Longboat Key, Manatee County, FL Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Longboat Key is a tranquil, elegant, upscale barrier island community located to the west of Sarasota on Florida’s West Coast. The Town lies within Manatee County on the north end and the southern portion is in Sarasota County. The island is surrounded by the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and serene Sarasota Bay. The area is popular among retirees and is also a desirable resort and second home community. Longboat Key has a population of approximately 8,000 permanent residents which increases to approximately 21,000 during tourist season. The island features many unique and expensive Gulf front condominiums in distinctive high rise buildings as well as single family homes on canals mostly on the Bay side. Gulf of Mexico Drive is the only main thoroughfare and runs north-south through the eleven mile long island. Entry to the town is via draw bridges, from the south by New Pass Bridge connecting Longboat Key and Lido Key and Longboat Pass Bridge on the north leading to Anna Maria Island. Three small shopping centers are located on the island: Whitney Beach Shopping Plaza, The Centre Shops of Longboat Key, and Avenue of the Flowers Shopping Plaza. St. Armands Circle is an enchanting circle of fine shops and gourmet restaurants. There are more than 150 stores located on this renowned Key and you can spend the day exploring the shops and relaxing in the restaurants. Whether you’re looking for high fashion clothing and jewelry boutiques or casual beachwear, you can find it on St. Armands Key. Sarasota’s many cultural centers are only minutes away from Longboat key, including the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Asolo Theater, Ringling Museum, Sarasota Ballet and Opera, and several other live theaters. The area is populated by wildlife as well. These waters are home to manatee, dolphins, and fish, while pelicans, osprey, and a variety of shorebirds call land home. For active young families to retirees considering a distinctive home or condominium, Real Estate agent Sue Klement knows Longboat Key and can guide you in your search. Give Sue a call anytime, 941-720-4107 or email her at: suevvk@tampabay.rr.com