Lido Key is the closest key to Downtown Sarasota and encompasses St. Armands Circle, a well-known hub of shops and restaurants, as well as Lido Shores, where the Sarasota School of Architecture took root. Lido Key offers a variety of home styles with varying price points, all with excellent walkability and access to spectacular white sand beaches. It's one of my favorite communities in Sarasota because it blends the beachfront culture of our Florida shoreline location with the comfortable feel of small-town living, all within striking distance of downtown amenities.
Lido strikes a great balance between vacation vibes and everyday considerations. You will encounter more seasonal visitors here because of the beachfront, but it is not nearly as tourist-heavy as Siesta Key. On Lido, there are luxury high-rises (including the Ritz-Carlton at the south end), modest vintage homes, sleek modern mid-rises, and ultra-luxury waterfront mansions that are bought and sold in eight figures.
Pretty much everything is within walking distance or a short ride from St. Armands, so you don't have to go far to eat out, shop, or vary your scenery. St. Armands combines green space with things to do, buy, and eat, but it's not an overwhelming size so it maintains a comfortable and approachable feel. The denser downtown district is just across the Ringling Bridge, a straight shot from St. Armands that's actually short enough to walk. Perfect for water lovers, Lido Key addresses let you vacation like a local.
