Discover Casey Key:
A Special Introduction
Casey Key is a unique barrier island on the West
Coast of Florida, only 15 miles south of Sarasota. Unlike so many of the
islands that line the Gulf of Mexico coast, Casey Key consists almost entirely
of single-family homes.
The sole commercialism consists of a few older
beach motels that are "grandfathered" under prior zoning. There are no
hi-rises or traffic jams. Amazingly, the key will remain this way due to
current zoning restrictions, and the fact that the majority of the island
is a conservation district, established in the early 1970's by the Florida
State Legislature.
Casey Key is approximately 8 miles in length,
stretching from Siesta Key on the north to the Island of Venice at the
southern tip. There are two bridges providing access to the key, including
an old "swing bridge" dating back to the 1920's. A majority of the island
is less than 300 yards wide, with the beaches along the Gulf on the west
and Little Sarasota Bay on the east. At the south end is the Venice Inlet,
providing ready access to the Gulf.
Ground elevations on Casey Key are generally favorable
(i.e. higher) than most barrier islands, which is highly beneficial to
its homeowners. There are less than 400 residences on the key, and the
owners are a combination of full-time, seasonal and vacationing families.
Available Casey Key properties normally range
in price from around $1,500,000 to over $5 million, with the average sale
currently above $3 million. Sales in recent years include one of the highest-priced
single family residence to sell in Sarasota County, which sold for $9 million
and one sold in 2001 for $8.9 million.
"Casey Key is a world apart from the congestion
and clamor of the Florida of the 1990's."--Sarasota Magazine
There are few vacant properties available on the
island. There are basically three types of properties: 1) Direct Gulf-front;
2) Bayfront; and 3) Gulf-to-Bay estates.
Land values range from $20,000 to over $30,000
per front foot on the Gulf-front. Bayfront land is around $1,500,000 to
$2,000,000 for the average 100-foot wide lot. Gulf-to-Bay land will range
in value from $25,000 to as much as $35,000 per front foot. The actual
value of a particular parcel will depend primarily on its location and
attributes (quality of beach, boating water depth, elevation, size, etc.).
Do not try to use a simple rule of thumb such as number of feet on the
water to determine current market value. It is not that easy!
To the land value you must also add the value
of the home and improvements. These will vary considerably depending upon
age, style, size, condition, and for older structures, the ability to perform
remodeling and additions.
Casey Key residents get to enjoy the beaches and
boating opportunities, as well as the unsurpassed sunset views over the
Gulf. Living on the key provides an island atmosphere and lifestyle, yet
the amenities we all enjoy like major grocery stores, drug stores, and
department stores are just minutes away. In addition, top restaurants,
golfing and tennis are nearby. Add to all this the many cultural and sports
activities available in Sarasota, often called the "cultural capital" of
Florida, and you can easily see why this is a such a great place to live.
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