Panther Ridge in Bradenton is a large exurb of Manatee County; a special neighborhood located a few miles east of Lakewood Ranch. There are nine neighborhoods and 800 homes spread over more than 3,000 acres of land at Panther Ridge; the residential sections are connected by nature trails and delineated by horseback riding trails.

The Panther Ridge subdivision is ideal for families and retirees who wish to pursue a rural lifestyle without having to move too far from urban centers. Panther Ridge attracts home buyers who are in search of oversized home sites and very spacious homes. This is a community where it is not unusual to find a country estate built on 10 acres of land, complete with horse stables, orchards and ponds.

House hunters will not find condominiums or townhouses at Panther Ridge; this is a neighborhood where large single-family residences rule. Many of the properties feature the attractive Mediterranean style of architecture, and most of them have been built on spec, which means that prospective buyers can find homes with enticing features such as elaborate wood cabinets, wine cellars, stables, guest houses, gourmet kitchens, multiple balconies, verandas, private ponds, large Florida rooms, etc.

A typical listing at Panther Ridge would be a custom-built home with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 3,774 square feet of living space on a 1.4 acre lot. In mid-2015, this listing could be negotiated for $475K; however, it is important to note that property values are appreciating very quickly in Panther Ridge.

Keeping and riding horses is a major activity at Panther Ridge. Families who do not keep horses often send their children to small, private riding academies in their own neighborhood. Since Panther Ridge was developed parallel to Lakewood Ranch, each community enjoys amenities such as basketball and tennis courts, green areas, nature trails around lakes, and playgrounds.

Most residents of Panther Ridge travel to the upscale Main Street at Lakewood Ranch shopping and entertainment district, which is about 15 minutes away. A trip to the beach takes less than an hour.