For the longest time I called Longboat Key the Secret Hamptons of Sarasota. The island has 2 golf courses between 12 miles of white sandy beaches and an expansive Sarasota Bay.
There are a handful of 20,000 sq ft mansions and trophy properties both on the Gulf and Bay –making Longboat Key one of the most expensive islands in America.
Many cities around the world have a secluded getaway where people can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and go to unwind and recharge. Many have discovered how valuable and precious this really is and bought the ability to do this anytime they want to elevate their life.
Longboat Key is one of those havens for people all over the country. The unique location of the island made it one of the most private real estate locations in Florida attracting the opulent from all over the country.
There are so many things about this island that stand out and today I want to share with you some of the things that make this place so special.
Where is Longboat Key?
The southern entry point of Longboat Key is located just 4.5 miles west of downtown Sarasota. The Sarasota international airport is 7.5 miles away. Directly north of Longboat Key is Anna Maria Island, and south is Lido Key.
What is Longboat Key known for?
Longboat Key is known as the wealthiest Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. It has the most beautiful setting with views of the gulf, Sarasota Bay, downtown Sarasota, and 2 incredible golf courses. It is also one of the most private and residential focused islands on the gulf.
I would rate Longboat Key in the Top 3 best all around Islands to live and retire in the state of Florida.
For visitors The Resort at Longboat Key Club has been a very popular destination. Its located on the southern part of the island and hosts luxury travelers from around the globe.
What part of Longboat Key is best?
Longboat Key offers something for everyone. There are a lot of homes right on the beach, bay, and on a canal. There are also many condominiums throughout the island, most of them established with a handful of new ones. There are also many new projects underway.
On the southern end of Longboat Key on the bay side there are over 20 streets with 373 homes on a canal.
On the north end of Longboat Key there are also many homes on the bay and canals but it's a lot more green.
There are multiple sections on the beach with stretches of condominiums. There are only a handful of boutique hotels and resorts throughout the island so they blend in with the condos as the height restriction on the island is 80 feet.
In the middle of the island is the Harborside golf course. Next to it is the Publix grocery store and a few other amenities. This is the widest part of the island.
The Moorings Marina, Tennis Gardens and Several restaurants are located here among a few businesses and essentials.
There are about 100 home sites directly on the beach throughout Longboat Key.
What is the biggest negative of living on Longboat Key?
The biggest negative of living on Longboat Key is that there are only 23 restaurants. During peak season these restaurants are pretty busy. However St Armands Circle is right next door 2 miles off the island and gives you an additional 30 restaurants to try.
On the north end of the island there are also an additional 58 restaurants on Anna Maria Island that gives you plenty of options.
What is unique about Longboat Key?
One thing you will notice right away is how quiet the beaches are. There is no traditional public beach access and outside visitors are limited to only 6 small public beach access points with parking for 5 to 12 cars. There are also no beach amenities at these locations like restrooms or wash stations so that limits the number of people who visit.
I really enjoy taking my kids here for an ultra relaxing atmosphere.
How wealthy is Longboat Key?
Longboat Key is with no question the #1Wealthiest Island on the Gulf Coast of Florida. In the last 3 years there have been 18 homes that SOLD between $10 - $20 million No other island comes close.
Here is a list of luxury real estate sold in the last 3 years.
How does Longboat Key compare to Boca Grande?
Boca Grande is the most comparable to Longboat Key. Longboat Key is about twice as large, and because of the hight limit of 3 stories on Boca Grande there are very few condominiums there. Both Islands are very private and residentially focused but Longboat Key is very close to a downtown where Boca Grande is the furthest away from a downtown than any other island on the Gulf.
Here is a comparison of some of the statistics of the different island.
Here is a video tour of Longboat Key that will give you a very good idea of what Longboat Key has to offer.