Anna Maria is a small Island made up of 3 beaches that attract almost 1 million visitors a year!
There are no high-rises as the building height limit is 35 ft –This created a very special island environment that millions call Paradise!
There are so many beautiful places all over the world that attract thousands of visitors. Only a select few become guest favorites where they keep coming back year after year instead of exploring other options. Anna Maria Island is one of those unique locations.
It is so rich geographically and the island's restrictions and regulations made and ideal balance that created a utopian paradise millions get to enjoy year round.
Here is everything you need to know about Anna Maria Island.
Where is Anna Maria Island located?
Anna Maria Island is 20 miles north west of downtown Sarasota. St Petersburg downtown is 35 miles north across the Sunshine Skyway bridge. Directly south is the 12 mile long Island of Longboat Key.
What is Anna Maria Island known for?
Anna Maria Island is known for having several of the highest rated restaurants in Florida. Paired with having 7 miles of white sand beaches similar to Siesta Key. It's charm has evolved to become the paradise millions dream about owning a piece of one day. That is raising the wealth of the island to becoming one of the wealthiest Islands on the Gulf Coast.
Anna Maria Island has more restaurants than any other island on the gulf expect for Marco Island in Naples and St Pete Beach. Many of them have incredible settings that you can't experience anywhere else in the state.
What part of Anna Maria Island is the best?
Anna Maria Island is broken up into 3 areas. The 1st is Anna Maria, the 2nd is Holmes Beach, and the 3rd is Bradenton Beach. All offer something unique.
98% of Anna Maria is made up of homes. There are only a couple of small condos and 6 boutique resort hotels. It's very golf cart friendly and has 2 amazing piers with restaurants on the bay side facing the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It has a small town charm and makes you feel like you are on a secluded private island. Located on the north tip it gives you a cul-de-sac feel. There is no public beach access so the beach is more relaxed and quiet being enjoyed by residents and those vacationing on this part of the island.
The second section Holmes Beach is widest part of the Island and has majority of the population. It's considered as the commercial area of the island where we have a lot more shops and larger stores like the Publix grocery store.
Right in the center is the main public beach access to Holmes Beach also referred to as Manatee Beach. It has lots of parking and a very accommodating beach.
In the last decade there has been a lot of new construction here and there are many homes on the water. By the beach we find a lot more condos that have been here for some time.
The 3rd area Bradenton Beach, it's the narrowest part of the island that comes with some amazing benefits. In the middle is the Historic Bridge St which is the heart of this area. There are many restaurants and plentiful options for our enjoyment.
One of my favorite things about this area is the rooftop terrace views from these homes. You have a beautiful large bay on one side and the beach on the other.
The last 1 mile of the island is Coquina Beach. It's loved by locals and is the most visited beach in Manatee County as there is a lot of parking here and on the bay side there are 2 boat launches.
Is Anna Maria Island Expensive?
It's very relative, compared to Miami its a bargain but compared to the national average its 25% more expensive.
With time it's harder to find residents under $500,000. More people are investing money here by building larger homes between $5 and up to $20 million. The rental restrictions have also been very accommodating so there has been a boom of new construction for large vacation rentals making the average home about $2-$3 Million.
How wealthy is Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island is ranked 4th among the wealthiest Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. In the last 3 years there have been 29 homes SOLD over $5 Million. There have also been almost 200 homes sold between $2.5 - $5 million which is the second highest after Marco Island which has a population twice the size.
Here is a chart showing the number of Luxury residences sold on Florida Gulf coast Islands.
What is the biggest negative of living on Anna Maria Island?
The biggest negative is the proximity to a large downtown. Some may consider that a benefit but for those who live here full time or seasonally and would like to go to a downtown setting for change of scenery, to enjoy the energy, or to dine and shop, the closest downtown is Bradenton which is 10 miles away and doesn't have much to offer.
Sarasota is the closest big downtown about 20 miles away and a solid 40 minute drive. One could opt to go the scenic route through Longboat Key which would make the drive extremely enjoyable and worth it.
How does Anna Maria Island compare to Siesta Key and other Islands?
I would rank Anna Maria Island in my Top 3. What's so unique about Anna Maria Island is it offers so many options for food and attractions like a large tourist Island but it's also located in such a unique spot that it makes it feel more private and secluded offering many beaches that don't feel crowded. It's so close to being perfect and depending on the season of life you are in, it may be perfect for you. The sand isn't 99% fine quarts like Siesta Key but I would say it as close as you can get.
The biggest difference is the lack of large hotels, resorts, and condominiums. The hight restriction has kept this island home dominant which gives it a very different atmosphere that a lot of people enjoy.
Here is a chart comparing some of the statistics of the most popular islands on the Gulf coast.
I would suggest visiting them all and seeing what Island stands out to you. Having visited and explored them all myself I may have a pretty good idea what island may fit you best. If you would like, contact me to share what interests you may have in finding your perfect beach home.
Here is a video tour of Anna Maria Island that will give you a better idea of what this beautiful Island has to offer.