In Manatee County, the housing markets located north of the Manatee River are attracting a lot of attention in terms of development and real estate activity. Over the last couple of years, smart developers have been preparing for the return of optimal market conditions and first-time home buyers. Sugar Mill Lakes in Palmetto is a residential project developed by local home builder Neal Communities and part of the new wave of housing options in Southwest Florida.

Sugar Mill Lakes is perfect for families who are looking for a homestead that will foster prosperity. Palmetto is a quiet city that is home to about 3,500 families whose household earners work or do business in Bradenton, Sarasota and the Tampa Bay region. Sugar Mill Lakes’ proximity to I-75 and the Skyway Bridge makes it very attractive to homeowners who work in Saint Petersburg.

Affordability is one of the most attractive factors in the Sugar Mill Lakes community. Three bedroom homes with two bathrooms and a garage large enough to park two cars start at just under $181K. The large Sunrise floor plan, with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms is one of the best real estate deals in Southwest Florida at $223K. Home shoppers should keep in mind that the subdivisions north of the Manatee River are in high demand; thus, home prices are bound to appreciate on a quarterly basis.

Since Neal Communities is a local builder, the homes in Sugar Mill Lakes follow the strict guidelines of the Florida Green Building Coalition. The architectural style is the signature Mediterranean revival that has become iconic throughout Southwest Florida. Amenities within this neighborhood include a playground, tennis courts, picnic areas, basketball court and a recreation center. Quite a few homes feature lake views, and the community is surrounded by green areas. Sugar Mill Lakes residents live minutes away from great shopping at the Ellenton Prime Outlet Mall, and they can also enjoy the nearby Buffalo Creek Park with its baseball, football and soccer fields plus picnic areas and a dog park.

The public schools serving Sugar Mill Lakes include Palmetto Elementary, Lincoln Middle and Palmetto High School.