Lying near the mouth of the Manatee River between Bishop Point and the De Soto National Memorial, the neighborhood of Shaws Point in West Bradenton offers peaceful living in attractive surroundings. There are mature palm trees and lush tropical shrubbery throughout. The location is convenient, too.

Located north of 17th Avenue NW between 72nd and 79th streets NW, the area is close to Anna Maria Island and its beaches. Robinson Preserve with hiking trails and kayaking opportunities is close by, and downtown Bradenton is just a 10-minute drive away.

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“Shaws Point is tucked away and attracts people who love the water, boating and fishing but don’t want to deal with high price points or traffic on the island,” said Ruth Husel, a Realtor with Re/Max Alliance Group. “It’s a quiet, neighborly place. People drive golf carts around and walk to Bishop’s Point to watch the sunset.”

She added, “There are no HOA or deed restrictions, so people can keep their boat in the driveway or yard.”

Two public boat ramps – one at Warner Bayou, the other on the Palma Sola causeway less than two miles away – provide easy access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Developed from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s, Shaws Point consists of mostly of Florida ranch-style homes. There are a few two-story houses, too, and some estate mansions lie directly on the water, with docks jutting out into the river. Many residences have private swimming pools and covered lanais.

Husel has an unusual listing at 7202 18th Ave. NW. The current owners bought the property next door when it became available and connected the two houses with a metal roof pavilion for a combined total of 5,134 square feet of living space. The entire screened-in area also includes the swimming pool and lanai of the larger home.

“It’s great for parties, family get-togethers, and visits from kids, in-laws and parents,” said Husel. “There is a large table and big sitting area. The owners once hosted a family wedding reception there for 50 people.”

Both houses have split bedroom plans. The owner’s original residence has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a two-car garage. Built in 1970, it has received many upgrades. The gourmet kitchen has three pantries and upscale appliances. Other features include a big stone fireplace, new ceramic plank flooring and spacious indoor utility room.

The other domicile, a two-bed, two-bath home with a two-car, was built in 1968. Its current setup includes a guest room, a large home office, a family game/TV room, and a large hobby space (currently used as a quilting studio).

The entire backyard is fenced in and has plenty of space for RV and/or boat storage. There are more than 20 varieties of fruit trees, including mango, papaya, passion fruit, orange and lemon, as well as tomato and flower beds.

“It’s a unique place – ideal for multigenerational living or possible vacation rental,” said Husel.

Residents of Shaws Point are a mix of retirees, people still working and families with children. Most live there year-round and appreciate the convenient location. “There’s easy access to all kinds of restaurants and shopping,” Husel said. “It’s easy to get to work from there.” 

District schools Ida M. Steward Elementary and Martha B. Middle are within a mile radius. Manatee High School is less than three miles away.

According to Husel, residents are proud of the nearby De Soto National Memorial, which has been on the National Register of Historic places since 1966. Along with Riverview Pointe Preserve, it comprises the 35-acre Shaw’s Point Archeological District, of which 80 percent is mangrove swamp. You can visit a large, historic coastal village there that was inhabited by indigenous peoples from around 350 BCE on.

The memorial also commemorates the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto in the Tampa Bay area. Looking for gold, the Spanish conquistador led the first organized exploration by Europeans of what is now the Southern United States, forcibly using indigenous people as guides and porters for his 4,000-mile journey.

The visitor center features historic armor, 16th century weapons, period artifacts, and a movie about the expedition and the area’s indigenous population. There are nature trails, fishing, bird watching and picnicking. Admission is free to the public.

Currently, there are two homes on the market in Shaws Point. Husel’s two-homes-in-one listing has an asking price of $1.85 million. The other is a five-bed, four-bath home on Riverview Drive, priced at $910,000.