Thanks to its Old Florida charm and abundant nature, Terra Ceia is the type of place where property investors can easily become permanent residents. Most land in Terra Ceia is taken up by two major nature preserves; the rest consists of quiet residential subdivisions where you can find waterfront homes for sale, private docks, nature trails, fishing spots, small farms, horse stables, and more.

Terra Ceia is located near the southern foot of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, about three miles north of Palmetto. This region of Manatee County is essentially a large mangrove island that connects with the mainland via US 19 and I-275; this was a landing spot for Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, and would later be an active fishing village. These days, Terra Ceia is home to boaters, anglers, retirees, business people, and families who enjoy living very close to nature.

The real estate options in Terra Ceia start with lots ready for development at Miller Place, a subdivision where association fees of just $150 per year grants the use of a three-acre park with recreational facilities, a boat lift and a community dock; these lots start at $120K. Other lots have ample views of the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and it lush mangrove islands. A modern bungalow with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, private docks, sun decks, and access to the Intracoastal Waterway can be negotiated for less than $590K. Most of the homes in this part of Manatee County are custom-built; you can find Mediterranean estates, Key West homes, cottages, bungalows, Spanish Colonial mansions, and stylish Modern villas.

Living at Terra Ceia means embracing the Old Florida way of life, a time when neighbors shared vegetables from their gardens, collected honey from local bee hives, and got together for annual fishing tournaments that culminated in grilling contests; it so happens that these events still take place to this very day in this unique community, and this explains why home buyers who do business in St. Petersburg are known to check local listings.

The privacy and seclusion of Terra Ceia does not make it an isolated community. A couple of grocery stores and delis are located about a mile away on Highway 41; Publix and Aldi supermarkets are less than two miles away in Palmetto. The closest beach is located in the picturesque Anna Maria Island just west of Bradenton, and it is close enough to visit every weekend. Two golf courses are less than five miles away: Moccasin Wallow and Buffalo Creek.