West Bradenton
Palma Sola
Manatee County, Florida
Photo Jrussell55265, via Wikimedia Commons · Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0
Palma Sola runs along the bay of the same name at the western edge of the mainland, just before the causeway out to Perico Island and the beaches. It is one of the shortest drives to Anna Maria Island from a mainland address.
The housing is largely mid century, with waterfront parcels along the bay and the canals feeding it, and a steady amount of teardown and rebuild activity on the better lots.
- To the Beach
- About 10 to 15 minutes
- What Was Built Here
- Mid century ranch, waterfront homes, custom rebuilds
The Details
What defines Palma Sola.
- Palma Sola Bay and the causeway beach along Manatee Avenue
- The Palma Sola Botanical Park and Robinson Preserve nearby
- Waterfront and canal front parcels with bay access
- Mid century housing stock with ongoing rebuild activity
- Ten to fifteen minutes to the Gulf beaches
Questions
What people ask me about Palma Sola.
Why do people choose Palma Sola over the island?
For most buyers it comes down to cost. You are close to the beach without island pricing, island insurance, or island rental rules, and you get larger lots than most island inventory. The tradeoff is that you drive to the sand rather than walk to it.
What is the waterfront situation here?
Palma Sola Bay is shallow in places, so water depth and access matter as much as the fact of being on the water. If a boat is part of the plan, we check depth at low tide, bridge clearances on the route out, and the condition and permitting of any existing dock and lift before you commit.
Are homes here being torn down and rebuilt?
On the better lots, yes, and it has been going on for years. That has two effects worth knowing. Comparable sales need care, because a 1960s ranch and a new build can sit side by side. And if you buy an older home in a flood zone intending a major renovation, substantial improvement rules may require the whole structure to be brought up to current elevation standards.
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