Nicknamed “The Friendly City of Florida” Bradenton is the largest city in Manatee County and includes cultural gems like the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium and the picturesque Bradenton Riverwalk. Area highlights include sparkling beaches on the shores of Anna Maria Island, the Cortez fishing village, championship golf courses and LECOM Park, the spring training facility of the Pittsburgh Pirates and home of the Bradenton Marauders. Surrounding Bradenton are the historic towns of Parrish and Palmetto.
Lakewood Ranch is nationally ranked as the “2nd best-selling community in the U.S.” and the best in Manatee County. Lakewood Ranch features a charming town center, A-rated schools, renowned golf courses and sports campuses, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center and the vibrant University Town Center. Neal Communities corporate headquarters is proud to be located in Lakewood Ranch.
With a blend of arts, culture, fine dining, circus history and Gulf coast beaches, Sarasota is ranked as one of the “Best Places to Live” by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to the attractions, Sarasota offers a robust job market with healthcare, small business and real estate leading the way. Top rated schools, world-famous Siesta Key beaches, boutique shops on Saint Armand’s Circle, nature parks and more are just some of the many reasons to call Sarasota home.
Located in Sarasota County with scenic views of Florida’s Gulf coast, Venice is nicknamed the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” Nature lovers thrive in Venice, with bird watchers in Oscar Scherer State Park, nightly sunset celebrations from the Venice Jetty, boaters on the Intracoastal Waterway and fishing enthusiasts at the Venice Pier.
Charlotte County, home to the renowned cities of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte is consistently ranked among the nation's top communities for retirees. Charlotte Harbor offers endless water activities on the Gulf of Mexico and Tippecanoe Environmental Park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Port Charlotte is the spring training home for the Tampa Bay Rays.
With pristine beaches on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva, family-friendly attractions in Cape Coral and the innovative spirit of Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s winter estates, Fort Myers is one of Florida’s most popular cities. It is the commercial center of Lee County, with corporate campuses and JetBlue Park, while maintaining a charming hometown feel through boutique art galleries, public dog parks and Six Mile Cypress Slough, a nature filled conservation area with elevated boardwalk.
Naples, considered the Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida, shines with exquisite sunsets, boutique shopping and alfresco dining on Fifth Avenue South, championship golf, and, of course, awe-inspiring Gulf beaches. Not far from Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, the Naples region is truly a natural wonder. The landmark Naples Pier, and Artis—Naples, home of Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum, are must-visits.
