Overview
Longboat Key is a popular coastal town in Florida, located 25 miles south of Tampa. Its ideal location and warm weather have made it a desirable option for retirees. Aside from that, the town is home to plenty of beaches and greenspaces, as well as many annual festivals and parades.
Climate and Geography
Located in Southwest Florida, the town experiences a humid subtropical climate. Residents can expect relatively warm temperature all year long, with hot and humid summers, and mild winters. The city experiences more rain than the national average and over 200 sunny days each year.
As a coastal town situated on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, the town is mostly surrounded by water. This also contributes to its geography being primarily beaches, open land, and nature preserves.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Those looking to get outside in Longboat Key are in luck, the city is famous for its scenic beaches, parks, and outdoor attractions. To name a few, they are Coquina Beach, Joan M. Durante Community Park, and Quick Point Nature Preserve. Here, residents have the opportunity for swimming, kayaking, and even take boat tours of the city. There are also plenty of golf courses, which are ideal for an active lifestyle.
Downtown there are even more amenities, such as shopping malls, farmers markets, and restaurants. In addition, there are art museums and galleries, where locals can take classes or just take a tour. Not to mention, the city is in proximity to Tampa where residents can explore the benefits of a big city.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Longboat Key is higher than both national and state averages. This is primarily due to the cost of homes and housing, which is well above the U.S. median. Other categories such as groceries and utilities fall just about the same as national averages, but the cost for transportation is higher.
Florida is known as one of the most tax-friendly states in the country. There is no state income tax, and no tax on Social Security in Florida, which makes it a comfortable living for retirees. The combined sales tax rate for Longboat Key is 7 percent.
Health Care
Florida ranks among the top states on the Gallup’s Well-Being Index
There are three highly rated hospitals by U.S. News within a 10-mile radius of Longboat Key. They are Blake Medical Center, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Manatee Memorial Hospital. Sarasota Memorial Hospital is ranked high performing in orthopedics.