Amberwynd, Palmetto FL: Gated Snead Island Community Guide

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

Amberwynd is one of the most private neighborhoods in Palmetto: a short, low-traffic street of custom estate homes behind a gate on Snead Island. Many homes have screened pools and floor plans made for entertaining, and some sit on the water with private docks leading out to Terra Ceia Bay. This guide covers the homes, prices, fees and what to check before you buy. For the bigger picture, see my Palmetto, FL area guide.

Amberwynd holds a soft spot in my heart, because my very first sale was in this community when I had been a Realtor for only four days. What a way to start a career — I learned a lot, very quickly.

Where is Amberwynd?

Amberwynd sits on the northeast side of Snead Island, the spit of land between the mouth of the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay. From US-41 in Palmetto, head west on 10th Street West toward Snead Island, cross the bridge, turn right on Tarpon Road and then left on 17th Street West to the Amberwynd gate. From here you are minutes from:

• Emerson Point Preserve, with trails, a beach, an observation tower, kayaking and sunset views
• The Bradenton Yacht Club
• Downtown Palmetto and downtown Bradenton
• US-41, I-275 and the Sunshine Skyway toward St. Petersburg, and the Anna Maria Island beaches

What are the homes like in Amberwynd?

Every home in Amberwynd was custom built, most from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, by builders such as John Cannon Homes. Expect Mediterranean-style homes with tile roofs and paver driveways, usually three or four bedrooms with roughly 2,200 to 4,500 square feet of living space. Floor plans often include formal living and dining rooms, large primary suites, screened pools and summer kitchens. Waterfront homes may have seawalls, docks and boat lifts on a canal that leads to Terra Ceia Bay, while others overlook the community lakes or protected preserve. Only one or two homesites have remained vacant in recent years.

What do homes cost in Amberwynd?

With only about 35 homes, Amberwynd usually sees just a few sales a year, and every home is different. Recent sales have run from about $850,000 to just over $1 million, and canal-front homes with docks have been listed from about $1.3 million to $1.7 million. Waterfront versus lake view, lot size, dock features, roof age and updates all move the price.

Prices change month to month. Call or text me for current sales in Amberwynd.

How much is the HOA?

Amberwynd has a mandatory homeowners association with low dues for a gated community, about $2,050 to $2,150 a year. Dues cover the private road, the gate, common-area maintenance and taxes, and management. Deed restrictions protect the look and feel of the neighborhood, and some lots carry conservation easements, so review the plat and restrictions before planning a pool, fence or addition. I request the current fees, any CDD or special assessments, and the rules before you make an offer. My guide to HOAs and CDDs in Manatee County explains how they work.

What should you know before buying in Amberwynd?

• Flood zone and elevation. Many lots are in flood zone AE. Ask for the elevation certificate and get a flood quote early. See flood zones and flood insurance in Manatee County.
• Insurance. Get wind and homeowners quotes during your inspection period. My homeowners insurance guide covers what to ask.
• Waterfront features. On canal-front homes, check seawall and dock condition, lift capacity and water depth at low tide.
• Roof and systems. Many homes are 20 years old or more, so ask about the age of the roof, air conditioning and pool equipment.
• Homestead exemption. If Amberwynd will be your permanent home, here is how homestead works in Manatee County.

Selling a home in Amberwynd

Because Amberwynd sales are rare, pricing takes careful work. I compare your home with the Amberwynd sales and other Snead Island and Palmetto waterfront homes that actually apply, and help you decide which updates are worth making. If you’re selling because life has gotten complicated, such as an inherited home, a divorce or a change in finances, I can walk you through your options before you decide anything. My guides to relocating or downsizing and inheriting a home in Manatee County can also help you plan.

Amberwynd questions people ask

Is Amberwynd gated?

Yes. Amberwynd is a gated community on Snead Island, with a gate but no staffed guardhouse.

How many homes are in Amberwynd?

About 35 custom homes, which keeps the community quiet and private. Nearly every homesite has been built on.

How much do homes cost in Amberwynd?

Recent sales have ranged from about $850,000 to just over $1 million, and waterfront homes have been listed for $1.3 million to $1.7 million. Very few homes sell each year, so prices vary a lot from home to home.

How much is the HOA in Amberwynd?

HOA dues have been about $2,050 to $2,150 a year and cover the private road, the gate, common-area maintenance and management. Confirm the current amount for the specific home.

Do Amberwynd homes have boat access?

Some do. Canal-front homes can have private docks and lifts with access to Terra Ceia Bay and the Gulf. Others overlook the community lakes or preserve.

Is Amberwynd in a flood zone?

Many lots are in flood zone AE. Review the elevation certificate and get a flood and homeowners insurance quote for the specific home before you buy.

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Explore More Palmetto Neighborhoods

Start with my Palmetto, FL area guide, or compare nearby communities:

Waterfront and Island Communities

• Snead Island – island living next to Emerson Point Preserve
• Heritage Bay – private Snead Island community of Key West–style homes
• Bay Colony – deep-water canal homes on Terra Ceia Bay
• River Bay – waterfront townhomes near Snead Island
• Riviera Dunes – gated Manatee River marina community
• Sanctuary Cove – gated boating community with a private marina

Golf Communities

• Terra Ceia Golf and Country Club – condos, villas and homes on Terra Ceia Bay
• Fairways at Imperial Lakewoods – golf-course homes with no CDD

Artisan Lakes

• Esplanade at Artisan Lakes – gated lifestyle community with lawn care included
• Eave’s Bend at Artisan Lakes – newer homes with resort-style amenities
• Edgestone at Artisan Lakes – newer townhomes with their own pool

North and East Palmetto

• Northwood Park – pond-view homes, low HOA and no CDD
• Fosters Creek – early-2000s homes off 70th Street East
• Fresh Meadows – pool, tennis and playground near Virgil Mills Elementary
• Thousand Oaks – established lake community off Erie Road
• Sheffield Glenn – 2013-era homes near Buffalo Creek Park
• Arbor Creek – 80-foot homesites and low annual dues
• Crystal Lakes – fishing lakes, low HOA and no CDD off Buffalo Road
• Parkside – pond lots and a neighborhood park
• Deer Run – larger lots with no mandatory HOA
• Oak View – homes and townhomes near US-301
• Oak Trail – gated, maintenance-free villas near US-19 and I-275
• Palms of Manasota – quiet 55+ community of homes and lakefront villas
• Sugar Mill Lakes – lakes, tennis courts and playgrounds
• Cypress Pond Estates – small community with lawn care included
• Silverstone North – newer D.R. Horton homes with a pool and clubhouse
• Mandarin Grove – new-construction D.R. Horton homes