The Key to the Ultimate Florida Lifestyle
What is a Key and what are the differences between the Keys along Sarasota County? From south to north we are graced with the beauty and appeal of Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Longboat Key. A “key” is said to get its name from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island. While they are islands, they are not formed by volcanic eruptions or a continental plate elevation (Hawaii or the Philippines). Instead, they are low elevations on top of coral reefs. Kind of impressive when you think about it. As to their individual differences well, that is a bit harder to define. Each is so delightful it would be impossible to say one was better than the other - I do have my favorite and as you read further, you may find the perfect Key for you!
Casey Key
Words often used to describe it are “hidden” “exclusive” and “private.” All accurate. The very narrow key has basically only one road and few public spaces including a lovely public beach. The Key is home to a few celebrities like that frightfully good author, Stephen King. For its residents there is plenty of water access and private narrow beaches that look out onto the postcard perfect blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side of the road, where most of the homes are located, you'll find many private docks along the intracoastal. The only downside to this area could be the best thing about it for some: The private homesteads have the highest number of walled properties which also means fewer organized social activities. Bridge access to the mainland precludes the idea of a “quick trip” to pick up a few things from the grocery store or other errands, but for those who don't have a work commute, it is of little consequence.
Casey Key
Words often used to describe it are “hidden” “exclusive” and “private.” All accurate. The very narrow key has basically only one road and few public spaces including a lovely public beach. The Key is home to a few celebrities like that frightfully good author, Stephen King. For its residents there is plenty of water access and private narrow beaches that look out onto the postcard perfect blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side of the road, where most of the homes are located, you'll find many private docks along the intracoastal. The only downside to this area could be the best thing about it for some: The private homesteads have the highest number of walled properties which also means fewer organized social activities. Bridge access to the mainland precludes the idea of a “quick trip” to pick up a few things from the grocery store or other errands, but for those who don't have a work commute, it is of little consequence.
Siesta Key
Easily our most famous key with its massive beach that has incredible cool white quartz sand - it has earned its fan club. A busy and active village caters to the many tourists with plenty of restaurants and gift shops, plus it offers nighttime entertainment with a live music, clubs, and bars. During the height of season - winter - getting on and off the key may add time to your commute, but surrounded by such beauty, this could also be a time to relax and enjoy the lush, tropical scenery. This lively Key also offers a wide variety of home styles from the classic modern Florida bungalow to the clean lines of modern construction giving residents plenty of options both in and away from the urban community feel. It is a tropical paradise that has become a true global destination.
Lido Key
Welcome to a calmer pace that draws plenty of tourists for the fantastic shopping, luxury accommodations, dining, and art that surrounds the heart of the key, St. Armands Circle. The area boasts almost as many galleries and boutiques as it has restaurants and often there are events that make it even more enticing stroll around the circle and enjoy the sights and shops. It consists of mostly luxury high-rise condos on the south end and on the northern end some lovely and more grand properties. Though the beach along the sparkling Gulf of Mexico is as beatiful as it is relaxing, it doesn't have the fame of Siesta beach. This is a great benefit for those who prefer a less crowded place to bask in the sun.
Bird Key
The smallest of our keys, it is more of an exclusive enclave of lovely homes with the attraction of its own private yacht club. Where it lacks in a true beach experience, the deep-water canals are much loved by boaters. Planned for privacy and and proximity to both downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, it is a piece of paradise of its own. Because it is small and the homes and lifestyle are a prized commodity, typically, there are fewer homes for available in the area compared to other Keys.
Longboat Key
This Key is a combination of the best of the other keys with the addition of world-class golf courses! It is a long, narrow key with primarily one main road but wide enough to have plenty of high-rise condos and communities along its beach side and the intracoastal. There a number of detached single-family homes with their own private docks and numerous high-end luxury communities. It offers ample opportunities for social interaction with your neighbors, and many have a variety of amenities like club houses, community pools, tennis courts, golf course memberships, marinas, and private beach access. There are shops and a grocery store that have more of a home town feel than the tourist activity that fills the Siesta Key village. In addition to its public beaches, there are parks and preserves for the nature lovers.
I call Longboat Key home and to me it's the best of the possibilities. All of the Keys have their own look, lifestyle, and appeal, and I am happy to guide you when it comes to finding the perfect Key for your new home. Call me at 941-504-3303 or email BeverlyStHilaire@michaelsaunders.com