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
Simone Schaerf,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Longboat Key, FL sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Longboat Key, FL over the last 12 months is $1,025,000, down 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
New Construction - Discover the epitome of waterfront luxury with this newly built home in the heart of Longboat Key—competitively priced and move-in ready. Nestled along a private canal, this 4-bedroom plus den, 4,106 sq ft residence blends contemporary sophistication with coastal appeal. Designed for effortless indoor-outdoor living, the home boasts two spacious lanais, a private pool and spa,
New Construction.... GULF AND BAY VIEWS! THREE OUTDOOR PATIOS! Discover an extraordinary coastal contemporary masterpiece by Floridian Crafted Homes, perfectly positioned on Longboat Key with breathtaking Gulf and Bay views. This 13 FEET ELEVATED, hurricane-fortified residence offers 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, and 2 partial bathrooms across 4,176 square feet of luxurious living space. Home has
Experience and enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed Gulf views from this exceptional “walk-down” corner 3-bedroom 3-bath residence in the prestigious Villa Di Lancia community on South Longboat Key. Fully updated and spanning 2,485 sq. ft., this residence feels like its own private beachfront home. Upon entering from the semi-private elevator lobby, you are welcomed into an open and light-filled
Sunrise to Sunset Views - Your Coastal Paradise awaits you at L'Ambiance!** 2 bedrooms with an open den --step into a world of instant enjoyment. Nestled along the stunning Gulf of Mexico, L'Ambiance offers you a front-row seat to Sarasota's dramatic sunrises and captivating sunsets. This exceptional corner residence is a rare gem, designed to help you create a lifetime of cherished memories. As
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. NEW PRICE IMPROVEMENT! REDUCED $20,000! NEWLY REMODELED • COASTAL LUXURY RESIDENCE Longboat Harbour • Building E #208 | Corner End Unit • Bay & Harbour Views. CLOSEST BUILDING TO A SHORT WALK ACCROSS THE STREET WITH A PRIVATE DEEDED GULF BEACH ACCESS WITH PAVILION, RESTROOMS AND SHOWERS TOTALLY REMODELED FROM FLOOR TO CEILING second-floor corner
TURNKEY Furnished Portobello condo with Deeded Beach Access! TWO Balconies with Sunsets AND Sunrises included! Enjoy Beach and Bayou water access! Rarely available end unit with two balconies and lots of privacy and natural lighting. The front open balcony has unobstructed Gulf views whilst the rear balcony is glassed in with sliders/screens and faces the Bayou. This 4th Floor condo has elevator
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
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
Experience elevated coastal living in this beautifully renovated two-bedroom, two-bath golf-front condominium, ideally situated behind the gates of the prestigious Longboat Key Club in the sought-after community of Privateer South on Longboat Key. Thoughtfully redesigned with a refined coastal aesthetic, this residence showcases a seamless blend of modern elegance and relaxed waterfront living.
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
Welcome to your private, gated estate on Longboat Key, where coastal luxury meets effortless sophistication. Boasting over 730 feet of water frontage, this stunning property offers panoramic views of Whitney Bayou and Harris Canal and provides the ultimate waterfront lifestyle. With 9,243 square feet of air-conditioned living space and a total of 21,562 square feet on over an acre of pristine
Experience the ultimate resort lifestyle—where every day feels like a vacation. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, enjoy a tranquil walk along the bay, or bask in the warm Florida sun on the white sandy beach. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome offers both comfort and elegance, featuring soaring ceilings and an open-concept floor plan. The recently updated kitchen is equipped with all the
Experience resort-style living at Tangerine Bay Club, a gated sanctuary on the desirable south end of Longboat Key. This impeccably maintained end-unit residence offers 2,400 square feet of refined living space with lush Sarasota Bay views and unmatched proximity to the area’s top attractions. Minutes to St. Armands Circle, downtown Sarasota, and steps to Dry Dock Marina and Restaurant. No
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
Property Id: 2484818Available December 1st, 2026! THE OCEAN IS YOUR BACKYARD! Minutes away from world-class golfing, boating, tennis, dining, and shopping. This exclusive, private, and serene Gulf Coast Condominium unit has been a traveler's dream for so many years now. The Property offers steps to the Gulf Coast's richest Beaches. We offer a fully stocked outdoor shed with beach chairs,
Available Dec 20- April .Steps to the Sand – 3BR/3BA Beachfront Condo with Heated Pool & Spa | Longboat KeyEnjoy the best of beachfront living at 5611 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 105 — a beautifully appointed three-bedroom, three-bath condo located in a boutique community directly on the beach. You’re just steps away from the soft sand and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.This
Property Id: 2517125This beachfront retreat offers breathtaking panoramic views from its Gulf-front and east-facing balconies, encompassing Lido and Siesta Keys, Longboat Key, and the Sarasota skyline. Inside, a sunlit living room with large windows, a dining area with ocean views, and an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an in-unit washer/dryer provide comfortable
WELCOMING and tastefully decorated, this fully furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit offers a relaxing atmosphere. The open concept floor plan with split bedrooms is spacious and inviting and this unit features two interior patios with serene canopy garden views. This amenity-rich community at sea’s edge is situated in the middle of Longboat Key and features 27 picturesque acres of well maintained
Welcome to The Beach Resort on Longboat Key. Savor warm Gulf breezes while resting lavishly in this full unobstructed Gulf-front view with your own private balcony. An upscale condominium complex located directly on the Gulf of Mexico providing SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND BREATH TAKING SUNSETS !!This condo is on the 2 nd floor and the interior designs were created using an eclectic mix of
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
Welcome to Paradise! Beautiful 3 bedroom 3.5 baths, luxury split floor plan condo on LONGBOAT KEY. Behind the gates of Longboat Key Club, known for its privacy and yet close to St. Armand's Circle for dining, shopping, entertainment & cultural offerings of downtown Sarasota. Located on the south end of Longboat Key, this tastefully furnished 4th floor updated unit offers a partial view of the
Pleasantly perfect! This spacious well appointed 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo is fully furnished, so just bring your beach gear and move right in. Bayport Beach and Tennis Club offers a wonderful pristine private beach exclusive for your enjoyment, with Intracoastal Bay Access. Tim Seibert, designer of Bayport, sought to create private villas surrounded by lush landscaped tropical gardens, and he
Bright and Spacious! This lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom furnished condominium is nestled comfortably in a lush tropical setting with a spacious eat-in kitchen that is open to the living area. Elegantly furnished in a natural color pallet. The master suite is tastefully decorated, with a built in vanity, double sinks and his and her closets. It also features a small alcove with a desk with access
Seasonal rental in Bayport Beach and Tennis Club which is a beautiful, established, award-winning, amenity-rich community with immediate access to a peaceful private beach that continues in both directions for miles along the Gulf of Mexico shore. The complex includes a large pool surrounded by flowering trees, four immaculately maintained clay tennis courts, fitness center, a large clubhouse,
Gorgeous Inside! Furnished Rental at the exceptional Bayport Beach and Tennis Club. Single story end unit with private entrance. Very Private screened lanai and patio area. Amenities abound at this beautifully landscaped Beach and Tennis Club. Four professional quality Hart-Tru Clay Courts with ball machine, Junior Olympic (heated) swimming pool, ping pong table, bocce ball court, fitness center
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