Searching for the perfect tropical destination with sandy beaches, community events, and a strong sense of community? Then living in Longboat Key FL will feel like paradise.
This is a beautiful town situated on an island in the Atlantic Ocean and the Sarasota Bay. Longboat Key is known for its upscale ambiance, pristine beaches, and luxury resorts. The island was initially populated by Native Americans and later Cuban and Spanish fishermen, but a major hurricane in 1848 destroyed most of the area.
In 1891, a Civil War veteran named Thomas Mann became the island’s first permanent resident after being granted 144 acres of land through a homestead grant. Further development ensued, although it wasn’t formally incorporated until 1955. Its name Longboat Key, is rumored to derive from the “long boats” the early Native Americans used to navigate to the island.
Today, Longboat Key is a good place to live for growing families and retirees seeking an active lifestyle in a vibrant community with a resort-style atmosphere and rich cultural scene. Thinking about moving to Longboat Key? Here are all the key factors you need to know about this picturesque barrier island.
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Where Is Longboat Key FL?
One of the major advantages of living in Longboat Key FL is its location. Longboat Key is in Manatee and Sarasota Counties on the Gulf Coast in Southwest Florida. It’s situated on Longboat Island, Florida, a coterminous barrier island with the same name, south of Anna Maria Island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The North End of Longboat Key borders Bradenton Beach.
It is located within the North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota Metropolitan Statistical Area. Florida State Road 789 is the main thoroughfare through town, connecting to other major routes that lead to nearby cities in Sarasota and Bradenton, such as State Roads 684, 41, and 301. So drivers living in Longboat Key FL have easy access to transportation opportunities.
It’s 12 miles or 24 24-minute drive from Sarasota to Longboat Key. It’s also 15 miles or a 32-minute drive from Bradenton to Longboat Key.
Longboat Key Population & Demographics
The permanent resident population of Longboat Key is 7,512. However, an influx of visitors and part-time residents in the peak tourist season can bring the number of people living in Longboat Key FL to anywhere from 18,000 to 24,000. The permanent resident Longboat Key, FL population has been increasing in recent years and went up by 9% between 2010 and 2020.
Longboat Key is an affluent community primarily of retirees seeking a slower pace of life. Only 6% of people living in Longboat Key FL are under 40, and 67% are 65 and older. The median age is 71.5, and the median household income is $143,365, which is more than double the rest of the state.
It’s primarily white, although, being in Florida, there is a modest Hispanic community living in Longboat Key FL. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 93% white (non-Hispanic), 5% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% Asian.
Notable people who have had the privilege of living in Longboat Key FL include actress Audrey Hepburn and NHL player Al Arbour.
Other Longboat Key demographics:
- 53% of people living in Longboat Key FL are women, and 47% are men
- 99.9% of residents living in Longboat Key FL have a high school diploma, and 68.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 13.8%
Living in Longboat Key FL is very safe. It’s a quiet town of affluent retirees that’s relatively isolated from common sources of crime in larger cities. Here is how Longboat Key crime rate compares to the Florida crime rate and the US overall:
- Total crime: 811 crimes per 100,000 people,55.6% lower than the rest of the US, 65.1% lower than the rest of the country
- Violent crime: 52 crimes per 100,000 people, 79.9% lower than the rest of the state, 86% lower than the rest of the US
- Property crime: 758, 51.6% lower than the rest of the state, 61.2% lower than the rest of the US
So if crime is a concern of yours, moving to Longboat Key is a great option. The Longboat Key Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 16 total officers and 3 civilian employees.
Cost of Living In Longboat Key FL
Being a resort town on an island, living in Longboat Key FL is more expensive than the national average. However, it offers a great quality of life if you can afford it.
One way to understand the cost of living in a community is to reference the cost of living index. It juxtaposes the prices of typical consumer goods against the rest of the US, which is represented by 100. Payscale indicates that the cost of living in Longboat Key FL is 105, meaning it’s about 5% more expensive than the typical US city.
