The upscale enclave of Manasota Key is a waterfront community that combines southern Florida living with a mix of seclusion and security with everyday essentials nearby at Merchants Crossing. Residents of Manasota Key spend most of their time outdoors adventuring along the palm tree-lined roads inviting residents to enjoy the natural bodies of water that surround the island. Locals take advantage of the white sand coastline at Englewood Beach to the West and the tranquil mangrove forests surrounding Lemon Bay to the East. Upon entry into the island, utilizing Beach Road, visitors can catch a glimpse of the homes peeking out from behind palm trees and lush native flora. They call it the quiet neighbor to Sarasota and Venice,” says Debi Harman, a Realtor with RE/MAX Alliance Group. “Residents are desperately trying to keep Manasota Key a secret so it remains quaint.”
Manasota Key and its beautiful blue waters are located just off the Gulf Coast of South Florida.
One of the best ways to experience Manasota Key is by boat.
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Multi-level Mediterranean homes and coastal cottages
Manasota Key features a range of housing options from one-story cottages and ranch-style homes to multi-level coastal homes with Mediterranean-influence. With a median sales price of $800,000, price points here can range from the high $300,000s to upwards of $8,000,000 depending on the age, size and location of the property. For example, a two-bedroom ranch-style fixer-upper with nearby access to a community pool costs around $370,000, while a waterfront five-bedroom Mediterranean-inspired home with an eight-car garage and private beach access can go for around $8,000,000. Waterfront homes are subject to increased price points and often feature large lots with secluded beach fronts. Homes here often feature stilts, wide front porches and multi-car garages and are typically fronted by small yards with palm trees and native flora. “Manasota Key attracts families and retirees alike looking for a beach town with many water activities, shelling and shark tooth hunting,” says local Venice and Sarasota Realtor, Heydy Muench with Century 21 Schmidt Real Estate.
Mediteranean styled homes dot the coastline of Manasota Key Beach.
Manasota Key offers quaint cottages just steps away from the beach.
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Shopping at Merchants Crossing
Residents here shop at Merchants Crossing, which offers a variety of department stores and retailers to choose from, like Bealls Florida, Swim Mart and Goodwill. While groceries and other everyday essentials are available at nearby stores like Publix, Winn-Dixie and CVS. When dining in the area, residents visit Magnolias on the Bay for outdoor dining with stunning views of Lemon Bay. Or head to Lock ‘N Key Restaurant and Pub for indoor-outdoor dining and happy hour cocktails from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. For seafood fare and bar snacks, SandBar Tiki and Grille offers dining with waterfront views and live music.
Beach Co is a hidden gem in Manasota Key, selling surf brands and trendy clothing.
Magnolias on the Bay is the premier fine dining destination on Manasota Key.
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High-marks for Sarasota County Schools
Students in the Manasota Key area can attend schools on the mainland like Englewood Elementary, Venice Middle and Venice High, all three of which earned a ranking of A-minus or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Englewood Elementary offers a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, while Venice Middle boasts a Teen Court program composed of students and overseen by an adult volunteer judge to facilitate critical thinking and encourage greater responsibility. Venice High offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program dedicated to preparing students for higher education and their chosen field in the workforce. Private institutions like Venice SDA Christian Elementary School and Faith Christian Academy are also common here.
Englewood Elementary is an A rated school, serving grades PreK-6th.
Venice Senior High School in Venice FL is an A rated school with a winning athletics program.
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White-sand beaches and Lemon Bay kayaking
Manasota Key residents are within walking distance of the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the West, providing opportunities for swimming, fishing and hunting for sharks’ teeth on the white-sand beaches. “These secluded beaches are special, because there are not that many of them left,” says Harman. On the East side, explore the clear waters of the Lemon Bay in a kayak, paddle through the mangrove forests and view local marine life at the Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve. The preserve features a kayak launch and rentals can be secured at Allure Boat Rentals nearby. For beach volleyball courts, shaded on-the-go lunch and on-site fishing off the pier, locals visit Chadwick Park.
There is an abundance of shells and sharks teeth to be found on Manasota Key.
Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve has a submerged ecosystem of mangrove, seagrass and oysters.
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Englewood Beach Waterfest
Watersport enthusiasts are in luck with the annual Englewood Beach Waterfest hosted in November. During the festival, Englewood Beach hosts the OPA Racing World Championships, featuring over 75 boats reaching speeds up to and over 150 miles per hour and attracting over 40,000 people every year. The Englewood Beach Waterfest features a pre-race event to kick off the weekend, a block party with live music and spectating opportunities for the championship race within the Manasota Key community. Two-day admission prices vary from $30.00 purchased in advance to $35.00 on-site the day of the event.
