By Linda Reynolds, Broker, Reynolds Realty Gulf Coast (License #BK3021695) · Updated November 2026
Quick answer: Waterlefe Golf & River Club is a gated community on the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida (ZIP 34212), off Upper Manatee River Road near State Road 64 and I-75. It’s the only community in the area with both an 18-hole championship golf course and a private marina, and its more than 600 residences range from condos and carriage homes to single-family homes and Mediterranean-style estates. The River Club is included in the HOA, and golf and marina memberships are optional.
What a beautiful community on the east side of Bradenton! Lush landscaping, a gorgeous golf course along the river, friendly neighbors and wonderful homes, all behind a manned guard gate. Watch the tour above, then read on for what you need to know. For the bigger picture, see my Bradenton real estate guide.
Waterlefe at a glance
- Location: Bradenton, FL 34212, on the Manatee River off Upper Manatee River Road
- Size: more than 600 residences, built mostly from about 2000 on
- Homes: golf-view condos, carriage homes, single-family homes and Mediterranean-style estates
- Golf: 18-hole championship course by Ted McAnlis, five holes along the river (membership optional)
- Marina: 59 slips on the Manatee River with Gulf access (optional)
- River Club: restaurant, tiki bar, junior Olympic pool and 24-hour fitness center, included in the HOA
- Gated: manned guard gate at the main entrance
- Recent prices: roughly the low $300,000s for condos to well over $1 million for estate homes
Where is Waterlefe?
Waterlefe sits on the north bank of the Manatee River, off Upper Manatee River Road about two miles north of State Road 64. Enter through the guard gate on Waterlefe Boulevard. From here you’re close to:
- I-75 at Exit 220 for Tampa and Sarasota
- Lakewood Ranch shopping and dining
- Downtown Bradenton and the Riverwalk
- Gulf beaches on Anna Maria Island
Golf and the marina
Waterlefe is the only community in the area that pairs a championship golf course with a private marina. The semi-private, par-72 course was designed by Ted McAnlis and has five tee options, from about 4,700 to 6,900 yards. Five holes run right along the Manatee River, and the course has hosted U.S. Open local qualifying. There’s also a practice range, putting green, pro shop and grille room.
Boaters love the 59-slip marina on the river, with access out to Tampa Bay and the Gulf. Golf memberships and marina slips are both optional, so you only pay for what you’ll use.
Homes in Waterlefe
Waterlefe has more than 600 residences, built mostly from about 2000 on by builders including WCI. You’ll find golf-view condos in neighborhoods like The Watch, two-story carriage homes, single-family homes with tile roofs and pools, and dramatic Mediterranean-style estates. Many look out over the golf course, lakes, preserve or the river.
Recent listings have ranged from the low $300,000s for condos to well over $1 million for larger estate homes on golf or water lots.
The River Club and amenities
The River Club is the heart of the community, with a restaurant, bar, tiki bar, junior Olympic pool, 24-hour fitness center and meeting space, plus social events all year. It’s included in your HOA, along with cable TV and internet. Residents also enjoy walking trails, a kayak launch and a playground.
HOA, CDD and flood zones
Waterlefe has a master HOA, and many homes also pay a quarterly sub-association fee. Many homes have a CDD that’s included in the yearly tax bill, so look at the total tax amount when you compare homes. My guide to HOAs, CDDs and 55+ communities explains what to compare.
Flood zones vary across the community, from zone X to AE, especially near the river. Check the flood zone and get insurance quotes for the specific home. My guides to flood zones and flood insurance and Florida homeowners insurance explain what to ask.
Buying or selling in Waterlefe
With condos, carriage homes, single-family homes and estates all in one community, the right comparable sales matter. I’ll compare your home with sales of the same type and view, not just the same square footage. Comparing other golf and river communities nearby? See River Club, Heritage Harbour and Greenfield Plantation.
Thinking about selling in Waterlefe?
Find out what your home is worth in today’s market with a free, no-obligation estimate, or call or text me at 941-737-6562. I’d love to help.
Waterlefe questions people ask
Where is Waterlefe Golf & River Club?
Waterlefe is in Bradenton, Florida (ZIP 34212), on the Manatee River off Upper Manatee River Road, about two miles north of State Road 64 and a few minutes from I-75 Exit 220.
Is Waterlefe a gated community?
Yes. The main entrance on Waterlefe Boulevard has a manned guard gate, plus resident-only gates.
Do I have to join the golf club or the marina?
No. Golf membership and marina slips are optional. The 59-slip marina on the Manatee River has slips available for purchase when they come up.
What does the Waterlefe HOA include?
Recent listings show the HOA covers the River Club with its restaurant, tiki bar, junior Olympic pool and fitness center, plus the 24-hour guard, cable TV and internet. Many homes also have a quarterly sub-association fee, so check the totals for the specific home.
Does Waterlefe have a CDD?
Many homes do. Listings usually note that the CDD is included in the yearly property tax bill. Check the tax bill for the specific home.
What schools serve Waterlefe?
Recent listings show Freedom Elementary, Carlos E. Haile Middle and Parrish Community High. Verify current school assignments with the School District of Manatee County.
Looking for a home in Waterlefe Golf & River Club?
Online searches show you what’s listed. A free consultation with our buyer specialist, Celeste Schott, helps you find what’s right: the true costs, the neighborhoods that fit, and the homes worth seeing first.
Explore More Bradenton Neighborhoods
Start with my Bradenton real estate guide, or compare nearby communities:
Northwest Bradenton, near Robinson Preserve and the beaches
The Estuary · Azalea Park · Hawthorn Park · Mango Park · The Loop · Palma Sola · Perico Bay Club · Perico Island · Village Green · Warner Bayou · Cortez · Harbour Landings
West and southwest Bradenton, along Sarasota Bay
Aqua · Bayshore Gardens · Coral Shores · El Conquistador · Glenn Lakes · IMG Academy Residences · Legends Bay · San Remo Shores · Tidy Island · Whitfield Estates
Downtown and the Manatee River
Central Bradenton · Riverview Boulevard · Hawks Harbor · The Inlets · Tidewater Preserve · Braden River Lakes · River Place
East Bradenton and the Lakewood Ranch side
Arbor Reserve · Greyhawk Landing · Braden Woods · Coddington · Creekwood · Cypress Creek Estates · Del Tierra · Esplanade at the Heights · Evergreen · Gates Creek · Laurel Oak Park · Mill Creek · Panther Ridge · Peridia · River Club · Rosedale Golf & Country Club · Rye Wilderness Estates · Tara Preserve · The Concession · Greenfield Plantation
Heritage Harbour and the north river communities
Heritage Harbour · Lighthouse Cove at Heritage Harbour · River Strand at Heritage Harbour · Stoneybrook at Heritage Harbour
55+ communities
Bayshore on the Lake · Cortez Villas · Ironwood · Braden Castle Park · Gold Tree Co-Op · River Isles