Ellenton is one of Manatee County’s most practical communities — an unincorporated area on the eastern fringe of Bradenton with immediate I-75 access, the Ellenton Premium Outlets, the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, and home prices that regularly come in below the county median. With a median of approximately $443,000 in early 2026 and a 3 percent year-over-year decrease in price per square foot, Ellenton is a value play for buyers who want Manatee County’s location and school district without the premium of Lakewood Ranch or the coastal markets.
The community is unincorporated — there is no city hall, no city government, and no city services. Everything is Manatee County. This means residents pay county taxes without a city tax overlay, which keeps the tax burden lower. It also means the pace of development and infrastructure improvement is driven by county priorities rather than a local municipal vision. Ellenton is what it is: a commuter-friendly, value-oriented community at a strategic crossroads of I-75 and US-301.
Buyers who choose Ellenton are typically prioritizing three things: price, commute access, and proximity to Bradenton’s services without paying Bradenton prices. The median age in Ellenton is 50, which reflects a meaningful share of active adult and retirement-age buyers who value the quieter setting and the outlet shopping access. But the area also attracts younger families who are priced out of Parrish or who need the I-75 north access for Tampa commutes.
Ellenton FL Real Estate Market Overview (2026)
The Ellenton market in early 2026 is a buyer’s market by most measures. The 3 percent year-over-year decrease in price per square foot, combined with elevated inventory from the broader Manatee County correction, gives buyers meaningful negotiating room. The median sale price of $443,250 is above the county’s condo median but below the county’s single-family median, reflecting Ellenton’s mix of older single-family homes, 55-plus communities, and newer subdivisions.
Ellenton’s residential mix includes conventional single-family homes in neighborhoods like Highland Shores, manufactured home communities on deed-owned land (Terra Siesta, North River Estates, Ridgewood Meadows), and some newer construction in the eastern sections. The manufactured home communities are some of the most affordable owned housing in Manatee County and attract buyers at the $100,000 to $200,000 price point who want to own their land outright rather than rent a lot.
For buyers considering Ellenton’s newer construction or conventional single-family stock, the comparison to Parrish is natural — both are north Manatee County communities on US-301 with I-75 access. Parrish has the master-planned community amenity packages and newer construction but higher prices. Ellenton is more affordable with less community infrastructure. For buyers who do not need the resort amenity package and want to keep total housing costs lower, Ellenton is a legitimate alternative.
Ellenton Premium Outlets
The Ellenton Premium Outlets is the commercial centerpiece of the community — 130 designer and brand outlet stores in an outdoor mall with covered walkways, tropical landscaping, and water fountains at the intersection of I-75 and US-301. Stores include Coach, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, alongside dozens of other brand names across fashion, housewares, and specialty retail.
For residents, the Outlets serve as the primary non-grocery shopping destination. For buyers evaluating the location, the Outlets represent a driver of foot traffic and activity that keeps the Ellenton corridor commercially viable. The proximity to the outlet mall also means that the US-301/I-75 interchange area has supporting commercial development — restaurants, services, gas stations, and other retail — that makes the area more self-sufficient than its population size alone would generate.
During peak season (December through April), the Outlets draw significant tourist and day-tripper traffic from the Tampa-Sarasota corridor. This means US-301 at the I-75 interchange can experience meaningful congestion on weekends. Buyers who work from home or commute off-peak will generally find this manageable; those who commute daily on US-301 should drive the route during rush hour before committing to a home in the immediate area.
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park preserves the only surviving antebellum plantation house in South Florida at 3708 Northeast Patten Avenue in Ellenton. The Gamble Mansion was built in the 1840s on what was originally a 3,500-acre sugar plantation with approximately 200 enslaved workers at its peak of operation.
The house is designated as a Confederate memorial to Judah Benjamin, who served as Secretary of State for the Confederacy and took refuge here briefly after the Civil War before fleeing to England. The site offers guided tours and exhibits that provide context on both the plantation’s history and the broader story of the Confederate flight south at the war’s end.
Located on the banks of the Manatee River, the park grounds include the mansion, surrounding landscape, and river views that illustrate why the site was chosen for a major antebellum agricultural operation. For buyers who value Florida history and outdoor spaces, the Gamble Plantation is one of Ellenton’s genuinely distinctive assets.
Commuting from Ellenton
Ellenton’s location at the I-75/US-301 interchange is its defining practical advantage. The commute times from here are among the most competitive in Manatee County for buyers who work north of the county line.
To Tampa: approximately 44 minutes driving, covering 39.6 miles. I-75 north from the Ellenton interchange takes you directly to the Tampa metro without the surface road miles that lengthen commutes from Bradenton’s western sections. This is a meaningful advantage over Bradenton proper for daily Tampa commuters.
To Bradenton: approximately 16 minutes average, 7 miles. Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) Route 1 provides bus service between Ellenton and Bradenton on Monday through Saturday, with a roughly 30-minute transit run for non-drivers.
