Not many house hunters know about Tidy Island in Bradenton, which is a neighborhood that evokes an insular atmosphere despite being located on a peninsula attached to the Florida mainland. Tidy Island is located west of South Bradenton and south of the entrance to the Village of Cortez. To access this community from Bradenton, one must drive south towards the Manatee County Golf Course and turn west on Cortez Road before turning south on 86th Street until it becomes Tidy Island Boulevard.

Development of Tidy Island started in the 1980s. More than half of this peninsula is comprised of nature areas that have been meticulously preserved to create one of the greenest neighborhoods in Southwest Florida. There are less than 100 residences in this community, and most of them are part of low-rise condominiums.

Tidy Island will certainly appeal to home buyers who are searching for waterfront properties in a quiet and secluded setting. The condominium units resemble Mediterranean seaside villas, and they tend to be very spacious. A recent listing featured a three-bedroom and three-bathroom condominium unit built on 2,700 square feet of air-conditioned space for $619K, but smaller units starting at $250K often come on the market. There are about a dozen waterfront estates that range between $2M and $3M; some are Mediterranean manors while others are modern mansions.

The upscale amenities are of resort caliber: Two saltwater swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and an elegant clubhouse. Various nature trails crisscross Tidy Island, which is a bona fide wildlife habitat designated by the National Wildlife Federation. Neighbors also enjoy access to kayak launch sites and piers that are ideal for casting lines and watching the sun set on the Sarasota Keys and the Gulf of Mexico.

Tidy Island is an ideal neighborhood for families: the IMG Academy and other prestigious private schools are located nearby, and Bradenton Beach is about 10 minutes away. Golf courses, county parks and shopping centers are just a short drive away.