Sitting 5 miles off the coast from Sarasota, Longboat Key offers luxurious island living without the tourists. “Here we get the island life,” says Maureen Horn, a broker with Michael Saunders & Company, who’s lived on Longboat for 25 years. “This means wearing shorts year-round, being surrounded by water views and going boating whenever you feel like it.”
Bayfront Park in Longboat Key
Bayport Beach and Tennis Club condos in Longboat Key have their own fishing pier on the bay.
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Island homes offer beach access and waterfront views
“Longboat is like an island suburb of Sarasota,” says Horn, “at first people think of it as a vacation spot, then fall in love with it and buy a home.” The Key is about 10 miles long and only half a mile wide, with Gulf of Mexico Drive running from north to south, lined with dense mangroves, palm trees and entrances to waterfront communities facing the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east. There’s no need to worry about beach access here; whether on the main road or in a gated community, it’s a short walk away. “The beaches are relaxing with little foot traffic because it’s mostly residents,” says Horn. Single-family homes range from a three-bedroom island-inspired ranch-style with a spacious back patio within walking distance of the beach for $1 million up to a brand-new five-bedroom Spanish Revival mansion on a 1-acre beachfront lot with an infinity pool for over $18 million. For those looking for a slice of the island life at a lower price or want less space, condos range from a two-bedroom with a Spanish-inspired red tile roof and community beach access for $500,000 to a four-bedroom unit in a luxury building for $6.8 million with contemporary touches like floor to ceiling windows, full indoor and outdoor kitchens, a communal pool area and pickleball courts.
Along the eastern side of Longboat Key are waterfront communities of single-family homes.
Newly built beachside condos like this are being put up along Longboat Key
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Residents enjoy kayaking, golfing and waterfront amenities
Along with the beaches, amenities are key to the island lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that Longboat has impressive public facilities like Bayfront Park, which has a large indoor recreation facility and an outdoor playground, dog park and kayak launch looking out over Sarasota Bay. Racket-heads can join a rally at the Longboat Tennis Center, which has ten courts and a pro shop offering lessons. Golf weather is year-round, and residents can play at two semi-private courses, Harbourside and Links on Longboat, which are a part of the Longboat Key Club. This private beach club has a tennis facility, multiple dining options, a marina and a fitness center.
Many people store their kayaks at the launch area in Bayfront Park in Longboat Key
People living the golf lifestyle play at Harborside Golf Course on Longboat Key.
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Waterfront dining and boutique shopping on and around the island
With these views, there are, of course, some scenic waterfront restaurants like Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on the south end of the Key, where you can get steamed seafood straight from the water. On the north end, indulge in upscale seafood dishes like the Colossal Blue Lump Crab Salad at Shore. Drive south over the bridge to St. Armands Circle on Lido Key to sip on a latte while perusing through boutique shops. You can stay on the Key to get your groceries at Publix. While it’s relatively quiet here at night, head 5 miles to Sarasota for a night of entertainment, then return home to living the island life in Longboat Key.
Longboat Key Beach Club and Marina offers many boat slips for long-term mooring on the water.
Longboat Key has it's own brand new Publix grocery store right next to the golf course.
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Commuting to public schools on the mainland
Students may be a part of the Manatee County School District, but there are no schools on the Key, so they must drive seven miles north to begin at Anna Maria Elementary, which is graded a B-plus by Niche. They may continue on the mainland about 10 miles away in Bradenton at Martha B. King Middle, graded a B-minus, and round out their education at Bayshore High School, which received a C-plus. There are also prestigious private options across the bay, like IMG Academy, a boarding school with state-of-the-art athletic facilities and staff that have produced countless college and professional athletes.
Martha B King Middle School in Bradenton is a C+ rated school.
Bayshore High School in Bradenton has 1,774 students and a 20:1 Student to teacher ratio.
