A newly opened affordable housing community in Bradenton is offering priority leasing to teachers, first responders, health care workers and other local employees as Manatee County continues to grapple with high housing costs.
The Nest Apartments, a $22.9 million complex built by One Stop Housing, is designed for renters earning 80% of the area’s median income. The community offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, with rents running about 16% below Manatee County’s average, ranging from roughly $1,100 to more than $1,700 a month. The application fee is $40.
Of the complex’s 182 total units, 80 are set aside specifically for local workforce employees, including staff with the Manatee County School District, Manatee County first responders, the City of Bradenton, Manatee Memorial Hospital, and MCR Health.
“We’ve put aside for our first responders, health care professionals, people in education, all the people that really work hard, that can’t afford to really live anywhere else,” said Audrey Abraham, regional manager for One Stop Housing.
Abraham said local employers have reported high staff turnover tied to housing costs, with some workers commuting long distances because they can’t find affordable housing near their jobs.
“They need to keep their employees happy,” Abraham said. “A lot of their employees are driving, you know, an hour or two away.”
For new resident Charlene MacDonald, the lower rent is helping her recover financially after an unexpected move. MacDonald, who works as a care manager for Second Heart Homes, moved into a studio unit at The Nest after facing an eviction filing at her previous apartment.
She said her $1,170 monthly rent covers electricity, water and trash in addition to housing, and that the savings will allow her to catch up financially by the end of the year. She said she hopes to move into a one-bedroom unit when her lease is up for renewal.
Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X
St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com
Dad. Father. Author.
S4: Students, Schools, Social Media, & Success, and The College Merit Scholarship Appeal Guide
Owen has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Gate, AOL, BAM Magazine, Boss Magazine, and Tampa Bay Business Insider.