Ellenton Real Estate: Homes for Sale & 55+ Communities

By Linda Reynolds, Broker, Reynolds Realty Gulf Coast (License #BK3021695) · Updated November 2026

Ellenton, Florida (34222) is a small community on the north side of the Manatee River, tucked between Palmetto and Parrish with I-75 running right through it. It is best known for its 55+ communities, the outlet mall and quick highway access to Tampa, Bradenton and Sarasota. Whether you are relocating, downsizing into a 55+ community, or selling a home you have owned for years, this page is your starting point.

What are the neighborhoods in Ellenton, FL?

Ellenton is small, but its neighborhoods are very different from each other. Here are the communities I’ve written guides for.

55+ communities

• Ridgewood Oaks — guard-gated 55+ community
• Ridgewood Meadows — gated 55+ community with fishing and pickleball
• Tidevue Estates — 55+ community with indoor pickleball
• North River Estates — 55+ community of land-owned manufactured homes

Gated neighborhoods

• Bougainvillea Place — gated townhomes and single-family homes near the outlets
• Oakleaf Hammock — gated single-family homes among mature oaks

River and established neighborhoods

• Tropical Harbor — established Manatee River neighborhood
• Covered Bridge — pool, tennis and playground, about two miles from the outlets
• Oakley — move-up homes behind the outlets
• Oakley Place — homes off 60th Avenue East

Want the bigger picture? Read A Local’s Guide to Ellenton, FL Neighborhoods and New Construction in Ellenton: What’s Being Built and What It Costs. Just across US-301, Highland Shores in Palmetto offers older homes on large lots, some on canals.

What do homes cost in Ellenton in 2026?

Ellenton’s overall median sale price often looks lower than its neighbors’ because 55+ manufactured-home communities make up a big share of sales. Single-family homes are a different market: in late 2026 they were listing at a median near $380,000, and townhomes and condos at a median around $300,000. Many homes have been taking three months or more to sell, which gives buyers room to negotiate.

Prices change month to month and vary a lot by community. Call or text me for current numbers on the neighborhood you’re considering.

What are HOA and community fees like in Ellenton?

• 55+ communities: fees and what they cover vary widely. In a land-owned community you own the lot and pay an HOA. In a land-lease community you pay monthly lot rent, which can rise over time. Ask which one it is before you compare prices.
• Gated and amenity neighborhoods: expect an HOA that covers the gate, pool and common areas, and sometimes lawn care on townhomes.
• Newer construction: some newer communities may carry a CDD assessment on the property tax bill. Confirm the amount before you make an offer.

My handbook chapter on HOAs, CDDs and 55+ communities in Manatee County explains how these fees work.

Why do people move to Ellenton?

• Central location. I-75 runs through town, so Tampa, Bradenton, Sarasota and the airports are all within easy reach.
• 55+ choices. Several active-adult communities in one small area, at a range of price points.
• Shopping and errands. Ellenton Premium Outlets plus everyday shopping along US-301.
• History and the river. Gamble Plantation Historic State Park offers guided tours of the historic house, and the Manatee River is minutes away.

More reading: Moving to Ellenton, FL: 10 Top Relocation Questions Answered.

What should you know before buying in Ellenton?

• Age and approval rules. 55+ communities set their own rules on residency, guests and buyer approval. Ask for the current documents early.
• Manufactured homes. Financing and insurance work differently for manufactured homes, so line up your lender and insurance quotes before you go under contract.
• Flood zones. Homes near the river and creeks can sit in higher-risk zones. See flood zones and flood insurance in Manatee County.
• Insurance and roof age. My homeowners insurance guide explains what to ask.
• Homestead exemption. If Ellenton will be your permanent home, here is how homestead works in Manatee County.
• Common mistakes. Read Mistakes That Can Cost You When Buying an Ellenton Home.

Selling a home in Ellenton

Many Ellenton sellers are downsizing, moving closer to family, or selling a parent’s home, often from out of state. I can coordinate cleanout, repairs, showings and closing so you do not have to be here for every step. See Having Equity in Your Ellenton Home, Inheriting a Home in Manatee County and Relocating or Downsizing in Manatee County.

Ellenton questions people ask

Are there 55+ and low-maintenance housing options in Ellenton?

Yes. Ellenton has several age-restricted 55+ communities, including Ridgewood Oaks, Ridgewood Meadows, Tidevue Estates and North River Estates, plus shopping close by and quick I-75 access to doctors, airports and the rest of Tampa Bay. The right community depends on whether you want a site-built home, a manufactured home, a gated entrance or specific amenities.

What is the difference between land-owned and land-lease 55+ communities?

In a land-owned community you buy the home and the lot and pay an HOA. In a land-lease community you own the home but rent the lot, and lot rent can increase. Land-owned homes usually cost more up front but can be easier to finance and resell.

Is Ellenton part of Palmetto or Bradenton?

Neither. Ellenton is an unincorporated community in Manatee County with its own zip code, 34222. It sits between Palmetto and Parrish on the north side of the Manatee River, across from Bradenton.

How far is Ellenton from Tampa and the beaches?

Tampa is an easy drive north on I-75, and Sarasota is a similar drive south. The Anna Maria Island beaches are roughly 30 to 45 minutes west, depending on traffic.

Can I sell my parent’s Ellenton home if I live out of state?

Yes. I handle the local work, from vendors and showings to coordinating with your attorney or title company, and keep you updated by phone, text or video.