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Bradenton, Florida Florida
| Situated along the southwest
Florida coast, a bit south of Tampa, Bradenton is a low
key community of about 55,000 people. It has long white
beaches, lots of golf courses and a cost-of-living that
is about 5% below the national average. The median home
price is roughly $145,000, and the median household
income is below the national average. Of the
population, nearly 45% is age 45 or better.
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Bradenton was originally called
Bradentown and got its start in the early-1900s.
By the 1940s, it was known as Bradenton. Today it
is home to Tropicana, the fruit juice producer, which is
the primary economic underpinning of the town.
Not a lot goes on in Bradenton, but
with Tampa and Sarasota so close, cultural amenities
and shopping opportunities are never far away.
The city can boast, however, DeSoto National Memorial
along the Manatee River. This edifice celebrates the
Spanish explorer who first came to this area in the
16th century (1539 to be exact). Since the city
caters to retirees, volunteer opportunities are many.
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The city has some gated master-planned communities,
including Lakewood Ranch.
Manatee Community College offers classes to all ages,
and retirees are welcome.
Local bus service is provided by Manatee Area
Transit, and an international airport is located in
Tampa just 45 minutes to the north.
Braden two has two primary health care facilities,
the Blake Medical Center with 385 beds and the Manatee
Memorial Hospital with nearly 300 beds. Both are
accredited by the Joint Commission and both are
award-winning.
While it is low-key and has some great beaches,
Bradenton also has a crime rate above the national
average. The city seems to have a lot going for it
but this crime rate is worrisome and should be
considered before relocating to Bradenton for
retirement.
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