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Siesta Key

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Siesta Key is Sarasota’s most iconic beach community, thanks to its globally famous quartz-sand beaches. It’s a mix of vacation energy and laid-back living, with an eclectic vibe. You’ll find beachfront condos, older cottages, and upscale Gulf-facing homes. Siesta Key Village offers casual bars, eateries, and boutiques. Great for short-term rentals or buyers who want a beach lifestyle, though it can be busy during peak seasons.

Ideal For:

  • Beach Lovers
  • families

Demographic Appeal

Appeals to families, retirees, and vacationers seeking a beach-centric lifestyle and a tranquil yet vibrant community. Lido Key attracts retirees, tourists, and affluent individuals looking for a serene yet luxurious beachside living experience.

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What Makes This Community Special?

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World-Famous Beaches

Home to Siesta Beach, consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world for its powdery white sand and clear waters.

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Outdoor Activities

Excellent for water sports, fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the naturaL beauty of the Gulf Coast.

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Laid-Back Atmosphere

Offers a relaxed, coastal vibe with plenty of beachfront cafes, bars, and boutique shops.

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Family-Friendly

Popular among families due to its safe, community-oriented environment and numerous outdoor activities.

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  • Full-time Sarasota resident since 1988
  • Full-time Real Estate Agent for 20+ years
  • Taught HS English & coached basketball for ~20 years
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Live the Good Life

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Take a Stroll Through Siesta Key

(Without Leaving Your Chair)

Take a Stroll Through Siesta Key (Without Leaving Your Chair)

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Thinking About Moving to Siesta Key?

I’ve Got You.

Thinking About Moving to Siesta Key? I’ve Got You.

  • Siesta Beach (near the Village) is the most iconic, with 99% quartz sand and lifeguards — popular with tourists, often busy.
  • Crescent Beach is quieter, residential, and more exclusive, with private beach access points ideal for condo buyers.
  • Turtle Beach on the south end is less crowded and great for kayaking and shelling — more relaxed, with older and more affordable properties. Buyers prioritize based on lifestyle: rental income (Siesta), privacy (Crescent), or natural, low-key living (Turtle).

Yes — Siesta Key is one of the most STR-friendly zones in Sarasota County, but rules vary by parcel and zoning. Some areas allow daily or weekly rentals, while others require minimum 30-day stays. Condo associations may impose their own restrictions. Due diligence should include checking the zoning designation (e.g., RMF-1 vs. RMF-3) and HOA documents before closing.

Full-time residents enjoy quieter weekdays, strong community ties, and easy beach access — but they also deal with seasonal congestion, longer off-island commutes, and tourist-heavy areas during peak season. Grocery trips can take longer in February than in August. Still, many retirees and remote workers call it home for the relaxed pace and scenic surroundings.

Yes — Siesta Key is in FEMA flood zones, and flood insurance is typically required if there's a mortgage. Premiums vary based on elevation, structure type, and location, ranging from $600 to $3,500+ annually. Newer elevated homes may benefit from significantly lower rates. Sea-level rise and storm surge are long-term considerations.

Condos come with monthly HOA fees ranging from $500–$1,200+, which may include insurance, amenities, and exterior maintenance. Single-family homes often require individual flood, wind, and homeowners insurance (can total $5K–$15K+ per year) plus landscaping and maintenance costs. Condos = easier upkeep but recurring shared fees. Homes = more autonomy but higher variable costs.

Generally strong near the Village and main roads (AT&T and Verizon perform best), but coverage weakens in some condo buildings and Turtle Beach areas. Xfinity and Frontier offer high-speed cable/fiber internet, but installation can be tricky for some older condos. Always verify speeds/building readiness before signing a lease or purchase contract if remote work is critical.

Both. The Village has charm: ice cream shops, tiki bars, local boutiques, and live music — but during season (Jan–April), parking is tough and crowds swell. Locals either embrace it or avoid it. Many full-timers live south of the Village to enjoy the beach life with less foot traffic. For visitors, it’s a highlight; for residents, it’s a weekend indulgence.

Siesta Key has no public schools on the island, but it's zoned for Phillippi Shores Elementary, Brookside Middle, and Sarasota High — all well-rated. Private options like Out-of-Door Academy are nearby. It’s a viable location for families who value nature and beach access but are okay with driving 10–25 minutes for school commutes.

Seasonal congestion is a reality, especially at the Stickney Point Bridge (south) and Siesta Drive Bridge (north) during peak hours (8–10am & 4–6pm). Those living on the north end of the island have quicker access to Downtown Sarasota, while the south end feels more removed. Consider your lifestyle needs — commute vs. quiet — when choosing a location

Yes — as of 2024–2025, there is ongoing legal and community debate over hotel development, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental protections. Controversial proposals include new luxury resorts and expanded commercial zones, which some residents fear may over-commercialize the island. Active civic groups (like SKA — Siesta Key Association) work to preserve the island’s character.

Explore Other Popular Sarasota Communities

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Longboat Key

Stretching between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key is a barrier island known for exclusivity, pristine beaches, and upscale living. This community offers high-end condos, gated golf clubs like The Longboat Key Club, and multi-million-dollar waterfront homes.

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Lido Key

Lido Key blends coastal charm with walkability and sophistication. It’s best known for its public beach, Lido Beach Resort, and its proximity to St. Armands Circle — Sarasota’s high-end shopping and dining destination.

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Siesta Key

Siesta Key is Sarasota’s most iconic beach community, thanks to its globally famous quartz-sand beaches. It’s a mix of vacation energy and laid-back living, with an eclectic vibe. You’ll find beachfront condos, older cottages, and upscale Gulf-facing homes.