Barrier Island · Waterfront Estates · Golf Community
Longboat Key
Twelve miles of Gulf and bayfront living, championship golf, and quieter island character between Sarasota and Anna Maria Island.
Search Homes on Longboat KeyLongboat Key is a 12-mile barrier island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, offering single-family homes, luxury condominiums, waterfront properties, and golf-course residences. The island's north and south ends, Gulf and bay sides, and club-oriented communities can offer meaningfully different ownership experiences. For buyers, the central question is which combination of location, property type, waterfront access, amenities, and maintenance responsibilities best fits their goals.
Where Is Longboat Key?
Longboat Key is a barrier island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, extending across Sarasota and Manatee counties. The New Pass Bridge connects the south end to Lido Key, with onward access through St. Armands Circle to Sarasota. The Longboat Pass Bridge connects the north end to Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island, with mainland access continuing through Cortez Road.
Longboat Key stretches roughly 12 miles — zoom in to explore the golf communities, waterfront neighborhoods, and Gulf-front properties.
Nearby Destinations
Travel times vary depending on starting point, traffic, season, and bridge openings.
- St. Armands Circle / Lido Key — ~5–10 min depending on starting point
- Downtown Sarasota — ~15–20 min depending on starting point
- Sarasota Bradenton Airport (SRQ) — ~20–25 min
- Anna Maria Island — ~15–25 min depending on starting point
- Lakewood Ranch — ~25–30 min via I-75
- Tampa International (TPA) — ~60–75 min
Nearby Communities
Neighborhood Snapshot
Longboat Key at a Glance
Barrier island between Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico
Waterfront estates, golf communities, residential privacy
Single-family homes, condominiums, golf properties
Sarasota Bay, Gulf of Mexico
Longboat Key Club — 45 holes across The Links of Longboat and Harbourside
Sarasota, Bradenton, Anna Maria Island
Varies by community
Waterfront and golf-oriented lifestyle
Find Your Island Home
Longboat Key has distinct areas — golf community, Gulf-front, bayfront, canal. I'll help you find the one that fits your lifestyle.
Ask Jim About Longboat KeyIs Longboat Key the Right Fit?
Longboat Key answers a specific buyer question: resort-style island living with waterfront estates, golf, and quiet residential character. Here is what you need to know.
Who Is Naturally Drawn to This Community
- Buyers seeking waterfront estate living on Sarasota Bay or the Gulf
- Buyers who value golf community lifestyle and resort amenities
- Buyers wanting privacy in a gated or low-density barrier island setting
What This Community Does Exceptionally Well
- Championship golf at the Longboat Key Club
- Waterfront estates on both the bay and Gulf with private docks
- 12-mile island with gated communities and residential character
Practical Trade-Offs
- Car-dependent for most daily errands and shopping
- Seasonal traffic during peak winter and spring months
- Golf membership may be separate from property ownership
Why Community-Specific Details Matter
The north end, south end, Gulf-side, bay-side, and golf neighborhoods each offer a different lifestyle. Dock configuration, water depth, and community amenities vary. Understanding these differences is essential.
When Another Community May Be a Better Fit
Buyers seeking walkable village atmosphere may prefer Siesta Key. Those wanting deep-water boating and no commercial development should consider Bird Key. And buyers looking for urban waterfront culture should explore downtown Sarasota.
Market Intelligence
Longboat Key Real Estate Market
Understanding the dynamics of an island market — where resort amenities, waterfront access, property type, and location shape pricing.
Market data updated July 16, 2026 using listing and sales data for Longboat Key (ZIP 34228). Prices, price per square foot, days on market, and sale-to-list ratio reflect activity over the trailing 12 months; active listings and months of inventory are point-in-time estimates. Statistics reflect the defined Longboat Key market area and may vary by property type, location, condition, and data source.
Median Sale Price
$1,250,000
Shows the midpoint of what homes have sold for during the reporting period.
Median Price per Sq Ft
$543–$722
Provides a basis for comparing value across properties of different sizes.
Active Listings
337–413
Shows the number of properties currently available for sale.
Days on Market
81–109 days
Indicates how quickly homes are selling in the current market.
Sale-to-List Ratio
92%–95%
Shows how closely sale prices track original or final asking prices.
Months of Inventory
11.5 months
Helps indicate the balance between available supply and recent sales activity.
