Looking to relocate to Longboat Key, Florida? This article covers some of the basics of moving to this beautiful and welcoming place. Discover why people are drawn here and never want to leave!
Longboat Key, Florida is a stunning barrier island with plenty to offer residents. From pristine beaches to an abundance of activities, there’s sure to be something for everyone. If you’re thinking about moving here, this guide to Longboat Key FL real estate will give you an overview of what to expect. Here’s what you need to know before making the move Longboat Key, Florida.
Why You Should Start Packing Your Bags
The gorgeous beaches and intimate size of Longboat Key, or LBK as it is called by locals, makes it a desirable destination for anyone in the market for beachfront property. You’ll be spoiled by the variety of top-notch restaurants and unique shops right at your fingertips. There are no large shopping malls or chain stores on the island.
If you’re seeking a lovely waterfront home, Longboat Key is the ideal location. It’s no surprise that this region is so popular among home buyers given its beautiful views and tropical climate.
Recently awarded 5th best island in the US, by Travel + Leisure, Longboat Key boasts beauty throughout its 12 miles long and one-mile wide span of land. Because many of the properties are either on the beach, on the bay, or right next to them, Longboat Key FL real estate comes at a premium.
Looking for a place to call home that offers stunning beaches and plenty of peace and quiet? Longboat Key is the perfect place for you.
Interesting Real Estate Market Facts
The Longboat Key FL real estate market is good for a variety of reasons, the most prevalently being its gorgeous turquoise waters and lovely tropical climate. Additionally, its proximity to big cities like Sarasota and Tampa make it an appealing option for those looking for a convenient location.
Second, since the island is small, there is a limited supply of inventory. This creates high demand, therefore, properties don’t stay on the market long. If you’re considering making a move to Longboat Key, it’s important to act quickly when you find properties that you like.
The Longboat Key FL real estate market has long been popular, and as a result, home prices have steadily risen in recent years. The median cost for a home on Longboat Key is currently $1.6 million.
The Longboat Key FL real estate market offers a range of housing options including condos, townhomes, and luxury estates. If you are interested in building your own home from the ground up, however, there are very few vacant lots available.
Number of Residents
Although the Longboat Key population is made up of many long-term residents, it also consists of people renting property or vacationing on the island. The year-round population sits at just under 8,000 but during peak season can rise to 20,000.
Over the last several years, population growth has been steady as more and more people discover all that Longboat Key has to offer. People have the freedom to move to a place that previously would have only been accessible after retirement thanks to the growing popularity of working from home. This is especially true for Longboat Key.
Longboat Key is a great destination for everyone, regardless of age. Families with children will love the beaches and parks, retirees will appreciate the laid-back lifestyle, couples will enjoy the romantic atmosphere, and singles will find plenty of date options.
What does this mean for the Longboat Key FL real estate market? It means that there is a good mix of long-term residents and new arrivals, all of whom are interested in buying or renting property on Longboat Key. This has resulted in a hot market and increased prices.
Browse through our list of homes: Longboat Key FL real estate for sale.
Population and Housing Statistics
Longboat Key has a population of around 8,000 people, and the majority (about 73%) are over the age of 45. The island is popular among near retirees because of its peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
The number of households on Longboat Key is also growing, with the current average being around 2.5 people per household. The majority of Longboat Key, FL real estate buyers are between 40-50 years old.
Average Temperatures
The average monthly temperatures in Longboat Key vary depending on the season. In January, you can expect an enjoyable 71 degrees Fahrenheit, and by July it will be about 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the summer months of June and July, you will experience high humidity levels, so it is important to keep this in mind when deciding During the summer months of June and July, you’ll notice high humidity levels, so keep that in mind while deciding whether or not to live on Longboat Key all year.
The average yearly rainfall is around 53 inches, the majority of which comes in the summer months when storms come in as swiftly as they go.
Unemployment and Education Levels
The current unemployment rate on Longboat Key is 3.1%, which is lower than both Florida’s (4.5%) and national (5%) averages.
According to data from the US Census, Longboat Key has a large population with a Bachelor’s degrees or higher at 65.4%, as well as 20% of residents having graduate degrees. This contributes to the island’s high median income, which is currently around $108,000.
Transportation and Commute Times
The most common form of transportation on Longboat Key is driving, with many residents commuting by car. The roads are well-maintained and simple to navigate.
The island is 12 miles long and one mile wide at its broadest point. Its main road, Gulf of Mexico Drive, runs the length of the island with smaller streets branching off to the east and west.
Unfortunately, there are no public transportation systems or airports located within Longboat Key itself. Public transit options are available in surrounding areas, but not on the island.
The two most popular airport options near the property are Tampa International Airport and Sarasota International Airport. The former is located about 75 minutes away, while the latter is only a 15-25 minute drive away.
