You have likely heard that Sarasota is a phenomenal place to live. The eclectic mix of big city amenity, small town charm, and stunning scenery – not to mention our year round sunshine – make this place irresistible for so many reasons.
Because of our world famous beaches and waterfront lifestyle, the barrier islands just off the mainland are a perennially popular place to build a new custom home. There are 5 Sarasota keys of renown, and they each have their own distinct personality. Which feels like home to you?
We will start with the southernmost island, Casey Key. Although officially off the coast of Osprey/ Nokomis just south of us, Sarasota proudly claims this pristine stretch of land for ourselves. The Key is comprised of only one main road, and is primarily residential – and is known as our most affluent community as well. The island is so narrow in some places that homes boast the Gulf of Mexico as their front yard, and Sarasota Bay as the back yard. Casey has only a few motels and small convenience stores, but does offer a public beach at its south end, which showcases the north section of our popular jetties. Pull up a chair, you are likely to see a dolphin or manatee within minutes.
Just north of Casey Key is world-famous Siesta Key. With more “best beach” accolades than we can count at this point, Siesta has both bustling tourist districts and tranquil, tree lined private neighborhoods. The expanse of Siesta Key Beach is something to behold, offering miles of powder fine gleaming white sand. But just a mile away, you’ll find canopy streets, quiet canals and meandering streets. Our most casual island, Siesta Key is more “t-shirt and flip flop friendly” than the rest of our beaches, and is also considered the most family friendly. Siesta Key connects to Casey Key at the south end, but you can’t get there by car. Slip into a kayak and explore the tiny islands and deserted beaches on the strait between the two Keys.
Heading from Sarasota downtown over to Lido Key, you’ll notice Bird Key off to your left. This tiny residential peninsula was originally settled by John Ringling, and now boasts just over 250 residential homes. Nearly three quarters of the homes sit on waterfront lots – either canal or Bayfront – while the remaining garden homes are landlocked – and more affordable. Bird Key offers a tremendous opportunity to buy an older home to secure your lot, and to build a new, custom home when you are ready.
Lido Key is most famously home to St. Armand’s Circle, a shopping a dining mecca which is a must-see destination. Lido offers fewer residential opportunities, but is a nice mix of residential homes, beachfront condominiums, shops and restaurants. South Lido Beach Park looks serenely across the Pass to North Siesta Key and Shell Beach; and offers the perfect landscape for picking up and dropping off friends and family on boats and jet skis. Lido is less crowded than Siesta Key and requires longer stays from visitors and tourists – making it a bit more low key than its sister to the south.
Driving north off Lido Key, you will encounter the grand dame of the Sarasota Keys, Longboat Key. Stately, sophisticated and elegant, Longboat is known for manicured golf courses and private access beaches. Neighborhoods offer canal front property, beachfront property, and even give you the chance to live in our eclectic arts district. Neighborhood after neighborhood of property on deep water canals guaranteed to provide boaters with the home of their dreams.
Lindahl Construction is proud to be a premier builder here in paradise. The Sarasota Keys represent an exquisite lifestyle not easily replicated anywhere else – with access to some of the most beautiful natural areas, five star dining, country clubs, world class arts and entertainment – you can’t go wrong building your vacation or retirement home here. Call Lindahl Construction today to learn more about available lots, homes and properties.