Reasons to choose Sand Key, FL for your next home or investment

10 Reasons to Choose Sand Key in Clearwater for Your Next Home or Investment

With its bright blue skies, warm sunny weather, and long stretches of fine, white sand, Sand Key, known as the little sister of its more famous neighbor, Clearwater Beach, is a gorgeous location. A separate island just off the coast of the Florida mainland, all amenities Floridians enjoy are easily accessible, but Sand Key is just far enough away to escape from the hectic activity found in other resort towns. Compared to its northern neighbor, the popular Clearwater Beach, the days spent at Sand Key are quieter and serene. When you buy real estate on Sand Key, you’ll discover a relaxed yet elevated beach lifestyle within a welcoming community.

Here, we’ll take a look at why Sand Key, with its luxury condos, community spirit, and fantastic beach life is a great place to invest in or where you and your family can relocate and make a home.

Sand Key: Overview

Geography and Location

Sand Key is a narrow barrier island that runs parallel to the Pinellas County mainland. It is connected to the famed Clearwater Beach by the Clearwater Pass Bridge.

Sand Key starts from the south of the Clearwater Pass and geographically at least, encompasses all the towns south of John’s Pass including Belleair, Reddington, and Indian Rocks. On the west coast is the Gulf of Mexico, while on the east lies the Intercoastal Waterway and Clearwater Harbor. Traversing the entire length of this island is Gulf Boulevard, the major “highway” that runs through its center.

Apart from its pristine beaches, Sand Key is also home to diverse wildlife, numerous nature trails, and a unique salt marsh. It’s a favored site for nesting sea turtles and dolphins.

Getting to and from Sand Key

Sand Key is accessible from Clearwater Beach from the north, and Belleair Beach from the south. There are various modes of transportation available, from boat transfers to the Jolly Trolly, taxis, and ridesharing services. You can even walk to Sand Key from Clearwater Beach, but wear your walking shoes as it’s a trek of 2.2 miles.

St. Petersburg (PIE) is the closest Airport to Sand Key and is around 9 miles away. You can also fly in from Tampa International Airport (20 miles away), Sarasota/Bradenton Airport (43 miles), and Orlando (98.8) miles.

Sand Key, Florida Real Estate

In Sand Key, you’ll find a mix of well-maintained condominium buildings that date back to the 1950s with a few townhomes and single-family homes sprinkled in for good measure. Across the market, architectural inspirations vary, encompassing Mediterranean, Spanish, Coastal Americana, and Contemporary styles.

Drawing many new homeowners and investors, looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle with extra amenities and a sense of community, are the impressive features seen in the many condominium complexes found on Sand Key. These condos include generous courtyards, beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows for stunning views of the beach, and intercoastal waterway along with pools, saunas, spas, concierges, and much, much more. This is great for families but also retirees who are looking to relax, make new friends, and enjoy the Florida lifestyle.

For investors, Sand Key is a premium investment location with a steady number of tenants who are looking to spend the cold northern winters in a more moderate climate.

Sand Key Properties Appreciatio

Due to its prime location, the value of Sand Key real estate tends toward the higher end of the spectrum.

The past few years have seen a considerable rise in the value of property in Sand Key. The median price of a home sold in Sand Key in May 2021 was $645,000. By May 2024, that figure had risen to $1,145,250. In 3 years the median price for a property in Sand Key rose by over 55%. These numbers are even more impressive when we take into account the effects of high-interest rates introduced by the Federal Bank to cool the market in the early part of 2022.

Despite this, the Sand Key real estate market hovers between being a balanced market and a buyer’s market. Homebuyers and investors can acquire property that is likely to appreciate well in a location where there is still some negotiation room on offers for properties.

Attractions and Amenities

Sand Key is popular among tourists who prefer a more relaxed and natural beach experience, distinct from the noise and activity of other crowded areas nearby. This being said, Sand Key itself is home to many attractions that both tourists and residents enjoy.

Positioned at the northernmost part of the island and facing Clearwater Pass, Sand Key Park is a great location to view natural wildlife. Unlike Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park’s beach offers a serene and less crowded atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a break from city life. Whether you have an unhurried itinerary or you’re a family looking for a quiet moment, the park provides a perfect retreat with its boardwalk, nature trails, and various amenities, including picnic tables, cabanas, and bathhouses.

The Shoppes on Sand Key offers great shopping and fantastic dining options. This harborside retail strip has some delightful boutiques where you can find elegant and stylish beachwear. The dining spots here take full advantage of the sun and sea. This location is also very popular in the evening when the sun starts to set. Then it takes on a different more relaxed energy as the sun colors the sky a beautiful tinge of orange and red.

Dive into the suite life as this waterfront resort offers 13 acres of private beach and a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, outdoor pools, and access to the nearby Sand Key Park.

This hotel provides luxury suites with kitchens and balconies overlooking the water, along with amenities such as a spa and outdoor pool. It’s also close to Sand Key Park.

A little further out, around a 30-minute drive away is St. Pete Beach. We’ve listed this beach as it is an award-winning beach having been voted the No.1 beach in the US by Tripadvisor in 2021. Here you’ll find soft white sand, a family-friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and enough to keep you and your family entertained without having to struggle against a crowd.