The clear blue waters of Englewood Beach draw in tourists from near and far.
Fish in the crystal clear blue waters of Manasota Key.
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Flood risk and transportation in Manasota Key
The Manasota Key community is primarily car-dependent and relies on Beach Road for access to the mainland and neighboring areas like Englewood to the East. When traveling on the island, residents utilize two-lane North Beach Road and Manasota Key Road for travel within the community. For those seeking to travel longer distances, the Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport is only 40 miles away from Manasota Key. Because of Manasota Key’s location on the Gulf of Mexico and sub-tropical climate, hurricanes and flooding are more likely. Sarasota County recommends preventative measures like electing in the National Flood Insurance Program, considering most homeowner’s insurance does not already include flood damage.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport serves as a bustling aviation hub.
Multi level homes on stilts are common on barrier islands like Manasota Key.
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Photography Contributed By
Bre Gillian
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jan Hlywa,
an experienced agent in this area.
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It's time to live out your permanent vacation at Sandpiper Key! Say goodbye to maintenance and enjoy the island vibes of Manasota Key! This rarely available bay front condo with a private garage, separate efficiency apartment AND elevator is ready to welcome you with breathtaking water views and sunsets daily and is being offered turnkey furnished! Amazing location within a short walking or
Jenny CliffordKELLER WILLIAMS ISLAND LIFE REAL ESTATE
One of the best locations in Sandpiper Key, this condo offers the perfect place to sit on your screened balcony and watch dolphins play and boats pass by. Located on Manasota Key and just half a mile to Englewood Beach, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit features newer carpet, a stackable washer and dryer, an updated HVAC system, and a newer refrigerator. Covered parking, extra storage space, and
Built in 2001, this versatile turnkey duplex is just steps from the Gulf of Mexico, offering an unparalleled blend of refined beach living and outstanding income potential, ideal as a vacation rental, seasonal retreat, or full-time residence with the added benefit of rental income. Each unit features an oversized ground-level garage with ample space for vehicles, beach gear, bicycles,
Beautifully furnished and remodeled, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium at 1480 Gulf Boulevard Unit 202 offers 1,066 square feet of bright, move-in ready living on Manasota Key in Englewood Beach Place. This turnkey beachfront community condo delivers Gulf access, a heated pool and spa, HURRICANE IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS, and partial Gulf of Mexico views from two private balconies, all just steps
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To Be Built, Luxury Coastal Contemporary Waterfront Home by Surf Shack Builders! An exceptional opportunity to own a brand-new custom home by Surf Shack Builders, the acclaimed Anna Maria Island builder known for creating timeless luxury coastal residences. Situated on a desirable homesite in Englewood, this architecturally stunning residence has been thoughtfully designed to embrace the Florida
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One-of-a-kind buildable Lemon Bay island estate site, county-confirmed residential eligibility, dock and submerged-land zoning, 43-foot allowable build height includes 5 feet of resilient freeboard below the first floor, and substantial Lemon Bay / Intracoastal Waterway frontage within a very private island setting. Accessible by boat, helping preserve the island’s private, natural character. The
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Traci CreightonKELLER WILLIAMS ISLAND LIFE REAL ESTATE
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The advertised rate of $8,595/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 24, 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
The advertised rate of $2,526/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 24, 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
Property Id: 2870511 The condo has 2 comfy bedrooms with a queen bed each, the main bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with shower, bath, and vanity. The guest room has a nearby bathroom with a rustic barn door entrance. The kitchen has a refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, and garbage disposal. The eating area has an expandable table for 6. The comfy living room has a leather
The advertised rate of $8,112/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of December 13, 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
Property Id: 2403300 Newly remodeled, nicely furnished, two bed, one bath bayfront condo. Private beach access right across the street. Walking distance to Manasota Key's top restaurants and shops. Many activities within three miles like jet skiing, boat rentals, fishing, and more!
The advertised rate of $6,745/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of July 22, 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 be
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The Coolest House on Manasota KeyWelcome to island living at its finest. This Key West style waterfront home sits directly on Lemon Bay with panoramic water views that'll stop you in your tracks. Three floors of laid-back luxury, all connected by a private elevator, for easy access to all levels. The kitchen alone is worth the trip. We're talking granite countertops, a massive island with
Welcome to your slice of paradise in the coveted Beachwalk by Manasota Key community coming available 11/15! Immerse yourself in the Florida lifestyle with this gorgeous newly built turnkey furnished single-family residence, offering a seamless blend of luxury and comfort. Featuring two well-appointed bedrooms and two pristine bathrooms, this home is a testament to modern living with its open
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