Manatee County
Longboat Key, FL Real Estate
Longboat Key offers low-rise Gulf-front condos and bayside estates on a quiet barrier island between Bradenton and Sarasota.
About Longboat Key
Longboat Key stretches across a narrow barrier island in Manatee County, with its southern tip crossing into Sarasota County. The island's Manatee side includes neighborhoods like Bay Isles, Country Club Shores, and Longbeach Village, known for canal-front homes, mid-rise condos, and the historic cottages near Broadway Street. Longboat Key Club anchors much of the island's country-club lifestyle, with golf, tennis, and marina access drawing retirees and seasonal residents. Building height restrictions have kept the island low-density compared to nearby Bradenton and Sarasota, preserving unobstructed Gulf and bay views. Buyers here range from full-time retirees to seasonal snowbirds and investors seeking rental condos near the beach. The mainland connection runs through Bradenton and Cortez, giving residents easy access to shopping, marinas, and Gulf-access boating communities just across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Longboat Key on the map
Longboat Key boundary — the area we serve.
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
Living in Longboat Key
Life on Longboat Key centers on the water — Gulf beaches on one side, Sarasota Bay on the other. Residents kayak the mangrove-lined shoreline, dock boats in Longbeach Village canals, or golf at Longboat Key Club. Cortez, a working fishing village just across the bridge, supplies fresh seafood and a slower-paced counterpoint to the island's polish. Days often mix beach walks with early dinners at waterfront restaurants, and many residents split time between Longboat Key and mainland Manatee County for shopping and services. The pace suits retirees, seasonal residents, and boating enthusiasts who value privacy and shoreline access over nightlife.
Why buyers choose Longboat Key
- Life on Longboat Key centers on the water — Gulf beaches on one side, Sarasota Bay on the other. Residents kayak the mangrove-lined shoreline, dock boats in Longbeach Village canals, or golf at Longboat Key Club. Cortez, a working fishing village just across the bridge, supplies fresh seafood and a slower-paced counterpoint to the island's polish. Days often mix beach walks with early dinners at waterfront restaurants, and many residents split time between Longboat Key and mainland Manatee County for shopping and services. The pace suits retirees, seasonal residents, and boating enthusiasts who value privacy and shoreline access over nightlife.
Longboat Key market snapshot
Longboat Key's housing stock leans toward Gulf-front and bayfront condominiums alongside single-family homes in canal communities like Country Club Shores. Turnover tends to follow seasonal patterns, with snowbird buyers active in winter months and local demand steady from Sarasota and Bradenton-area residents seeking waterfront access. Height limits and a mostly built-out island keep new construction limited, so much of the market involves renovated or updated existing homes and condos. Buyers should expect variation between older canal-front cottages and newer mid-rise units near the Longboat Key Club.
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Longboat Key real estate FAQ
- Is Longboat Key in Manatee or Sarasota County?
- Longboat Key spans both counties — the northern portion sits in Manatee County, while the southern tip extends into Sarasota County. Most of the island's Manatee County section includes neighborhoods like Bay Isles and Longbeach Village. City services and county lines shift near the middle of the island, so buyers should confirm which county a specific address falls under.
- What kind of homes are available on Longboat Key?
- Longboat Key offers a mix of Gulf-front and bayfront condominiums, canal-front single-family homes, and historic cottages in areas like Longbeach Village. Country Club Shores is known for canal-access homes near the Longboat Key Club, while newer mid-rise condos line the Gulf side. Building height restrictions keep most structures low-rise compared to mainland Sarasota or Bradenton.
- What is there to do near Longboat Key besides the beach?
- Residents enjoy golf and tennis at Longboat Key Club, boating through Sarasota Bay, and visiting Cortez, a nearby working fishing village known for fresh seafood. Bradenton and West Bradenton offer additional shopping and dining just across the Intracoastal Waterway. The island's proximity to both Sarasota and Bradenton makes day trips easy for arts, culture, or errands.
- Is Longboat Key a good fit for full-time living or mainly seasonal?
- Longboat Key attracts both full-time retirees and seasonal snowbird residents, with activity often picking up during winter months. The island's quiet, low-density character suits those seeking privacy and water access over year-round nightlife. Many owners split time between Longboat Key and mainland communities in Manatee County.
Licensed Agents in Longboat Key
Keller Williams REALTORS® who cover Longboat Key. Tap any card to see their full profile.
4 licensed agents cover Longboat Key.
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Hailie RatermanTeam Pepka - KW Suncoast - View profile →
Will ToliverTeam Pepka - KW Suncoast - View profile →
Ron PepkaBroker AssociateTeam Pepka - KW Suncoast - View profile →
Katie FergusonAgent ConsultantTeam Pepka - KW Suncoast