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Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Pete Barrett
Video By
Brian Bernhard
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Mooney,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Longboat Key, FL sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Longboat Key, FL over the last 12 months is $977,500, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Modern Waterfront Living in the Heart of Longboat Key-Experience the best of coastal living in this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo, perfectly situated on the water in one of Longboat Key’s most desirable communities. This light-filled residence features a newly reimagined open-concept kitchen with gleaming quartz countertops, bright modern cabinetry, premium stainless steel
Experience the ultimate in luxury coastal living in this 4,209-square-foot stunning waterfront home, perfectly situated in the highly sought-after, gated Bay Isles Harbor Section—an exclusive boating community with only 67 custom residences on south Longboat Key.Designed for elegance and comfort, this timeless 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath estate welcomes you with a dramatic open main living area
Lifestyle, location, and amenities are the reason you come to Buttonwood Cove. This intimate community of just 56 residences presents the ultimate in Gulf Coast living on Longboat Key. This rarely available 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condominium offers a lifestyle defined by ease, beauty, and convenience. Owners can walk across the street to deeded beach access, complete with provided beach chairs,
****MOTIVATED SELLER. GET A CONDO ON THE BEACH BELOW MARKET IN AN UPGRADED BUILDING. Enormous and beautiful outside balcony for warm breeze enjoyment. Building is directly beachfront. ****Creatively coined “Studio 54,” located at The Islander Club on Longboat Key Beach, this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium has an enormous lanai that brings the beautiful island breezes in all year long. Located
Longboat Key luxury living with sweeping water views. Introducing bayside luxury at Marina Bay within Bay Isles. Now available for the first time to purchase, this unique single level condominium residence boasts a private elevator lobby. This unique residence fitted with impact glass and newer roofing is secured for the quality of your peace of mind. The condo association offers resident
Modern Waterfront Living in the Heart of Longboat Key-Experience the best of coastal living in this beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo, perfectly situated on the water in one of Longboat Key’s most desirable communities. This light-filled residence features a newly reimagined open-concept kitchen with gleaming quartz countertops, bright modern cabinetry, premium stainless steel
Nestled behind the exclusive gates of the Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key Towers stands as one of the island’s most distinguished Gulf-front communities. Within the north tower, this elegant fourth-floor residence captures breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset — with two expansive balconies overlooking the shimmering Gulf of Mexico to the west and the rolling greens and bay waters to the
Welcome to your cozy island townhome at the north end of Longboat Key. Perfect as a fulltime residence, seasonal retreat, or investment property, this one-bedroom, two-bath unit fits your needs. This two-story property weathered three hurricanes in 2024, sustaining only minor flooding in the garage during Hurricane Helene and a cracked top-floor window during Hurricane Milton. The HOA will cover
Rare opportunity, two fully furnished TWIN residences (TWO UNITS BEING SOLD AS ONE 4473+4477 Gulf of Mexico Drive ). Directly on the pristine shores of Longboat Key! Combined 8 bedrooms, 8 Bathrooms. Spanning nearly 6,000 sq. ft., on .58 GULF-FRONT acres, this two-story property offers mirror-image residences, each thoughtfully decorated with both modern and timeless designs. A true investment
Curtis Andrews
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE ATCHLEY PROPE
Huge price reduction now under $1mm for direct 180 degree gulf front!Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of gentle waves and stepping onto your balcony to enjoy uninterrupted, straight-on Gulf views—this rarely available 01-stack residence delivers beachfront living exactly the way it should be. Perfectly positioned behind the private gates of the Longboat Key Club and nestled
Welcome home to this impeccably remodeled corner residence in the highly sought-after south Longboat Key community of Tangerine Bay. From the moment you arrive, the lushly landscaped entrance sets the tone — offering privacy, tranquility, and the promise of refined coastal living. Inside, expansive views of Sarasota Bay take center stage, framed by hurricane-impact windows and additional side
Welcome to Sandpipers, a boutique Gulf-front condominium community on the desirable north end of Longboat Key. This well-maintained second-floor residence offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,786 square feet of relaxed coastal living. The home has been meticulously cared for with classic finishes and a show-stopping view. Step onto the private, screened lanai and take in soothing Gulf breezes,
Experience refined coastal living behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club at Privateer South — a serene waterfront retreat where the Gulf sets the rhythm of each day. This exclusive Longboat Key enclave blends timeless Old Florida charm with resort-style amenities. Residents enjoy access to the Longboat Key Club’s championship golf, tennis, deep-water marina, fine dining, and private beach