Fun Activities
Looking to reel in a big one? Longboat Key is the place for you! This island community is known for its relaxing vibe and plethora of recreational activities – fishing included. In fact, it’s one of the most popular pastimes here. If you don’t have your own gear, not to worry – there are several local shops that rent out fishing equipment.
If you’re hoping to stay active, golfing is a great option. Two private courses are located right on the island. If tennis or pickleball is more your style, there are plenty of courts available to residents and visitors alike.
Longboat Key’s beaches are some of Florida’s finest. With over 11 miles of coastline, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the sun. Deeded beach access points are scattered throughout the island for residents’ convenience.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, the island has several art galleries, boutique shops and museums to visit. There’s also a number of great restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy.
For a complete list of all the fun things to do in Longboat Key, please take a look at our visitors guide: 16 Alluring Things to Do in Longboat Key.
Parks That Love (and Allow) Dogs
Pets are always welcome on Longboat Key! There are several dog-friendly parks on the island, however the Longboat Key beaches do not allow pets. Bayfront Park is the most popular choice, with a huge grassy area for dogs to run around and several benches for owners to relax on.
For a complete list of pet-friendly locations, click here for our “14 Best Pet-Friendly Parks & Beaches.” For those who are moving to Longboat Key with four-legged companions, our list is an excellent starting point.
Local Hospitals
The closest hospitals to Longboat Key are the Blake Medical Center and the Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
Blake Medical Center is most convenient to those living on the north end of Longboat Key. It’s a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room, and it offers a wide range of medical services.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital is most convenient to those living on the south end of Longboat Key. It was recently named one of America’s 50 best hospitals for specialized rehabilitation for people recovering from severe injuries and debilitating diseases. It is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency room and a lengthy list of medical services.
Delectable Eateries
Longboat Key boasts a wide range of restaurants that offer something for everyone. From high-end eateries with exquisite cuisine to casual spots for a quick bite, there’s sure to be something to please even the pickiest palate. Here are some of the most popular restaurants on the island:
Dockside – Waterfront Grill
Euphemia Haye – Global and American Cuisine
Mar Vista – Waterfront, locally sourced ingredients
The Shore – Waterfront, al-fresco coastal eatery
Get the most out of your stay on Longboat Key by checking out our guide to the best restaurants on Longboat Key.
Where People Were Born
Longboat Key is a wonderful place to call home. Longboat Key has a lot to offer, including an exceptional climate, views of Sarasota Bay and gorgeous sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. Residents from all sorts of backgrounds call Longboat Key home. According on the most recent statistics, here are some of the places of birth for residents buying Longboat Key FL real estate.
Born in Longboat Key: 5.46%
Native Born: 85.36%
Foreign-Born: 14.64%
Non-Citizen: 4.42%
Naturalized: 10.22%
85.36% of Longboat Key residents were born in the United States; only 5.46% were born in Florida.
4.42% of residents are not US citizens. The largest percentage of those not born in the United States are from Europe (3.61%).
Crime Rate
Longboat Key’s crime rate is quite low, with the majority of offenses being property crimes such as burglary or larceny. There has been no criminal rape reported on the island in recent years. Residents of Longboat Key have long benefitted from its low crime rate, making it a great place to buy Longboat Key FL real estate.
When you arrive to the island from either end, a sophisticated camera captures an image of each license plate. Cameras in this system are linked to global databases and perform a variety of tasks.
Cameras can help track the time a vehicle arrives on the island, and whether it is just passing through or stopping to conduct business. For example, if a car enters from the north end and then 15 minutes later exits at the south end, it’s possible that the automobile is making a delivery or picking up someone. The system can also be used by police to alert them of potential criminals or missing persons.
The use of license plate cameras on Longboat Key is just one of the many ways that the town is working to keep its residents safe. Other safety measures include 24-hour patrols by the Longboat Key Police Department and a recent campaign to increase awareness of home security.
Reasons to Make Longboat Key Your Home
If you’re thinking of buying Longboat Key FL real estate, it’s important to keep the following points in mind.
- Longboat Key is affluent, so expect to pay a higher price tag than you would elsewhere in Florida, but the beauty and serenity of Longboat Key are well worth it.
- You may not have access to certain conveniences such as huge malls and fast-food chains, but that’s part of the appeal of Longboat Key.
- Some people may feel the lack of public transportation is an inconvenience, but it’s really not that big of a deal when you have a car.
- The low crime rate and the fact that Longboat Key is its own little world make it a great place to call home.
- The warm climate will make you the envy of all your friends up north.
- You will have the opportunity to experience Florida’s breathtaking sunsets every evening.
Now that you know all this, what are you waiting for? Longboat Key is a great place to live, and we hope you’ll consider making it your home.
If you’re interested in purchasing Longboat Key FL real estate, Brista Realty is here to help. We’ll work with you to find the perfect property on Longboat Key that meets your needs. Contact us today at (941) 373-0600 to get started!