Ellenton, Florida, is home to the state's only surviving plantation mansion from the antebellum era - the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, which sits along the sun-drenched Manatee River. The town's location at the intersection of Interstate 75 and U.S. Route 301 provides easy access to both Tampa (32 miles north) and Bradenton's business district. The North River neighborhood features properties with mature landscaping, while homes in the Terra Ceia Road area sit close to major employers, including Feld Entertainment's global headquarters. The historic district, centered around the Gamble Plantation, showcases classic Florida architecture from the 1800s. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace while remaining just minutes from Bradenton's museums, theaters, and waterfront across the Manatee River. Three-bedroom rental homes average $2,743 monthly, offering competitive value compared to neighboring communities. With its strategic location between Tampa Bay and Sarasota, Ellenton combines Gulf Coast living with excellent accessibility to the region's amenities.