The county seat of Manatee County, Bradenton is home to about 50,000 residents. It is the perfect place to live if you love life by the water. There are freshwater and saltwater waterways running right by the city. Tropicana Orange Juice was founded in the city, and although the corporate headquarters have relocated, the region remains involved in the production of orange juice. Bradenton is also home to a number of well-preserved historic buildings that are over 100 years old. The oldest of these is the Old Manatee County Courthouse, which was originally built in 1860. It is the oldest original building of its kind in the entire State.
Summer is the prime time to apartment hunt in Bradenton. As a typical Florida community, it sees its fair share of seasonal traffic during the winter months. To avoid that non-permanent influx of people, look for an apartment sometime after May. Availability should be good from then until the fall.
When you're trying to find an apartment in Bradenton, tell prospective landlords that you're looking for a one year lease. In communities like this one that see a little bit of seasonal traffic, finding a more stable renter is appealing to most landlords. In addition, signing a lease can provide you with some protection from having to relocate too quickly as well.
There is public transportation in Bradenton that works well for moving between the major points of interest. The MCAT, or Manatee County Area Transit operates these busses. However, the system is limited. If you need to get around to locations outside the town limits at all, or if you need to move around during broad hours, then having a car is a very good idea.
The ample access to water makes boating, swimming and windsurfing all very popular with the locals and the tourists. If you're looking to see the area in its natural state, head to the Robinson Nature Preserve. To get a drink in a modern feeling Irish pub, head to O'Bricks.