Your Ultimate Guide to Living in Parrish, Florida: What You Need to Know

Thinking of moving to Parrish, Florida? Well, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’re answering some of the big questions people have about this growing area. From crime rates to where to dine, we’re breaking it all down and giving you the full line. Whether you’re ready to buy or just curious to explore, we’ve got everything you need to know to help you settle and score!

Where is Parrish, Florida?

Alright, let’s start with the basics—where exactly is Parrish, Florida? Parrish is nestled in Manatee County, right on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s about 20 miles northeast of Sarasota, 30 miles south of Tampa, and roughly 10 miles from Bradenton. So, you’re close to some of Florida’s best beaches and just a short drive from bigger cities, but still enjoy the charm of a small town. It’s the perfect spot if you want a peaceful vibe with access to all the action nearby! If you’re wondering what the best neighborhood to live in Parrish is, check out our blog.

How far is Parrish FL. from the beach?

Since we brought up beaches, let’s talk about how far they are from Parrish, Florida. The closest beach is St. Pete Beach, which will take you about 45 minutes to get to. Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island is also about 45 minutes away. Lastly, Siesta Key is about 55 minutes away. Depending on the time of day, these travel times may vary.

Is it expensive to live in Parrish, Florida?

Living in Parrish, Florida, can be considered affordable compared to other parts of Florida, especially coastal areas like Sarasota or Tampa. However, it depends on factors like the type of home you choose, its location within Parrish, and whether it’s a new construction or an older home.

The cost of living in Parrish is generally lower than in larger cities. You can find reasonably priced homes, but as the area continues to develop, prices are rising. If you’re looking for new construction homes, expect to pay a bit more for modern amenities and prime locations within new neighborhoods.

Other costs, such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare, are relatively on par with Florida’s average. In short, while it’s not the cheapest place to live in Florida, it’s still more affordable than many other areas in the state, particularly those along the coast.

Is Parrish, Florida up and coming?

Yes, Parrish, Florida is definitely an “up-and-coming” area! It’s one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. With new construction projects popping up all over, this small town is transforming into a vibrant place to live. The growth is largely driven by people looking for more affordable options compared to nearby cities like Tampa, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg. If you’re curious about the latest new construction homes, check out our page.

As more people move to Parrish, the town is seeing improvements in infrastructure, schools, and local amenities. Plus, it’s getting attention from developers, which means more shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational options are on the horizon. If you’re considering moving here, be sure to read our post on the [Pros and Cons of Living in Parrish, FL](link to blog). It’s a great time to invest in this growing area before it becomes even more popular!

What is the crime rate in Parrish, FL? / Is Parrish Florida a safe place to live?

The crime rate in Parrish, FL varies depending on the source and year of data, but overall it is considered relatively low compared to national averages.

According to the most recent data from NeighborhoodScout, the total crime rate in Parrish is 7.37 per 1,000 residents1. This breaks down to:

• Violent crime rate: 0.70 per 1,000 residents
• Property crime rate: 6.67 per 1,000 residents

This data suggests that Parrish is safer than 60% of U.S. cities and 73% of Florida communities.

Another source, CrimeGrade.org, reports a slightly higher total crime rate of 22.29 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 1.578 per 1,000 residents.

It’s worth noting that Parrish has seen significant population growth in recent years, which can affect crime statistics. As of 2022, the population was estimated at 28,6203.

Overall, Parrish is considered a safe place to live, with crime rates generally below state and national averages

Is it expensive to live in Parrish, Florida?

Living in Parrish, Florida is generally considered more affordable than many other places in Florida and the U.S. as a whole, but things have been changing a bit lately. The cost of living here is about 3.3% lower than the national average, which is a win for anyone looking to stretch their dollars. Some of the areas where Parrish stands out as more affordable include:

• Healthcare: 20.4% lower than the national average
• Food: 12.7% lower than the national average
• Housing: 6.6% lower than the national average

However, we’ve noticed some upticks in housing costs recently. For example, in November 2024, the median home price in Parrish was $435,660, which is a 3.2% decrease from the previous year, but still higher compared to national averages. Rent prices are also climbing, with the median rent as of January 2025 at $2,725, a 41% increase over the national average. In fact, rent prices have risen 9% in just the last month and 1% over the past year.

