Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Longboat Key, Florida
Spread Over a Barrier island, Beautiful Longboat Key is Heavily Developed, Mellow and Known for its Stunning White Sand Beaches
Spread over an 11-mile-long barrier island on Florida's Gulf coast, beautiful Longboat Key lies between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is heavily developed and known for its stunning snow white beaches and striking aquamarine waters. Longboat is also known for its dozen roaming peacocks.
The town is governed by elected officials and a federation of homeowner associations. Each association manages its own recreational facilities, which may include tennis courts and swimming pools. Neighborhoods are lush and well-manicured with a mix of stylish condominiums and single family homes. Although the beaches are lined with resort hotels and other development, 12 public access points ensure that the sand is reachable. Longboat Key also manages four parks and a prestigious clay court tennis center. The marina has six restaurants, a fuel dock, onsite boat repair and a spa. St. Amands Circle offers the best in upscale dining and shopping. The Longboat Key Club is a four star resort. A five star resort, the St. Regis Hotel, recently opened.
The Longboat Key Center for the Arts produces concerts, exhibits, master classes and learning labs. The historical society has a lecture series and an annual fish fry fundraiser. Sarasota's more urban amenities are less than 30 minutes away.
Population: 7,700 (city proper)
Age 45 or Better: 90%
Cost of Living: 105% above the national average
Median Home Price: $1 million
Climate: This area has a humid subtropical climate, meaning two seasons a year. Summer and early fall are hot and humid. Late fall and winter are less humid and cooler.
At Least One Hospital Accepts Medicare Patients? No, but Sarasota Memorial Hospital is six miles away and accepts Medicare patients.
At Least One Hospital Accredited by Joint Commission? No, but Sarasota Memorial Hospital is six miles away and is accredited.
Public Transit: Yes
Crime Rate: Well below the national average
Public Library: Yes
Political Leanings: Conservative
College Educated: 63%
Is Florida Considered Tax Friendly for Retirement? Yes
Cons: Hurricanes are always a threat. Hurricane Irma caused some flooding in 2017. In 2022, Hurricane Ian toppled treess and downed power lines. Hurricane Idalia brought some water damage and beach erosion in 2023.
Notes: Longboat Key has grown 6% during the last decade. The beaches are narrower here than in towns to the north and south. Home prices have decreased 7% since a year ago.
Recommended as a Retirement Spot? Yes
Florida:
Named Pascua Florida by Juan Ponce De Leon, the Sunshine State did not enter the Union until March 3, 1845. Balmy mild winters began attracting snowbirds to the state in the late 19th century. Retirees continue to flock to the state. It's not hard to see why tourism has become the leading industry.
International trade and citrus are also major contributors to the state's economy. Eighty percent of the nation's oranges and grapefruits are grown here, and 40 percent of all U.S. exports to Latin America flow through Florida.
Florida's landscape includes uplands and coastal plains. It contains more than 11,000 miles of waterways and about 4,500 islands spread across 10 acres.
The state has 1,250 more golf courses than any other state in the Union. The 47 mile Pinellas Trail is the longest urban trail on the east coast. Orlando theme parks attract more visitors than any other theme parks in the U.S. The only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist is in National Everglades Park.
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