Bird Key Florida – Waterfront Sarasota Real Estate
Situated just 5 minutes by car away from the coast of Sarasota, the small barrier island of Bird Key is the perfect location for those who want to remain close to all of the action that Sarasota has to offer while also offering excellent opportunities to enjoy the water and the natural beauty that the area has to offer.
With only about 500 homes found on the island, all are quite upscale and most offer magnificent waterfront views. Whether overlooking one of the canals or Sarasota Bay, residents don’t have to look far before they enjoy seeing a beautiful view before them. Since many of the homes were rebuilt and constructed between 2000 and 2006, they also feature spacious rooms and numerous upscale amenities. As such, homes on Bird Key typically cost anywhere from $1 million to $10 million. As might be expected from an island featuring homes with this type of a price tag, most of Bird Key’s residents are doctors, attorneys, CEOs, professionals, musicians and even some celebrities.
Since Bird Key is located next to Lido Key, Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, residents as well as visitors to the beautiful island are able to enjoy numerous shopping opportunities while also having easy access to a number of beaches as well as rich night life opportunities. Due to the beautiful Bay and canal waters surrounding the island, it is also considered to be a boater’s paradise. In fact, many of the island homes feature private boat docks and everything on the island is geared toward boating and water activities.
The Bird Key Yacht Club is one of the crown jewels of the island of Bird Key. In fact, it is considered by many to be one of the finest yacht clubs on the west coast of Florida. While there are several top-notch clubs located in nearby Sarasota, the amenities found at the Bird Key Yacht Club are unmatched. Featuring formal and casual dining opportunities, club members regularly enjoy taking in a meal at the club while also enjoying the stunning waterfront views of Sarasota Bay that the club has to offer.
Despite the upscale nature of Bird Key, its residents are far from rude. Rather, they tend to be quite warm and friendly, though they do appreciate the privacy, seclusion and security the island has to offer. The level of solitude the island manages to provide while still remaining near to the world class shopping at St. Armands Circle and the numerous attractions in the downtown Sarasota area is just one reason why so many love to live and to visit this tropical paradise.
Interested in homes for sale in Bird Key Florida or any other waterfront communities. View all Sarasota real estate at BuySarasota.com
Luxurious Longboat Key Florida
Located off of the coast of the city of Sarasota, Florida, the barrier island of Longboat Key is the biggest of the Sarasota Keys. Measuring about 11 miles in length, the island is home to slightly more than 8,300 permanent residents, though the number swells to more than 20,000 during the tourist season. With so much to offer to its residents and its visitors, it is no surprise that so many people call the area home or choose to visit the tropical island on vacation.
Halfway in Manatee County and halfway in Sarasota County, Longboat Key is home to numerous quiet and peaceful beaches. Whitney Beach, for example, is located across from Whitney Plaza and is hardly ever crowded. The same is true of Longboat Key Beach, which stretches the length of the island and is a great place to collect shells. On the other end of the spectrum, Beer Can Island is a favorite among locals as well as tourists who are looking to have a little fun at one of the many parties that regularly take place at the beach.
Longboat Key beaches are lined with condos, from simple to extravagant. There are also numerous options for accommodations including the luxurious and exclusive LBK Club and Resort. The resort itself features two golf course options, including a 9 hole course on the harbor side and an 18 hole course on the island side. It also offers a tennis center, a large gym and a spa. All of these amenities are available to the public, including tourists. The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, which has been named the number one tennis resort in the United States for eight years in a row, is also located here. In addition to the outstanding tennis facilities found at the resort, it also features indoor and outdoor pools, golf courses, a full service spa and salon, a fitness center, world class dining opportunities and private beaches.
For those who are looking to get out and do some shopping, Gulf of Mexico Drive and its side streets are home to numerous shopping plazas featuring upscale shopping and fine dining opportunities. This main road, which runs the length of the island, also passes by lush parks, greenways, yacht basins and two championship golf courses located at The Resort. Numerous restaurants can also be found throughout Longboat Key, including Longboat Key Club Restaurant, The Dry Dock, Euphemia Haye, Cafe on the Bay, Columbia, Harry’s, The Bottle Shop, Cork and The Old Salty Dog.
