The Pioneering Heart of Parrish, Florida

Just north of the Manatee River rests Parrish, Florida, a community in Manatee County first established in the 1870’s.  Its founder was a Florida pioneer, Crawford Parrish, a rancher who raised cattle and sheep. Other settlers followed and eventually ranches, citrus groves, and a small business district combined to create a sense of place unique to Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Today, much of its rustic roots remain but new home communities, appealing amenities, and affordability make it an attractive place for the more modern-day settler.

“From a practical standpoint, housing is less expensive and it is very easy and convenient to get to Tampa/St. Pete and Bradenton/Sarasota” explained Ben Jordan, President of the Parrish Civic Association. “Parrish is a friendly, quiet, safe place to live that has a nice rural flavor to it.”

Located north of Lakewood Ranch and east of Palmetto and Ellenton, Parrish offers a more “old-Florida”, country atmosphere; envision properties that stretch for acres, grass fields, large oak trees with Spanish moss, cow pastures, and a night sky where the stars are clear and visible. What’s more, the Manatee River winds through Parrish, providing gorgeous waterfront views, docks, and a scenic trip downriver to the Gulf of Mexico.

I got a glimpse of the Parrish life thanks to my “north of the river tour” following a trip through Palmetto (read the blog from that day’s journey here: The City of Palmetto: One of Florida’s Best Kept Secrets).

Parrish Places
One of the more well-known Parrish attractions is the Florida Railroad Museum, stewarding the history of Florida railroads. Trains are largely what put Parrish on the map and standing along the old tracks, it’s easy to imagine what life might have been like decades ago.

 

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday 10am – 4pm. Visitors can buy tickets for old fashioned train rides on the weekends and special events include murder mystery dinner train, period reenactments, and children’s-themed festivities.

Parrish is also largely defined by its sense of community. “People care about other people,” said Jordan. “Everyone’s friendly – many  wave when you pass in a car. And while they care about their neighbors, if you want to be left alone that’s okay, too.”

You can get a feel for the community at Brown’s Grove, which has been growing citrus for three generations, since 1915. They have a shop along US 301 with fresh fruits and vegetables and fun things to look at.

 

For the outsider, Parrish is full of surprises. I attended a wedding at beautiful Baker’s Ranch. This special events venue almost feels like a trip to the European countryside.

“Parrish is a nice balance of a country feel and convenience, ” said Alla Levin, owner of Baker’s Ranch and The Cake Zone.  She loves the beauty of Parrish but she also thinks people might find surprising how immediate Parrish is to so many other destinations.  “It’s close to Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton Outlets, hotels, restaurants, and shopping.”

Jordan also recommends a number of community events, like the Heritage Day Parade Festival and Chili Cook Off, which draws 5000 people for a day of family fun while raising money for nonprofits; the annual Children’s Christmas Party; or Pancakes and Politics in Parrish, offering a free pancake breakfast while all the candidates for County Commission and School Board answer questions submitted by residents.

The Parrish Branch of the YMCA is a central hub for many, housed in a renovated 1920’s schoolhouse. And for “the best barbecue in this part of Florida”, Jordan loves C&K Smoke House BBQ, ordering a sandwich, and picnicking at Fort Hamer Park to enjoy the scenery.

For those who enjoy shopping, Parrish is not far from Ellenton Premium Outlets where shops like Saks Off 5th, White House Black Market, Michael Kors, and Coach make for a fine way to spend a Saturday.

Parrish Real Estate
Parrish has maintained much of its country charm and has also seen a rise of new homes and communities.

The Islands on the Manatee River is a boating community situated on a 225-acre secluded island.  Nearly two thirds of the 178 new home sites offer private docks with direct access to the Manatee River. The nearby Fort Hamer Bridge is under construction and will soon change the landscape for The Islands and the rest of Parrish.

Mike Longobardi is the sales agent at The Islands, “Our residents and future residents are looking forward to how the new bridge will open up access to all the amenities and services to our south, including downtown Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, the Mall at University Town Center, and health care options.”

Located in The Islands, this waterfront residence is a former Rutenberg model home for sale, ideal for entertaining.

Also in Parrish, River Wilderness is a private golf and country club set amid lush landscaping and stately trees, welcoming residents who enjoy golfing, fine dining, and a full calendar of social events.

View River Wilderness homes for sale.

This just listed home for sale in the Twin Rivers neighborhood is on  1/2 acre lot with a private wood view and a charming screened lanai and pool area.

Many Parrish homes overlook the Manatee River, including this four-bedroom, four bath estate on 6.26 acres.

Within Forest Creek, this Neal Communities home is three bedroom, two bath, two-car garage and features a screened, paved lanai with a large pool.

View more Parrish homes for sale.

Coming into its own
From Sarasota to Lakewood Ranch, development East of I-75 is showing no signs of slowing down and Parrish is no exception. The community is working together to accommodate growth while staying true to their sense of place.

Jordan explained that a group of Parrish citizens got together and proposed the Parrish and North County Overlays to put some further standards on new development coming into the area.  That effort was approved by the Manatee County Commission and is reflected in the building construction of the Post Office, 1st Manatee Bank, Dollar General, C & K BBQ, the new Eye Center Building and other developments with landscaping, lighting and buffering design.

“Good things are happening in Parrish and there is a growing sense of pride about living here. Still, life is slower and very peaceful.”

 

To learn more about Parrish, Florida and to find out whether there’s a home for sale that’s right for you, contact one of our agents in the Bradenton office or Lakewood Ranch office today.

 

Are you a resident of Parrish, Florida? What do you love about living there?

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