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Lido Key

Lido Key

Neighborhood in Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota County 34236

$1,695,061 Average Value
$943 Average Price per Sq Ft
71 Homes For Sale

Quiet, beachfront living off the coast of Sarasota

Five miles southwest of downtown Sarasota, Lido Key is a barrier island offering beachfront homes and condos near parks and charming local businesses. “You have views from almost every home; you’re either on the beach or within walking distance to the beach,” says Beth Helvey, a Realtor with Michael Saunders and Company who has over 15 years of experience. “It’s beautiful — that goes without saying.” The island’s beaches are a draw for sunseekers all over Florida, though Lido Key isn’t as touristy as nearby Siesta Key. “The roads aren’t going to be backed up with spring breakers,” Helvey says. “It’s a little bit quieter, not as much hustle and bustle.” Some essentials, like grocery stores and public schools, aren’t available on the island, so locals regularly drive to Sarasota. “It’s more of the beachy, laidback feel,” Helvey says. “You’re either sticking your toes in the sand, or you’ve got a boat. That’s what people do here.” The overall CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.

Many homes in Lido Key have the 1st floor as garages in preparation for flooding storms.
Many homes in Lido Key have the 1st floor as garages in preparation for flooding storms.
Lido Key is a coastal island just minutes from downtown Sarasota.
Lido Key is a coastal island just minutes from downtown Sarasota.
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Every day is a beach day at Lido Key

Lido Key Beach is a hub for suntanning and swimming with white sandy shores and turquoise blue waters. South Lido Park is another highlight, which offers sand volleyball, picnic tables and grills, and a boat launch that’s popular for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing. “The park’s really interesting because it’s got a lot of trees and it’s got the beach,” Helvey says. “The trees are a natural cover, so you don’t get overheated.” At the nearby Ted Sperling Park, folks can hike the milelong nature trail or kayak through the mangroves. “One of the other things people do is walk the Ringling Bridge,” Helvey says. “They’ll do it on bicycles, with their dogs or with baby carriages. You see it all day, from sunrise till sunset.” Fishing enthusiasts may cast their lines over the bridge for Spanish mackerel and snook while enjoying the Sarasota Bay’s scenic views.

Lido Key families enjoy the beach lifestyle on a regular basis.
Lido Key families enjoy the beach lifestyle on a regular basis.
South Lido Park has a great peninsula shaped beach perfect for strolls and shell hunting.
South Lido Park has a great peninsula shaped beach perfect for strolls and shell hunting.
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Cottages, condos and beachfront estates

“There are cottages built in the 60s, brand new condos finished last year and everything in between,” Helvey says. Condominiums with beachfront views are common, set within high-rise condo buildings from the late 1990s through today. Community pools, fitness centers and assigned parking are typical perks, while luxury condo buildings also include amenities like concierge services, spas and tennis courts. Monthly homeowners association dues range from about $800 to $4,000, depending on the community. Single-family homes are 21st-century beachfront estates or cottages and ranch-style homes from the mid- to late 20th century. Older homes are typically minimal, while newer homes have additions like private docks and pools, guest houses and attached multi-car garages. Residential streets are dotted with palm trees, but most houses don’t have front or backyards. Single-family home prices range from $1 million to $3 million, depending on a home’s size and features. Most condo prices range from $500,000 to $900,000, but larger condos with rooftop terraces or spacious balconies range from $1 million to $5 million. The median price here is $1.1 million, compared to $1 million in Siesta Key and $550,000 in Sarasota.

Mid-century homes have stood the test of time on the shores of Lido Key.
Mid-century homes have stood the test of time on the shores of Lido Key.
There are a handful of high-rise condo buildings on Lido Key.
There are a handful of high-rise condo buildings on Lido Key.
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Art festivals on the island

Community events and festivals are often held at St. Armand’s Circle. “We have a lot of art shows in Sarasota,” Helvey says. “It’s not unusual for there to be an art show in the middle of the circle, and that happens quite often.” The St. Armand’s Circle Art Festival is held in January, and in September, there’s the St. Armand’s Circle Craft Festival. “There’s everything from jewelry to photography, painting, sculptures, handmade clothing. Of course, there’s always food there too,” Helvey says. In the spring and summer, yoga and Pilates classes are held at St. Armand’s Circle Park.

