Aren’t you tired of living in a place where freedom is only a dream? Are you longing to break away from the confines of everyday life and move somewhere that celebrates your right to be free? If so, then Longboat Key may be the perfect destination for you.
This beautiful island paradise boasts some of the best neighborhoods around – but with many great options, which ones should you choose? In this guide, we’ll look in-depth at what makes Longboat Key neighborhoods special and provide helpful advice on finding the best one for your needs.
Introduction
Longboat Key is a beautiful island surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Gulf of Mexico drive separates the island from the gulf and bay communities. Driving up the Gulf of Mexico Drive offers world-class beaches and breathtaking views along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Longboat Key neighborhoods —no wonder it’s an attractive destination for vacationers and those looking to settle in paradise.
With so many single family home neighborhoods and communities to choose from, the decision can be daunting, so we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide! Traveling from south to north, the key neighborhoods you pass are the secluded Lighthouse Point, Longboat Key Club Resort, Country Club Shores, Emerald Harbor, Bay Isles, Sleepy Lagoon, and at the most northern end, Longboat Village. There are plenty of options for finding your ideal home or rental property. Let’s dive right into exploring these amazing communities and find out what makes them special.
Walter Group Real Estate – Michael Saunders & Co. Top Longboat Key Realtors
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Longboat Key’s Best Communities
For those seeking out a luxurious living on Longboat Key, there are several great Longboat Key neighborhoods to choose from.
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point is a small residential community located on the south end of Longboat Key, on New Pass, and only minutes from downtown Sarasota. 17 luxurious homes comprise this community just south of the Longboat Key Club. Lighthouse Point is the who’s who of Longboat Key living. When this real estate comes on the market, it sets market records.
The Amenities of Lighthouse Point
- Gated community
- Secluded
- Many homes living on the turquoise waters of New Pass
Lighthouse Point is a tranquil waterfront gated community with a secluded enclave of luxury homes, many offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Many homes are situated along New Pass, with awesome views of the turquoise waterfront.
Country Club Shores
An established waterfront neighborhood that features some of the most sought-after real estate on the island. Located at the southern end of the Key just north of the Tangerine Bay Club, residents have easy access to local parks, boat ramps, and golf courses while enjoying tranquil waterfront vistas at every turn.
The streets are lined with towering palms and lush landscaping; many properties feature direct gulf frontage or bayou access, perfect for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
The Amenities of Country Club Shores
- Located on the Sarasota Bay
- Single-family homes
- Deepwater Canals
- Private Boat Docks
- Across from the Longboat Key Club
- Close to St. Armands Circle’s restaurants and the shopping district
The real estate market for this community is highly competitive, with properties ranging from $1 million to over $10 million. However, with our team of experienced real estate agents, we can help you find the perfect property that suits your needs and budget.
Bay Isles
This exclusive harborfront gated community offers an array of luxury homes, condominiums, a private marina, and beach club access. Homeowners can enjoy spectacular views of the bay from their balconies or backyards. There’s also a vibrant social scene with fine dining restaurants, shopping centers, and more nearby.
The Amenities of Bay Isles
- Gated and Guarded 24/7.
- 19 Distinctive Neighborhoods.
- Access to the private membership of Bay Isles Beach Club.
- Tennis courts.
- Beautiful views of the Harbourside Golf Course at the Resort at the Longboat Key Club.
- A waterfront community on the bay.
- 291 slips at The Moorings Marina at The Longboat Key Club.
- Grand Bay Condominiums.
Sleepy Lagoon/Bayview Estates
Sleepy Lagoon is another waterfront neighborhood on the island’s northern end, nestled just above Bay Isles and south of Longboat Village. This single-family community has been designed to capture the essence of barrier island living.
Sleepy Lagoon offers residents an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with its tucked-away feel. There isn’t any signage announcing the neighborhood, and that’s the way we like it. From here, we’ve spent much time launching our boat from our private dock to go fishing for some of the best seafood around.
The Amenities of Sleepy Lagoon
- Public Beach Access
- Boat Access to Gulf
- No HOA fees
- No incremental rental restrictions
This has been our community for over 20 years. From beautiful sunsets to stunning bayou views, this tranquil paradise is perfect for those seeking peace and solitude.
Longboat Village
Longboat Key Village, established in the late 1800s, is a lovely neighborhood located on the most northern end of Longboat Key and just across the bridge to Anna Maria Island. The village is known for its laid-back, cozy, friendly community and old Florida charm.
The Amenities of Longboat Village
- Stunning bay views
- Florida Ranch and Keywest to Contemporary Home Designs
- The village includes many great restaurants within walking such as The Shore, Mar Vista, and Moore’s Stone Crab
You are within biking and walking distance of some of the best casual restaurants on the island, Mar Vista and Moore’s Stone Crab, and several social activities. If you are looking for something more upscale, then The Shore restaurant is what you are looking for.
Heading north across the turquoise waters of Longboat Pass is the stunning Coquina beach.
Coquina white sand beaches are only a bike ride away.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Neighborhood In Longboat Key
Several factors must be considered when choosing any of the Longboat Key neighborhoods. Firstly, location is important; direct access to the beach or bay can make all the difference in the quality of life and resale value. Access to community amenities such as parks, shopping centers, restaurants, and golf courses should also be considered.
Another consideration is community and culture. Consider the culture and lifestyle of the neighborhood. Some areas may have a strong sense of community with regular events and activities, while others may be more secluded.
The Walter Group intimately knows all of the communities on the island and all of the hidden gems. Call us today at (941) 809-0907 to schedule an introduction and a listening session to hear about your needs and dreams for your perfect island home.
Waterfront Neighborhoods
If you want to enjoy the beautiful views of Longboat Key without sacrificing convenience, then waterfront neighborhoods are your best bet. The hard choice is choosing a home from a community on the Gulfside with amazing sunsets or the Bayside with equally amazing sunrises.
The first highly recommended one is the Longboat Key Club, located at the southern tip of the island near Marina Bay. Here you’ll be able to take advantage of all amenities and easy access to its private beach access to the many restaurants and shops in the area.
Heading north takes you to some of the most sought-after Longboat Key neighborhoods with gated access to Bay Isles or the private deepwater docks of the traditional Florida ranch-style single-family homes of Country Club Shores.
Golf Course Neighborhoods
The Longboat Key Club has two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Links on Longboat, known by the locals as the Islandside Course, and the Harbourside Course. The Longboat Key Club also features a luxurious clubhouse, tennis courts, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Another golf course neighborhood on Longboat Key is the Bay Isles community adjacent to the Longboat Key Club. Bay Isles offers a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos, all surrounded by beautiful landscaping and the Harbourside golf course.
Conclusion
It is no secret that Longboat Key provides some of the best neighborhoods to live in in Florida. From The Long Boat Key Club on the southern end to Longboat Village on the northern end, residents can access various amenities and recreational activities that make a living here enjoyable.
From opening your eyes in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee, looking out over the changing oranges and yellow glow of morning sunrise to the radiant sunsets into the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, you will not be disappointed with living on the Sarasota coast of Florida. Call us anytime to schedule a water tour by boat of all of the available homes and condominiums on Longboat Key.