis courts and dining options. 

ISLANDS ON THE MANATEE RIVER AMENITIES

  • 24 Hour Manned Gated Entrance
  • River House - under construction
    • Boat Docks and Kayak Launch
    • Fire Pit and Barbecues
    • Bocce Ball Court
    • Great Room with kitchen facility
    • Fitness Center 
  • Two Marina Parks
  • Boat Launch

Popular land-based pastimes behind the gates include beautiful boardwalks and nature trails to explore for birding, bicycling, hiking, jogging, and wildlife photography. There is a phenomenal array of activities to keep everyone healthy and happy. Visit the resident tennis pro for private or group lessons for all ages and experience levels. The club's Munchkin Program is for the young tennis enthusiasts from ages 5-13. You'll also find aerobics classes here ranging from aqua aerobics and basic cardio to dance and yoga. The club's fitness center has state-of-the-art equipment as well as a fitness director and a full-time massage therapist. The club maintains an active social calendar with a daily schedule of events and numerous social and special-interest clubs.

Step on down to the riverside for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boats. This is also the spot for fresh/brackish water fishing, or head out into the Gulf of Mexico for deep sea fishing. The convenient harbors and navigable access to the Manatee River are only one reason folks come here. The River House will serve as the community's meeting place, with boat docks for guests and a kayak launch as well as a bocce ball court. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating areas overlooking the Manatee River offer a great place to hang out with family and friends. Enjoy the fire pits & barbecues outside and a natural stone fireplace inside. For those rainy days, enjoy the bar area with its large screen TV and card tables. The business center has computer equipment and Wi-Fi as well as good old-fashioned newspapers and magazines, and a catering kitchen stands ready to serve your events both large and small. You'll find everything you could hope for in one of the best Florida retirement cities at The Islands.

New home builders in Bradenton FL have created classic examples of spacious indoor/outdoor living on estate-sized 1/2 acre plus waterfront lots with private boat docks. The respected home builders Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Javic Homes, and John Cannon Homes. With views of the nature preserves, interior harbors or the Manatee River, the gated community is peaceful and relaxing. 

There are two neighborhoods within the Islands on the Manatee River. Harbourside and Rive Isle each have their own distinct style and character. Harbourside is an estate home neighborhood of 46 waterfront estate lots starting at over half an acre in size each with its own private backyard boat dock. The homes have metal and barrel tile roofs and the streets here are lined with historic antique bricks. Two marina parks enhance this neighborhood’s charm, and you can choose from Javic Homes and John Cannon for your builder.

Rive Isle holds 67 estate lots located on the Manatee River, Harbor and Preserves ranging in size from a half-acre to three quarters of an acre. There is a large election of Preserve homesites here for those who prefer not to live on the water. You'll find direct riverfront, riverfront and preserve lots available for purchase, and the preferred home builders to choose from include Arthur Rutenberg Homes, John Cannon Homes and Javic Homes. The River House is situated here. Lot prices start begin in the high $200k's. It's hard to find more beautiful Florida Gulf Coast properties for sale than at the Islands on the Manatee River.

The closest and best schools to the waterfront neighborhood are Gilbert W McNeal Elementary School and Pinnacle Academy. 

Amenities

Gated
Boating
Deep Water/Ocean Access
Tennis
Community Pool
Community Parks
Fishing

Islands on the Manatee River Reviews

4.3 / 5 (11 reviews)
"Over priced in my opinion. Watch out for the developer - Very shady."
-- Eric, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
Developer Credibility
HOA/POA Dues
Membership Fees
Proximity to Places of Interest
Quality of Community Amenities
Social Clubs
Trophy
Resident Score
2.4 / 5
"."
-- Jeffrey, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
Developer Credibility
HOA/POA Dues
Proximity to Places of Interest
Quality of Community Amenities
Social Clubs
Trophy
Resident Score
2.7 / 5
"."
-- Chuck, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
HOA/POA Dues
Proximity to Places of Interest
Quality of Community Amenities
Trophy
Resident Score
5 / 5
"Great place to live and golf"
-- Anonymous, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
HOA/POA Dues
Proximity to Places of Interest
Quality of Community Amenities
Social Clubs
Trophy
Resident Score
4.8 / 5
"."
-- Robert, Resident
Curb Appeal and Maintenance
Developer Credibility
HOA/POA Dues
Proximity to Places of Interest
Quality of Community Amenities
Social Clubs
Trophy
Resident Score
4.2 / 5