Aqua by the Bay: Luxury New Construction in Bradenton, FL by Medallion Home

If you're searching for luxury new construction in Bradenton, FL, Aqua by the Bay deserves a spot at the top of your list. Nestled along the shores of Sarasota Bay in West Bradenton, this gated community by Medallion Home offers a rare combination of waterfront living, resort-style amenities, and custom-quality craftsmanship that's turning heads across the Gulf Coast real estate market.

With single-family homes starting in the mid-$900s and stretching past $1.7 million, Aqua by the Bay is purpose-built for buyers who want more than a house — they want a lifestyle. Here's everything you need to know about this luxury community and what makes it one of Bradenton's most sought-after addresses.

Aqua by the Bay: A Luxury Waterfront Community in West Bradenton

Spanning approximately 529 acres along the western edge of Bradenton, Aqua by the Bay is a master-planned community that puts waterfront living at the center of everything. The community sits just minutes from Longboat Key and Anna Maria Island, giving residents easy access to some of the most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches in Florida.

What sets Aqua apart from other new construction communities in the Bradenton area is its commitment to a luxury lifestyle experience. The centerpiece of the community is a stunning four-acre crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by a tropical beach with palm trees — essentially a private resort in your backyard. Whether you're swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water, the lagoon creates a vacation-like atmosphere that few communities in Southwest Florida can match.

The community is fully gated, providing an added layer of privacy and security for residents. With Phase I now sold out at 104 homes and Phase II bringing an additional 86 homesites, Aqua by the Bay maintains an intimate, exclusive feel while continuing to grow.

Home Prices: What You Get at Every Level

Aqua by the Bay offers single-family homes priced from approximately $949,900 to $1,675,100, depending on the floor plan, lot selection, and design center customizations. Townhomes in the community start around $799,950 for buyers looking for a lower-maintenance luxury option.

Under $1 million: At the entry level, you'll find well-appointed two-to-three-bedroom homes in the 2,200 to 2,400 square foot range. These homes feature open-concept layouts, designer kitchens with premium finishes, and two-car garages. Even at this price point, Medallion Home includes high-end standard features that other builders charge extra for.

$1 million to $1.3 million: Mid-range options open up larger floor plans with three to four bedrooms, expanded outdoor living spaces, and additional flex rooms or home offices. Many homes in this range sit on premium lots with enhanced views and privacy.

$1.3 million and above: The top tier brings the largest floor plans at nearly 4,600 square feet, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, gourmet kitchens, and expansive lanais designed for entertaining. Upgraded finishes, pool packages, and waterfront lot premiums push into this range.

Medallion Home has been running a promotion offering a complimentary pool or up to $80,000 in design center selections on qualifying homes — a significant incentive for buyers ready to move forward.

About the Builder: Medallion Home

Medallion Home has been building custom and semi-custom homes across Southwest Florida for over 30 years. Based in the Sarasota-Bradenton market, Medallion has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality construction with an emphasis on personalization. Buyers at Aqua by the Bay work directly with Medallion's design team to customize everything from floor plan modifications to interior finishes.

What makes Medallion Home stand out is their commitment to building each home to the buyer's specifications rather than relying on cookie-cutter production models. Their in-house design center gives buyers control over cabinetry, countertops, flooring, fixtures, and exterior finishes, ensuring that no two homes in the community look exactly alike.

Floor Plans and Home Designs

Aqua by the Bay offers seven distinct single-family floor plans ranging from 2,282 to 4,588 square feet. Every home includes a two-car garage and is designed with the Florida lifestyle in mind — think open layouts, natural light, indoor-outdoor flow, and generous lanai space.

Pigeon Plum: A two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom design ideal for buyers who want a spacious, efficient layout. Features an open-concept living area, formal dining, and a flexible bonus room that can serve as a home office or guest suite.

Saffron Plum: One of the community's most popular plans, offering three bedrooms and three bathrooms across approximately 2,448 square feet. The open floor plan flows seamlessly from the kitchen to the great room and out to a covered lanai.

Additional floor plans scale up to four bedrooms and four bathrooms, with options for expanded owner's suites, butler's pantries, and multi-slide glass doors that open the living space to the outdoors. Medallion Home's design team can also modify plans to accommodate home offices, media rooms, or additional storage.

Resort-Style Amenities

The amenity package at Aqua by the Bay is what elevates this community from a standard new construction neighborhood to a luxury lifestyle destination.

The Lagoon: The crown jewel is a four-acre translucent blue lagoon complete with a tropical beach and palm trees. Residents can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or simply lounge on the sandy shore. It's an amenity you'd expect at a five-star Caribbean resort, not in your own neighborhood.

Clubhouse and Pool: A full-service clubhouse with a resort-style swimming pool, sun deck, and covered gathering areas provides a central social hub for the community.

Fitness Center: A state-of-the-art fitness facility means residents can skip the gym membership and work out steps from home.

