Longboat Key, FL Apartment Renter's Guide

Some notable past residents of Longboat Key, Florida, include tennis legend Maria Sharapova, artist Ed Miracle, famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, Governor of American Samoa Frank Mockler and Lee Scott, former CEO of Wal-Mart. What a place to call home!

Imagine a luxurious beach community with quiet suburban living, warm weather and great neighbors. If you've imagined that, you've just imagined Longboat Key. Longboat Key is technically a suburb of Sarasota, in the Bradenton-Sarasota-Venice metropolitan area. Longboat Key is a city of condominiums. Literally. Instead of a government, the town is governed by a Federation of Longboat Key Condominiums, and in addition to some local infrastructure, the Federation helps manage visitors and residents of the city alike. The condos in Longboat Key draw many snowbirds; residents who live here only in the winter to escape the cold of wherever their main home is. However, some residents live here year-round. There are many reasons to come to Longboat Key. Many are drawn to the beaches, which are made of beautiful, pristine white sand. Others like the warm weather -- you'll never have to buy a down coat. Still others enjoy local culture and history. No matter what it is that brings people to Longboat Key, it's a good place to find an apartment to rent. The city is filled with rental properties, and you'll have your choice of places to enjoy great Florida living.

If you've decided you want to move to Longboat Key, then pack your suitcase with a bathing suit and towel. It's the most important thing you'll need here. You'll also need to find apartments for rent, but that shouldn't be a problem because this city has tons of apartments that range in size and amenities. Since this is such a snowbird community, you'll have a good chance of finding condo rentals and places with all utilities paid in Longboat Key.

Longboat Key has a number of different neighborhoods and each offers slightly different qualities and amenities. Read about the main neighborhoods to help you choose where to conduct your search and where you can feel good about avoiding.

Bay Harbour: Because this is a town of condos, Bay Harbour is just that -- a collection of condos. Bay Harbour was constructed in the 1970s, and it's located on Sarasota Harbor. If you like the beach, this is a great place. You can have a view of the water from your home, and the community also has tons of amenities. Bay Harbor is a favorite with people who are sporty and active; right outside your front door you can find things like a fishing pier, pool, fitness facilities and a community gathering spot.

Bay Isles: Bay Isles is a collection of residential neighborhoods. This is the perfect place for some peace and quiet. Although set on the water, the area is known for its lush tropical landscapes. In Bay Isles, you can enjoy nature trails, boating and water activities. This is a great place if you want upscale rental apartments where someone takes care of the maintenance for you. Sounds nice, doesn't it?

Conrad Beach: Conrad Beach is a luxurious coastal community consisting mainly of single-family homes. One great thing about this neighborhood is that it's equidistant between the beach and the village of Longboat, giving you relaxation and entertainment at your fingertips whenever you want. However, good luck finding a rental apartment here, since they don't really exist.

Country Club Shores: This is one of the oldest communities in the area, built in the 1960s. It's a single-family housing neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you can't rent. One of the main draws of Country Club Shores is that there are deep-water canals all throughout the neighborhood, so you can park your boat right in your backyard. This is a great place for the water sports and boating enthusiast; there's nowhere more convenient or accessible.

Emerald Harbor: Emerald Harbor, similar to Country Club Shores, has canals throughout the neighborhood, so you can park your boat and get right into the Bay. One of the best parts about this neighborhood, though, is that it's not all residential. Emerald Harbor has boardwalks and tons of entertainment and dining options right in the backyard.

Longboat Village: If Longboat Key has a downtown, this is it. It's the thriving city part of the area, and most of it was developed in the 1800s. There are great dining spots and bars in Longboat Village, and there is also a thriving arts and cultural scene. Homes here are plentiful but expensive. You can definitely rent; it just might take you a while to find a home you really love (and can afford).

Tangerine Bay Club: This is another condo neighborhood, and this one feels more like a hotel and spa than a neighborhood. Enjoy homes on the water, fitness centers, tennis courts, clubhouse, docks and fishing piers. You're close to Sarasota here, so if you like real big-city living, check out homes in this area.

Living in Longboat Key might feel like a vacation, because a lot of people do come here to vacation or use it as their second home. The city isn't just for vacationers, though. There are lots of amenities for residents to enjoy, like great restaurants in the Village and every shop you could imagine. Longboat Key is right in the middle of Bradenton and Sarasota, so when you need to escape somewhere bigger, you can do it quickly. Make sure you have a car or a boat, otherwise, there's really no way to get around.

It's not just entertainment and easy living in Longboat Key. There's a rich history and a thriving cultural community. The city is home to the Rufus P. Jordon House, a historic house sometimes called Mar Vista, which was built in 1912. Today, the home is a restaurant that can be toured to admire its architectural beauty. Art lovers can also check out small local galleries in town like Exit Art and the Longboat Key Center for the Arts. History buffs will also enjoy the Longboat Key Historical Society. People love living here, and they feel a strong connection not only to the Longboat Key that exists today, but also to the town of the past.