Longboat Key? (Sarasota, Venice, Anna Maria: HOA, condominiums, violent crime)

[jamblu]

Can anyone tell me how living in Longboat Key is like? I recently saw some u tube videos citing the township and code enforcers corrupt and making residents miserable. That video was made 2010. Any problems since then? I'm interested in purchasing a condo. Are the HOA's in the condominiums ethical or have you heard problems? Any info would be appreciated. Thank you

[La-La land]

In reality, everyone lives in a small community. Even in downtown Toronto, you live day-to-day within a couple blocks of your house. And in that regard, you're living in a community not unlike the size of Longboat Key, wherever you may be. Replete with nosy, overbearing neighbors and local/municipal issues. Having said that, I'm not a resident of LBK, but would very much like to be one day. The island is spotless, with private uncrowded beaches, unlike anywhere else between Anna Maria and Venice. As far as I'm concerned (being a snowbird) I want beaches and sunsets first, and a small city at my disposal second. Lets not forget almost no violent crime to speak of, and enough restaurant, grocery and fuel so you don't have to leave on a daily basis. I don't think the HOA's on LBK would be much different than HOA's anywhere else, except that the owners are probably wealthier on average. To each his own, but to me LBK would be one helluva place to live, at least seasonally. And no jacked up Mustang parts cars and howling dogs either. See you there someday.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

I originally posted this message in the wrong thread. Opps.

Longboat Key residents have something like the 3rd highest net worth per household of any zip code in US.

I don't believe in discriminating against the wealthy, but they are accustomed to having a certain amount of power and influence that could filter into HOA politics. Hubby and I have been on the boards of 3 HOAs and IMHO, all HOAs have a certain level of drama and politics. The more sophisticated the people, the more sophisticated the fights, jockeying, and back stabbing. In that environment I would expect better reserve funding and stickler enforcement of rules. But that is just speculation. And I agree you won't have car parts in the yard.

Last time I was in Sarasota, a 79 year old guy who lives on LBK was sitting next to me at the lunch counter. Asked him how he liked it there. His answer was too many people have their nose up in the air for his tastes.

[Hahf-tyck]

LongNose Key