House hunters interested in boating communities in Southwest Florida a few options to choose from, but only a few neighborhoods offer easy access to both the Manatee and Braden Rivers. In the 1990s, Centex Homes began construction of River Pointe in Bradenton , a neighborhood where all homeowners can tie their boats close to their homes.

River Pointe is located near the mouth of the Braden River as it branches off the larger Manatee River. The homes are arranged around saltwater canals and a lagoon, and virtually all of them feature private dock space. Only a handful of River Pointe properties are landlocked, but even these single-family residences are next to ponds and small lakes.

The Mediterranean style of residential architecture is predominant at River Pointe, and it is very adequate for these homes, which are surrounded by water and lush Florida vegetation. This is a very attractive neighborhood with manicured landscaping that is maintained through an annual homeowners’ association fee of about $500. Shared amenities include a neighborhood park, a fishing pier and a kayak launch.

The three and four-bedroom homes at River Pointe range from 1,500 to 2,000 square feet of interior space. The front yards and patios tend to be larger than at other communities in Bradenton. Pricing starts under $200K, and it varies in accordance to the exact location of the property within River Pointe. The homes that sit on canals closer to the Manatee River tend to be larger and generally cost more.

Many homeowners at River Pointe are real estate investors who rent their properties to seasonal tenants. This neighborhood enjoys a great location; the River’s Edge shopping center is right outside the neighborhood, and the Prime Outlets of Ellenton are a short drive away, just across the Manatee River. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach Downtown Bradenton and another 10 to get to Holmes Beach, but most residents here like to take their boats to Anna Maria Island.