Residents look out for one another

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Because small cities often provide a tight-knit community where residents look out for one another, they’re also ideal for raising a family. Smaller populations naturally may lead to smaller class sizes and educational environments where children can be in class with their neighbors, cementing social bonds that are key to development.

A quick trip down the road from City Hall will take you to Anna Maria Elementary School. Consistently one of the best public institutions in Manatee County, with an A rating and State Designated as a School of Excellence, AME is a pre-k through fifth grade school. Distinctively located on the Sarasota Bay, AME has recently partnered with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to create the first-ever Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences. This one-of-a-kind program focuses on marine sciences, conservation, and the arts. Students at AME are given a hands-on experience learning about the local environment and ecosystems.

Throughout the year you will find community events such as the Art Walk, and Halloween Trail of Treats. Come the holidays, the city is filled with the spirit with its annual Christmas tree lights, holiday walk and the children’s party with Santa.