What is it like living in Longboat Key, Florida?

Longboat Key is a town in Manatee, state of Florida, located on and coterminous with the barrier island of the same name. Longboat Key lies in two counties Manatee and Sarasota. Coming from Lido Key in the south, you’ll discover an elegant tropical setting of Longboat Key that offers every amenity you can imagine. Gorgeous Longboat Key’s charm is divided between serene seashore enjoyment with luxury shopping and fine dining choices. Running roughly north to south, Longboat Key is an offshore barrier island, In fact, its 12 miles western shoreline consists of a white sand beach have helped to make it a luxury Gulf Coast resort community. St. Armand’s Key and Lido Key lie just south of Longboat Key. Longboat Key, Lido Key, and St. Armand’s Key are connected directly to each other via bridges. A large number of Longboat Key’s residents are retirees who enjoy its championship golf course, tennis club, dining, and shopping. Longboat Key brings you an elegant and scenic environment that offers breathtaking beaches and cultural activities within a relaxed and elegant lifestyle. The aristocratic heritage of St. Armand resonates through quiet gardens and plush Palm Beach-style shopping. Umbrella-draped cafes and striking restaurants offer inventive coastal specialties and exceptional European fare.

living in Longboat Key

The Ringling circus family bequeathed an elegant legacy of art and architecture including the acclaimed, family’s winter Ca’ d’Zan mansion (a masterpiece) and John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

 

 

 

like living in Longboat Key, Florida

Longboat Key’s public beaches offer beautiful Gulf views without the usual beach crowds. Clearwater Beach is set up perfectly for a car-free, carefree existence, free of worries barefoot and by-foot Beach vacations.

The primary transportation element of Longboat Key is Gulf of Mexico Drive, there is also public bus transportation serving the islands from Sarasota County. Longboat Key has a mix of residential condominiums, mobile homes, tourist units, and single-family homes. Longboat Key is really one of the best places to live in Florida, offers residents an urban feel, offers abundant beauty, and a variety of home styles.

Longboat Key, Florida Population & Demographics

Longboat Key, Florida Population & Demographics

Longboat Key is a city located in Manatee County Florida with a 100% urban, and 0% rural population, Population change since 2000 remains -4.0%. Longboat Key is the 384th most populated city out of 953 cities in the state of Florida. The largest Longboat Key racial/ethnic groups are White followed by Hispanic. It has maintained a small consistent amount of new residents moving into the small town.

 

 

 

The racial composition of Longboat Key, Florida population

White: 97.16%

Two or more races: 1.55%

Asian: 0.86%

Native American: 0.26%

Black or African American: 0.16%

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.00%

Other race: 0.00%

Population by Age & Gender

Males: 49.4%

Females: 50.6%

Under the age of 18:   2.6%

18 to 24 years:   0.9%

25 to 44 years:   5.7%

45 to 64 years:   32.4%

65 years of age or older:   58.3%

The median age for Longboat Key residents is 71.3 years, 72.1 years for males, and 70.7 years for females.

Longboat Key, Florida Jobs & Best Places to Work

Blue-collar employees make up 8.3% of the Longboat Key workforce, while white-collar workers make up 91.97%. There are also 512 entrepreneurs 55.5% workers employed in private companies and 4.27% people working in governmental institutions. The average annual household income is $184,056, while the median household income sits at $108,015 per year. Most common industries in Longboat Key, FL are Professional, scientific, technical services, Accommodation & food services, Real estate & rental & leasing, Finance & insurance, Construction, Health care, Educational services, farmers and farm managers, executives, sales and related occupations, wholesale and manufacturing, financial specialists, office and administrative support workers. Top hiring companies in Longboat Key, FL:

Lifetouch: a professional photography company headquartered in Eden Prairie.

7-Eleven: globally recognized brand, Food & Beverage Retailers.

Michael Saunders & CO: working as a real estate brokerage.

Coldwell Banker: a real estate agency operating 19 offices in Southern Michigan with more than 600 employees.

Lighthouse Property Management: a different approach to property management.

Chart House: a seafood restaurant that has revolutionized the ultimate dining experience for more than 50 years.

Cost of Living in Longboat Key, Florida

Longboat key tends to be among the most prestigious places. Longboat Key’s cost of living is 158.6, which is ranked 78 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Longboat Key is estimated to be 101.2% of the national average making it an average US city. Longboat Key, Florida’s cost of living is 11% higher, housing expenses are 24% higher, utility prices are 0% higher, Healthcare is 11% higher, grocery prices are 10% higher while transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 2% higher than the national average. Compared to homeownership, renting can often be a more affordable option.

The state of Florida is one of the states with no state income taxes and residents live in a state with a low average tax burden.

Longboat Key, Florida Schools

Approximately 12.25% of the population in Longboat Key holds a high school degree, 15.58% have attained a college certificate and 31.89% have a bachelor’s degree. The highest rate of high school graduation and bachelor’s degrees is among black people with a rate of 100.00%. Education level ranks high on national and statewide levels compared to other cities. Many public, private, and charter school options are there in the surrounding towns.

