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.
1/2
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
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Ann Meisner,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Longboat Key, FL sell after 114 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Longboat Key, FL over the last 12 months is $1,095,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience timeless coastal luxury in this exceptional custom estate, perfectly positioned in the prestigious Country Club Shores on the sought-after south end of Longboat Key. Constructed by renowned John Cannon Homes, this classical waterfront residence showcases the exceptional craftsmanship, architectural detail, and quality for which the builder is celebrated. Soaring ceilings, elegant
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 5-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,
Private Marina. Experience the pinnacle of coastal living in this exceptional new construction waterfront residence, ideally situated in the heart of Longboat Key. Perfectly positioned across from the community marina with direct boating access to the Gulf of Mexico, this move-in-ready home offers an extraordinary blend of modern elegance, superior craftsmanship, and the relaxed sophistication of
Never miss another beach day or a green flash sunset in this rarely available 2 bed 2 bath home in the Longbeach Community- a GULF FRONT enclave on the tip of Longboat Key. A short walk to the beach, thoughtfully remodeled and move-in ready, this residence offers spectacular daily views of the Gulf, pool, and lush tropical landscaping- best enjoyed on the 200 sqft screened terrace where there’s
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
Experience timeless coastal luxury in this exceptional custom estate, perfectly positioned in the prestigious Country Club Shores on the sought-after south end of Longboat Key. Constructed by renowned John Cannon Homes, this classical waterfront residence showcases the exceptional craftsmanship, architectural detail, and quality for which the builder is celebrated. Soaring ceilings, elegant
Virtually Staged. A rare opportunity to own a single-family waterfront home with 100 feet of canal frontage and direct access to Sarasota Bay. Located in Country Club Shores on the desirable southern end of Longboat Key, 562 Ranger Lane offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and approximately 3,149 square feet of living space designed for relaxed coastal living. The property features a sunny southern
Welcome to Marina Bay, one of the most coveted condominium residences within the guard-gated Bay Isles community on Longboat Key. This expansive three-bedroom, three-bath residence offers 3,383 square feet of light-filled living space and exceptional privacy, sharing the floor with only one other residence. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota from the oversized
Welcome to island living on Longboat Key, one of Sarasota's premier barrier island destinations. In Triton Cove, this coastal residence offers direct Gulf Beach access across the street and a lifestyle designed for boating, seasonal use or year-round living along Florida's Gulf Coast. Enjoy nightly sunsets along Gulf of Mexico Drive or experience world-class dining and shopping on nearby St.
Welcome to Longboat Harbour D-204, a beautifully maintained second-floor condominium in one of Longboat Key's most desirable gated waterfront communities. Ideally located in Building D—the closest building to the community's private Gulf beach access—this residence offers umatched convenience to the beach pavilion, showers, restrooms, and private beach lockers. Inside, you'll find a bright and
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. NEW PRICE IMPROVEMENT! REDUCED $35,000!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 SHOWERSTOTALLY REMODELED FROM FLOOR TO CEILING
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
Welcome to Portobello, a Gulf to Bay community on mid Longboat Key where residents enjoy their own private beach access just across the street and a bayside dock right outside the door. This beautifully remodeled, turnkey furnished fifth floor condo overlooks the quiet waters of Cranes Bayou, positioned to catch soft morning light while the terrace stays comfortably shaded through the afternoon.
Enjoy tranquil, unobstructed Sarasota Bay views from this top-floor, two-bedroom, two-bath partially furnished residence in the desirable Longboat Harbour community. Fresh paint and updated lighting in some areas of the home enhance the bright, inviting interior, while comfortable living spaces offer peaceful water views from most rooms. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, the hall
Simply magnificent! This beautifully renovated residence offers the perfect blend of sophisticated design, comfort, and effortless coastal living. Thoughtfully updated with designer finishes throughout, this move-in-ready home features an open, light-filled floor plan highlighted by floor-to-ceiling windows and a spectacular 38-foot covered terrace overlooking lush tropical gardens. Accessible
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
The advertised rate of $9,842/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 30, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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
The advertised rate of $26,250/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 31, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
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
The advertised rate of $19,799/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) and 1 day(s) stay with a move-in date of February 25, 2028.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed
Experience true beachfront living at 5611 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Unit 3103. This beautifully kept 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence is in excellent condition and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico in a setting that is hard to beat.Located directly on the beach with no road to cross, this property gives you effortless access to the shoreline just steps from your door. Guests can enjoy
The advertised rate of $7,463/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 26, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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
The advertised rate of $5,531/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 22, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
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
The advertised rate of $6,345/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of October 4, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
