Living in Parrish, Florida: Is It the Right Place for You?

So, you’re wondering if Parrish, Florida, is a good place to live? We asked ourselves the same question before making the move. Not too long ago, we took the leap—and we haven’t looked back! Here’s why we chose Parrish and what makes it such a great place to call home.

Finding Your Perfect Home in Parrish: A Look at Housing Choices

Considering making Parrish your home? Then you’ve likely noticed the wide variety of housing options available here. From the active 55+ lifestyle in Del Webb’s community to the charming townhomes in Crosswind Ranch, Parrish truly offers something for everyone.

When it came time for our family to decide where to live, we were fortunate enough to have the flexibility to choose anywhere in Florida. We explored all over the state, from coast to coast, but Parrish kept pulling us back. The home prices here just made sense for what you get in return. It felt like the perfect blend of affordability and quality, which made our decision easy.

Schools in Parrish: Quality Education and Exciting Developments

If you haven’t heard, schools in Parrish are getting a bit crowded with all the new people moving to the area. Although there has been some overcrowding, the quality of education remains strong. Overall, we’ve been very happy with the school system so far, and new developments are underway to manage the growth and maintain a positive learning environment for all students.

Community and Lifestyle

We absolutely adore Parrish! Even though it’s growing, it still has that close-knit, friendly vibe that makes it feel like home. There’s so much to enjoy here—beautiful parks, local events, and a welcoming community. The new Fort Hamer Park will be opening soon and will host exciting events—we can’t wait! The grand opening ceremony is set for the beginning of March. New businesses are also popping up every month, adding even more options and energy to Parrish. Be sure to check out our blog post on the Creekside Commons Plaza.

Traffic

Traffic in Parrish can definitely be a pain. With all the growth happening in the area, the roads just weren’t built to handle it, and they can get pretty congested. If you’re commuting to places like Tampa, Clearwater, or Sarasota for work, you’ll definitely find yourself stuck in traffic during rush hour. Is it fun? Not really. But honestly, I think it just comes with the territory. And when you look at other areas with even more growth, like parts of Tampa or Sarasota, the traffic there can be even worse.

Shopping/ Restaurants

Currently, there aren’t too many shopping options right in Parrish. The newest plaza is Creekside Commons, which we mentioned above. You’ll find a Publix on just about every corner—because, well, you’re in Florida, so that’s to be expected! However, stores like Target, Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Home Depot aren’t exactly around the corner. For those, we usually head over to Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, or Sun City, which are about 20-25 minutes away. It’s not a long drive, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re used to having everything nearby.

In terms of food, Parrish can feel a little bare when it comes to choices. We do have some spots like Liquid Gold and First Watch, and more restaurants are on the way. However, what you won’t find here are many real “mom and pop” eateries. It’s mostly chain restaurants that have submitted permits to open. It would be great to see something like an authentic Mexican restaurant or a unique local diner pop up in the future!

Outdoor Activities

We love being outdoors every day! While it does get hot in the summer, I cherish the sunshine and warm weather. It beats the dark and cold up north any day!

The communities in Parrish are built with outdoor living in mind. Many feel like little resorts, offering resort-style pools, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and tennis areas. If you’re looking for top-notch amenities right at home, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Parrish!

Beaches

The beaches are about a 45-minute drive from Parrish, which we don’t mind at all. We actually came from an area where we were less than a mile from the beach, but we hardly ever went. Sometimes, when it’s so close, you don’t take full advantage of it. Now, being a bit farther away, we make a day of it when we visit the beach. We love stopping at our favorite spots, trying new restaurants, and checking out different beaches—all within a similar amount of travel time.

Parks

Fort Hamer Park on the river is really nice! It features a boat launch, a rentable pavilion, picnic tables, and restrooms. It’s a great place to spend the day. If you plan to go boating on the weekend, be sure to arrive early—the park fills up quickly, but it’s totally worth it every time. Boating on the river is so much fun and super accessible when you live in Parrish!

Growth and Future Development

I personally get super excited about the new growth and development coming to Parrish! I love seeing what new stores and communities are being built. For us, this growth is a big reason we chose to buy in Parrish. While there may not be too much here right now, we know it’s on the way, and I believe it will make Parrish even better than it already is.

That said, if you’ve been studying Parrish for a while, you might notice that some longtime locals aren’t as enthusiastic about all the changes. I can understand their perspective. Growing up in this charming little town and then suddenly witnessing so much new development can be tough. Finding the perfect balance between overbuilding and maintaining Parrish’s small-town feel has certainly been a challenge.

Proximity to Major Areas

How could we not talk about this? Parrish is super close to so many bigger cities and highways! You’ve got Bradenton, just 15-20 minutes to the south, offering plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural spots. Then there’s Sarasota, about 30-40 minutes away, known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful beaches, and upscale shopping.

Lakewood Ranch is around 20 minutes away, featuring a master-planned community packed with amenities, shops, and fun recreational activities. If you head about 40-45 minutes north, you’ll hit Tampa, where you can find larger city attractions, professional sports, and a lively nightlife. And don’t forget St. Petersburg—about 45 minutes away, with gorgeous waterfront parks, museums, and a bustling downtown.

Parrish really is in a prime location!

Final Thoughts

So, is Parrish a good place to live? We think so! We shared some of the main reasons why we chose Parrish and what we love about it. If you’re ready to make the move and need some guidance, the team at Keys to the Coast is here to help!

Meet the Team

Amy Prumo

Amy Prumo is an Elite agent with extensive experience and deep local expertise, known for delivering outstanding results in the Parrish real estate market. Amy’s attention to detail, strong communication skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence have made her one of the most sought-after agents in the business. 

Thomas Carden

Thomas Carden brings a wealth of knowledge from his background in building, planning, zoning, and development. With over 20 certifications from the International Code Council, including Planner Review and Certified Building Official, he is a recognized expert in his field and an expert legal witness in construction.