Longboat Key 55+ Homes

55+ Community Homes in Longboat Key – Overview

While Longboat Key doesn’t have large-scale 55+ developments like mainland communities, the island attracts a significant number of active retirees and 55+ buyers seeking a relaxed beach lifestyle. Several condo communities on the island cater specifically to mature buyers with age-restricted policies, elevator access, and low-maintenance living. The island’s walkability, natural beauty, and peaceful pace make it a natural fit for the 55+ demographic.

The Longboat Key real estate market offers 55+ buyers a range of options from affordable maintenance-free condos to luxury single-family homes with full resort amenities. Active adult living in Longboat Key means year-round outdoor activities, world-class healthcare access, and the kind of social engagement that makes retirement years truly fulfilling.

Why Choose 55+ Living in Longboat Key?

Active adult communities in Longboat Key offer distinct advantages for buyers aged 55 and over:

• Maintenance-Free Lifestyle – Most 55+ communities handle lawn care, exterior painting, roof maintenance, and often pest control through HOA fees. This frees residents to spend time on hobbies, travel, and socializing rather than home upkeep.
• Age-Appropriate Amenities – 55+ communities in Longboat Key are designed with active adults in mind. Expect fitness centers with classes like yoga and water aerobics, walking trails, pickleball courts (the fastest-growing sport among 55+ adults), bocce ball, and card rooms.
• Social Programming – Loneliness is a real concern for retirees. 55+ communities solve this with robust social calendars: book clubs, dinner groups, golf leagues, art classes, day trips, and holiday events. You’ll never lack for companionship or activities.
• Right-Sized Homes – 55+ homes in Longboat Key are thoughtfully designed for downsizers: open floor plans, single-story living, wider doorways, walk-in showers, and owners suites on the main level. These features enhance daily comfort and support aging in place.
• Florida Tax Advantages – Florida has no state income tax, which benefits retirees drawing Social Security, pensions, and investment income. Combined with the Homestead Exemption (which caps annual property tax increases at 3%), Longboat Key offers significant tax advantages for 55+ buyers.
• Healthcare Access – Manatee County offers excellent healthcare facilities including Manatee Memorial Hospital, Blake Medical Center, and Doctors Hospital of Sarasota nearby. Many 55+ communities are strategically located near medical centers.

Top 55+ Communities in Longboat Key

Here are the most popular 55+ communities in and around Longboat Key:

• The Cedars – 55+ mid-rise condos with Gulf views, resort pool, and concierge services.
• Longboat Key Towers – Age-restricted high-rise with panoramic Gulf and bay views.
• Covert Beach – 55+ enclave with private beach access and low-key luxury.

Each community has different buy-in costs, monthly fees, amenity levels, and social atmospheres. Visiting in person and attending a community event is the best way to find your perfect fit. Contact Barrett Henry to arrange tours of these communities.

What to Expect in a Longboat Key 55+ Community

Home Designs & Floor Plans

55+ homes in Longboat Key typically range from 1,200 to 2,800 square feet and feature open-concept floor plans with 2-3 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms. Popular features include gourmet kitchens with islands, covered lanais, two-car garages, and owners suites with walk-in closets and spa-inspired bathrooms. Most are single-story designs, though some condo and villa communities offer elevator-equipped multi-story buildings.

HOA Fees & What They Cover

Monthly HOA fees in Longboat Key 55+ communities typically range from $200 to $800, depending on the amenity level and services included. Most fees cover lawn maintenance, irrigation, common area upkeep, clubhouse operations, security, and cable or internet. Some all-inclusive communities also cover exterior home maintenance, roof replacement reserves, and even some insurance costs.

Age Restrictions & Rules

Under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), 55+ communities must maintain at least 80% of units occupied by at least one person aged 55 or older. Younger family members can visit but typically cannot be permanent residents. Each community has specific guest policies, pet restrictions, and occupancy rules – review these carefully before purchasing.

Tips for Buying in a 55+ Community

1. Visit at different times – Tour the community during weekdays, weekends, and evenings to get a true feel for the atmosphere and activity level.
2. Attend a social event – Ask the community if you can attend a club meeting, fitness class, or social gathering before committing.
3. Review the reserve fund – A well-funded reserve (70%+ funded) reduces the risk of special assessments. Request the most recent reserve study.
4. Understand resale restrictions – Some 55+ communities have right-of-first-refusal clauses or other restrictions that can affect resale. Know these before you buy.
5. Plan for healthcare proximity – Ensure your chosen community is within reasonable distance of your preferred doctors, specialists, and hospital.
6. Factor in all costs – Beyond the purchase price, account for HOA fees, CDD fees (if applicable), club memberships, and any initiation fees.

Why Longboat Key for 55+ Living?

Longboat Key is the ultimate address for buyers seeking privacy, luxury, and natural beauty. This 11-mile barrier island is home to world-class resorts, private golf and tennis clubs, and some of the most pristine beaches in Florida. The island spans both Manatee and Sarasota counties, with the northern portion falling under Manatee County jurisdiction.

Longboat Key’s position in Manatee County puts residents within easy reach of cultural attractions, dining, shopping, and healthcare. The area’s warm year-round climate is ideal for active adults who want to golf, swim, walk, and socialize outdoors every day. With property values starting at $800K-$2M and luxury options from $1.5M, Longboat Key offers 55+ living for every budget.

When you’re ready to explore your options, consider whether you want to sell your current home first or buy simultaneously. Barrett can help you navigate both sides of the transaction seamlessly.

Start Your 55+ Home Search in Longboat Key

Barrett Henry, REALTOR® with RE/MAX Collective, specializes in helping 55+ buyers find their ideal community in Longboat Key and across the Tampa Bay-Sarasota corridor. Whether you’re relocating from out of state, downsizing from a larger home, or seeking a seasonal residence, Barrett’s knowledge of Longboat Key’s 55+ communities helps you make a confident, informed decision.

Schedule a consultation with Barrett or call (813) 733-7907 today. Let Barrett guide you through every step – from touring communities to negotiating the best terms to closing on your new home.

Browse all Longboat Key real estate or explore the full Tampa Bay area.

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Related Resources

Explore more Longboat Key and Manatee County real estate:

• Longboat Key Real Estate Overview
• Longboat Key Homes with Pool
• Longboat Key Gated Community Homes
• Longboat Key Condos & Townhomes
• Manatee County Real Estate Guide
• Sell Your Home in Longboat Key
• Contact Barrett Henry, REALTOR®

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Barrett Henry is a licensed real estate Broker Associate with RE/MAX Collective, specializing in Longboat Key, County, and the greater Tampa Bay market. Explore Longboat Key real estate, Manatee County homes, and all of Tampa Bay.