Longboat Key

Although it is known as a “private” island, Longboat Key is a 12-mile-long Barrier Island off the coast of Sarasota and Manatee County. Longboat Key’s span crosses Sarasota and Manatee Counties. While Manatee County governs the northern part of the island, Sarasota County handles the southern section of the island. Unless you are a couch potato, you will love Longboat Key.

 The white sun-drenched beaches are as far as the eye can see, drawing many vacationers and snowbirds to the Island. Most of Longboat Key’s 6000 residents are retirees who enjoy the charm of the island and many outdoor activities, like Golf and Tennis, swimming, and biking.

Activities on Longboat Key are endless. Fishing, shelling, biking, rollerblading, and water sports are some of the activities the island offers; you name it, and you can be sure you can do it on Longboat Key. Tennis and Golf enthusiasts can use the first-class Longboat Key Country Club. Only three barrier islands have a golf course, Longboat Key, Venice Island, and Gasparilla Island. All other islands have no space for such an extravagance.

Longboat Key is just one bridge away from Sarasota’s cultural activities and shopping opportunities.  The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Ringling Museum, Asolo Theater, Sarasota Ballet, and the Sarasota Opera House are only a fraction of the vast selection of entertainment choices.

Longboat Key Real Estate

The Town of Longboat Key” (yes, Longboat Key is legally a town) has a diverse mix of Luxury homes lining the many cul-de-sac streets and boulevards branching off main roads towards the bay and the gulf. Many of those homes sit on a canal with boat docks and direct access to Sarasota Bay. Everything is more upscale, more luxurious. The world-class golf course on Longboat Key is not considered a luxury but a given. All this may be the reason why Longboat Key is more or less a quieter destination. If you decided to live here, you would want to avoid crowds of tourists and spring break craziness.