1. Winter Traffic Can Be Brutal
Since the pandemic, Longboat Key has become an increasingly popular winter destination. From late January through Easter, traffic builds up—especially on the north end of the island where drivers funnel through one-lane roads near the public beaches in Bradenton.
Morning traffic heading onto the island often begins around 9 a.m., and by the afternoon, congestion builds again as beachgoers and residents head home. What should be a 15-minute drive can easily become an hour-long journey, especially between 3–8 p.m. The south end isn’t immune either, with seasonal crowds flocking to St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota.
Tip: If you’re planning to live here year-round or even just spend winters, smart trip planning can help you avoid the worst of it.
2. Limited Options for New Construction
If you’re hoping to build a custom home on Longboat Key, be prepared for a challenge. Vacant land is scarce, and most new builds involve teardown-and-rebuild projects. The good news? Many homeowners are modernizing older homes and condos to better showcase the island’s views and coastal charm.
As a local builder, my husband’s company, Brista Homes, specializes in new construction and high-end renovations that maximize beauty, light, and livability. We also build spec homes and renovate condos for resale, so feel free to reach out for the latest inventory or custom options.
3. Not Many Big-Name Stores
Longboat Key offers a quaint shopping experience filled with local boutiques, small businesses, and a few staples like Publix and CVS. For those who love supporting local, this is a huge plus. But if you’re used to having big-box retailers or national chains close by, you’ll need to make a short trip off-island.
South End residents: The University Town Center (UTC) Mall in Sarasota is about 30 minutes away and offers everything from Target and Marshalls to high-end furniture stores.
North End residents: Smaller shopping centers on Cortez Road and Manatee Avenue in Bradenton are about 15 minutes away.
It’s a tradeoff—but many find the charm of island shopping well worth it.
4. No Schools on the Island
Longboat Key doesn’t have any public or private schools within its boundaries. That means families commute off-island for education. While there are excellent schools nearby—both public and private—the logistics can be a bit tricky.
When my kids were young, carpooling with other Longboat families helped ease the burden. Some private schools do offer bus service to central pick-up/drop-off locations, but it usually comes with an additional cost.
Bottom line: Families can absolutely make it work, but it requires extra coordination and planning.
5. Intense Summer Heat & Humidity
From May through September, Longboat Key gets hot. Temperatures often reach 93°F, but with Florida’s infamous humidity, it can feel closer to 102°F.
As someone who’s lived here for years, I’ve adapted—but for newcomers or seasonal visitors, it can be a shock. I once took my nephew golfing and he passed out from the heat after just a few swings. Now, I always remind people: hydrate, wear sunscreen (even on cloudy days), and take breaks indoors when needed.
Despite the summer heat, many residents love the quieter pace during this off-season stretch.
Thinking About Living on Longboat Key?
Even with these drawbacks, Longboat Key is still one of Florida’s most desirable coastal communities. Its beauty, sense of peace, and island charm continue to attract residents and visitors alike. But knowing the full picture—pros and cons—helps you make a confident decision.
If you're curious about what it’s really like to live here, want to tour available homes or condos, or need insights on building or renovating, reach out anytime. I’m happy to share local tips, current inventory, and help you figure out if Longboat Key is the right fit for you.