The Economic Policy Institute offers a Family Budget Calculator, which is also a fantastic resource. It suggests that a typical family of four, with two adults and two children, would need to earn $111,757 to afford the cost of living in Longboat Key FL.
Typical expenses when living in Longboat Key FL:
- Loaf of bread: $4.23
- Carton of eggs: $3.81
- Hamburger: $6.07
- Bunch of bananas: $0.79
- Visit to the doctor: $149.65
- Average Longboat Key monthly energy bill: $217.77
Source: Payscale
The high cost of Longboat Key real estate is primarily what contributes to its high cost of living. The median price of homes for sale in Longboat Key FL is $850,000, which is more than double the real estate prices in the rest of the country. The median price per square foot of Longboat Key FL real estate is $543.
The vast majority of people living in Longboat Key FL own their own homes. Census data suggests that 94% of Longboat Key, Florida, real estate is owner-occupied, while only 6% is rented out. RentCafe indicates that the average price range for a 2-bedroom in Longboat Key is between $3,596 and $5000 per month.
The best places to find Longboat Key apartments include 1945 Gulf of Mexico Drive and 455 Longboat Club Road.
Longboat Key Neighborhoods | Where to Live In Longboat Key
Moving to Longboat Key offers access to a diverse range of housing options, including beautiful beachfront condominiums, upscale townhomes, and serene single-family homes. It features several sought-after neighborhoods and new construction communities full of single-family homes and Longboat Key condos with breathtaking ocean views and state-of-the-art amenities. Here are the best places to check out if you’re thinking about living in Longboat Key FL.
Grand Bay | A Private Gated Community With Luxury Condominiums in Longboat Key
Situated near Bay Isles, Grand Bay is a private, gated community of condos in Longboat Key, Florida, featuring spacious terraces and beautiful views of the water.
Country Club Shores | A Peaceful Single-Family Home Community With Beach Access
Country Club Shores is another picturesque neighborhood of single-family homes in Longboat Key, Florida, offering everything from modest ranch-style properties to massive estates.
The Longboat Key Club | A Resort-Style Community With a Golf Course
Located on the Gulf Shore of Longboat Key, the Longboat Key Club offers resort-style living Longboat Key FL, condos and canal front homes with a championship golf course and attentive HOA.
Longboat Key Weather & Climate
Living in Longboat Key FL means you get to enjoy the fantastic weather. It features a mild, subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and cool, mild winters.
The temperature in Longboat Key typically ranges from 54°F to 89°F, although it can drop as low as 42°F in winter and rise as high as 92°F in summer. The best time to visit Longboat Key is typically from mid-February to mid-May or from October to December.
While snow won’t be an issue, you should prepare for some rain if you plan on moving to Longboat Key. It averages about 56 inches of rain per year, so don’t forget the umbrella.
Things to Do in Longboat Key
Looking for fun things to do in Longboat Key? You’ll discover plenty of recreational activities, stunning beaches, cultural events, and art festivals to keep you entertained while living in Longboat Key FL. You’ll find plenty of high-end boutiques, specialty shops, museums, and art galleries in Longboat Key’s downtown area, as well as the neighboring St. Armands, which is home to St. Armands Circle, a luxury shopping district.
The Center Shops of Longboat Key is another popular shopping destination in Longboat Key, Florida. Other than shopping, here are a few of the best ways people living in Longboat Key FL stay entertained.
Longboat Bay Charters
Longboat Bay Charters is a local fishing charter that offers a wide variety of aquatic experiences, including fishing trips, sightseeing tours, dolphin and manatee encounters, snorkeling, and custom adventures.
518 Bayview Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (863) 660-8852
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Joan M. Durante Community Park
The Joan M Durante Community Park is a 32-acre wetland and coastal hammock forest with boardwalks through the mangrove forest, a playground, gazebo, walking trails, and picnic tables, making it the perfect place for those living in Longboat Key who like outdoor activities.