Top Longboat key Neighborhoods

Longboat Key boasts several neighborhoods throughout the small island, rich in local history and architecture. Each has its unique magnificent features and amenities. This breathtaking 12-mile stretch of land owns a diverse selection of beautiful islands surrounded by water. Everyone can enjoy easy access to all exciting options the island has to offer.

Few of the top ornate and luxurious neighborhoods are:

  • Lighthouse Point
  • Country Club Shores
  • Tangerine Bay Club
  • Emerald Harbor
  • Conrad Beach

Typical Climate in Longboat key

Summers are long, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy in Longboat Key, while winters are short, cool, windy, and partly cloudy. The hot season starts from May to October and lasts for 4.5 months with an average daily high temperature above 85°F. The hottest month of the year is August, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 76°F.

The cool season starts from December to March and lasts for 2.8 months, with an average daily high temperature below 74°F. The coldest month of the year is January, with an average low of 54°F and a high of 70°F.

Longboat key gets 56 inches of rain, on average, per year, 0 inches of snow per year & 256 sunny days per year.

Restaurants to Eat

Food is something enjoyed three times a day every day. The better way to get away from the daily grind is to find a nice, relaxing spot and eat something delicious. You can enjoy spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and an enticing menu of fresh seafood and steaks in Longboat Key.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

A Casual waterfront dining with panoramic views of beautiful Sarasota Bay. Serves lunch and dinner. Offers Fresh crab cakes, center-cut steaks, shrimp, seafood pasta, lobster rolls & chock-full chowders.

 

 

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Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft

Serves dinner in a casual dining atmosphere with a fabulous bar and live music.

Chart House

Serves dinner, Chart House seafood restaurant has the right view to soothe your soul with the gorgeous Gulf waters of Sarasota Bay.

New Pass Grill and Bait Shop

For a burger and a cold drink while overlooking

The places to visit in Longboat Key

Beach lovers, anglers, and nature lovers are attracted to Longboat Key. Visitors from around the world come here to tee up on one of the many golf courses. We have enlisted a few of the must-see places here for you;

Turtle Crawl Inn

Turtle Crawl Inn is a popular destination for those in favor of good value and easy access to a variety of natural amenities. Guests can appreciate conveniences like a living room and a dining area, and other amenities include a balcony, irons boards, and a coffee/tea maker with free Wi-Fi and an LED TV with cable channels. It is an excellent choice for your Longboat Key Vacation having Clean and comfortable rental condominiums with individually decorated and furnished accommodations, kitchens with microwaves and separate dining areas, and complimentary wireless Internet access for everyone. You’ll love the beautiful beach, fun and relaxing swimming pool, and barbecue area at Turtle Crawl Inn.

 

 

 

Lake Manatee State Park

The lake offers excellent freshwater fishing, kayaking, boating, swimming, and a restroom facility. Swimming is permitted in a designated area of Lake Manatee but at your own risk as lifeguards are not provided.  Visitors can enjoy full-facility camping, though the campsites are in a natural setting, there are ample amenities, like showers, restrooms, and electricity hook-ups. With a variety of family-friendly activities, Lake Manatee State Park is a perfect place for nature lovers to reconnect with nature. You can participate in a variety of water-related recreation at the incredible view of Lake Manatee State Park.

Park is a premier area attraction fit for outdoor lovers, located 15 miles east of Bradenton on State Road 64 and is comprised of more than 500 acres.

 

 

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Lake Manatee State Park in Longboat Key

Lido Beach

Lido Beach on Lido Key is just a few minutes from Longboat Key, at just a scenic drive west of Sarasota, and home to one of Florida’s most pristine beaches, known for its sunset cruises. Located on Lido Key this relaxing, upscale, and uncrowded beach is popular for white sands and gently turning waves. More than one mile of beachfront makes this beach a great place for strolling with beach access and entrances at several points. A paved walkway leads from the parking lot to the beach, parking for 400 cars, restrooms, outdoor showers, a children’s playground, and a handicap-accessible observation deck patrolled by lifeguards makes it popular for families. Lido Beach amenities include a playground and an observation platform for strollers and wheelchairs. During the winter months, many visitors opt for the on-site heated pool.

 

 

 

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization working to provide a loving, safe, and permanent home for exotic animals that have been abandoned, injured, or orphaned. And educate the importance of species preservation for the survival of magnificent animals for the future generation. This sanctuary is firmly committed to keeping alive the human-animal connection in the community and in the world.