Housing options include everything from simple single family homes to large luxury condos and gated estate homes. Prices will start around $100,000 on the north end of the island and go up to over $10 million. From luxurious single family homes to beautiful condos, there is certain to be a home on Longboat Key to suit just about anyone’s lifestyle and budget. Regardless of the property one chooses to purchase or to rent at Longboat Key, however, they can be certain to enjoy the peace and serenity that only a lovely tropical island like Longboat Key can provide.
John Allen sells Longboat Key condos. Visit his award winning website at – http://www.buysarasota.com.
Longboat Key Condos: Invest in Paradise By The Beach
Centrally located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Longboat Key occupies a gorgeous stretch of beach front property that has become know as an oasis of opulent island style living. With a name like “Longboat,” many people would have to assume that the island is long and rightfully so; the island stretches 11 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, from Sarasota, all the way up to Manatee County. Split in half between Manatee and Sarasota County, this elongated island captures the best of Gulf and Bay front living.
The island is made up of about 9,000 permanent residents and just over 20,000 or so residents and visitors during the “season,” from January to May. Longboat Key is known for being more private and exclusive than Sarasota’s other barrier islands with a very limited number of places for public beach access. Many Longboat Key residents cherish their privacy. Although the residences offer privacy, owners have quick access to all of the amenities nearby in St Armands Circle and downtown Sarasota including dining, shopping and entertainment.
Just as beautiful as Siesta Key, Longboat Key is more widely known for its privacy and exclusivity. Consisting of mainly luxury beach, golf, and tennis resorts, this plush and meticulously landscaped island also accommodates opulent estates and immaculate condominiums with amazing water, beach and sunset views. With only a few public beaches accesses, privileged Longboat Key residents can take advantage of the tranquil and uncluttered beaches throughout the year.
Longboat Key Condos – An Investment You Can Enjoy
Popular and attractive, Longboat Key condos are highly favored by investors and snow birds for their unforgettable water front views, ample amenities, immaculately landscaped grounds, private beach access, and for their luxurious and posh lifestyle. Residents enjoy all of the amenities of a home and all of the benefits of a maintenance free lifestyle. With beach, golf, tennis and yacht resorts, seasonal and permanent residents can indulge in a wide range of effortless conveniences within there gated community. Wheter you prefer casual settings or an elaborate ambiance, the choice is yours when selecting a condo which may include Positano, Tangerine Bay, La Firenza, En Provence, or many others.
Built with a timeless expression of style, condos on Longboat Key exude elegance, luxury and charm and present a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Whether your preference is an elegant luxury condominium directly on the Gulf of Mexico, a town home on the Longboat Key Club golf course, or a condo with a boat dock on Sarasota Bay, there are options to suit every lifestyle. Many owners choose to use their condo for a portion of the year while leasing it out when not in use. Condominium prices on Longboat Key start in the $100,000′s and go up to well over $3 million.
Search all condos in Longboat Key Florida at the award-winning website http://www.BuySarasota.com.
Six Things To Do in Sarasota Florida
Take a break from Disney, Busch Gardens and Islands of Adventure and head over to Sarasota for a cultural resort experience. Sarasota’s warm climate, excellent beach and incredible sunsets are waiting for you to unwind. Whether you are looking for your next vacation destination, a real estate investment or a location to purchase a second home or condo, come discover why so many people flock to this slice of paradise.
Mote Marine
Watch dolphins, shark, stingrays, crabs and starfish. Mote Marine’s Aquarium is waiting for you to tour its world renowned lab and will teach you about Florida’s estuaries. Mote Marine is located on City Island just a short drive from downtown Sarasota.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Just off Mound, you’ll find the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. See one of the country’s most outstanding collections of orchids. The Gardens a situated on Sarasota Bay and boast more than 6,000 orchids as well as more than 20,000 tropical plants. Follow the winding paths through magnificent banyan trees. This is a must see.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
The kids will love the bird show at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, and probably the exotic snakes too. You’ll find parrots, parakeets, flamingos, ducks, crane as well as a huge reptile collection. There are daily shows too. Wander through lush gardens before you are captivated by the enchanting chatter of the bird show.
St. Armands Circle Shopping
Step up the pace a bit and hit the streets to shop at St Armands Circle. It is a charming circle of 130 fine shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes. St. Armands is similar to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. You’ll find designer shoes and “digs” on this famous Circle. Sip a hot java or concoct your favorite cone at one of the coffee houses or ice cream parlors. People watching is top notch here! The international atmosphere provides and unforgettable experience.