5550 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (941) 316-1988
Happy Paddler Kayak Tours and EcoVentures
Happy Paddler is a kayak and paddleboard rental service that offers individual rentals, lessons, and tours, making it one of the best things to do in Longboat Key on a hot summer day.
522 Cedar St, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (941) 773-1920
Additional Longboat Key Attractions
Looking for more Longboat Key, Florida events and attractions? The Town of Longboat Key FL Parks and Recreation Department has a list of public facilities and special events available on its website.
Longboat Key Restaurants
From fresh seafood to French cuisine, you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants in Longboat Key. Here are a few of the best Longboat Key dining options.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a popular Longboat Key restaurant offering gorgeous views of the Sarasota Bay as well as a wide selection of seafood specialties like boathouse tacos and coconut shrimp with bacon-wrapped scallops.
412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (941) 383-0102
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Lazy Lobster
Lazy Lobster is a laidback seafood spot serving popular favorites like lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese in a welcoming environment with patio seating and a wooden bar. It’s one of the best spots for anyone living in Longboat Key FL who likes seafood.
5350 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (941) 383-0440
Maison Blanche
Maison Blanche is a renowned French restaurant serving modern dishes like lamb saddle and yellow fin tuna with fine wines in a chic, yet minimalist setting. Anyone living in Longboat Key who’s in the mood for fine dining should check it out.
2605 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228 (941) 383-8088
Jobs in Longboat Key FL
Being a coastal, oceanside community, the economy of Longboat Key is primarily based on tourism and recreation. Although the permanent resident population is relatively small, it receives a substantial amount of tourist traffic during the peak season from vacationers and seasonal residents. Most residents living in Longboat Key FL are retired, and people over 65 make up 67% of the population.
Longboat Key’s luxury hotels, high-end real estate, and local businesses, which cater to affluent residents, are also major industries in town. The island lacks significant industrial development, and most commercial activity is focused on services or retail.
Major employers offering jobs in Longboat Key Florida:
- Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
- PGT Innovations
- Sun Hydraulics
- HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital
- The Ritz Carlton Hotel
According to Payscale, the average annual salary in Sarasota is $72,000. So anyone living in Longboat Key FL can expect to earn about that much. Although somewhat limited, you can find a few solid Longboat Key jobs in roles such as store associate and administrative assistant. You can also find stable jobs with the local government or check the Longboat Key Observer for opportunities.
Longboat Key Schools
There are no schools located directly in town, and students living in Longboat Key FL will attend schools in either the Manatee or Sarasota County School District, depending on where they live.
Ana Marie Elementary School in Manatee County serves students living in Longboat Key FL. It’s a well-respected school serving grades K-5 and ranks #227 in the state of Florida. Riverview High School and Booker High School in Sarasota County also serve students living in Longboat Key FL on the Sarasota side, while Bayshore High School in Bradenton serves the Manatee County side. Riverview High is generally considered the best and ranks 72nd in Florida, with an IB participation rate of 82%.
Manatee School for the Arts is also a well-respected charter school in Palmetto, serving students in Manatee County. Notable private schools in the area include IMG Academy, a sports training boarding school in Bradenton, and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, a private Roman Catholic High School in Sarasota.
Longboat Key Statistics & Information
- Longboat Key County: Manatee & Sarasota County
- Longboat Key area: 16 square miles
- Longboat Key zip code: 34228
- Longboat Key area code: 941
- Longboat Key elevation: 3 ft
- Longboat Key time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and 5)
- Closest airport to Longboat Key: The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is 15 miles away.
Longboat Key FL Map
Explore more attractions, opportunities, and fun things to do while living in Longboat Key FL with this map.
Ready to Learn What Living in Longboat Key FL Is Really Like?
Now that you know everything about this amazing city, you’re ready to find out what living in Longboat Key FL is really like. When it comes time to make the move, you can trust the dedicated Longboat Key movers at 2 College Brothers to make the move easy and stress-free. Call (813) 922-1528 today for a free quote from the top Tampa moving company.
