Pine Bay Forest in North Bradenton has condos in lush surroundings | Market Snapshot

Chris Angermann
·3 min read

In West Bradenton on the north side of Manatee Avenue, close to the beginning of the Palma Sola Causeway, is Pine Bay Forest, a lovely condominium community. The name refers to its proximity to Palma Sola Bay and the densely wooded environment – longleaf pine trees, palms, banyans, saw palmetto bushes and other lush, tropical shrubbery – that gives the neighborhood a park-like atmosphere.

Simple signage surrounded by attractive landscaping at 75th and 81st Streets West indicate the eastern and western entrances and boundaries of the subdivision. Two blocks to the north, Third Avenue West marks the northern border.

A nature trail offers Pine Bay Forest residents easy access to a large wooden deck overlooking Palma Sola Bay.
A nature trail offers Pine Bay Forest residents easy access to a large wooden deck overlooking Palma Sola Bay.

“Pine Bay Forest is a great little development, quiet and secluded, with great location and amenities,” said Ed Martinez, an agent with Bright Realty.

A nature trail leads to a large wooden deck overlooking Palma Sola Bay, where residents can watch dolphins and manatees and enjoy the gorgeous Florida sunsets. The community swimming pool is heated year-round. Other amenities include a hot tub and sauna, tennis and shuffleboard courts, and a kayak launch with storage.

Many of the condos have been renovated on the inside. Bright Realty agent Ed Martinez says some owners have taken advantage of the vaulted ceilings and added a loft space that can be used as a spare bedroom or home office.
Many of the condos have been renovated on the inside. Bright Realty agent Ed Martinez says some owners have taken advantage of the vaulted ceilings and added a loft space that can be used as a spare bedroom or home office.

Situated on 22 acres, the community was developed from 1980 to 1982. Altogether there are 119 homes in 21 single-story buildings. They break down almost evenly into 58 attached units with three bedrooms and 60 with two bedrooms, and one detached house. Living space size varies from 1,105 to 1,650 square feet. The attached units feature carport parking, small private patios and screened in lanais.

Many of the condos have been renovated on the inside. “The units have high, vaulted ceilings, so some owners have added a loft space for an office or an extra bedroom,” said Martinez.

That is the case in his listing at 7520 Fourth Ave., No. 7520. The two-bed, two-bath unit, with 1,249 square feet under air, has a spiral staircase leading up to a loft room. Interior renovations include a new tile floor, redone bathrooms and a kitchen upgraded with new counters and stainless appliances. According to Martinez, the owner is motivated to sell the condo fully furnished. The asking price is $365,000.

Carport parking is provided for residents of Pine Bay Forest.
Carport parking is provided for residents of Pine Bay Forest.

The demographics of Pine Bay Forest comprise retirees, working people, and families with children. Most live there year-round. Although rentals are permitted, owners must wait a year before they can lease their unit. HOA regulations also allow one pet under 20 pounds.

“Residents know each other pretty well,” said Martinez. “They do things together – cookouts and potluck dinners, and cocktails and happy hour on the big community deck.”

They appreciate the convenient location, too. Two of the district schools, Palma Sola Elementary and Martha B. King Middle, are less than a mile north. Manatee High School is three miles to the east.

The neighborhood has lush vegetation including this large banyan tree.
The neighborhood has lush vegetation including this large banyan tree.

Anna Maria Island and its Gulf beaches are five minutes to the west. Nearby Robinson Preserve, various parks, golf courses and other recreation facilities are within easy driving distance.

Shopping and restaurants abound along Manatee Avenue. Palma Sola Causeway Park, within walking distance, offers horse-riding, kayaking and a sandy strip with picnic tables.

HOA fees in Pine Bay Forest start at $600 a month and vary according to the square footage of the units. The dues cover upkeep of all amenities, insurance and maintenance of grounds, common areas and condo exteriors.

When units come on the market, they’ve tended to sell quickly. As of this writing, there were two condos on the market: Martinez’s listing and a two-bed, two-bath unit at 7919 Fourth Ave. W., No. 7919, which has an asking price of $355,900.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bradenton homes for sale: Condos in community near beaches, schools