Regina Brassil, ABR, AHWD, e-Pro

As local buyers' agents, we are often asked "where would you live?" Siesta Key remains my favorite, but over the years, our customes have voted with their checkbook for other awesome places to call home - are there any places you would add to the list?

Sarasota City Living: Laurel Park, Condo on the Bay, Golden Gate Point, Avondale, Bungalow Hill

Sarasota Family Life: Palmer Ranch (Turtle Rock, Hamptons), Three Oaks, Center Gate

Sarasota Beach Living: Casey Key, Lido Shores, Palm Island (Siesta Key)

Sarasota Golf & Country Clubs: University Park, Stoneybrook

Sarasota Boating Life: Tropical Shores, Phillippi Creek, Siesta Key Grand Canal

Best of All Worlds: Bird Key, St. Armand's Circle

Ok, maybe not in the galaxy...yet.

In October the Today Show proclaimed that Sarasota was the #1 real estate value in the United States. Recently, the International Property Journal reported that Sarasota was the #1 real estate value in the Western World.

The Western World? That should get someone's attention.

Sarasota is internationally known as a beautiful, cultural and sophisticated. Siesta Key Beach was recently named the #2 beach in the country for the second year in a row. Our waterfront property, beachfront property, golf course property, equestrian property...all are an excellent value right now.

The best value in the known universe, I suspect.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has published a computer model that represents the likely path of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico. They have declared that Sarasota, and specifically the beaches of Siesta, Lido, Longboat and Casey Keys have a less than 1% chance of being affected by the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf.

This news comes on the heels of a composite computer model constructed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) which also has the oil missing Sarasota entirely.

Once again, stunning Siesta Key Beach was honored by Dr. Beach, world renowned beach-rater-guy. This year he claimed we were #2 behind a beach in Southampton, Long Island.

Oddly enough, I used to live there. So I know both beaches well. I suspect that Dr. Beach simply doesn't want to bore readers by continually giving Siesta Key top honors; that being said Coopers Beach is pretty nice too. However, lets take another gander at that list in February, and see which beach we like better...I'll bet some people will be ready to buy some Siesta Key real estate.

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I liken it to survivors guilt. Florida residents know the feeling well - the relief that the hurricane passed you by is replaced quickly by the angst for your neighbors to the north or south who are enduring calamity. But for the grace of God go we...

The oil spill is alot like that. As the spill hits loop currents a hundred miles out in the Gulf, it is unlikely to affect pristine Sarasota beaches.

As a matter of fact, the water off Siesta Beach was so stupefyingly breathtaking this afternoon that it was hard to fathom the ecological disaster happening out there...and my heart aches for all who will be affected, whether on their beaches, water supplies, or pocketbooks.

Still, it was so beautiful - hard not to feel a little guilty for the relief it will probably stay that way.

Situated off the beautiful Gulf Coast, Siesta Key is an eight-mile-long barrier island connected to Sarasota by two bridges. Founded in 1846, there are now approximately 24,000 full and part-time residents of Siesta Key, although sometimes it seems like more -but we can't blame the visitors - we love it here too!

Siesta Key Real Estate

Living on Siesta Key is truly the epitome of beach life. There is much to choose from, be it waterfront mansions or single family residential homes in a little neighborhood. Condominiums are extremely popular, and are often used as beach rentals during the high season. Siesta Key is an extremely popular vacation destination making it very attractive for investors. Newcomers can choose to live on the Gulf of Mexico or on the Bay, near the village , or within walking distance to the beach.

In the current market, with condos being more difficult to finance, and home prices at record lows, buying your own private home on Siesta Key has never been a more affordable dream.

Beaches

Siesta Key is perhaps best known for its truly special beaches. Located on Beach Road, Siesta Beach is recognized as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. At the "Great International White Sand Beach Challenge" held in 1987, it was declared we have the "whitest and finest sand in the world." Unlike beaches elsewhere that are made up mostly of coral, Siesta Beach's sand is 99% quartz. Even on the hottest days, the sand feels cool underfoot, a blessing to those with little kids! The sand on Siesta Beach started in the Appalachians, flowed down the rivers and was eventually deposited on the shores of Siesta Key.

Shallow water depth in the near shore area, coupled with year round lifeguards on duty, makes this one of the safest beaches in the County and great for small children. A beach walk may yield a few sand dollars and coquinas, but it is rare to find shells on Siesta. The beach's amenities include rest rooms, a concession area, picnic tables, tennis courts, ball fields, beach volleyball courts, a soccer field, a 20 station fitness trail and a playground. Don't miss the Drum Circle on Sunday nights, when local residents and visitors alike dance to drumbeats and celebrate a gorgeous sunset. Bring your bongos and join right in! Parking is free, but fills up fast! Siesta Key Public Beach is the most famous beach on the Key, but for a less crowded experience, try Crescent Beach or Turtle Beach to the south; or find a small beach access in the village to stroll the beach to the North.

Shopping

The newly refurbished Siesta Key Village is a quaint little downtown consisting of restaurants, daiquiri bars and souvenir shops, where visitors can find necessities or the perfect souvenir. Park at one end of the village and take a leisurely walk over the new paver brick walkways, there is much to see. Whether you are looking for post cards, groceries, gifts, or island clothing, you will find it just strolling down the street. Unique boutiques, galleries, salons and shops in which to indulge yourself are around every corner and side street - have fun exploring! Our friendly merchants welcome casual browsing.

Siesta Key Village is absolutely casual, a "flip-flop and t-shirt " type of shopping and dining experience. Come right off the beach, and grab something to eat - its all good!

Food
Siesta Key is an island of culinary delights! Many of the restaurants specialize in seafood dishes including lobster, crab, blackened fish, raw oysters, and unique, Gulf Coast seafood dishes. Siesta Key also offers a wide selection of Italian, American, Oriental and French cuisine to suit the most discerning tastes. Whether you enjoy formal, candle-lit dinners, ocean side casual, or family-oriented dining, you will find it here, complete with nightclubs hosting music and dancing.

Recreation
Fun in the sun is what Siesta Key is all about. If you are interested in water sports, Siesta Key offers fishing, boating, dolphin and sunset cruises. You can jet ski, parasail, or wind surf. Many people enjoy bicycling and rollerblading through our quaint village or taking in our spectacular sunsets with a stroll on the beach. Whatever your recreational sports inclination, you will find it here.

With nearly 50 miles of canals and waterways and the surrounding bays and the Gulf of Mexico, boating is one of the most popular past-times on Siesta Key. The island offers boat rentals, charters, and guided tours. Many of our condominiums have boat docks; you can also take advantage of the temporary docks at our restaurants on the water.

If you like to fish, this is the place for you! With nearly 1,000 species of fish, you can avail yourself of year-round on-shore and off-shore fishing. You may wish to try deep-sea fishing, bridge fishing, or surf-casting. There are many types of saltwater fish in our waters, including barracuda, black drum, grouper, pompano, snapper and tarpon. Fish maps and charts are sold on the Key that will provide you with detailed information on the best times, locations, licenses, and limits for fishing.

All that is required to enjoy Siesta Key is a love of beach, water and sun! Welcome to paradise.