VA Buyers in Palmetto and Bradenton: October 2026

Quick answer: In October 2026, 4 homes in Palmetto and Bradenton (ZIPs 34221 and 34203) closed with VA financing, at a median sold price of $360,000 (range $318,500 to $404,000). 3 of the 4 were new construction (built 2025 or later). Palmetto is about 39 miles and 50 to 60 minutes from MacDill Air Force Base (MacDill AFB) with no traffic, and about 40 to 50 minutes from Bay Pines VA.

Source: Stellar MLS, VA-financed closed sales Oct 2026. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

I'm a Military Veteran, and Palmetto sits at the north end of Manatee County, one of the closer Manatee options to MacDill AFB. It's a small sample, only 4 VA sales, but they were mostly new builds under $405K.

The drive

From US-41 at 10th St W in Palmetto, with no traffic (OpenStreetMap routing, checked Nov 1, 2026):

• MacDill AFB, Dale Mabry Gate: about 39 miles, 50 to 60 minutes
• Bay Pines VA: about 30 miles, 40 to 50 minutes
• James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital: about 49 miles, 60 to 70 minutes
• Parrish: about 11 miles, 20 to 30 minutes

Rush hour runs longer, so map your drive at the hour you'd leave.

Compare it with Parrish and Lakewood Ranch

If you want more new-construction choice, Parrish is next door, with 11 VA sales and a $435,000 median in October 2026. If you want a master-planned community with more resale choice, see the Lakewood Ranch area. Both guides have drive times, builder offers with their end dates, and VA sales.

*Builder incentives change often. Contact us and we'll help you find what's available right now.

New construction on a VA loan

Builder sales reps represent the builder.

Bring me as your agent on your FIRST VISIT to any model or sales center. Many builders require your agent to register you on that first visit, or you can lose your own representation.

VA loan basics in one minute

• No down payment as long as the price isn't higher than the appraised value, and no PMI.
• No VA loan limit with full entitlement. Your lender decides what you qualify for.
• VA doesn't set a minimum credit score; lenders set their own.
• No funding fee if you receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability, among other exemptions.
• New construction needs a one-year builder warranty on VA Form 26-1859 or a 10-year insurance-backed warranty.

File homestead and Veteran exemptions with the Manatee County Property Appraiser. Full walkthrough: my VA buyers guide.

Ready to own instead of rent?

Quit paying your landlord's mortgage, let's get you into a home you own. Tell me your budget and I'll show you Palmetto and Bradenton homes for sale that fit it, with the full monthly cost of owning, including taxes, insurance and any HOA or CDD fees. A VA-approved lender confirms what you qualify for.

Book a quick call with Andrew | Get my PCS/VA home list

I'm a Military Veteran and I welcome every buyer and seller. Every client gets the same service, whatever your financing or background. I've sold 300+ homes with $137M+ in sales volume.

Andrew Pepper, REALTOR® | The Pepper Team | Keller Williams On The Water Sarasota | 1549 Ringling Blvd, Suite 600, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-400-8227 | pepper@kw.com. Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. VA loan details are from VA.gov, checked Nov 1, 2026. I'm not a lender, so confirm rates, fees and approval with a VA-approved lender.