Jim's Market Insight
An island-wide statistic is a starting point, not a valuation of an individual property. On Longboat Key, I focus on comparable homes or condominiums with similar locations, views, condition, and amenities. From there, we consider ownership costs and your priorities to put the numbers in context.
What to Consider for Your Next Move
Whether you're buying, selling, or evaluating an investment, start with the property-specific questions that matter to your decision.
For Buyers
Compare more than the asking price. Look at condition, beach or boating access, association fees, insurance quotes, and anticipated maintenance. For condominiums, review the association's financial and building documents. Separate your must-haves from preferences before narrowing the options.
For Sellers
Build your pricing strategy around relevant closed sales and the properties buyers can choose today. Consider differences in condition, views, updates, and ownership costs. Use showing feedback and competing listings to reassess your position, not an island-wide median alone.
For Investors
Before projecting income, verify the property's rental rules and any association restrictions. Account for vacancy, management, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and potential assessments. Evaluate the numbers against your intended use and holding period; do not assume rental income or appreciation.
Homes & Real Estate
Longboat Key Property Types
From waterfront estates to luxury condominiums and golf course villas — Longboat Key's housing market spans a wide range, unified by the island's resort character and waterfront access.
Waterfront Estates on Sarasota Bay
Bayfront homes offer a waterfront setting, with views and features that vary by property. Some include private docks, pools, and landscaped outdoor spaces. If boating is a priority, confirm dock availability, water depth, and the route to open water for the specific property.
Gulf-Front Properties
Gulf-front homes and condominiums offer beachfront settings, but views and beach access vary by property and unit. A Gulf-side address alone does not establish direct frontage or private beach access. Confirm the property's location, actual views, and access arrangements before deciding.
Golf Course Homes and Villas
Homes and villas near golf courses offer another setting to consider on Longboat Key. Golf-course views, association-managed maintenance, and amenities vary by property. Do not assume club membership or access is included with ownership; confirm eligibility, availability, fees, and terms separately.
Luxury Condominiums
Longboat Key's condominium options include Gulf-front and bayfront settings, with finishes and amenities that vary by building and unit. Confirm any beach access, concierge services, and other amenities for the property you are considering. Review unit condition, association responsibilities, and fees rather than assuming turnkey ownership.
Lower-Maintenance Living Options
Some condominium and villa associations manage portions of exterior maintenance and common-area upkeep. The services covered—and the owner's remaining responsibilities—vary by community. Review the governing documents, fees, and maintenance arrangements to understand the costs and care required, including while you are away.
A note on pricing: Longboat Key's housing market spans a wide range. Property types include luxury condominiums, waterfront estates, Gulf-front properties, and golf course homes and villas. The island's resort character, waterfront access, and gated communities create a market where location, view, and amenities significantly affect value. Understanding the differences between Gulf-side, bay-side, golf community, and interior properties is essential to finding the right fit. Club membership or access may be separate from property ownership and varies by property and association.
If We Were Touring Together
Longboat Key is not one uniform market. The experience changes from north to south and among Gulf-front, bayfront, golf-course, condominium, and interior properties.
As we explore, I'd point out how the island changes from north to south, the differences between Gulf-front, bayfront, and interior properties, and what those choices mean for privacy, views, boating access, and maintenance. We'd also talk about seasonal traffic, beach access, and whether a condominium, villa, or single-family home best matches your goals.
Schools & Education
Schools Serving Longboat Key
Public Schools Serving This Area
Longboat Key extends across Sarasota County (south end) and Manatee County (north end). Public-school assignment depends on the exact property address and which county the address is in. There are no public schools on the island itself.
- Sarasota County: sarasotacountyschools.net — attendance zones and Student Assignment under School Choice
- Manatee County: manateeschools.net — School Directory / boundary finder
For Manatee-side north-end addresses, Anna Maria Elementary School in Holmes Beach is one example of an island-area elementary school serving that zone, but assignments must be verified for the specific address with the applicable district.
Nearby Private & Independent Schools
- Out-of-Door Academy — Historic Siesta Key Campus (Pre-K–5); middle and upper school at Uihlein Campus, Lakewood Ranch. Verify at oda.edu
- Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (9-12) — Sarasota
- Sarasota Christian School (Pre-K–12) — Sarasota. sarasotachristian.org/about
Nearby private and independent options to verify.
