If you are considering buying a property on subtropical island in the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, the barrier islands (also called keys) off of Sarasota are choices worth considering. Imagine yourself enjoying a cocktail while watching the sun set over the turquoise Gulf waters or being just a quick drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Sarasota. Here’s a list of some of the keys you might consider looking at if you are searching for real estate in Sarasota.
CASEY KEY
Casey Key is one of Sarasota County’s barrier islands. This eight-mile expanse of land is located west of Nokomis, a charming coastal town located just south of the City of Sarasota. This barrier island is not as populated as some of the more commonly known keys; the beach tends not to get as crowded, though the views of the Gulf are just as gorgeous.
Your drive through Nokomis on your way out to Casey Key will take you past large estates and smaller, older properties; the diversity is striking and visually interesting. Once you get onto the island and make your way through the twisting roads lush with flora and fauna, you’ll be notice how well the traditional Old Florida-style architecture complements the natural surroundings of this pristine island. Whether you choose to live on the Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll appreciate the quiet, tranquil atmosphere of Casey Key. [View Casey Key real estate listings>>]
MANASOTA KEY
To the south of Casey Key lies Manasota Key, another barrier island replete with twisting roads, Florida woods, tropical plant life and, of course, luxury beachfront properties. The most popular of the public beaches on this key is Englewood Beach, and there are several other access points on the island that visitors can enjoy.
If you purchase waterfront property on Manasota Key, however, you’ll have private access to either the Gulf or to Lemon Bay. Because the area is being kept as natural as possible, as it is a wildlife retreat, you won’t have to worry about high rises going in that might obstruct your views or your sense of living on an island where, in some ways, time stands still. [View Manasota real estate listings>>]
SIESTA KEY
Whether you are familiar with the Sarasota barrier islands or not, you’ve probably heard of Siesta Key. Siesta Key Beach, rated as a top beach in both 2011 and 2015, is the main landmark of this island. Its quartz sand stays cool to the touch all day long, even under the scorching summer sun, and its calm waters are perfect for swimming, floating and snorkeling.
Properties on the island are both waterfront and interior, and you have your choice of luxury condos and private single-family homes. Siesta Key is located just a few miles from downtown Sarasota, so you have the best of both a tranquil island setting and a convenient cityscape. [View Siesta Key real estate listings>>]
LONGBOAT KEY
The northernmost barrier island in Sarasota County is Longboat Key. Straddling Manatee County, Longboat Key is a bit north of St. Armand’s Key, where you can enjoy shopping and people-watching on world-famous St. Armand’s Circle. The island is a mecca for golfers and those who enjoy a luxurious lifestyle. Longboat Key offers both palatial estates and modest condominiums (and everything in between) to prospective buyers.
This is an island worth looking at if you enjoy the good life and would like to be conveniently located between Bradenton and Sarasota. If you are interested in looking at properties on any of these exquisite islands, I can help. Please call me at 941.954.0900 to learn about current listings and to schedule showings of the properties that might be right for you. [View Siesta Key real estate listings>>]