To Sarasota: approximately 30 to 35 minutes south on I-75 or US-301. Amtrak bus service to Tampa operates twice daily from the area and takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes — a genuine alternative for buyers who do not want to drive the Tampa corridor daily.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Ellenton, and Tampa International Airport is about 50 to 55 minutes. Both are within acceptable range for buyers who travel regularly.
Schools in Ellenton
Ellenton is served by the Manatee County School District, which earned a B grade in 2025 — the highest in the district’s history — with a record 25 schools earning A grades. Specific school assignments for Ellenton addresses connect to the Manatee County school zone system; confirm the specific school zone for any property you are seriously evaluating, as assignments can vary by street and section of the community.
Families with school-age children often find that the Manatee County school quality in the northern part of the county, including Ellenton, is solid relative to comparable suburban markets in other Florida counties. The charter school system also provides additional options for families who want alternatives to their assigned school. The nearby Parrish schools — particularly Gene Witt Elementary (A- from Niche) — may serve some Ellenton addresses depending on zoning.
Active Adult and 55-Plus Living in Ellenton
Ellenton’s median resident age of 50 reflects a significant active adult and retirement-age population, and the community has several 55-plus options that represent some of the most affordable owned housing in Manatee County.
Terra Siesta is a 55-plus manufactured home community on deed-owned land — meaning residents own both the home and the lot beneath it, unlike lot-rent manufactured home communities. This ownership structure is important for buyers evaluating long-term security and equity. North River Estates and Ridgewood Meadows are similar 55-plus options with split-floor plan homes at affordable price points.
These communities serve a genuine need for buyers on fixed incomes or modest retirement budgets who want to be in Manatee County without paying single-family home prices in conventional neighborhoods. For this buyer profile, Ellenton’s 55-plus manufactured home options are worth a serious look as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the area’s housing market. See our guide to 55-plus communities in Tampa Bay for a broader overview of active adult options across the region.
What Daily Life Looks Like in Ellenton
Ellenton is not a destination community — it is a practical one. Residents choose it because the combination of location, price, and access to the I-75 corridor delivers what they need without requiring them to pay for lifestyle amenities they do not use. The social life here is quieter and more local than in the master-planned communities of Parrish or Lakewood Ranch, which suits a significant portion of the buyer population perfectly well.
Everyday errands are reasonably convenient given the Outlets corridor and the supporting commercial development around the I-75 interchange. Grocery access is within a short drive. Healthcare services in the Bradenton area (16 minutes away) are comprehensive. The beach drive to Anna Maria Island is roughly 25 to 30 minutes, which is workable for weekend trips without being close enough to generate daily beach traffic.
For buyers who have evaluated Parrish and found it either too expensive or too amenity-heavy for their needs, Ellenton often surfaces as the right alternative. The combination of Manatee County location, I-75 access, low price, and the Outlets ecosystem creates a value proposition that is more compelling than it appears from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ellenton FL
Is Ellenton FL a good place to live?
Yes, for the right buyer. Ellenton is a practical, value-oriented community with I-75 access, the Ellenton Premium Outlets, and Manatee County schools at below-median prices. It is not a lifestyle destination with resort amenities — it is a commuter-friendly, affordable community that serves buyers who prioritize value and location over amenity packages.
How far is Ellenton from Tampa?
Approximately 44 minutes via I-75 north — one of the better Tampa commutes in Manatee County because of the direct I-75 interchange access at US-301 without needing to navigate additional surface roads to reach the freeway.
How far is Ellenton from Bradenton?
About 16 minutes, 7 miles south on US-301. MCAT Route 1 bus service runs Monday through Saturday and takes approximately 30 minutes.
What is the median home price in Ellenton FL?
Approximately $443,250 in early 2026, with a 3 percent year-over-year decrease in price per square foot reflecting the broader Manatee County market correction. Manufactured home communities in Ellenton offer much lower entry points in the $100,000-$200,000 range.
What is the Gamble Plantation in Ellenton?
The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park at 3708 Northeast Patten Avenue preserves the only surviving antebellum plantation house in South Florida. Built in the 1840s on a former 3,500-acre sugar plantation, it is designated as a Confederate memorial to Judah Benjamin and offers guided tours and exhibits on both the plantation’s history and the Civil War period.
Does Ellenton have 55-plus communities?
Yes. Terra Siesta, North River Estates, and Ridgewood Meadows are 55-plus manufactured home communities on deed-owned land — meaning residents own the home and lot outright. These represent some of the most affordable owned housing in Manatee County and are popular with retirement-age buyers on fixed incomes.
How does Ellenton compare to Parrish?
Parrish has master-planned communities with resort amenities and newer construction but higher prices. Ellenton is more affordable with less community infrastructure. Buyers who do not need the resort amenity package and want lower total housing costs consistently find Ellenton more competitive. The I-75 access is comparable between the two, though Parrish has newer roads within its master-planned communities.
