Waterfront Homes for Sale in Longboat Key
A narrow island with Gulf beaches on one side and bay views on the other.
What to know.
Longboat Key is a long, narrow barrier island between Sarasota and Anna Maria Island. Many homes and condos face the Gulf or the bay. Check each building or street for its own rules and flood details.
ZIP code34228Before you buy on the water
- Check the flood zone and get an insurance quote.
- Ask about the seawall and dock.
- Ask about water depth and bridge height.
- Ask how far it is to open water.
Living on Longboat Key.
Longboat Key is a quiet barrier island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It runs about eleven miles, and a single road, Gulf of Mexico Drive, runs its full length. The island crosses two counties: the south end is in Sarasota County and the north end is in Manatee County. It is residential and calm by design, with strict building rules, no high commercial strips, and long stretches of Gulf beach.
It is one of the Gulf Coast’s most established luxury markets, and the right home depends on the water, the view, and the community. Craig knows the island, street by street.
What you will find.
Longboat Key offers a wide range along the water:
- Gulf-front condos and estates with private beach frontage.
- Bayfront homes with deep water and docks.
- Canal and golf-course homes in gated communities like Bay Isles and Country Club Shores.
- Resort-style condos near the Longboat Key Club.
Value here follows the water, the view, the dock, and the community. Craig can compare buildings and streets with you.
Golf, water, and quiet.
Much of island life centers on the Gulf, golf, and tennis. The Longboat Key Club anchors the south end with golf, a marina, and a resort.
The island sits between two bridges, so you are minutes from St. Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota to the south, and Anna Maria Island to the north.
Two bridges, two counties.
Longboat Key has two ways on and off by car. From the south, you cross the Ringling Causeway from downtown Sarasota, through St. Armands and Lido Key. From the north, the Longboat Pass Bridge connects to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach. Craig covers the island from both his Sarasota and Manatee county base.
What to know on a barrier island.
An island home has its own checklist. On Longboat Key, look closely at:
- Flood zone and elevation. These change street to street and drive your flood insurance.
- Wind and windstorm coverage. Roof age and construction matter to insurers. Get quotes early.
- For condos, the building itself. Read the reserves, assessments, and rules before you buy.
- The dock and seawall. Ask about condition, permits, water depth, and the run to open water.
Craig handles waterfront and luxury sales, AS-IS and cash closings, and international buyers and sellers (FIRPTA). He will make sure these questions are answered before you are on the hook.
Other Gulf Coast islands.
If you are looking at Longboat Key, you may want to compare these nearby barrier islands, each with its own character.
Property listings
See luxury homes in Longboat Key.
Homes priced at $1 million and up. Click a home to see photos and details.
View the Longboat Key HomesOpen the Longboat Key Map
Listing information comes from the brokerage search site and updates on its own. It is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. Preferred Shore Real Estate Group, License BK3815898.
Questions about Longboat Key
Where is Longboat Key, and what county is it in?
Longboat Key is a barrier island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It runs about eleven miles. The south end is in Sarasota County and the north end is in Manatee County. One road, Gulf of Mexico Drive, runs its length.
How do you get to Longboat Key?
There are two bridges. From the south, you cross the Ringling Causeway from downtown Sarasota, through St. Armands and Lido Key. From the north, the Longboat Pass Bridge connects to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach.
What kinds of homes are on Longboat Key?
Gulf-front condos and estates, bayfront homes with docks, canal and golf-course homes in gated communities, and resort-style condos near the Longboat Key Club.
Are there condos on Longboat Key?
Yes, many, both Gulf-front and bayfront. If you buy a condo, read the building’s reserves, assessments, and rules before you commit. Craig can help you review them.
Is Longboat Key in a flood zone?
It depends on the street. Flood zones and elevation change from home to home. Ask Craig to pull the zone for any address before you buy.
Can I keep a boat or dock on Longboat Key?
Many homes and communities have docks. Ask about water depth, the seawall, bridge height, and how far you travel to the bay or Gulf. Craig will check this for any home.
What kind of insurance do I need on the island?
An island home usually needs both flood and windstorm coverage. Elevation, roof age, and construction all affect your rate. Get quotes early so there are no surprises.
Can I buy AS-IS or with cash?
Yes. Many buyers do. Craig can explain how an AS-IS or cash purchase works and what to inspect.
Thinking about Longboat Key?
Tell Craig what you want in a home and he will send matches.
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