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Where Should You Live in Longboat Key, Florida?

A Local’s Guide to Every Part of the Island

If you’re wondering where to live in Longboat Key, you’re not alone. This 12-mile barrier island off the coast of Sarasota and Bradenton offers one of Florida’s most captivating combinations of luxury, leisure, and laid-back island charm. But each part of Longboat Key feels distinct—so finding the right neighborhood depends on your lifestyle, interests, and pace.

As a local real estate broker who lives and works here, I’ve helped countless buyers explore Longboat Key’s neighborhoods and uncover which stretch of the island feels most like home. Here’s a complete guide to living in Longboat Key, broken down by South, Mid, and North Key lifestyles.

Quick Take

  • Longboat Key offers three distinct lifestyle zones: South, Mid, and North.
  • South Key: resort-style living near the Longboat Key Club and St. Armands Circle.
  • Mid Key: everyday convenience with shops, markets, and bayfront communities.
  • North Key: Old Florida charm, walkable dining, and relaxed coastal character.

South Longboat Key: Luxury, Leisure & Gulf-Front Grandeur

For those seeking resort living with five-star amenities.

South Longboat Key is where coastal sophistication meets resort luxury. This part of the island sits closest to St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota, making it ideal for anyone who wants both beach serenity and easy access to fine dining, galleries, and cultural experiences.

Inside the Longboat Key Club


At the heart of South Key lies the Longboat Key Club, a private, gated community that defines the area’s reputation for elegance. Behind its secure gates, you’ll find a series of neighborhoods and condominiums offering golf, tennis, a full-service marina, a spa, and a resort-style pool.


Luxury condo communities within the Longboat Key Club include:

  • L’Ambiance – expansive beachfront residences with concierge services
  • The Pierre – refined Gulf views with a quiet, private atmosphere
  • The Sanctuary – exclusive beachfront property with resort amenities
  • Regent Place – boutique luxury living with private elevator access
  • The Privateer – a more approachable entry point to Gulf-front living

Single-family home options can be found in Lighthouse Point, an enclave of just 16 custom estates with private docks and sweeping views.

For those who want easy access to the Club’s lifestyle without living within its gates, Country Club Shores—just across Gulf of Mexico Drive—remains one of the island’s most sought-after boating neighborhoods. Each canal here leads directly to Sarasota Bay, offering deep-water access and the perfect blend of elegance and activity.

Takeaway: South Longboat Key is best suited for those seeking luxury, privacy, and proximity to Sarasota’s cultural life.

Mid Longboat Key: Everyday Convenience Meets Coastal Comfort

For those who value access and connection.

If you’re drawn to the island lifestyle but still want day-to-day convenience, Mid Longboat Key might be your perfect match. This section of the island offers the ideal balance between residential calm and easy access to essentials.

Island Amenities and Everyday Ease


Here, you’ll find the Publix Super Market, Longboat Key Library, Town Hall, local banks, and the public tennis center—all central to the island’s daily rhythm.


Mid-Key is also home to the Town Center Green Pavilion, which hosts community events, outdoor concerts, and a seasonal market running December through April.


And coming soon—Brista Commons Plaza, an exciting addition to the island opening in 2025. This development will bring together Brista Homes & Realty, a furniture showroom, flooring company, and window and door specialists—creating a one-stop destination for home design and renovation on Longboat Key.

Longboat Golf Course

Where to Live Mid-Island

The most prominent residential enclave here is Bay Isles, a gated community featuring a variety of neighborhoods with access to the Bay Isles Beach Club—a private Gulf-front retreat reserved exclusively for residents.


On the Gulf side, condo options range from classic mid-rises like Islander Club and Islands West to newer luxury properties such as Aria. Many offer direct beach access, resort-style pools, and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Takeaway: Mid Longboat Key offers the most convenient access to island life, making it ideal for year-round residents who want everything close at hand.

North Longboat Key: Old Florida Charm & Coastal Simplicity

For those who crave peace, history, and a strong sense of place.

The farther north you travel, the more Longboat Key reveals its old soul. North Longboat Key is beloved for its slower pace, historical roots, and community feel—an area where neighbors still wave, and time seems to move a little slower.

A Glimpse into the Island’s Past


This is home to Longbeach Village, one of the island’s oldest and most character-rich neighborhoods. Originally established in the early 1900s as a fishing village, it’s now a charming mix of original cottages and modern coastal homes.


The community centers around local favorites like Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant, The Shore, and Whitney’s, each adding to the village’s coastal authenticity and walkable charm.

During World War II, the northern tip of the island even served as a practice range for the Army Air Forces, giving this area a fascinating layer of history beneath its tranquil surface.

Neighborhoods to Know

  • Sleepy Lagoon – A peaceful mix of canal-front homes on the bayside and Gulf-front estates on the beachside, offering direct access to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf.
  • Emerald Harbor – Known for some of the widest deep-water canals on Longboat Key, ideal for large vessels and avid boaters.
  • Longbeach Village – The island’s cultural heart, perfect for those who love local dining and a tight-knit community atmosphere.


You’ll also find a number of mid-rise condo communities here, offering breathtaking views at a more relaxed price point compared to the island’s southern end.


Takeaway: North Longboat Key offers Old Florida character, walkable charm, and peace away from the resort bustle.

Choosing Your Perfect Longboat Key Neighborhood

When deciding where to live on Longboat Key, think about what “home” means to you.

  • Do you want to wake up to Gulf views and resort amenities? South Key may be the answer.
  • Do you prefer a balance of accessibility and quiet comfort? Mid-Key could be ideal.
  • Or are you drawn to history, local flavor, and neighborhood charm? North Key might feel just right.

If you’re not sure where to start, try our Neighborhood Quiz — it’s designed to help you discover which section of Longboat Key best aligns with your lifestyle preferences and goals.

FAQs About Living in Longboat Key

1. Is Longboat Key a good place to retire?
Absolutely. Longboat Key offers a peaceful environment, excellent amenities, and easy access to Sarasota’s cultural and medical facilities, making it ideal for retirees seeking active coastal living.

2. Are there pet-friendly communities on Longboat Key?
Yes. Many condominiums and neighborhoods allow pets, though restrictions vary. North and mid-Key single-family areas tend to be the most flexible for pet owners.

3. What is the cost of living in Longboat Key?
While higher than the Florida average, Longboat Key’s cost of living reflects its luxury market, beachfront location, and exclusivity. Prices vary widely based on proximity to the Gulf, property age, and amenities.

4. How far is Longboat Key from Sarasota?
It’s approximately 20–25 minutes by car from South Longboat Key to downtown Sarasota, depending on traffic and season.

5. Can you rent your home on Longboat Key?
Most communities allow rentals, though each has its own minimum lease period and annual limits. Some buildings cater to seasonal rentals, while others are strictly residential.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dreaming of sunrise yoga on the beach, evenings at the marina, or dinners at waterfront restaurants, Longboat Key offers a lifestyle that feels timeless and refined.

From resort sophistication on the south end to everyday convenience mid-island and the nostalgic charm of the north, every stretch of the Key holds its own version of paradise.

If you’re exploring where to live in Longboat Key, my team and I at Brista Realty would love to help you find your perfect match.
Contact us today to start your journey toward life on the island.