One of the most impressive housing markets in Florida is part of the Sarasota Keys located just off the Sarasota County mainland. Lido Key is the closest beach to Downtown Sarasota, but it is not as much of a tourist magnet as Siesta Key to the south. What makes Lido Key such a special place to live is that this is a housing market that embodies the vision of American circus magnate John Ringling and his desire to bring European sensibility to his beloved Sarasota.
When John Ringling toured Europe with his famous circus, he fell in love with the magnificent Mediterranean seaside villages in Italy and in the French Riviera. Ringling loved the balance of arts, entertainment, culture, and quality of life in those locations, and he thought the Sarasota Keys would be the right place to execute his vision. Before World War II, the islands of Lido and St. Armands were connected to the mainland and in the process of becoming exclusive beach resorts and neighborhoods that featured residential architecture that mixed the Art Deco and Mediterranean styles.
These days, real estate in Lido Key consists of about 175 homes and many condominiums that look out to the Gulf of Mexico and the Sarasota Bay. Many upscale waterfront properties feature their own docks and mini fishing piers, and the most sought-after condominiums offer a beach resort type of residential lifestyle.
Lido Key is not a large island, but it holds many attractions. The South Lido County Park, the Mote Marine Laboratory and the long stretches of sugary sand beaches are the main attractions along with numerous restaurants, pubs and shops of St. Armands Key. As expected, many of the residents in Lido Key are beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts, boaters, seasonal residents, and retirees, but several families live in the single-family residences on the island. Young residents can enroll in the public schools and private academies located in Downtown Sarasota, which is just a short drive away on the scenic causeway.
Due to the prime location of this island, the Lido Key real estate market tends to stay very active. At any given time, dozens of condominium units can be found listed for sale, and some tend to be priced at less than $200K. Waterfront single-family residences can be found under the $1M price range. Lido Key real estate is always in high demand, and thus listings do not stay in the market for very long.
Sarasota Homes & Condos for Sale at Lido Key
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(all data current as of
1/26/2022)
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
