If you’re looking to relocate, don’t “sleep on” Siesta Key, Florida. As the name implies, this locale on Florida’s Southwest coast is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and an abundance of options for entertainment and recreation, according to VISIT FLORIDA.

There are plenty of reasons to buy Siesta Key real estate. Here are just a few of the top reasons why you should consider putting down roots on this Gulf Coast island.

1. Award-winning beaches.

Siesta Key is home to some of the world’s best beaches, according to the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce. Siesta Beach offers 99 percent quartz sand, tennis and volleyball courts, a playground, and a picnic area. It’s also within walking distance of Siesta Key Village if you feel like shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

Other notable Siesta Key Beaches include the following, according to the Chamber and VISIT FLORIDA.

• Turtle Beach
• Crescent Beach
• Palmer Point Beach

2. Plenty of outdoor recreation options.

If you hate staying inside, Siesta Key is the place for you. The Chamber of Commerce notes that there are numerous options for outdoor recreation, including the following:

• Fishing
• Golfing
• Kayak rentals and tours
• Biking
• Sailing
• Boating
• Parasailing
• And more

3. Family-friendly entertainment.

For families with children, there’s plenty to do in Siesta Key, according to VISIT FLORIDA. For example, you can take an eco tour of Sarasota Bay and learn about the area’s amazing wildlife, such as dolphins and manatees. You can also visit Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary, which is home to over 300 animals and hosts events like Little Paws Yoga with fox kits and wolf pups.

4. A shopping smorgasbord.

Whether you’re in the mood to browse in a high-end boutique or a funky little store, the Chamber of Commerce notes that Siesta Key has something for you. Siesta Key Village is a hot spot for accessory and souvenir outlets. Meanwhile, the South Village shopping district is the place to go if you want fishing gear or boutique clothing and gifts.

5. Free trolley rides.

Siesta Key has a public open-air trolley, the Siesta Islander, that everyone is welcome to ride free of charge. It operates daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you want to explore Siesta Key real estate, the Avalon Suncoast team can help you look for your dream house, condo, land or commercial property. Start by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical island, there’s a Florida destination you should consider: Longboat Key. This picturesque barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico offers balmy weather and beachfront properties, making it an attractive destination for someone searching for real estate in a relaxing location.

If you want to settle somewhere in Southwest Florida, here’s why you should buy a home in Longboat Key.

1. Breathtaking white sand beaches.

Longboat Key is well-known for its 12 miles of white-sand beaches, according to Visit Florida. In addition to lounging in the stunning sand, you can enjoy waterfront golf and dining. For those who love outdoor adventures, there’s also fishing, boating, and kayaking, among other activities.

2. Smaller-town feel.  

With only 8,000 full-time residents and 12,000 seasonal residents identified by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, the island is a relatively cozy community compared to larger cities.

3. Convenient access to other cities and transportation.

You won’t feel stranded on this island. Longboat Key is connected via bridges to Lido Key and St. Armands Key, according to the Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, the island has public bus service from Sarasota County, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is only 30 minutes away.

4. World-famous dining options.

Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a casual family meal, Longboat Key has a restaurant to suit your tastes, according to the Chamber of Commerce. You can enjoy the view along with fresh local seafood at bayfront and Gulf-front establishments. If you’re not a fan of fish, there’s also pizza, steak, sandwiches, vegetarian fare, and an abundance of other options.

5. Scenic sports.

If you’re a sports fan, Longboat Key offers award-winning golf with dazzling views of the Gulf and Sarasota Bay. Additionally, the island has a tennis center with 10 open courts. If you’d rather spectate than participate, you can check out the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees.  

If you want to buy real estate in Longboat Key, the Avalon Suncoast team can help you find your dream house, condo, land or commercial property. Start your search today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post Why You Should Buy a Home in Longboat Key appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

Are you searching for a new place to call home this summer (and beyond)? If you like the sound of a locale with a subtropical climate and plenty of arts, culture, and outdoor activities, we recommend adding Bradenton, Florida, to your list of potential relocation sites.

This scenic city in Southwest Florida has plenty to offer residents and visitors in terms of history, nature, educational pastimes and more. Here are some of the most notable reasons to buy real estate in Bradenton, Florida, if you’re in the market for a new home base.

1. Lots of learning opportunities.

If you love to learn, you can spend your spare time at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This nonprofit institution started with a focus on sharks and now also conducts research on the impact of toxins on humans and the environment, wild fishery health, ocean technology, and human cancer studies that leverage marine models, among other subjects, according to the city’s website.

Other must-visit sites for knowledge-hungry residents include the Manatee County Public Library System, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, the De Soto National Memorial, and ((ecko)) tours of the area’s natural wonders.

2. Picturesque beaches.

If you love spending days relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of places to enjoy the sun, sand and surf in Bradenton. Here are some of the top beaches in this Gulf Coast city, according to VISIT FLORIDA.  

• Manatee Beach
• Coquina Beach
• Cortez Beach
• Anna Maria Beach

3. Numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Enjoy the year-round balmy weather by visiting Bradenton’s many public parks. VISIT FLORIDA notes various other options for outdoor adventures, such as ranger-guided kayak tours, biking, hiking, fishing, and boating.

4. Opportunities to see the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If you live in Bradenton, you share a home with LECOM Park, where the Pittsburgh Pirates travel for spring training.

5. Easily accessible arts and culture.

Near downtown Bradenton, the Village of the Arts is the place to visit if you want to be surrounded by color and creativity. Another notable destination described on the city’s website is the ArtCenter Manatee, which includes three galleries with rotating exhibits and the Artists’ Market if you’re interested in purchasing gifts crafted by local artists.