Are there flood risks in Ellenton?
Some properties near the Manatee River in Ellenton are in flood risk zones, but the majority of the community’s inland residential areas are in lower-risk FEMA Zone X. Always verify the specific flood zone for any property under serious consideration. See our Florida flood zones guide for a full explanation of what flood zone designations mean for insurance and risk.
Ellenton FL Dining and Entertainment
Ellenton’s restaurant scene is centered on the US-301 corridor and benefits from the commercial activity generated by the Ellenton Premium Outlets. The Outlets themselves attract millions of visitors annually, which supports a broader restaurant and entertainment ecosystem than a community of Ellenton’s residential size alone would generate.
Along the US-301 corridor near the Outlets, you will find a range of casual dining chains and regional options. The area also has family-style restaurants and fast casual options that serve both the local residential population and the outlet shopping visitor traffic. For fine dining and more distinctive restaurant experiences, most Ellenton residents make the 16-minute drive to Bradenton, where the dining scene has developed significantly over the past decade.
The Gamble Plantation Historic State Park occasionally hosts community events and educational programming. The combination of the Outlets, the park, and the Manatee River access at the county’s Fort Hamer Park (a short drive north toward Parrish) gives Ellenton residents several genuine outdoor and cultural options without needing to leave the immediate area.
Ellenton Real Estate: What Buyers Need to Know
Buyers evaluating Ellenton need to understand a few specific market dynamics that distinguish it from the master-planned communities to its north and the established neighborhoods of Bradenton to its south.
The residential mix in Ellenton is heterogeneous in a way that is somewhat unusual — conventional single-family homes, manufactured home communities (some 55-plus, some all-ages), older subdivisions, and some newer construction all coexist within the same community boundaries. This diversity is a reflection of the area’s organic, unincorporated development pattern over several decades, and it creates a wider range of price points than in purpose-built communities.
Buyers using conventional financing to purchase a manufactured home in Ellenton face specific lending requirements — not all loan programs will finance manufactured homes, and the requirements for deed-owned-land manufactured home financing differ from single-family conventional lending. Barrett can connect buyers with lenders who specialize in manufactured home financing if that segment of the market is of interest.
For buyers considering conventional single-family homes in Ellenton, the due diligence process mirrors what is required throughout Manatee County: roof age and condition, HVAC system condition, Florida Building Code compliance on any additions or modifications, and flood zone verification for the specific parcel. Ellenton properties near the Manatee River or in lower-lying sections may require flood insurance; most inland properties are in Zone X.
Ellenton vs. Parrish vs. Palmetto: Choosing North Manatee County
The three communities of Ellenton, Parrish, and Palmetto collectively define the north Manatee County residential market outside of Bradenton proper. Each serves a distinct buyer profile.
Ellenton is the value choice with maximum I-75 accessibility. If you need to be on the freeway quickly, whether to commute north to Tampa or to access the Sarasota market to the south, Ellenton’s interchange location is its defining advantage. Prices are below the county median, and the manufactured home communities offer the lowest cost of entry for owned real estate in Manatee County.
Parrish is the lifestyle upgrade from Ellenton — master-planned communities with resort pools, trails, gated access, and new construction quality, at prices above Ellenton but well below Lakewood Ranch. If the amenity package and community programming matter to you, Parrish is where you pay more to get more.
Palmetto is across the river from Bradenton and is the best choice for buyers who want authentic Florida character, waterfront access, and direct proximity to Bradenton’s services. Palmetto is less of a commuter community and more of a lifestyle community — one that values the Manatee River, Emerson Point, and the real Florida environment over planned amenity packages and resort pools.
For buyers who have not made a final decision among these three, Barrett can structure a property tour that covers all three areas in a single day and provides a direct comparison of the living environments, price-to-value ratios, and lifestyle tradeoffs. This kind of structured evaluation almost always produces a clearer decision than researching each area independently online.
Long-Term Outlook for Ellenton
Ellenton’s long-term trajectory is shaped primarily by the continued growth of north Manatee County — both the residential expansion in Parrish to the north and the commercial development pressure from the Outlets corridor. As Parrish fills in with residents who need services and dining, the Ellenton/US-301 corridor is a logical location for that commercial development given the I-75 interchange and the existing commercial infrastructure.
Infrastructure investment from Manatee County is following residential growth across the north county. The Parrish Community Park Phase 2 aquatic facility, road widening on US-301, and school capacity additions all indicate a county that is committing to the north corridor’s growth trajectory. Ellenton benefits from this investment as the southern gateway to the growth area.
Buyers who purchase in Ellenton today are buying into a market that is likely to see continued appreciation as the north Manatee County build-out continues — though the appreciation will be driven more by the market dynamics of adjacent Parrish than by Ellenton’s own development. It is a conservative play in a growth market: lower price, lower risk, lower potential upside than Parrish, but with solid fundamentals for value retention.
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