Siesta Key, FL 417 Apartments for Rent

"Siesta Key...as perfect as a stretch of sand could be." -Travel Channel

If beautiful coastlines are your thing, you can't go wrong living in Siesta Key, an eight-mile-long barrier island on Florida's Gulf coast, with soft white beaches that consistently rank as the best in the world. But there's more to life on Siesta Key than sand between your toes. Just across the bay from Sarasota and an hour from Tampa, Siesta Key is close to some of the finest shopping, dining, and entertainment the Gulf Coast has to offer. And it's not all retirees and tourists, either. So what are you waiting for? Well, before you begin your apartment search, there are some things you need to know.

Moving to Siesta Key

Since Siesta Key is a popular year-round tourist destination (yes, even in the heat of July), short-stay rental properties abound, with houses, condos, and luxury apartments commonly rented out by the week or month. But that also can make a year-round apartment rental harder to find. Finding a one- or two-bedroom apartment for rent in Siesta Key isn't an impossible task; it just may take a little legwork. If you are looking for homes or condos for rent, a local property broker or real estate agent is your best bet. Just bring the usual documentation, like proof of income, and if you are looking for pet-friendly apartments, be prepared to pay an extra security deposit. And if you want to live on Siesta Key, a car is highly recommended.

Siesta Key's Neighborhoods

One of the things that makes Siesta Key so livable is that since most visitors rent condos or houses, the island isn't packed with resorts and hotels. And even on such a small island, there is a surprising variety of communities to explore, as close to the water or as "inland" as you like (well, you can only go so far inland on a barrier island.) But whether you go for a beach view or a bay view, here are some neighborhoods and/or communities to consider:

Siesta Key Beach: People who live near Siesta Key Beach have the enviable position of being just steps away from the whitest sand in the world. Parking can be hard to come by, especially on weekends, but this beautiful stretch of family-friendly beach is somehow laid back, even if it is world famous.

Siesta Key Village: Near the north end of the key, Siesta Key Village is where locals and visitors alike gather to dance, drink, eat, and shop. A "franchise-free zone," you won't find the usual fare here, which adds to its charming, beachy vibe. The Village is lively, but side streets lined with villas, condos, and apartment buildings afford quieter living.

Turtle Beach: A few miles further south is Turtle Beach, a peaceful, quiet spot popular with shell collectors. There is very little commercial activity here, just a few restaurants and a marina. The residents like it that way.

Siesta Bayside: If you don't want to get new neighbors every week, you might want to avoid the beaches and those short-term rental properties. The Bayside of Siesta Key is a quiet alternative and a boater's dream, with access to the winding 10-mile Grand Canal that cuts right through the center of Siesta Key, offering water access to boaters or views of Roberts Bay. Enjoy the water and this neighborhood's location minutes from Siesta Village and the northernmost bridge into Sarasota.

Living in Siesta Key

There are pros and cons to living year-round in a vacation destination. The traffic can be a real challenge near the beach entrances, making it often easier to walk than drive. And parking in the Village? Don't even think about it. But it you live in Siesta Key, you are also just a quick drive across a bridge from Sarasota -- Florida's cultural mecca. Sarasota boasts a symphony orchestra, opera company, ballet company, and numerous art galleries and theater troupes. If you are a baseball fan, you'll be in heaven in February and March. Sarasota's Ed Smith Stadium is the home of the Cincinnati Reds' spring training, and within an hour's drive you can root for the Pirates in Bradenton, the Phillies in Clearwater and the Yankees in Tampa. Or if you just want to stay on the island, locals enjoy all kinds of organized activities, from tai chi and yoga classes on the beach to friendly volleyball competitions. And definitely don't forget the sunsets.