Living in The Concession, Bradenton: What to Know Before Buying

A Private Retreat on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Nestled across 1,200 pristine acres on the border of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch, The Concession is widely recognized as one of the most exclusive residential golf communities in all of Florida. With only 255 estate homesites at full buildout, this gated enclave offers a level of privacy and prestige that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere on the Gulf Coast. If you are considering a move to Southwest Florida and luxury living is a priority, here is everything you need to know about life at The Concession.

What Makes The Concession Unique

The Concession stands apart from other luxury communities in several important ways. The community is built around a Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin Signature 18-hole championship golf course that spans 520 acres and has been ranked among the Top 10 courses in Florida. The course has hosted prestigious tournaments including the World Golf Championships, the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship, and the Senior PGA Championship. It features a true core design—no interior roads cross the fairways and only a few rooflines are visible from the course.

The Concession caps total golf membership at just 300, ensuring that tee times are always available and the pace of play remains relaxed. The initiation fee of approximately $200,000 and annual dues ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 reflect the club’s commitment to maintaining an intimate, world-class environment. The community itself is limited to 255 custom-built estate homes—no production homes, no townhomes, and no condominiums. Every residence is a one-of-a-kind estate built on half-acre to one-plus-acre homesites.

Custom Estate Homes and Approved Builders

Every home at The Concession is a custom single-family estate ranging from approximately 3,300 to over 15,000 square feet of living space. Architectural styles include Mediterranean, coastal contemporary, and transitional designs, all carefully reviewed to maintain the community’s aesthetic harmony. Prices typically range from $900,000 for select resale opportunities to well over $5,000,000 for the largest waterfront and golf-view estates.

The community works exclusively with an approved list of premier builders, including John Cannon Homes, Anchor Builders, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, and Lee Wetherington Homes. Each builder has a proven track record of delivering exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Buyers who purchase a homesite work directly with their chosen builder to design a residence that meets their exact vision, with architectural review ensuring consistency with the community’s high standards.

World-Class Golf at Your Doorstep

The centerpiece of The Concession is its legendary Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin Signature golf course. Named after the famous act of sportsmanship between Nicklaus and Jacklin at the 1969 Ryder Cup, the course is a celebration of the gentleman’s game. The 520-acre layout features dramatic elevation changes, a 23-acre practice range, and immaculate conditioning that members describe as among the best they have ever experienced.

The course’s tournament pedigree speaks for itself. It has hosted the WGC-Cadillac Championship, NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship events, and the Senior PGA Championship. Membership is limited to 300, so the course never feels crowded. For golf enthusiasts, living at The Concession means having daily access to one of the finest private courses in the southeastern United States.

Resort-Style Amenities for Every Resident

Beyond the golf course, The Concession offers a full suite of amenities designed for a resort-caliber lifestyle. The 33,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the social heart of the community, featuring The Bistro restaurant, a formal grill room, and card and billiard rooms with sweeping views of the 18th hole. Regular social events, wine dinners, and holiday celebrations keep the community connected throughout the year.

Athletic amenities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two Har-Tru tennis courts, and a fully stocked pro shop. The community’s 24-hour manned gate and roving security patrol provide peace of mind, while beautifully maintained walking paths wind through natural wetland preserves and towering oak and pine canopies.

Location, Schools, and Daily Conveniences

The Concession enjoys a prime location just two to three miles east of Interstate 75, with direct access via University Parkway. UTC Mall and Lakewood Ranch Main Street are five to seven miles away, offering upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is approximately 12 to 15 miles from the front gate, and the Gulf beaches of Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, and Siesta Key are a comfortable 25- to 30-minute drive.

Families benefit from access to highly rated Manatee County schools, including B.D. Gullett Elementary, R. Dan Nolan Middle School or Mona Jain Middle School, and Lakewood Ranch High School. Several top-tier private school options are also within a short commute.

HOA Fees and What They Cover

Monthly homeowner association fees at The Concession typically range from $500 to $850, covering common area maintenance, landscaping, road upkeep, and the community’s 24-hour gated security. Notably, The Concession does not charge Community Development District fees—an expense that can add hundreds of dollars per month in many other Florida communities. This is an important financial advantage for buyers comparing total cost of ownership among luxury neighborhoods in the Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in The Concession

If you own a home in The Concession, get your free home valuation to find out its current market value.

What is the price range for homes at The Concession?

Homes at The Concession typically range from $900,000 for select resale properties to over $5,000,000 for the largest custom estates. The average sale price for new construction generally falls between $1.5 million and $3.5 million, depending on lot location, square footage, and custom finishes.

Is golf membership required to live at The Concession?

Golf membership is not required to purchase a home. However, most residents choose to join the club to take full advantage of the Jack Nicklaus Signature course and clubhouse amenities. The initiation fee is approximately $200,000 with annual dues of $20,000 to $30,000.

How many homes are in The Concession?

The Concession is limited to 255 estate homesites at full buildout. This intentionally small number of homes across 1,200 acres ensures privacy, exclusivity, and a low-density living experience that sets it apart from larger planned communities.

What builders are approved at The Concession?

The community works with an approved roster of premier builders including John Cannon Homes, Anchor Builders, Arthur Rutenberg Homes, and Lee Wetherington Homes. All new construction must go through the community’s architectural review process to maintain design standards.

Are there CDD fees at The Concession?

No. Unlike many newer Florida communities, The Concession does not have Community Development District fees. Monthly HOA fees range from approximately $500 to $850 and cover security, maintenance, and common area upkeep.

What tournaments has The Concession Golf Club hosted?

The Concession Golf Club has hosted several prestigious events, including the WGC-Cadillac Championship, the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship, and the Senior PGA Championship. The course is consistently ranked among the Top 10 in Florida.

Ready to Explore The Concession?

The Concession offers a rare combination of world-class golf, custom estate homes, and an unmatched lifestyle in one of Florida’s most desirable locations. If you are considering a move to Bradenton’s most exclusive address, I would love to help you explore available homes and homesites. Browse current listings on my The Concession neighborhood page, explore other luxury neighborhoods in the area, or contact me directly to schedule a private tour of this extraordinary community.