There is no shortage of golf lifestyle communities in Southwest Florida, but not all of them involve moving into an expensive country club and paying astronomical fees for annual memberships. At Pinebrook Ironwood Bradenton, real estate is affordable and membership is optional. Pinebrook Ironwood was one of the first Manatee County projects to adopt the South Florida model of combining a public golf course with private residences; the result is a large and pleasant resort-style condominium where you can find units listed for less than $120K.

Located in the western section of South Bradenton, just north of Cortez Road, Pinebrook Ironwood is a collection of low and mid-rise condominium towers arranged all around a 56-acre golf course with forest meadows, ponds and lakes. There are several neighborhoods within this community; each section is ruled under a separate HOA, and they all have swimming pools as well as clubhouses, some with fitness facilities, lounges and picnic areas.

The 18-hole golf course at Pinebrook is not a championship-level facility, but it is quite challenging despite being smaller than others in Bradenton. You can expect to deal with a water obstacle in just about every hole, and you can also take advantage of the tennis courts and the pro shop for very reasonable fees even if you forgo the annual membership.

A few of the Pinebrook neighborhoods restrict ownership to senior citizens; however, more young families and single professionals have been purchasing units in recent years. It is not unusual to find fully furnished properties listed for sale; some of the most affordable one-bedroom units feature one bedroom and a full bathroom built on 765 square feet of living space. As of late 2018, listings ranged between $118K and $375K. Latest pricing at Pinebrook Ironwood Bradenton will be found below if there is inventory.

Residents of Pinebrook will find all kinds of lifestyle comforts near the entrance of the course on Cortez Road: Publix and Aldi supermarkets, Walmart, Outback Steakhouse, Golden Corral, a Regal Cinemas Theater, and even a bowling alley. Driving to Bradenton Beach takes less than 15 minutes.