Sometimes a neighborhood has no special distinguishing features, but it’s a great place to live. One such area is Pine Lakes in Bradenton, a delightful, family-oriented community just east of 43rd Street West between 19th and 24th avenues.
Because it was built out nearly 40 years ago, Pine Lakes has a lived in, mature atmosphere, with sidewalks throughout, full-fledged foliage and mature pines and oaks. Two lakes surrounded by residential properties attract birds and wildlife. The neighborhood’s settled, serene quality is not found in many newer developments.
It has 279 single-family homes ranging in value from $130,000 to $250,000. Most of them are three-bedroom, two-garage houses made of brick or concrete, but there are a few four-bedroom places and some two-story structures. The original builder offered six layouts in Mediterranean and Florida ranch-style designs. Many have since been added to and renovated.
“What I like about it is that the homes look similar, but not exactly alike, and it has a neighborhood feel,” said Xena Vallone, the owner of Xena Vallone Realty, who has lived in Pine Lakes for 13 years and sold a number of properties there.
“I started as a renter and when I was looking to buy a home in 2002, I kept scouring the neighborhood until I found a place.”
Many of the homes sit on elevated properties.
Vallone said Pine Lakes is built on high ground, “so we don’t worry about flooding. “The south end has the deepest lots in the subdivision, which makes them very desirable.”
She also likes her neighbors.
“It’s one of those neighborhoods that are well-kept, friendly and safe,” she said. “We have some second-home owners, but, for the most part, Pine Lake is year-round residents. It’s very community oriented. You get to know everybody.”
Vallone mentions a neighbor who seems to know everything going on in the community. “She’s not nosy, but if someone’s sick, she’ll round up people to help out.”
For a gallery of photos, click on this link.
Some of the residents have been there since it was built, and there are working professionals, as well. But it’s predominantly a family-oriented neighborhood.
“At Halloween you have to take out a mortgage for candy,” Vallone said, laughing. “I’ve never seen that many kids. It’s quite an event.”
Residents take pride in the community. There is a voluntary neighborhood association with a modicum of deed restrictions enforced by the city zoning board. When it was time to put up new signs and landscape the medians, association members had no difficulty getting a collection together. There is also a neighborhood watch.
Pine Lakes is perfectly situated in the midst of shopping, educational and recreational amenities. Nearby G.T. Bray Park and the Manatee Activity Center offer a number of family-oriented programs, including a skate park, basketball courts, baseball and soccer fields, a large heated pool, picnic facilities and rental pavilions.
Manatee High School, Jessie P. Miller Elementary, W.D. Sugg Middle and a number of charter and private schools make the area attractive to families with children of all ages.
Shopping and dining opportunities along Cortez Road and at the Westgate Shopping Center are within easy driving distance, as is Blake Medical Center.
For the physically active, Bradenton Country Club and Pinebrook Ironwood Golf Course are close by, and the beaches and barrier islands are only minutes away by car.
According to Vallone, the only drawback is that 43rd Street West is the dividing line between Bradenton and Manatee County administrative responsibilities, so Pine Lakes lies within the city limits. “When there are accidents at the four-way stop and you call 911, they sometimes don’t know whether to send out the city or county” police, she said.
During the boom and bust, home values increased by $100,000 before sinking back. The neighborhood has a few pre-foreclosure and bank-owned properties, but Vallone said prices are climbing again. Three homes are for sale in the neighborhood, priced from $135,000 to $197,000.
“I love my home and my neighbors. It’s difficult sometimes with the drive, having a business in Sarasota, but there’s no way I would move,” Vallone said.
