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.
Lido Key is a coastal island just minutes from downtown Sarasota.
1/2
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.
South Lido Park has a great peninsula shaped beach perfect for strolls and shell hunting.
1/2
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.
There are a handful of high-rise condo buildings on Lido Key.
1/2
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.
Venezia Italian Restaurant is a bright cafe offering Italian dishes for Lido Key locals.
1/2
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.
Booker Middle School provides education in
North Sarasota and serves Lido Key.
1/2
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.”
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
Are you familiar with the Lido Key neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lido Key
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lido Key Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lido Key, Sarasota sell after 128 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Lido Key, Sarasota over the last 12 months is $1,800,000, up 46% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Completely renovated in 2025, this beach bungalow offers a rare blend of privacy, style, and modern coastal living. Its private heated saltwater pool and fully enclosed tropical courtyard create a secluded coastal retreat with a character all its own. The interior has a bright, updated design with modern coastal finishes throughout, and the home’s seamless indoor–outdoor flow makes it an ideal
ATTENTION ALL BEACH lovers! TURNKEY FURNISHED & TASTEFULLY DECORATED 2 Bedrooms /2.5 Baths 4th floor CORNER unit at HIGHLY DESIRED LIDO TOWERS can be yours to enjoy ocean breezes with city views, bay and PARTIAL GULF VIEWS from the master bedroom and SPECTACULAR 50ft wrap-around porch BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED! Enjoy leisurely seeing sailboats drifting by in the bay, easy to relax in style! TWO
Lowest price per square foot for a beach condo on Lido Key...and it’s fully remodeled in a tasteful, designer coastal style. This inviting 2,035-square-foot residence lives larger than expected thanks to a full-size den that easily functions as a third bedroom, office or media room. And here’s a subtle luxury you’ll enjoy every day: the home’s orientation helps keep interiors refreshingly cool,
Nancy EndaraPREMIER SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
Discover beautifully remodeled coastal luxury in Sarasota in this light-filled 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium with a versatile flex room at Key Tower South on Lido Key. This spacious 2,035 square foot residence showcases unobstructed Sarasota Bay views and stunning Sarasota skyline sunsets, visible from expansive windows that frame daily sights of dolphins, seabirds, and shimmering water. The
Welcome to 170 Roosevelt Dr. Unit #5,at Pelican Gardens a beautifully updated studio/efficiency, one-bath condo located just steps from the powdery sands of Lido Beach and the world-class shopping and dining of St. Armand's Circle. Completely remodeled in November 2024, this light and bright ground-floor unit offers a fresh, modern coastal aesthetic with new flooring, stylish fixtures, and a
Welcome to Embassy Villas – Your Island Getaway on Lido Key! This home is being offered fully furnished and turnkey, making this home not only beautiful but truly move-in ready. Drop your luggage and enjoy! You're Home!! Experience the ultimate coastal lifestyle in this beautifully renovated unit, ideally situated just two blocks from the pristine sands of Lido Beach. With a prime location and
The prices listed are PER WEEK rates...7 day Min... Walk to the Beach, 10 min to St Armand’s Circle! Lido Key Family HomeNestled quietly on the peaceful corner of McKinley Drive and The Boulevard of Presidents, “The Green House” awaits its next guests, patiently anticipating the perfect family ready for an escape to the beach! “The Green House” decorated and furnished by an interior
Completely upgraded and fully remodeled turnkey beach villa on Lido Beach. This beautifully appointed residence offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, plus a Florida room, and is just steps from private beach access. Enjoy a heated resort-style pool and the ultimate coastal lifestyle. 1.5 miles from St. Armand's Circle and minutes from downtown Sarasota. Park your car under the covered door-front
Welcome to coastal elegance redefined. This stunning 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence has been professionally designed with brand-new, high-end furnishings, offering a turnkey living experience in one of Sarasota's most coveted beachfront communities. AVAILABLE NOW!Property Highlights:- Open-concept living and dining area filled with natural light and Gulf breezes.- Two beautifully
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