Regional Charter & Specialty Programs
- Sarasota Academy of the Arts (K-8) — Application-based, Sarasota
- Pine View School (2–12) — Qualification-based gifted program, Osprey. sarasotacountyschools.net/o/pineview
- Manatee School for the Arts (6–12) — Public charter, Palmetto. msfta.org/about-us · msfta.org
Eligibility and enrollment depend on each program's residency requirements, admissions criteria, and available space. Confirm directly with the school or district for your specific address.
School Assignment Disclaimer: School attendance boundaries, grade configurations, enrollment policies, and admission requirements can change. Buyers should verify information for a specific address directly with the school district or institution before making a purchase decision.
Verified: August 25, 2026. Always confirm with the applicable county district for the specific address.
Florida School Choice Options
Florida also offers School Choice opportunities that may allow students to attend other public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, or specialty programs, subject to district policies, eligibility, and available space. Families may also consider nearby private schools. If schools are an important part of your home search, I am happy to help you understand the options available for your specific situation and connect you with the appropriate school resources.
Getting Around
Transportation & Location
Bridges at the north and south ends connect Longboat Key to neighboring islands, with onward routes to the mainland.
Two Bridge Access Points
New Pass Bridge connects south to Lido Key and St. Armands Circle; Longboat Pass Bridge connects north to Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria Island
I-75 Access
Interstate access via the SRQ area or University Parkway
Island Transportation
Golf carts may be used within some communities where permitted; a car is generally needed for most errands. Seasonal congestion, bridge openings, and the island's primary north-south roadway can affect travel times. Town of Longboat Key transportation context
Lifestyle
Living on Longboat Key
Longboat Key offers waterfront living, championship golf, quiet beaches, and a relaxed barrier island lifestyle defined by privacy and resort amenities. From the Longboat Key Club's golf courses and tennis courts to the wide Gulf beaches and bayfront parks, the island provides a range of recreation and relaxation options.
Explore the full Longboat Key lifestyle guide on SarasotaLifeGuide.com for dining guides, beach access, local events, and daily island life from the Longboat Key Club to the Gulf beaches and beyond.
Explore Longboat Key LifestyleCompare Nearby Communities
How Does Longboat Key Compare?
Sarasota's island and waterfront communities each have a distinct personality. Here's how Longboat Key stacks up against its nearest neighbors — not to rank one above another, but to help you understand which community fits your lifestyle.
| Feature | Longboat Key Resort-Style Island Living | Siesta Key The Beach-Forward Island | Lido Key The St. Armands & Boutique Island | Bird Key Waterfront Enclave | Downtown Sarasota Urban Waterfront & Cultural Core | West of Trail Established Luxury Enclave |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Access | Gulf beaches on the island; resort-style beach access at the club | World-famous quartz-crystal sand — Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach | Lido Beach — upscale Gulf beach with St. Armands access | No direct beach; quick drive to Lido Key or Siesta Key | Short drive to Lido Key and Siesta Key beaches | No beach on-site — Lido Key and Siesta Key 10-15 min away |
| Walkability | Limited — car-dependent; golf-cart-friendly within communities | High in the Village and beach areas; car needed off-island | High around St. Armands Circle; more walkable than Longboat | Low — residential island, no commercial areas; car needed for daily needs | High — cultural venues, dining, bayfront parks accessible on foot | Moderate — some areas walkable to downtown, but car primary |
| Boating Access | Strong bay and Gulf access; marina facilities at the resort club | Canal and bayfront access, boat docks, direct Gulf boating | Good bay and Gulf access; South Lido marina area | Premier deep-water canal access with private docks — direct Bay and Gulf | Marina Jack and Sarasota Bay access; Gulf via passes | Some bay access points; no private dock culture like Bird Key |
| Housing Types | Waterfront estates, golf homes, luxury condominiums, villas | Gulf-front condos, canal homes with docks, bayfront estates, village cottages | Upscale condos, beachfront homes, and St. Armands-adjacent properties | Custom waterfront estates, deep-water canal homes, and bayfront properties | Luxury high-rises, boutique condos, waterfront penthouses | Historic estates, luxury new construction, and renovated boutique homes |
| Privacy | High — gated communities, tree-lined roads, residential character | Moderate — busier near the Village and Siesta Beach; quieter on south end | Moderate — compact island; busier around St. Armands Circle | Residential islandwith an attended entrance; privacy varies by property. | Lower — urban density; upper-floor condos offer more privacy | High — tree canopies, large lots, established character throughout |