While there are many close beaches in Sand Key itself, for something a little different, St. Pete Beach is well worth the trip.

Proximity to other Communities

Investing in Sand Key property also puts you in proximity to other premier communities. Nearby neighborhoods include:

Clearwater is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, including Clearwater Beach. As a popular travel destination, visitors flock to its beaches and the downtown area for concerts, events, and other community gatherings. The Clearwater, Florida real estate market is also thriving, with many investors looking into its residential and commercial spaces.

Island Estates is a residential community located on a barrier island in Clearwater Harbor. It’s known for its waterfront homes and set of canals. The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes and condominiums. Boating is a common activity, given its canal- and bay-front properties.

Country Club Estate is a residential neighborhood in Clearwater known for its well-established homes and proximity to world-renowned golf courses. The neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles, including mid-century and Mediterranean-inspired homes. It offers a suburban feel while being conveniently located near amenities.

Belleair Country Club- Home to Florida’s first golf course established in 1897, Belleair Country Club is located directly across the intercoastal waterway from Sand Key. Belleair Country Club offers terrific views and challenging play for golfers at every skill level. Well-groomed fairways and greens keep Belleair Country Club difficult yet friendly, and the staff can offer tips and tricks for playing your best round.

Pelican Golf Club:

The Pelican Golf Club, a mainstay for the LPGA (and previous host to the PGA’s FedEx Cup’s Match tournament) sits across the intercoastal from Sand Key. It is a prestigious golf club known for its exceptional courses and luxurious amenities. Located on the mainland in Belleair, just a short drive from Clearwater and Tampa, the club offers a premier golfing experience for members and guests alike. Pelican Golf Club provides a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience. The club features a state-of-the-art practice facility, including a driving range, putting greens, and chipping areas, allowing golfers to refine their skills. The clubhouse offers elegant dining options, social spaces, and a well-stocked pro shop catering to golfers’ needs.

Consideration When Buying Sand Key, FL Real Estate

Buying Sand Key prime property is a sound investment both for investors and homebuyers. This is especially true when you consider its popularity for visitors from around the world. However, as with any large and serious investment, you should also take into account the considerations.

Saltwater

A beachfront home is a dream for many, but owning property by the water requires careful consideration due to the elements. As your home is by the water, anticipate additional maintenance expenses to maintain your building’s integrity. Saltwater can corrode even metal while the damp air can cause mold. Fortunately, condominiums budget for year-round maintenance to remove any salt buildup.

Weather

The typical temperature in the area varies from 50°F to 90+°F with January being more windy and cool (temperature being relative of course. A cool 50-degree day in Florida is music to the ears of visitors from the north who are facing temperatures of twenty degrees below zero!). Hurricane season begins in June and lasts until November, with the peak rainy season being July-September. Beach-front properties are more vulnerable to hurricanes, wind storms, and flooding. However, the area has not observed a direct hurricane impact since the 1920s. With proper preparation, there are relatively few consequences from any major weather event. Additionally, local government and partner organizations such as the American Red Cross have emergency programs in place in the unlikely event of extreme weather.

Mortgages and Insurance

Coastal homes require more protection from insurance due to climate concerns and a higher risk of natural disasters. So before purchasing beach property, explore the available insurance coverage plans.

Tip: You can take advantage of coverage through the government’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which covers up to $25,000 in damage if you purchase from a partner insurance company.

In addition, as beach homes are in higher demand, these often come with a heftier price that requires a larger down payment. If you want to explore options, consult with a local real estate agent.

Tourists

As a homeowner in Sand Key, you will come across tourists enjoying their vacations. Do bear in mind that they have likely chosen Sand Key for many of the same reasons that homeowners do; it’s quiet, peaceful, and beautiful, but close to Clearwater and all the amenities and excitement there.

Schools

It’s important to note that though Sand Key is very family-friendly, the fact that it is a barrier island with a small population means that there are no schools on the island itself. Instead, being part of the broader Clearwater community, students living in Sand Key attend schools in the Clearwater area and those served by Pinellas County Schools. Just some of your nearby choices include:

• Clearwater Intermediate School
• Clearwater High School
• Clearwater Academy International
• Belleair Elementary
• Dunedin Highland Middle School
• Hope Academy International
• Kings Highway Elementary Magnet School
• Sandy Lane Elementary

Working with Sand Key Realty

Whether you’re a buyer looking for your new home, a retiree seeking your future nest, or an entrepreneur/ investor vying for a new location for a new business venture, Sand Key Realty can help you find the perfect property.

Our expertise in premier beach properties in Florida has made us the go-to choice for global investors. Since 1974, we have helped buyers and sellers navigate the luxury market through our tailored services. Our experience and hyper-local expertise allow us to offer unique insights into the Sand Key and Clearwater, Florida real estate markets.

If you’re looking for a new office, commercial space, condo, or house, we have a portfolio of impressive prime properties.

Let us help you find the property that meets your needs. Get in touch with our real estate specialists today at 727.443.0032 or leave us a message here. Together we can find your place in the sun.