The northern section of Manatee County has been experiencing serious real estate development in recent years. Smaller housing markets such as Palmetto and Parrish are going through a renaissance; these Old Florida towns used to be bustling commercial centers in the 19th century, and they are being rediscovered by builders such as Ryan Homes.

Based in Virginia, Ryan Homes is a developer of stylish gated communities located in 14 states. In Manatee County, Ryan Homes has already achieved success with neighborhoods such as Summerwoods. The Retreat at Lexington in Parrish is this builder’s most recent project, and it has all the markings of becoming a very desirable community.

The Retreat at Lexington is located to the east of Harrison Ranch, not far from the intersection between Highway 301 and Erie Road. Since this is still a low density section of Parrish, you may be able to qualify for a special USDA loan with a low down payment and very competitive interest rate; be sure to mention this to your mortgage lending bank or broker.

Ryan Homes has a good reputation in terms of building stylish homes. You will not run into a tract housing situation at The Retreat; the seven models selected by the builder have various elevations, and they offer a nice mix of Mediterranean and American Coastal architectural styles. All the properties here are newer and some of them start at just $375K for a four-bedroom home with three bathrooms and 2,551 square feet of interior. Latest pricing at the Retreat at Lexington will be found below if there is inventory.

Considering that median home prices in Parrish were close to $464K in late 2024, The Retreat presents an incredible value proposition and opportunity for smart buyers. The lots in this neighborhood measure at least 10,000 square feet, and many properties face lakes, ponds, and nature preserves. The amenities make The Retreat even more enticing: There is a swimming pool, a clubhouse, poolside cabanas, nature trails, and even a dog park.

The Retreat at Lexington is part of the Duette district of Parrish, which means that residents only have to drive five minutes to reach The Shops at Silver Leaf, a shopping center with a new Publix supermarket. If you are into golf, you will find a few nearby courses open for membership. Families will find driving to Downtown Bradenton and to the nice beaches of Anna Maria Island very easy; the city is only 15 minutes away, and the beach about 35 minutes.