LOCATION ALERT!!! Build your dream home on this 6,000 sq ft vacant residential lot. This spacious lot offers a creative, vast playground of architectural possibilities and also those famous and coveted gorgeous, Gulf sunsets and sunrises. You are located in the heart of The Village in Longboat Key, convenient walking distance to fabulous restaurants like The Shore, Mar Vista and Whitney's. The
Experience the ultimate in luxury coastal living in this 4,209-square-foot stunning waterfront home, perfectly situated in the highly sought-after, gated Bay Isles Harbor Section—an exclusive boating community with only 67 custom residences on south Longboat Key.Designed for elegance and comfort, this timeless 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath estate welcomes you with a dramatic open main living area
ELEGANTLY PRESENTED! This bright and spacious property located just steps away from a private deeded beach is perfect for those who appreciate easy access to sun and sand. This residence boasts modern features and well-thought-out design, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and comfort.The living area is characterized by an open layout that seamlessly connects to the kitchen,
BAYPORT TENNIS AND RAQUET CLUB has all the amenities including direct GULF Access. This tastefully furnished, one floor, three bedroom, two bathroom condo in the Bayport Beach and Tennis Club offers spacious living areas; Wonderful views of the Gulf of Mexico; and beautiful outdoor space. Large patios with tropical Gulf of Mexico views - perfect for morning coffee and sunset cocktails. Two
AVAILABLE - APRIL 2026 - ANNUAL RENTAL - Welcome home! Enjoy the serenity of this 3 bed, 3 bath, 2 car garage residence, located in Harbour Oaks within the gated community of Bay Isles in the heart of Longboat Key. This tastefully appointed home with open concept floor plan features vaulted ceilings and skylights which create an abundance of natural light throughout the home. The amazing gourmet
STUNNING GULF VIEWS! Enjoy the sparkling glimmer of the morning waters and picturesque sunsets from almost every room. This meticulously maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished condominium features an open concept floor plan with expansive Living/Dining/Kitchen area. The generous size primary bedroom with adjoining bathroom includes a double vanity, separate shower, a walk-in closet and a
BAYPORT BEACH and TENNIS CLUB, a Gulf to Bay, FULLY FURNISHED 2/2 residence. Bayport is an award winning community situated in theheart of Longboat Key. A friendly, popular, residential enclave of 136 quality-constructed homes on 27 picturesque acres of impeccablymaintained grounds. Tastefully decorated and well maintained with over 1600 square feet of living area; perfect for
AVAILABLE January 2026 $6,000 30 day lease. Looking for a Beach front vacation in warm sunny Florida in a condo where you walk out onto the deck and directly onto the beach? Stay in this 2 bedroom , 2 bath condo in Salty Acres with 2 parking spaces. It is on the Gulf Side beach with amazing views. Condo is beautiful and is in excellent condition. It must be a monthly rental. $4500 a month April -
No damage to unit after storms. Call for rates and availability. Available December - April. One month minimum. Tremendous view of the Gulf from this Gulfside/Beachside 2 BR/2 B condo. Direct Gulf front unit. Breathtaking view of the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sit on the balcony to your 7th floor unit. Take in the sunsets with your loved ones and friends. Just a couple minutes and
This beautifully remodeled end unit condo, boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms and has an open concept floor plan which features anexpansive Living/Dining/Kitchen combo. In addition, it has a generous sized master bedroom with en suite bathroom, an alcove thataccommodates a small desk and a private lanai leading off the bedroom. Begin each day by enjoying nature's' most beautiful the
DIRECTLY on the GULF. WITH PRIVATE BEACH .Be Prepared for style, relaxation and Longboat luxury. This stunning boutique condominium renovated in 2024 and located on Longboat Key's Gulf of Mexico Beach. Its newly designed layout emphasizes the magnificent ocean view throughout its open floor plan that is visible from the time you walk in the door, through the beautiful dining area, upscale
Your winter on the Gulf begins here. This is a rare opportunity to enjoy direct Gulf front living in a fully furnished seasonal residence, available January through March 2026. Tucked behind the private gates of Longboat Key, this premium condo blends the ease of coastal condo living with the comfort of generous, well-designed interiors. Mornings begin with soft sunrise views over the golf course
Experience Gulf-front living at its finest on the pristine shores of Longboat Key. This exceptional 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom coastal retreat spans nearly 3,000 sq. ft. and sits on over half an acre of direct beachfront property. Thoughtfully furnished with a mix of modern and timeless design, this two-story residence offers stunning water views from almost every room. ( Available FEB 11, 1 Month
Curtis Andrews
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE ATCHLEY PROPE
Introducing a remarkable opportunity to rent a piece of paradise at 829 Bayport Way in the scenic Longboat Key, Florida. This beautifully situated property offers an exceptional blend of modern living and serene outdoor charm, perfect for those seeking both comfort and a vibrant lifestyle by the coast. As you enter the community, you are greeted by meticulously landscaped grounds that set the
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