Salt Meadows in Parrish, FL: New Construction Homes by Meritage Homes Starting from the $280s

If you’re searching for new construction homes in the Parrish and Palmetto area, Salt Meadows by Meritage Homes deserves a spot at the top of your list. This thoughtfully planned community offers energy-efficient single-family homes starting from the low $280s, making it one of the most accessible new construction options along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Nestled in the heart of Parrish with easy access to I-75, Salt Meadows combines the quiet charm of small-town living with proximity to Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and stunning Gulf Coast beaches. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or looking to downsize without sacrificing quality, Salt Meadows has something for you.

Community Overview

Salt Meadows is a master-planned community located at 13727 Richland Gulf Circle in Parrish, FL 34219. Built by Meritage Homes — one of the nation’s largest and most respected homebuilders — this community features a collection of single-family homes in both single-story and two-story configurations.

The community is divided into two distinct series to accommodate different lifestyles and budgets. The Classic Series offers thoughtfully designed homes at approachable price points, while the Premier Series provides larger floor plans with upgraded features for buyers who want more space and flexibility. With home sizes ranging from approximately 1,269 to 2,168 square feet, there’s a plan for virtually every stage of life.

Home Prices and What You Get at Each Price Point

One of the most compelling aspects of Salt Meadows is its pricing. Homes start from the low $280s and range up to approximately $400,000, depending on the floor plan and selected options. At this price point in today’s market, you’re getting a brand-new, energy-efficient home in a community with resort-style amenities — a combination that’s increasingly hard to find along the Gulf Coast.

At the entry level around $280,000, you can expect a well-designed three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-story home with an open-concept layout, a two-car garage, and Meritage’s full suite of energy-efficient features. Moving up into the mid-$300s to low $400s, you’ll find larger four-bedroom homes with additional bathrooms, two-story layouts, and first-floor primary suites — a highly sought-after configuration for families.

Every home at Salt Meadows comes standard with the features that other builders charge extra for — ENERGY STAR certified appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems, double-pane low-E windows, and more. When you factor in the long-term energy savings, the total cost of ownership becomes even more attractive compared to resale homes in the area.

Meet the Builder: Meritage Homes

Meritage Homes is the seventh-largest homebuilder in the United States and has been building homes for over 35 years. But what truly sets Meritage apart is their unwavering commitment to energy efficiency and healthy indoor air quality — and at Salt Meadows, you get every bit of that commitment built into your home as a standard feature, not an upgrade.

Since 2009, Meritage has built 100% of their homes to ENERGY STAR certification standards. This commitment has earned them the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year — Sustained Excellence award 11 times. They’ve completed over 126,000 ENERGY STAR certified homes nationwide, more than any other builder in the country.

Every Meritage home is built with a whole-home approach to energy efficiency that includes:

• High-efficiency multi-speed HVAC systems installed in every home

• ENERGY STAR certified appliances throughout the kitchen and laundry

• Double-pane windows with low-emissivity coatings and argon gas fill

• WaterSense-labeled faucets and showerheads for water conservation

• Zero-VOC interior paint for healthier indoor air quality

• Indoor Air Quality-certified adhesives in all cabinetry

• UL Greenguard Gold-certified hard surface flooring

Meritage has also been honored with the EPA Indoor airPLUS Leader Award for advancing healthier indoor air quality standards. For families concerned about what they breathe inside their home, this is a significant differentiator that goes well beyond what most production builders offer.

Floor Plans at Salt Meadows

Salt Meadows offers a range of floor plans across the Classic and Premier Series, each designed to suit different family sizes and lifestyle preferences. All plans feature Meritage’s signature open-concept designs, covered lanais for outdoor living, and the full energy-efficiency package that comes standard.

The Everglade

The Everglade is a single-story plan offering approximately 1,483 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. Its open-concept design creates a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining area, and great room — perfect for everyday living and entertaining. This plan is ideal for first-time buyers, couples, or anyone who prefers low-maintenance single-story living.

The Hibiscus

Part of the Classic Series, the Hibiscus is a spacious plan featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage. The additional third bathroom makes this an excellent choice for families who need extra flexibility — whether for hosting guests, converting a room to a home office, or giving growing kids their own space.

The Yellowstone

The Yellowstone, part of the Premier Series, is the largest plan in the community at 2,168 square feet. This two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2-car garage, with a first-floor primary suite — a highly sought-after feature that lets you keep your master bedroom on the main level while kids or guests have their own private space upstairs.

Community Amenities

Salt Meadows is designed for active lifestyles and family fun. The community’s resort-style amenity center gives you a vacation-like atmosphere right in your own neighborhood:

• Large resort-style community swimming pool

• Fully equipped clubhouse with modern fitness center

• Sports courts including dedicated pickleball courts

• Children’s playground with updated equipment

• Fenced dog park for your four-legged family members

These amenities are professionally maintained through the community’s association, so residents can enjoy everything without worrying about upkeep. The dedicated pickleball courts are especially worth noting — pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in Florida, and having courts steps from your front door is a major convenience.

