When it comes to relocating to Sarasota, Florida, waterfront living is one of the most common questions I get—by far.

But we’re not talking about just tourist spots or quick getaways here. This is about real, livable coastal communities where you can actually own a home, maybe walk to the beach if you’re lucky, and enjoy an authentic day-to-day lifestyle.

From laid-back nature preserves to vibrant urban islands, here are 7 of the best waterfront places to live in Sarasota, Florida in 2025—with lifestyle breakdowns and median home prices to match.

1. Manasota Key – Quiet, Raw, and Underrated

If privacy, natural beauty, and minimal commercial build-out appeal to you, Manasota Key might be your dream.

• Winding roads, tree canopy, and almost no downtown district
• Dominated by single-family homes, some behind gates, many on the Gulf
• Limited condos and virtually no high-rise development
• A true “go right when everyone goes left” type of vibe

Median Home Price (2025): $482,000

Best For: Buyers seeking raw “Old Florida” charm with fewer crowds and who are okay with limited services

2. Venice Island – Charming, Livable, and Walkable

Venice Island is a sweet spot between charm and accessibility.

• Brick streets, vintage bungalows, and a true walkable downtown
• One of the most affordable Gulf Coast beach towns
• Bike to the beach, walk to dinner, and actually live near the water without isolation
• Authentic without being flashy

Median Home Price (2025): Mid $500,000s

Best For: Buyers craving authenticity, local flair, and beach town livability

3. Siesta Key – Active, Iconic, and High-Energy

If Manasota is where you unplug, Siesta Key is where you plug in.

• Home to one of the best-rated public beaches in the country
• Nightlife, walkability, and a wide mix of home types
• Infrastructure has evolved with its popularity—easy to get around
• Three beaches: Siesta, Crescent, and Turtle (each with its own feel)

Median Home Price (2025): Just over $1 million

Best For: Those wanting walkability, water views, and a social, energetic vibe

4. Lido Key – Upscale, Boutique, and Close to Downtown

Lido Key is where the beach meets the city.

• Just 4 miles from Downtown Sarasota
• Home to St. Armands Circle: a high-end, walkable shopping and dining district
• Real estate is denser, with luxury condos and select single-family homes
• Boutique feel with a touch of elegance

Median Home Price (2025): $1.8 million

Best For: Those who want the convenience of downtown, water views, and a turnkey condo lifestyle

5. Longboat Key – Polished, Exclusive, and Peaceful

Longboat Key is for the full-timers who want refinement.

• Quieter than Siesta or Anna Maria
• HOA-heavy with golf, full-time residents, and a "country club" tone
• Plenty of waterfront condos, but single-family homes are rare (and pricey)
• Everything feels more controlled and elevated

Median Home Price (2025): $1.25 million

Best For: Buyers who value exclusivity, peacefulness, and a polished barrier island experience

6. Bradenton Beaches / Holmes Beach – Underrated and Balanced

These “in-between” coastal towns don’t get the hype of Siesta or Anna Maria—but they’re quietly fantastic.

• Mixed zoning, low-rise condos, older beach homes
• A blend of charm, walkability, and access without the high-end markup
• Feels local without being too remote

Median Home Price (2025): $634,000

Best For: Buyers seeking beach proximity and charm without the exclusivity price tag

7. Anna Maria Island – Historic, Quaint, and Loyal

Anna Maria has arguably the strongest fan base of any spot on this list.

• Pastel beach cottages, locally-owned shops, and a strong sense of place
• Strict zoning protects against overdevelopment—no big towers here
• It’s far north, a little isolated, but full of personality and community

Median Home Price (2025): $1.2 million

Best For: People who love nostalgia, community, and timeless “Old Florida” vibes

Wrapping Up

Waterfront living in the Sarasota metro isn’t one-size-fits-all.

From low-key and under-the-radar to bustling and boutique, this coastline has options. Your ideal fit will come down to lifestyle: How social do you want to be? Do you care more about charm or polish? Do you want full-time, seasonal, or investment?

These seven places give you a clear lens into what’s possible if you want to live on or near the water in Southwest Florida in 2025.

Want Help Relocating to Florida?

I’m Adam Hancock, founder of The Sunshine State Company, and I specialize in helping people relocate to Florida with a data-driven, full-service approach.

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Thanks for reading—and see you in the next breakdown.