On the plus side, Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which means you get to keep more of your paycheck. The average household income in Parrish is $88,255, and the median household income is $62,264, which is a bit lower than the national median.

Keep in mind, though, that Florida’s property taxes and homeowners’ insurance (especially because of the hurricane risk) can be higher than in other states, so that’s something to factor in.

All in all, Parrish is still a pretty affordable option for those wanting to live the Florida lifestyle without breaking the bank, but rising housing costs are something to keep an eye on.

What are the best places to eat in Parrish, Florida?

Here are the notable eateries in Parrish, Florida:

Local Restaurants

• Ferraro’s Italian Grille: A Sicilian family-owned restaurant offering authentic Italian dishes, pizza, and a variety of entrees 
  

• C&K Smoke House BBQ: A family-owned barbecue restaurant operating since 2003, known for brisket, chicken, and ribs

• Gulley’s: A seafood restaurant with outdoor seating 

• PJ’s Sandwich Shop: A local favorite known for the best subs, salads, and southern sweet tea 

• Chung Shing: A Chinese restaurant offering eat-in and takeout

• Simple Mexican Grill: A fast-casual Mexican restaurant focusing on fresh, made-to-order food

• Parrish Pizzeria: A pizza restaurant with dine-in, delivery, and takeout options 

• Michelangelo 301 Pizza: Another pizza restaurant with various dining options 

Chain Restaurants

• Laredo Taco Company: A Tex-Mex restaurant 
• First Watch: A health-focused breakfast and lunch cafe 
• Arby’s: A fast-food sandwich chain 
• Sonic Drive-In: A fast-food restaurant 

What’s Going On with the Schools in Parrish, Florida?

As Parrish continues to grow, many local schools have become overcrowded. The county recognizes the need for more educational facilities and has been working on plans to bring new schools to the area.

Here’s a look at the schools currently in Parrish:

• Parrish Community High School: This high school serves grades 9-12, with around 2,017 students.

• Barbara Harvey Elementary School: A local elementary school serving the community.

• Annie Lucy Williams Elementary School: Another public elementary school in the area.

• Parrish Charter Academy: A tuition-free public charter school for grades K-8.

• FORZA Child Development Center – Preschool/VPK

New schools coming soon to the area!

• North River Charter Academy K-8 – Opening August 2025 on CR-675

• Artisan Lakes Public School K-5+ – Buckeye Road & AL Pkwy, Opening August 2025/26

• Seaire/Parrish Lakes Charter K-12 – Near Carter and Erie Road

• North River Public School K-8 – Inside North River Ranch,  August 2025

• Bradenton Christian School (Private) – Estimated K-12 on Erie Road, Parrish

• Lake Manatee K-8 – SR 64 & Uihlein Road, Opening August 2025

• Renaissance Charter School K-12 – Erie & Sawgrass Road

• Rangeland Parkway High School – SR 70 & Lorraine Road

• Rye Ranch K-5 –

• State College of Florida – Erie Road & Fort Hamer 

Other Nearby Schools Serving Students in the Parrish Area

Buffalo Creek Middle School – Located in Palmetto
Currently, students from Parrish typically attend Buffalo Creek Middle School, part of the Manatee County School District. The upcoming North River Ranch Middle School, opening in 2025, will provide a more localized option for Parrish students, helping to accommodate the area’s growing population.

Virgil Mills Elementary – Located in Palmetto
Although Virgil Mills Elementary is located in Palmetto, it has been an important school serving the Parrish community, providing education for local students in grades K-5.

Nearby Charter Schools:

Imagine Charter School at North Manatee (located in Palmetto)

Palmetto Charter School

Manatee School for the Arts (located in Palmetto)

Conclusion: Everything You Need to Know About Parrish, Florida

So, whether you’re considering moving to Parrish, Florida, or just curious about what this growing town has to offer, one thing’s for sure – it’s a place full of opportunity, charm, and a community that’s continuing to thrive. If you’re thinking of purchasing a home here, check out our guide on how the AS IS contract works to help you navigate the home buying process in Parrish!

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.