Siesta Key - Your Own 'Little Piece of Paradise'

    Siesta Key is one of the major barrier islands situated just off Sarasota Florida and separated from the mainland by Sarasota Bay. On the Gulf side of this eight-mile long island, Siesta Key has some of the nicest beaches in the state of Florida facing the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Beach, itself, rated the #1 beach in America in 2011 by Dr. Beach, is world-famous for its soft white, powdery quartz sand, unsurpassed anywhere in America in its beauty.

On the inland side, Siesta Key faces Sarasota Bay and the Florida Intracoastal Waterway where residents and visitors enjoy boating and sailing on protected water and fishing along the edges of scenic mangrove forests.

The Travel Channel said of Siesta Key; "Relaxing is easy on Siesta Key with its sand as soft and white as sugar, its brilliant sunshine and azure waters. But be prepared, with so much to see and do, it's almost impossible to lie idly on this island!"

Connie Belmont, a well-known Sarasota FL real estate agent says, "Siesta Key has shops and boutiques from the chic and elegant to the hip and funky, with all sorts of casual fashions, beach accessories and souvenirs. There are restaurants where you can grab a quick breakfast or lunch in your flip-flops or relax in style over an extraordinary dinner. And, of course, there are grocery stores, drug stores, a post office conveniently located on the island."

And right across either of the two causeways lie all the arts, cultural and other venues that make Sarasota so attractive to so many.

SIESTA KEY AVERAGE MONTHLY TEMPERATURES
MONTH	HIGH	LOW	GULF WATER	RAINFALL
JANUARY	72	51	63	2.6"
FEBRUARY	74	57	64	1.5"
MARCH	77	57	68	4.3"
APRIL	81	59	74	1.01"
MAY	87	68	78	2.8"
JUNE	89	73	83	5.0"
JULY	92	75	86	7.9"
AUGUST	91	74	87	5.4"
SEPTEMBER	89	73	85	7.8"
OCTOBER	85	68	79	4.5"
NOVEMBER	80	80	72	2.0"
DECEMBER	73	59	67	1.91"

For housing, Siesta Key offers a wide spectrum of options in an eclectic collection of settings. Neighborhoods in the Siesta Key real estate market vary from an artists and writers colony at Siesta Village, single-family homes and condos, and exclusive waterfront estates. From one end of the island to the other, you will experience a vibrant island lifestyle. Many who live on Siesta Key consider it “Florida's Paradise.”

Despite the troubling condition of the overall Florida housing market, Siesta Key home and condo sales have increased each year since 2007. During the onset of the housing problem, prices on Siesta Key dropped dramatically. While single-family home prices have rebounded somewhat since their 2009 lows, Siesta Key home prices today are still nearly 40% below their 2007 level. Condominium prices are even more attractive, nearly 55% below their market highs.

So. Is Siesta Key a location you should consider as you consider where to buy that get-away spot or permanent home you’ve been dreaming about ? A lot of people think the answer is “yes.”

Florida home and condo buyers have been taking advantage of the still-depressed prices on Siesta Key real estate to buy their own "Little Piece of Paradise.” Bob Henley, who sells a lot of luxcury homes on Siesta Key reported recently on his website that, "Although prices have crept up by about 17 - 20% in the past year, waterfront Siesta Key homes and condo prices are still very attractive at 40% to 55% below their highs." "But hurry," he said, "this outstanding opportunity may soon be gone."

The Longboat Key Lifestyle - Casual Elegance

Best-known for tasteful luxury, manicured surroundings, and an excellent private golf course, Longboat Key is so much more than that.

Longboat Key spans two counties; the southern end is in Sarasota County while the northern end extends into Manatee County. Just south of Longboat Key lies St. Armands Key, with its world-famous shopping district and Lido Key. To the north, Longboat Key reaches to Anna Maria Island and its towns of Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and Anna Maria.

"On its entire length Longboat Key has none of the garish billboards or neon signs you see on so many other Florida barrier islands," notes Connie Belmont who sells luxury Longboat key homes and condos. "Longboat Key, " she says, "is one of quietest and most sedate barrier islands on Florida's Gulf Coast." Gulf of Mexico Drive runs the length of the island. Along its length are cul de sacs, short avenues and beautiful boulevards lined with everything from a few remaining old beachfront cottages and maintenance-free villas to high-rise luxury condominiums and grand waterfront mansions with gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.