HOA and CDD Fees

Like most new construction communities in the Parrish and Palmetto area, Salt Meadows operates with a combination of HOA (Homeowners Association) and CDD (Community Development District) fees.

CDD fees are common in Florida’s newer communities and are used to finance the infrastructure and amenities that make the community possible — roads, utilities, the pool, clubhouse, and landscaped common areas. The advantage of a CDD structure is that it typically results in lower monthly HOA fees, since the CDD handles the heavy lifting of community maintenance and amenity upkeep.

For the most current and accurate fee information at Salt Meadows, I recommend reaching out directly. Fee structures can adjust as the community develops, and I want to make sure you have exact numbers for your budget planning. Contact me here to get the latest figures and a full cost breakdown.

Schools in the Parrish Area

Salt Meadows is zoned within the Manatee County School District, which serves the entire Parrish area and offers strong educational options at every level.

For elementary education, Gene Witt Elementary is one of the top-rated schools in Manatee County, carrying an A-minus rating with an impressive 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio. The Parrish area also benefits from several other well-regarded elementary schools including Robert Willis Elementary.

Middle and high school students have access to quality secondary education, including Parrish Community High School and Braden River High School. Both schools offer Advanced Placement coursework and exams, providing college-preparatory opportunities for motivated students. Parrish Community High School has earned particularly strong reviews from students who note that teachers offer extra help and actively participate in school events.

Overall, the Manatee County School District performs above the state average in math proficiency at 56% compared to Florida’s 53% average, making it a solid choice for families who prioritize education when choosing where to live.

Location and Nearby Attractions

One of Salt Meadows’ greatest assets is its location. Situated in Parrish with convenient access to I-75, residents can easily reach the region’s best destinations while enjoying the peace of a growing but uncrowded community.

Beaches: The world-famous Siesta Key Beach with its powder-white quartz sand is an easy drive south via I-75. Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton Beach area offer additional waterfront options even closer to home.

Shopping: Ellenton Premium Outlets is just about five miles away, featuring 130 stores including Kate Spade, Coach, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Michael Kors. For everyday needs, grocery stores and retail centers are within a short drive.

Parks and Nature: Lake Manatee State Park and Little Manatee River State Park offer hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Rye Preserve is a local hidden gem with trails, fishing access, and peaceful spots along the Manatee River. Fort Hamer Bridge provides stunning sunset views over the water.

Local Flavor: The Florida Railroad Museum offers scenic train rides through rural Florida. Community favorites include Parrish Cuban Café for authentic Cuban cuisine and C&K Smokehouse BBQ for slow-smoked comfort food.

Commuting: I-75 access means downtown Bradenton is about 20 minutes away, Sarasota around 35 minutes, and the St. Petersburg–Tampa metro area is within reach for those who work in the larger cities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salt Meadows

What is the starting price for homes at Salt Meadows?

Homes at Salt Meadows by Meritage Homes start from the low $280s, with prices ranging up to approximately $400,000 depending on the floor plan, lot selection, and design options.

Are Salt Meadows homes energy efficient?

Yes — every home at Salt Meadows is built to ENERGY STAR certification standards by Meritage Homes. This includes high-efficiency HVAC systems, ENERGY STAR appliances, double-pane low-E windows, WaterSense fixtures, and healthier indoor air quality features. Meritage is an 11-time ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year.

What floor plans are available at Salt Meadows?

Salt Meadows offers multiple floor plans across the Classic and Premier Series, ranging from approximately 1,269 to 2,168 square feet. Options include 3 to 4 bedroom single-story and two-story homes, all with 2-car garages and open-concept layouts.

What amenities does the Salt Meadows community offer?

The community features a resort-style swimming pool, a clubhouse with a fitness center, sports courts including pickleball, a children’s playground, and a fenced dog park.

What schools serve the Salt Meadows area?

Salt Meadows is in the Manatee County School District. Top-rated nearby schools include Gene Witt Elementary with an A-minus rating, Parrish Community High School, and Braden River High School — all offering strong academics and AP coursework.

Does Salt Meadows have HOA and CDD fees?

Yes, like most new construction communities in the Palmetto and Parrish area, Salt Meadows has both HOA and CDD fees that cover community amenities and infrastructure maintenance. Contact me for the most current fee amounts.

How far is Salt Meadows from the beach?

Salt Meadows has convenient access to multiple Gulf Coast beaches via I-75. Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key Beach are both within comfortable driving distance, making weekend beach trips easy and enjoyable.

Ready to Explore Salt Meadows?

Whether you’re ready to tour Salt Meadows or want to explore other new construction communities in the Palmetto and Parrish area, I’m here to help. I specialize in guiding buyers through the new construction process — from understanding builder contracts to negotiating upgrades and ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

Contact me today to schedule a tour of Salt Meadows, get a personalized list of new construction options in your budget, or ask any questions about buying new construction in Manatee County. My services are free to buyers — the builder pays my commission, so there’s no cost to you for expert representation.