This is a “must-see” destination. Directions: Take 1-75 to Frutville Road (Exit 210), the West to US 41. Go South 2 blocks then West over the John Ringling Causeway to St Armands Circle.
Sarasota Bayfront
Stroll along the waterfront sidewalk at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park. The view of the sailboard moored in the Bay will take your breath away. There’s a fun frolicking fountain for children as well as an adjacent playground. Visit the Dolphin Fountain. Watch boats and yachts arriving and departing the Marina. Book a reservation on LeBarge, the party boat, for a guided tour of Sarasota’s coastline or watch dolphins. The evening cruises offer incredible sunsets!
Invest in Real Estate
If you are interested in a vacation home or condo, Sarasota has options to suite almost every budget and lifestyle. Prices have come down to very reasonable levels making investments even more attractive. Condos on the beach can be acquired at price levels not seen since the 1990′s. Many investors are picking up homes and condos to hold for their long term investment potential.
There are so many wonderful things to do in this town; it is no wonder why so many people consider Sarasota to be paradise on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Sarasota has all of the big city amenities, but still retains the small town atmosphere and charm.
Visit our Sarasota FL real estate website to learn more about Sarasota, FL. Our comprensive website has detailed information on hundreds of communities and free access to thousands of MLS listings.
Siesta Key Florida Vacation Guide
Siesta Key is located just off of the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Offering access to numerous world-famous beaches, fishing and boating opportunities, the barrier island of Siesta Key has much to offer to its 12 thousand residents as well as to the thousands of people who visit each year for vacations or family holidays. From pristine beaches to easy access to a number of fun and exciting activities, it is no wonder Siesta Key is such a popular vacation destination.
World-Class Beaches
Featuring 8 miles of space of room to roam, the island of Siesta Key is home to numerous beaches, with three of them being the most popular. The largest of the three, Siesta Key Beach, has been ranked as the Second Best Beach in the United States for 2010 by Dr Beach. In fact, this 40 acre beach is routinely included on many other lists of the best beaches in the United States as well as in the world. One visit to the beach explains its popularity, as it features pure white sand that is as fine as most refined sugar. It is no wonder why it is referred to as “The World’s Finest, Whitest Sand.” Furthermore, unlike other beaches, the white sand never soaks up the heat of the blazing Florida sun, which means it never feels hot to the touch.
For those who are looking for a quieter and more secluded retreat, Crescent Beach is a great option. Featuring the same type of sand as Siesta Public Beach, this beach lies just to the south on a much narrower piece of land. Turtle Beach, which is located on the southern end of the island, is also situated on a narrow strip of land. Here, visitors can take in the sights of the Blind Pass Lagoon, which is a small tidal lagoon, or they can hit the waters with the help of the public boat launch. Although Turtle Beach is not covered with the same fine sands as the other two beaches, it is home to a seemingly endless blanket of seashells and sharks teeth, making it a great stop for shell hunters.
Outdoor Activities
The beaches aren’t all that Siesta Key has to offer. Other favorite pastimes among locals and visitors include jogging, volleyball, parasailing, snorkeling, jet skiing, picnicking, boating, bike riding, fishing and simply walking along the seashore. For those who are ready to take a break from the beach, the adjacent Siesta Village offers a number of quaint shops and casual cafes to visit. There are a variety of dining establishments, shops and bars to select from.
Accommodations
There are numerous different lodging options available on Siesta Key. From beautiful resorts and motels to spacious condos, villas and luxury apartments, there is certain to be something to suit everyone’s individual needs and budget. Condominium rentals are available for daily, weekly and monthly rental terms. A variety of additional lodging opportunities can also be found just across the bridge in the city of Sarasota.
Real Estate
For those who wish to explore the possibility or owning a vacation home or investment property, the Siesta Key real estate market has options to suit almost every price range. From a simple one bedroom condo to a magnificent waterfront estate home, there is something for almost every lifestyle and budget.
Simply put, Siesta Key is a beautiful place to visit for a weekend or for an extended vacation stay. Whether it is the sole destination or it serves as the “home base” for a visit to all that the area has to offer, this tropical and quiet island paradise isn’t just a great place to live, but makes the ideal vacation destination.
Interested in Siesta Key Florida condos or homes for sale? Our team of experienced Siesta Key real estate agents can help you explore all of the option currently available.