These are only some of the perks of calling this Gulf Coast city home. If you want to buy real estate in Bradenton, Florida, the Avalon Suncoast team is here to help you find your ideal house, condo, land or commercial property. Get in touch with us today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post Top 5 Reasons to Buy Real Estate in Bradenton, Florida    appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

If you’re feeling impatient while waiting for winter to say its final goodbyes and tempted to relocate to a place where you won’t have to worry about ice and snow, you should consider starting fresh in the Sunshine State. Specifically, we recommend looking into real estate in Venice, Florida.

This scenic city situated south of Sarasota offers plenty of options for beach-going, outdoor adventures, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Here are just a few reasons you should consider making a move to Venice, Florida.

1. It’s the place to be if you’re a fan of shark teeth.

If you want to live in a locale with some bite to it, Venice is the shark tooth capital of the world, according to the nonprofit Venice MainStreet Inc. Millions of years ago, sharks swarmed the region, which was underwater at that point. The Venice coast currently sits atop an 18-to-35-foot-deep fossil layer, and beachgoers commonly search the sand for shiny black shark teeth.

2. The city is home to some of the region’s top beaches.

If you like the sound of exploring a reef, swimming in the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or sunbathing on soft sand, then Venice could be your ideal city. Venice Beach is within walking distance of downtown and a hotspot for fossil hunting and reef diving. It’s not hard to see why it was named one of the top 10 must-visit beaches in the South by USA Today last year.

Other notable beaches in the area include the following, according to VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation.  

• Nokomis Beach
• North Brohard Park
• Caspersen Beach

To explore more beaches as well as parks in the area, check out a more extensive list at visitvenicefl.org.

3. You’ll have plenty of options for outdoor adventures.

Aside from visiting the beach, there are tons of ways to have fun outside in Venice, including fishing, biking, hiking, and more. Here are a few notable activities to check out.

• Historic walking tours
• Cycling
• Boating and scuba diving  
• The City of Venice Fishing Pier
• Venice parks
• Legacy Trail
• Venetian Waterway Park hiking trails and dog park

4. Venice Island has everything you could possibly need in terms of shopping.

If you love shopping, Venice Island at the north end of the city boasts more than 100 stores offering shoes, clothing, jewelry, art, and more. Stroll the palm-tree-lined streets and browse to your heart’s content.

5. The city is fun for the entire family.

For families with children, downtown Venice has kid-friendly pastimes. Notable attractions for younger residents and visitors include the following, according to VISIT FLORIDA.

• Finding fairy doors
• Spotting shark sculptures
• Cooling off in the Intergenerational Fountain

The Avalon Suncoast team can assist you if you want to buy real estate in Venice, Florida, whether you’re searching for a house, condo, land or commercial property. Take the first step toward a new life in Venice today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

The post 5 Reasons to Move to Venice, Florida    appeared first on Southwest FL Real Estate.

If you don’t already live in Florida, this is the time of year when moving there is the most tempting. While residents of other states might grapple with ice and snow, Floridians don’t have to worry about frigid weather, even in February.

Even if you’re already located in the state, the relatively recent start of the new year might have you itching to make a move. If you’re considering relocating, we recommend putting North Port near the top of your list.

With a prime location in Southwest Florida and plenty of amenities, this major city in Sarasota County is an incredible community to call home. Here are just a few of the top reasons to buy real estate in North Port.

1. Archaeological wonders.

The Herald-Tribune calls the city “an archaeological treasure chest,” with the banks of Myakkahatchee Creek serving as prime hunting ground for fossil collectors. Additionally, if you want a window into the lives of prehistoric people in the area, you can visit historic places such as Warm Mineral Springs and Little Salt Springs.

2. An abundance of outdoor recreation.

If you love spending time outdoors, you won’t get bored in North Port. The 104.1-square-mile community boasts more than 80 miles of freshwater canals and is the sole city in the state containing a whole forest (the Myakka State Forest), according to the City of North Port’s website. It also offers plenty of neighborhood parks and trails, nine miles of Myakkahatchee Creek, and parts of the Myakka River for recreation and exploration.

Some top outdoor activities to try in North Port include the following:  

• Birdwatching
• Nature photography
• Biking
• Hiking
• Geocaching
• Horseback riding
• Canoeing
• Kayaking

3. Plenty of arts and culture.

North Port also sustains a vibrant arts community, according to the city’s website. There are plenty of ways to get involved, whether you want to watch a performance or take classes to sharpen your own creative skills. Here are some arts and culture destinations and organizations to check out:

• North Port Performing Arts Center
• North Port Performing Arts Association
• North Port Chorale
• North Port Concert Band
• North Port Symphony

4. Convenient access to airports.

Everyone needs to get away sometimes. Whenever you feel like taking a trip somewhere else, North Port offers easy access to Interstate 75 and several airports:

• Tampa International Airport
• Southwest Florida International Airport
• Punta Gorda Airport
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

5. Vibrant nightlife.

North Port provides plenty of options for a night out. The city has waterfront dining options, bars, and places to dance and enjoy all kinds of music. Check out Trip Advisor for top places to eat, drink, and experience this entertaining southwest Florida community.  

The Avalon Suncoast team is here to help if you want to buy real estate in North Port, whether you’re searching for a house, condo, land or even a commercial property. Connect with us and start exploring your options today by calling 941-235-7474 or emailing sales@avalonsuncoast.com.

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