Cortez Historic Fishing Village

This timeless fishing community is located in the most perfect place next to the glittering Gulf of Mexico, completely enveloped in traditional maritime heritage. Cortez is known for its quiet and mild crowds kayaking and jet skiing. The historic village of Cortez just north of Longboat Key is fascinating and free to visit, there are still commercial fishing operations here. Cortez has a funky feel like the best of the Florida Keys. There is a small, free maritime museum, historic cottages, and some picturesque scenes along the waterfront with a limited selection of things to do. The docks in Cortez ship seafood all over the county. The village’s downtown area is easily walkable and includes marinas, restaurants, historic buildings, a museum, and a cultural center full of historical photographs, and fishing equipment.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens provide bay-front sanctuaries connecting people with native nature, and air plants. The downtown campus is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of bromeliads, epiphytic orchids, ferns, gesneriads, and other botanical plants.  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens downtown Sarasota campus features an outdoor butterfly garden, bamboo garden, bromeliad garden, a mangrove walkway, and a breathtaking tropical conservatory display garden.

C & F Mover will help you to explore more places to visit and restaurants to eat if you are moving to Longboat key. Call (941) 766-1617 for moving services.

Longboat Key Beaches

There are a couple of beaches located near Longboat Key that doesn’t sit directly on the key itself but are still close by. While traveling to Longboat Key one expects to have some quality time at the beaches

Longboat Key Beaches

 

 

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Beer Can Island is a public beach that is almost exclusively reached by boat, located in the northern part of Longboat Key. Beer Can Island is one of the hidden gems and magical secluded islands of Longboat Key, Florida. This beach is unique because of its picturesque view, white and powdery offer great locations for families and couples, and the water is normally incredibly clear and offers small waves, calm conditions, and minor currents. It is a popular, calm, and uncrowded party spot for locals and vacationers alike.

Right across the Longboat Key Bridge, there is Coquina Beach, a fantastic spot to spend the day with family and friends with its calm waters, plenty of rooms, and relaxing atmosphere. The flat beach is lined with sand dunes where turtles come ashore and lay their eggs. The white sand beach is ideal for playing Frisbee, safe swimming, and sunbathing.

Coquina Beach amenities include; restrooms, showers, sand volleyball, bike racks, grills, a playground, trails, and sells some concessions.

Golf Courses near Longboat Key

Are you looking for some golf time without leaving the island?

You can find golf courses throughout Longboat Key. Let us give you some options to choose from, these multiple golfing locations are 15 minutes from Longboat Key.

Golf Courses near Longboat Key

Key Royale Golf Club will be your sole option, it is the most convenient and only golf and county club in Longboat Key with 9- holes, par 32 golf courses.

Longboat Key Golf Club is another golfing area near Longboat Key consistently rated among the nation’s golf courses, having 45 challenging holes to conquer between two courses: Harbourside Course and Links on Longboat Course.

Things to do

Living a good life is subjective and influenced by many factors. Exquisite international cuisine, miles of sugar sand beaches, and a relaxing island atmosphere await your arrival at world-renowned Longboat Key. Activities on Longboat Key are endless, especially for an athlete like shelling, biking, fishing, dining, watersports, and rollerblading.  It has a decidedly chill atmosphere that is more different than many of the state’s more commercialized areas. The wealth of activities are waiting for you to explore, on one hand relaxing beachfront lifestyle and water sports, on the other hand, fine dining and other luxury options.

Located in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Lido Key and St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key is a peaceful oasis. There are plenty of things to be done in this beautiful strip along the Gulf with a unique personality all its own.

The soft and white sand of the beach with a good mixture of sand is a great place to head for the shelling.

Beercan Island is a superb spot for shelling and a magnificent spot for watching the sunset.

Taking Boat Trip The sparkling waters around this part of Florida are so beautiful that catching a boat trip is a must-do.

Quick Point Nature Preserve is surrounded by a beautiful and picturesque environment, a natural area excellent for hiking and bird-watching. Take advantage of the boardwalk, which offers stunning views and the natural park is well worth seeing.

The opportunity to experience the tremendous thrill of Kayaking and other water games and activities awaits you at Bayfront Park. It is a public recreation area managed by Longboat Key. This is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time in the lush greenery of the surrounding environment with your friends and family members!

Finally, you are moving to Longboat Key, FL, and now looking for a trusted moving company to move your belongings safely.

moving to Longboat Key, FL

C & F Mover has been helping families and businesses with all sizes of moves in Sarasota, FL,–Bradenton Metropolitan Statistical Area, North Port–Sarasota County & SURROUNDING AREAS. We’re on time, efficient, and trusted and we start every move by meeting with our clients to discuss the specific needs of the move for tailoring specialized plans. We’re prepared to transport all of your belongings to Longboat Key at an affordable price satisfying customers’ needs because our continued success is due to customer satisfaction. We are a leader in the residential and corporate moving industry, providing superior moving services to customers throughout the county for years.

C & F Mover is a trusted, experienced, prepared, and licensed moving company in the Sarasota, FL, area, relocating successfully to longboat key, providing you with a range of premium services.

You can customize your move by discussing it with one of our moving coordinators available anytime at your call. Call (941) 766-1617 for detailed information. Or fill REQUEST A QUOTE form to get a free estimate from our experts.