MARKET SNAPSHOT: Bay Lake Estates in Bradenton offers attractive water vistas

As its name promises, Bay Lake Estates offers waterfront properties by Sarasota Bay and clustered around five interior lakes. Each of the latter has at least one sparkling fountain to add to one’s viewing pleasure. A good three-quarters of the homes in the community qualify for attractive water vistas, most on the ponds. Others back onto a canal that leads to the bay and allows them to have docks for small motorboats.

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Located in West Bradenton off Cortez Road, Bay Lake Estates extends south to Tidy Island in Sarasota Bay. There are two entrances, both attractively landscaped. The large, white signs with the neighborhood’s name sit atop beds planted with shrubbery and surrounded by low stone walls. One of the entryways is accessible from Cortez Road through Coral Shores, the neighboring boating community that lies just to the west. The other is on 86th Street West and 53rd Avenue West.

The homes in Bay Lake Estates were built from 1980 to the late 1990s on spacious lots, giving the community an open, expansive ambiance. Most are large, ranch-style residences in the Florida contemporary design popular during those two decades. With different facades and elevations, and a smattering of two-story houses throughout the neighborhood, there is considerable variety in looks.

An abundance of palm trees, as well as live oaks, a few Norfolk Pines, and well-manicured shrubbery surround the houses with lush Florida foliage. Street lights with large bulbs on tall, thin black poles provide illumination at night throughout the neighborhood.

“The community is meticulously maintained,” said Kathy Nunally, an agent with A Paradise Realty. “When you drive through, you can see the pride of ownership.”

One of the reasons for the well-kept appearance is that homeowner’s association takes care of ground maintenance – trimming of trees and hedges; watering, fertilizing and mowing of lawns; and upkeep of streetlights and entrance signs. HOA fees vary from $148 to $158 a month depending on whether there is a street light or fire hydrant by the property.

Residences come in 2- and 3-bedroom models with floorplans from 1,450 to 2,900 square feet of living space, and 2-car garages. Many have lanais and caged swimming pools in the backyard. Home values range from the low $300,000 to the upper $500,000 depending on size and location.

Nunally’s listing, for example, a pending sale at 8615 53rd Ave West, is a 3-bed, 2-bath home with 1,789 square feet under air. Built in 1985, it has been completely remodeled with a new roof, brand-new A/C, new flooring throughout, upgraded windows, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms. The deck of the saltwater swimming pool overlooking one of the ponds has been resurfaced and the pool cage rebuilt.

With an asking price of $469,900, the house sold three days after it was listed. “When homes are priced where they need to be, they don’t stay on the market long,” said Nunally. “In the last six months, there have been five closed transactions, and the longest was 23 days.”

The demographics of Bay Lake Estates are a mix of retirees, working people, and families with children. The district schools are Sea Breeze Elementary, W.D. Suggs Middle, and Bayshore High. Rent regulations require a one-year minimum lease and must be approved by the HOA’s board of directors, guaranteeing a stable residential population.

“It’s a welcoming, friendly place,” said Nunally. “You see people walking their dogs, talking to each other.”

Everyone likes the convenient location. A slew of restaurants on Cortez Road, as well as a Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Home Depot, a Publix supermarket, banks, and a U.S. Post Office, are all within easy driving distance. “You can get to anywhere easily,” said Nunally, “It’s 10 minutes to Anna Maria Island and a straight shot to I-75 on 53rd Street.”

For the athletically minded, IMG Academy, a world-renowned, elite multi-sport training organization is close by. Links enthusiasts can choose from three nearby courses: Timber Creek, Pinebrook Ironwood, and Manatee Gulf Course. G.T. Bray Park with its cornucopia of sports and recreational facilities is less than two miles away.

Nunally who has sold several homes in Bay Lake Estates, likes the neighborhood very much. “When you drive through, it feels good – like you’re home,” she said.