With an average year-round temperature of 73 degrees, Longboat Key is the perfect place for all sorts of relaxing activities from golf to biking, tennis, fishing and leisurely sunset beach strolls as well as boutique shopping and dining in elegant 5-star restaurants.

Golfers and tennis enthusiasts especially appreciate Longboat Key, it being the only barrier island in the Sarasota area with a 45-hole golf course at the private Longboat Key Club. For those who appreciate the arts, The Longboat Key Center for the Arts, with a permanent collection and changing exhibits of juried and invitational shows, hosts art classes, workshops, and cultural events year round.

Longboat Key currently has a population of about 7,400 professionals, retirees and young families enjoying life in about 8,800 homes, condos and villas of all sizes and prices. While some choose to spend only a few months each year here, other become full-time residents of this 11-mile long sliver of paradise.

If you are considering purchasing a home or condominium in Florida this year, it would be a mistake not to let an experienced Sarasota real estate professional like Rich Stover introduce you to the "Longboat Key Lifestyle" before you make a decision.

There's Always Something Going on In Bradenton

Bradenton, the largest city in Manatee County with approximately 50,000 residents, is located just to the north of Sarasota. Bradenton offers its residents and visitors an appealing relaxing and casual lifestyle.

Bradenton and its neighbor, Anna Maria Island, are fabulous places for young families, professionals, baby boomers, and retirees. Take leisurely walks on the beach, enjoy boating, fishing and sailing, including scuba diving. Play golf on its numerous public and private golf courses. The city of Bradenton is home to some of the nicest Bradenton Florida golf courses.

"But Bradenton is also so much more than that," says Andree Huffine, a well-known Sarasota luxury homes Realtor, "There is a constant flow of family-focused events and activities that are fun and entertaining for residents of all ages." For example, during just the past month, a number of family-focused events occurred including:

•The Annual Bradenton Holiday Boat Parade
A flotilla of boats of all sizes decorated with festive Christmas lights, inflatable statues and Christmas trees, manned by boisterous, fun-loving crews, participated in the 14th annual Bradenton Holiday Boat Parade.

The annual boat parade began at the Bradenton Yacht Club, went up to Tarpon Pointe and then returned to the yacht club for judging. Five judges chose the winners, basing their decisions on crew spirit, audience participation and creativity.

•A Winter Wonderland in Downtown Bradenton
It didn't snow anywhere else in Florida, but it snowed on Main Street in Bradenton, Florida one day in December.

A family friendly street party complete with a snow mountain and Santa Claus came to Bradenton for the 16th Annual Winter Wonderland Festival on Old Main Street. Children of all ages enjoyed this annual street party event known locally as the Bradenton Winter Wonderland.

•A Broadway Star Returns to Bradenton
One of biggest stage stars to emerge from Manatee-County area made her highly anticipated return to her hometown.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe brought back WBTT founding company member Teresa Stanley to join the cast in its season-opening show, “Love, Sung in the Key of Aretha.”

The 29-year-old has been loved by local theatergoers since she became known to them as a precocious teen on the local theater scene. Four years ago, Ms. Stanley realized her lifelong dream of reaching Broadway in the musical “The Color Purple.” She has since been in the national tours of the “30th Anniversary of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and the smash “Rock of Ages,”

•Village of the Arts Art Walk
The Village of the Arts is a downtown Bradenton community of over 35 artists living and working together in Florida’s largest art community. Art Walks are scheduled Friday and Saturday on the first weekend every month. The streets fill with art lovers looking for everything from affordable fine art, jewelry, ceramics, clothing and small furniture. There are bookshops, collectibles shops, gourmet cafes and more. Special events and art-related lectures open to the public are also held from time to time.

In addition to all the other attractions in the Sarasota - Bradenton area, Village of the Arts must be on the "to do" list of all Bradenton newcomers.

If you've been "on the fence" about when to visit the Sarasota - Bradenton area to find your dream home, you need to get serious about it now. Whether you are looking for a home for your own immediate use or to generate some income until you're ready to retire, you would be well-advised to visit the vibrant city of Bradenton, Florida real soon. Home prices are about as low as they are going to get. In fact, in some communities prices have already started to climb back upward.

Make your dream of a “Little Piece of Paradise” in Bradenton or on Anna Maria Island come true now while prices are still st historically low levels and interest rates are at rock-bottom levels.

