Not many people know about Snead Island, the westernmost section of Palmetto located across the Manatee River from the Palma Sola district of Bradenton. Aside from the pristine Emerson Point Preserve and its numerous bayous, Snead Island mostly consists of marinas, yacht clubs, and spectacular private communities such as Amberwynd in Palmetto, which is among the most desirable in Manatee County.

Amberwynd on Snead Island is a small collection of million-dollar waterfront estates, many of which feature their own private docking spaces and wooden piers that look out onto the Clambar and Champlain Bayous. Every property at Amberwyn has been custom-built by distinguished local developers such as Sterling Bay and John Cannon Homes. A few of the homes are nestled within a small mangrove preserve that provides lots of privacy. There is no through traffic beyond the main gate, and even 17th Street does not get very busy because it only leads to the Emerson Point Preserve and the tip of Snead Island.

What you can expect at Amberwynd are well-appointed homes that offer more extras than what you would typically find elsewhere in Southwest Florida. Compared to other waterfront neighborhoods in Bradenton, a Snead Island estate will feature quartz countertops, transom windows, four bedrooms, a studio facing the water, docking space, and even a boat lift for less than a million dollars. A few of the properties here have their own private swimming pools, and the two-level estates offer gorgeous views of Terra Ceia Bay.

Amberwynd residents can actually walk over to the Bradenton Yacht Club to enjoy its dockside lounges and picnic areas; a membership here will also give you access to the swimming pool and tennis courts. Snead Island has numerous spots for fishing and exploring via canoes that can be launched from within the neighborhood.

Living in Amberwynd means being able to drive to the Publix supermarket in Palmetto in less than 10 minutes. Driving to the beaches of Anna Maria Island will require you to cross the Palmetto Historic District and the Manatee River, which means that you may get there faster if you sail your boat.