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
Kristy Heitl,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Longboat Key, FL sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Longboat Key, FL over the last 12 months is $980,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your island retreat, an impeccably renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence offering luxury Longboat Key living at its finest with preserved mangrove and Sarasota Bay views. Every detail has been thoughtfully updated ,this home has been renovated from top to bottom, featuring new flooring, new plumbing, new electrical, new lighting, hurricane-impact windows with shutters for peace of mind
Discover the quintessential Longboat Key lifestyle in this classic masonry beach home located just “3” properties in from Sarasota Bay. Boasting 110 feet of canal frontage, your own private dock, a 7,500 lb. boatlift to complement this classic waterfront treasure it offers direct access for boating, fishing, and kayaking, with frequent visits from playful manatees and dolphins right in your
Now is the time to buy this beautiful home in Spanish Main Yacht Club at an exceptionally low price. This attractively priced 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villa has been renovated to code after Hurricane Helene. It is now ready for October occupancy. Once you move in, you will enjoy Spanish Main's low-maintenance Longboat Key lifestyle with many restaurants within a short distance, deeded beach across
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Are you ready to discover your very own private Gulf Oasis? Step into a slice of paradise at your dream coastal retreat located in the esteemed Aria community on Longboat Key's coveted south end. This serene haven is not just a residence; it offers an exclusive lifestyle filled with tranquility and easy access to the finest dining, arts, and
Luxury Coastal Living at Longboat Harbour: Experience stunning canal views and modern elegance in this impeccably renovated 3rd-floor condo, ideally situated in the desirable all-age community of Longboat Harbour. Offered turnkey furnished, this beautifully curated residence is ready for your immediate enjoyment, whether you're seeking a winter retreat or full-time coastal living. Step inside to
A rare and extraordinary offering inside the exclusive Bay Harbour within Bay Isles on Longboat Key, this peninsula estate delivers unmatched privacy, breathtaking Sarasota Bay views, and direct boating access to both the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Positioned at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a three-sided waterfront peninsula, it includes two private boat docks with water
Picturesque Water view of Sarasota Bay . The Harbour Villa Club Complex consists of 38 condos in a 3-story plus pool, spa, community boatramp, kayak launch/storage, 3 tennis courts, covered parking and 400' of boat slips and bayfront. Features include over 1500 sq ft of livingspace in this end unit, high ceilings, Waterview available in all rooms, open floor plan, large enclosed balcony
A rare chance to enjoy direct Gulf-front living in a fully furnished, seasonal rental. Available January through March 2026, this premium condo combines the ease of condo living with the comfort of spacious interiors. Wake up to sunrise views over the golf course from the bedrooms and close the day with sunset views over the Gulf from the living spaces. Primary bedroom features walk-in closets,
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 December 1st, 3
Curtis Andrews
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