New Addition to our Sarasota Waterfront Communities Club

Connie Belmont has just joined the growing number of real estate websites displaying our introduction to over 40 of the best Sarasota Florida area waterfront communities.

You can visit Connie's new section at Sarasota Waterfront Communities.

Let us know what you think of it.

Harbour Towne Yacht Club Condos on Siesta Key

The Harbour Towne condominium complex was originally built as a deep-water marina, but in 1982 it was converted into 50 townhome-style condominiums to accommodate power boat and sailboat owners who needed deep-water docking facilities and unobstructed access to the open waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Today, with 25-foot deep docking facilities and no bridges or other obstructions between your dock and the waters of Sarasota Bay, Harbour Towne is ideal suited to serious power boat and sailing enthusiasts. In this secure, gated community, there is a that maintenance free lifestyle you've been seeking. Residents enjoy everything Siesta Key has to offer as well as being in the ideal spot to keep their yacht or sailboat right behind their own home.

Right across the street from the Harbour Towne Yacht Club lies the world-famous Siesta Key Beach, world-famous soft, white quartz sands. All of the causual shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities of Siesta Key Village are a short bike ride away and all of the upscale shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural venues that downtown Sarasota offers are but a short drive away.

Judie Berger, a well-known Sarasota and Siesta Key luxury condos expert says that currently prices for Harbour Towne condos range from the $400,000's for 2/2 units up to the low $600,000's for larger units, some with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. All units have attached garages.

Harbour Towne residents also enjoy a community clubhouse, a heated swimming pool with spa and hot tub, a tennis court and a fishing pier. Owners of these condos may have one small pet.

As an added attraction for those seeking an income property until they are ready to retire, these units may be rented for a minimum term of 1 month, according to Bob Henley, a RE/MAX Realtor who frequently sells Siesta Key waterfront condos to people from all over the world.

A Restful Haven - Bird Key

Surrounded by the emerald waters of Sarasota Bay, Bird Key is an upscale community located between downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle on Lido Key is an exclusive enclave of about 500 single-family homes, many of them right on the waterfront.

"Once almost exclusively the province of Northern retirees, its quiet streets and striking vistas of the Sarasota skyline and bay skyline have drawn some younger residents in recent years, including many celebrities," says Bob Henley, a noted Sarasota real estate agent and expert on Bird Key reqal estate offerings.

The island is a boater’s paradise, with many of its homes on Sarasota Bay, itself, or on deep-water canals. Bird Key Yacht Club is considered one of the outstanding yacht clubs on West Florida's "Sun Coast."

Residents of Bird Key have the convenience of getting to the beach and downtown Sarasota very quickly yet Bird Key is secluded enough for a luxurious lifestyle with a great deal of privacy.

Most of the homes on Bird Key were built in the 1960's. However, many have been torn down over the years and replaced by larger, more elegant homes. If you are looking for a Sarasota Luxury Home directly on the waterfront or a deep-water canal, but still very convenient to all that downtown Sarasota offers, Bird Key could be the perfect location for you.

Intro to Tangerine Bay Club on Longboat key

Tangerine Bay Club on Longboat Key is siutated on the Sarasota Bay side of Longbaot Key near the southern end of the key, just north of the 34 acre nature preserve. For those who enjoy the game of golf, it is just across the street from the Islandside golf courses of the Longboat Key Club. For pure relaxation, these homes offer set among award-winning landscaping and fabulous views of Sarasota Bay. award-winning landscapes, and sparkling pools and waterfalls all surrounding a large, private, free-form pool/lagoon.

Living at Tangerine Bay Club combines the advantages of condominium living with the feel of a single family home. Each spacious unit, ranging in size from 2,200 to about 3,000 square feet, includes a 2-car garage and a significant storage area. The facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a well-equipped club house, a heated lap pool for those who enjoy a morning swim to start their day and a whirlpool spa for the less athletically inclined.


Boaters will enjoy the deep-water channel bordering the shoreline of Tangerine Bay Club for easy access to both the Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

There are just 90 units in the Tangerine Bay Club complex behind a 24-hour manned, gated security entrance. "The lucky residents," says Judie Berger, a well-known, Sarasota real estate waterfront homes expert. "have easy access to golfing, tennis, or quiet walks on the beach. Shopping at St. Armands Circle is less than 10 minutes away."