Bradenton, FL

Between the river-front Riverwalk district and easy access to Anna Maria Island's beaches, Bradenton has a lot of homes with direct water exposure — and the salt and humidity that comes with it. Windows and siding near the river pick up grime faster than homes further from the water.

It's a growing city with a mix of historic downtown buildings and newer construction spreading out from the river, all of it needing the same ongoing attention to stay looking sharp under Florida's sun and rain.