Bradenton is situated on the eastern edge of Manatee County, Florida, to the north of Sarasota, west of Lakewood Ranch, and to the south of St. Petersburg and Tampa. Manatee County is characterized by affluent residents, high barriers to entry, proximity to high quality jobs, and a high-quality coastal lifestyle. In addition, warm weather and no income tax carry more weight in an increasingly mobile workforce. The area has long been a tourist destination with award winning beaches, golf courses, museums, and ample shopping hot spots. There are several large private and public company headquarters and employers located in the Sarasota metro area, including the corporate headquarters of Bealls and Tropicana. There is also a large focus on medical office and healthcare in the region due to a median age of 53 (in 2022) for the metropolitan area, which provides ample opportunities for a strong healthcare sector.