Dining in St. Armand’s Circle

Lined with palm trees, St. Armand’s Circle is a vibrant shopping and dining district with everything from high-end jewelers and gift shops to art galleries and restaurants with global flavors. “You can go get ice cream or dinner and get a little bit of shopping done,” Helvey says. For a cup of coffee, there’s Blue Dolphin Cafe, and right next door, Green Zebra Cafe serves healthy brunch bites like sweet potato toast and acai bowls. There are plenty of choices for dinner, including Venezia with authentic Italian cuisine, Crab & Fin for seafood and Café on St. Armands for a Mediterranean meal on the patio. After dinner, Settimi’s Gelato is the spot for a scoop. For groceries, there’s a Publix in Sarasota, 4 miles away.

St. Armands' Circle is a popular retail and restaurant destination on Lido Key.
St. Armands' Circle is a popular retail and restaurant destination on Lido Key.
Venezia Italian Restaurant is a bright cafe offering Italian dishes for Lido Key locals.
Venezia Italian Restaurant is a bright cafe offering Italian dishes for Lido Key locals.
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Sarasota County Schools receive high marks from Niche

Lido Key is part of Sarasota County Schools, rated A overall by Niche. Local kids may start at the A-rated Southside Elementary, before moving on to the B-rated Booker Middle, which is a magnet school for visual and performing arts, offering programs like orchestra, creative writing and circus arts. At the A-minus-rated Booker High, students can take dual-enrollment classes for college credit at the University of South Florida.

Southside Elementary School in Sarasota is an A+ rated school and serves Lido Key.
Southside Elementary School in Sarasota is an A+ rated school and serves Lido Key.
Booker Middle School provides education in 
North Sarasota and serves Lido Key.
Booker Middle School provides education in North Sarasota and serves Lido Key.
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Getting around from Lido Key

State Route 789 is the main road off the island, leading 5 miles to downtown Sarasota. Residential streets are generally sidewalk-lined and while biking is popular, there aren’t any bike lanes here; Breeze Transit buses also stop in the community. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is 5 miles away, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is 7 miles north.

Environmental concerns

Lido Key was impacted by Hurricane Milton in 2024, and many of the island’s beaches and businesses were closed for weeks or months while the community rebuilt. “This is Sarasota,” Helvey says. “We fix what was damaged and go on to the next day.” FEMA designates most of the island as Flood Zone AE, which means there’s an annual 1% chance of flooding. “If you live in a house, you’re going to have flood insurance,” Helvey says. “If you’re in a condo, the condo’s going to have flood insurance too.”

Travis Rocha
Written By
Travis Rocha
Clint Bliss
Photography Contributed By
Clint Bliss

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Sweat, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Sarasota/Bradenton International

17 min drive

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Lido Key US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,167,500
Median Single Family Price
$3,200,000
Median Townhouse Price
$3,842,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$995,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$550,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$943
Number of Homes for Sale
71
Last 12 months Home Sales
44
Months of Supply
19.40
Median List Price
$1,395,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
10%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,111
Median Year Built
1974
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,878
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,262
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,426
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
854
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
349
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 4
    1 - 4pm

    845 Benjamin Franklin Dr Unit 106, Sarasota, FL 34236

    $649,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 991 Sq Ft
    • 845 Benjamin Franklin Dr
    • Unit 106
    • New 19 days ago

    This Lido Key beach home packs a lot of punch. This beautifully updated 1st floor unit in The Presidential is turnkey furnished and ready for you to start enjoying amazing sunsets and tranquil walks on the beach. The location couldn’t be better. Just outside your private, fenced patio you are steps from the Public Beach Access next to Lido Beach Resort. Frolic on sand or in the warm Gulf waters,

    Celinda Scollo COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

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  • Saturday, May 3
    12am - 3pm

    845 Benjamin Franklin Dr Unit 104, Sarasota, FL 34236

    $579,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,071 Sq Ft
    • 845 Benjamin Franklin Dr
    • Unit 104

    AFFORDABLE AND ADORABLE. Don't wait until it's sold to consider this great opportunity to own a completely renovated and updated condo at Lido Beach. furnishings included. Grab your beach chairs and take a few steps across the street through the deeded beach access. Enjoy the day relaxing and playing on this gorgeous beach surrounded with the turquoise gulf. THE DEEDED BEACH ACCESS IS STEPS

    Laurel Russo HORIZON REALTY INTERNATIONAL

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Sweat, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,448
Median Age
69
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
3.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
63.2%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$172,916
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$186,426

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.9%
College Graduates
79.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
53.7%
% Population in Labor Force
21.8%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
56''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

51 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Lido Key