Hi JP, I think you have gotten a very good review of Longboat from the answers provided here by my fellow realtors. I will add however, that yes, in my opinion there are dramatic differences between all of the barrier islands between Anna Maria, Lido, St Armands, Siesta and Casey Key. All have their pluses and minuses but all are subjective to personal appeal. Mainland properties in Sarasota and Sarasota County, also have wide varying differences and can only be appreciated by a visit and learning first hand what makes each one tick. There are also many different architectural designs from Florida School of Architecture, Florida Cracker, Bungalow, Spanish, Contemporary and Mediterranean Revival.

I hope this has been an added benefit to your question.

All my best,
Terri

Teresa M. Fellows
Broker/Associate
Waterside Realty LLC
941-350-4297
tmf4257@mac.com http://www.floridawestproperties.com

Longboat Key is an 11 mile by 2 mile piece of heaven surrounded by water. You can walk the whole 11 miles enjoy amazing sunsets. we have everything from restaurants, shopping, theater, movies, etc...
Visit my website http://www.LongboatKeyproperty.com and I have several links to look at regarding Longboat and Sarasota. This is a place you must visit in your life time for sure. It's only about 90 minutes to Tampa or fly into clearwater St Pete or Sarasota.
Let me know when you come into town and we can sit and talk
David Leventhal
Coldwell Banker
941-518-7694

JP

From the Tampa area a comfortable day trip would provide first hand experience to the charm of Longboat living. It might be a worthwhile adventure......

Good luck,
The "Eckler Team"

Here's a piece about Longboat that is on one of my websites:

Longboat does not have one style of architecture. There are condos, 1920's style cottages, new sprawling estates, etc. Yes, there are dramatic differences between the different areas. I am partial to the north end. It is less built up and more like a hidden jewel. It depends on where your home is located, there are some areas where residents maintain their own lawns/homes and some area where they don't.

Longboat Key

Longboat Key is a placid barrier island off the coast of Florida near Sarasota. Located just over the bridge from Sarasota, you are always near entertainment, shopping and activities. Longboat has a bridge that connects to St. Armands Key, and one to Anna Maria Island. The St. Armands bridge takes you to Sarasota, and you can reach nearby Bradenton via the Anna Maria bridge. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, Ringling Museum, Asolo Theater, Sarasota Ballet and Opera are all within reach, nearby Lido Key, and St. Armands Key. Anna Maria Island and Bradenton are just over the north bridge and all have ample shopping and entertainment.

Situated on the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key is a narrow barrier island, stretching eleven miles across the coast. It is home to approximately 8,000 year-round residents and many more seasonal residents. With an average annual temperature of 73 degrees, visitors and residents can always enjoy outdoor activities – boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and golf are popular here and there is plenty of opportunity for walking, bicycling and kayaking. Longboat Key is well-known for its natural environs and wildlife and its waters are home to playful dolphins, pelicans, manatee and a plentiful variety of fish. On this private island paradise visitors will find elegant resorts, beachfront cottages and moderately priced motels.

Today Longboat Key has roughly 1,500 homes, and about 7,000 condo units, in stark contrast to the fourteen families reported to have lived on the island in 1915. Longboat Key has two golf courses and just over the south bridge is the Mote Marine Aquarium with a 135,000 gallon tank, touch tanks and displays that feature whales, manatees, and dolphins. Residents enjoy its colorful sunsets, white, pristine beaches and the country clubs with tennis courts and many other amenities. Longboat real estate includes single-family homes, maintenance-free condominiums, and splendid, sprawling estates. On Longboat Key you are surrounded by lush, beautiful landscape, wildlife and natural views that inspire visions of old Florida. There are waterfront properties, homes with private beach access and mansions with private docks and yacht slips. Home prices range from $500,000 single-family residences to multi-million dollar estates.

Longboat Key is located just minutes from downtown Sarasota, Florida. It is one of the best communities in America. This international destination is a favorite for both residents of the key and visitors. This beautifully landscaped key offers everything from boating, golfing and tennis to just absolute relaxation. From grand homes to luxurious condominium along the Gulf of Mexico, you will be able to find the perfect retreat. Along both sides are discreet shopping plazas-filled with upscale shopping and fine dining-and the emerald-shaded fairways that comprise the two championship courses of Longboat Key Club