Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Anna Maria Island

Are you looking for a peaceful and beautiful island escape? If so, moving to Anna Maria Island could be just the ticket. This barrier island is the perfect destination for those seeking a laid-back, beachy atmosphere. Nestled off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this tropical paradise is the ideal spot to settle down, relax, and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Whether you are looking for an idyllic spot for retirement, a family-friendly vacation spot, or a place to call home, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone. With its crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and friendly locals, this island will surely win you over. Here is everything you need to know about moving to Anna Maria Island.

Florida experiences warm, humid, tropical weather all year. The average temperature in the summer months is in the 80s, while the winter months are in the 70s.

When moving to the island, you will want to prepare for sea breezes that bring cooler air from the Gulf of Mexico in the evening. However, the sea breeze generally does not last very long, so while it is a comfort at the height of summer, it still does not get too chilly, even in the fall and winter months.

Of course you can’t live in Florida without the risk of Tropical weather. Hurricane Season is from the first of June until the end of November. Island residents are known to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. AMI has been very fortunate to have avoided any serious storms for years. Ask Kathy Harman for more information on Insurance Costs and Coverages, including Flood Insurance which is required when a homeowner has a mortgage.  She works with many local insurance companies to help guide homeowners on these costs and coverages.

 

When moving to Anna Maria Island from out of state, one thing to consider and to look forward to is Florida does not have a state income tax. County property taxes may be higher than where you are moving from so make sure to ask Kathy Harman how each property will be taxed after you purchase it. Homestead requirements here are also different from other states. Kathy Harman recommends you work with the county to establish residency quickly if possible to save on your property taxes.

 

Anna Maria Island has a tourist-driven economy. Each season the number of people visiting ebbs and flows like the tide. During the winter months many visitors vacation here to enjoy the exquisite Florida weather, during the summer it is mostly families coming in for a week or two to play in the turquoise waters and watch the fabulous sunsets. Vacation Rentals can be pricey and one reason many visitors turn into homeowners, because they can rent out their property when they are not using it and recoup a lot of their expenses. Kathy Harman can provide Vacation Rental Income potential for any island property.

 

There are several different housing options on the Anna Maria Island real estate landscape, including single-family homes, condos, and condo hotels. Each different city also has it’s own vibe and variety of types of housing. Bradenton Beach has many restaurants and shops, as a result the properties there have easy access to those types of places. Holmes Beach is known for its canal front homes and beach front condos. Anna Maria is mostly private homes, but offers a mix of new builds and homes with good old Florida charm.

Single-family homes are the most popular option on the island and they come in various architectural styles with incredible coastal vistas. The majority of the housing on the island is privately owned, there are not many hotels and that keeps the density down on the island. The local real estate market experiences a fair amount of turnover. As a result, it is not difficult to find a home for sale on Anna Maria Island compared to many other Florida communities. Vacation rentals are also a popular option, thanks to the vibrant tourism industry in the area and this can make a property more valuable as an asset long term.

 

Most of the local shops on Anna Maria Island are owned by small business owners. On Pine Avenue in Anna Maria you can find Beach Blossom Studio with work by local artists, Island Cabana that has a large selection of woman’s beachy clothing, AMI Outfitters for men’s coastal gear and these are just a few. In Bradenton Beach many visitors shop on Bridge Street with a variety of shops and restaurants as well. Holmes Beach has long been famous for its fine dining at Beach Bistro, but family also enjoy the cause atmosphere of the Ugly Grouper. No trip to the island is complete without one sunset at The SandBar on the Island’s North end. Many of the restaurants on the island are casual and serve fresh seafood, such as freshly caught grouper, snapper, and shrimp. Don’t forget to check out the Island Fish Market in Holmes Beach or Captain Anthony’s in Anna Maria, both provide fresh seafood options to prepare at home.

Anna Maria Island is also home to the Anna Maria City Pier, and a popular place for fishing and sightseeing. The pier, which was originally the gateway to the island for visitors from the mainland, soon will host the Mote Marine Laboratory Outreach Center. Most nights there is live entertainment on the pier and many come to watch the fisherman. Most residents have taught their children to fish off one of the two piers on the island. Rod & Reel Pier is known for its casual dining and as a local hangout.

Many of the restaurants include local seafood and local musicians to entertain their guests. With a wide variety of restaurants, families and visitors enjoy everything from fine dining, to famous grouper sandwiches to specialty pizzas. Don’t forget to get ice cream at one of the 5 ice cream shops on the island.

If you are looking for a bit of culture, the Anna Maria Island Historical Museum features displays of artifacts, photos, and documents telling the story of how the island was settled and developed. The museum’s archives also provide a wealth of information about the island’s past. You can also help to promote local arts by becoming involved in the Anna Maria Island Art League. The gallery showcases the work of island artists, with various styles and mediums represented. It also offers classes for adults and children, allowing visitors to hone their skills and explore new creative techniques.

Off island, the nearby city of Bradenton hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the Bradenton Blues and Roots Festival usually held in December. Cortez Fishing Village just across the Cortez Bridge offers fresh ‘off the boat’ seafood. Their Stone Crab Festival held in the fall every year is a fun event to enjoy.

Anna Maria Island has always been a haven for boaters — in its early days, the island was only reachable by boat. Today, there are a handful of marinas where you can access the water anytime your heart desires. For instance, Keyes Marina has 19 slips that accommodate boats up to 30 feet long, with reservations available for a night or several weeks. The rules governing boating can be obscure (for example, there are no launching areas on the island’s Gulf side).Pier 77 located just off the Manatee Avenue Bridge is also a good location and allows larger boats. Jet ski Rentals are available in Cortez too.

When moving to Anna Maria Island there is a lot to consider. Most buyers look for quite some time to find the right place for them. Working with the right real estate agent can make your search much easier. As an experienced island agent, Kathy Harman has local knowledge that can assist you in finding a wonderful property that fits your lifestyle on the island.