| Recreation | Golf at Longboat Key Club, tennis, beach access, marina, biking, and resort-style amenities throughout the island. Explore Living in Longboat Key | Beach activities, village dining and shopping, boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and island events throughout the year. Explore Living in Siesta Key | St. Armands Circle dining and shopping, Lido Beach, Selby Botanical Gardens, kayaking, paddleboarding, and cultural activities nearby. Explore Living in Lido Key | Deep-water boating, private dock lifestyle, quick access to bay and Gulf waters, and proximity to St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota. Explore Living in Bird Key | Bayfront Park, marina access, waterfront recreation, arts and cultural venues, museums, performing arts, and walkable waterfront paths. Explore Living in Downtown Sarasota | Boating access, bayfront recreation, golf, boutique fitness studios, nearby beaches, waterfront activities, and country clubs. Explore Living in West of Trail |
| Dining | Club dining, village restaurants, nearby Sarasota Explore Living in Longboat Key | Village dining with many casual options Explore Living in Siesta Key | St. Armands dining district with dozens of options Explore Living in Lido Key | Off-island public dining; private club dining subject to membership and availability. Explore Living in Bird Key | Densest restaurant scene in the region Explore Living in Downtown Sarasota | Downtown dining scene minutes away; limited within the neighborhood Explore Living in West of Trail |
| Shopping | Limited on-island; nearby Sarasota and St. Armands Explore Living in Longboat Key | Village boutiques and galleries; St. Armands Circle minutes away Explore Living in Siesta Key | St. Armands Circle is the highlight — boutique shopping and galleries Explore Living in Lido Key | None on-island — St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota minutes away Explore Living in Bird Key | Palm Avenue boutiques, Main Street, St. Armands nearby Explore Living in Downtown Sarasota | Downtown and St. Armands Circle minutes away Explore Living in West of Trail |
Longboat Key
Resort-Style Island Living
Siesta Key
The Beach-Forward Island
Lido Key
The St. Armands & Boutique Island
Bird Key
Waterfront Enclave
Downtown Sarasota
Urban Waterfront & Cultural Core
West of Trail
Established Luxury Enclave
Longboat Key offers a different experience from Sarasota's other island and waterfront communities. Siesta Key delivers world-famous quartz-sand beaches and vibrant village life. Lido Key brings St. Armands Circle walkable dining and shopping with Gulf beach access. Bird Key offers privacy and deep-water canal living. Downtown Sarasota is the urban waterfront core. And West of Trail offers an established luxury enclave with tree-lined streets. Longboat Key, by contrast, is about resort-style island living with waterfront estates and golf. I would be happy to walk you through what makes each one different.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Longboat Key
Straight answers to the questions buyers ask most often about Longboat Key real estate.
Q What is Longboat Key known for?
Q How do I get to Longboat Key from the mainland?
Q What types of homes are on Longboat Key?
Q Are there golf communities on Longboat Key?
Q What schools serve Longboat Key?
Q Is Longboat Key a good investment?
Q What is the Longboat Key Club?
Important Verification Notes
Flood-zone information is based on publicly available FEMA mapping and should be independently verified for the specific property during due diligence. View the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
HOA and condominium-association information can change and should be independently verified directly with the applicable association.
Have a question not listed here?
Ask Jim About Longboat KeyExplore Nearby
Related Communities
Other communities worth exploring — each with its own distinct personality and advantages.
Siesta Key
World-Famous Beach Island
Quartz-crystal sand beaches, village charm, and vibrant island life on one of America's most celebrated barrier islands.
Explore Siesta KeyBird Key
Residential Island Enclave
A residential island community with waterfront homes, deep-water canals, neighborhood security, and convenient access to downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle.
Explore Bird KeyLido Key
St. Armands & Boutique Luxury
The charm of St. Armands Circle, boutique shopping, and upscale beachfront living — just across the south bridge from Longboat Key.
Explore Lido KeyDowntown Sarasota
Urban Waterfront Living
Condos, lofts, and historic homes in the cultural heart of Sarasota — walkable to dining, theaters, galleries, and the bayfront.
Explore Downtown SarasotaAnna Maria Island
Historic Coastal Charm
Old Florida charm, pristine beaches, and a laid-back island culture on the northern barrier island of Sarasota Bay.
Explore Anna Maria IslandYOUR ISLAND STORY STARTS HERE
Ready to Explore Longboat Key?
Let's discuss whether Longboat Key fits your goals. Whether you are considering waterfront, golf-course, condominium, or single-family ownership, I'll help you understand the differences and compare the options. Reach out anytime — no pressure, just honest guidance.