Walking and Biking Trails: Landscaped trails wind through the community, connecting neighborhoods to the lagoon, clubhouse, and waterfront parks.

Waterfront Parks: Multiple park areas along the water offer quiet spots for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying sunsets over Sarasota Bay.

HOA and CDD Fees

Like most master-planned communities in Florida, Aqua by the Bay has both HOA (Homeowners Association) and CDD (Community Development District) fees that cover community maintenance, amenities, and infrastructure.

HOA Fees: Single-family homeowners pay approximately $427 per month, which covers maintenance of common areas, landscaping, gated entry, and access to all community amenities including the lagoon, clubhouse, pool, and fitness center. Townhome HOA fees run about $400 per month.

CDD Fees: The Aqua by the Bay Community Development District is a special-purpose government entity established under Florida law to finance and maintain community infrastructure. CDD assessments are billed annually through your property tax statement and cover bond payments for roads, utilities, and other infrastructure improvements. Exact CDD amounts vary by lot and phase — your agent can provide current figures for specific homesites.

When budgeting for a home at Aqua by the Bay, make sure to factor in both the monthly HOA and annual CDD assessment alongside your mortgage payment, property taxes, and insurance.

Schools and the Manatee County School District

Aqua by the Bay is served by the Manatee County School District, one of the largest school districts on Florida's Gulf Coast. Families in the community are currently zoned for the following public schools:

H.S. Moody Elementary School: Located approximately 2.2 miles from the community, Moody Elementary serves grades K through 5 and is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement.

Electa Lee Magnet Middle School: Just 1.7 miles away, Electa Lee is a magnet school offering specialized academic programs that draw students from across the district.

Bayshore High School: About 2.0 miles from Aqua by the Bay, Bayshore High provides a comprehensive high school experience with various academic and extracurricular programs.

In addition to public schools, the Bradenton area offers several well-regarded private and charter school options. The community's location in West Bradenton provides convenient access to schools at all levels.

Location and Nearby Attractions

One of Aqua by the Bay's biggest selling points is its location in West Bradenton, offering a perfect balance between coastal tranquility and urban convenience. The community puts you within easy reach of world-class beaches, nature preserves, dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Anna Maria Island: Just a short drive across the Manatee Avenue bridge, Anna Maria Island offers seven miles of white-sand Gulf beaches, charming restaurants, and a laid-back Old Florida atmosphere.

Robinson Preserve: This 600-plus-acre coastal preserve in Northwest Bradenton features walking, biking, and paddling trails through mangroves, salt marshes, and tidal creeks with stunning views of Tampa Bay.

Longboat Key: Minutes to the south, Longboat Key provides upscale dining, boutique shopping, and some of the most beautiful beach access on the Gulf Coast.

St. Armands Circle: A quick drive south to Sarasota brings you to St. Armands Circle, a premier shopping and dining destination with galleries, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants.

The Ringling Museum of Art: One of Florida's most renowned cultural institutions, The Ringling is just a short drive from the community and features world-class art collections, the historic Ca d'Zan mansion, and beautiful bayfront gardens.

For everyday convenience, residents are close to major shopping centers, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aqua by the Bay

Who is the builder at Aqua by the Bay?

Medallion Home, a Southwest Florida builder with over 30 years of experience, is building all homes at Aqua by the Bay. They specialize in custom and semi-custom construction with an in-house design center for personalization.

What are the home prices at Aqua by the Bay?

Single-family homes range from approximately $949,900 to $1,675,100 depending on the floor plan, lot, and customizations. Townhomes in the community start around $799,950.

What amenities does Aqua by the Bay offer?

Residents enjoy a four-acre crystal-clear lagoon with a tropical beach, a full-service clubhouse, resort-style pool, fitness center, walking and biking trails, and waterfront parks.

What are the HOA fees at Aqua by the Bay?

HOA fees for single-family homes are approximately $427 per month. Townhome HOA fees are approximately $400 per month. The community also has CDD assessments billed annually through property taxes.

Is Aqua by the Bay a gated community?

Yes, Aqua by the Bay is a fully gated community with controlled access, providing added privacy and security for all residents.

What schools serve Aqua by the Bay?

The community is served by the Manatee County School District. Zoned schools include H.S. Moody Elementary, Electa Lee Magnet Middle School, and Bayshore High School, all within about two miles of the community.

Are there still homes available at Aqua by the Bay?

Phase I is sold out with all 104 homes completed and occupied. Phase II is actively building an additional 86 homesites. Contact a local real estate agent for current availability and pricing.

Ready to Explore Aqua by the Bay?

Aqua by the Bay represents the best of luxury waterfront new construction in Bradenton, FL. Whether you're relocating to the Gulf Coast, upgrading to a waterfront lifestyle, or investing in a premium new-build community, this is a neighborhood worth seeing in person. Browse all Bradenton new construction communities to compare your options, or contact me directly to schedule a private tour of Aqua by the Bay and get the latest pricing and availability.