Sand Key

It suits buyers who want Gulf-front, low-key beach living over the busier main strip — 47 of 52 active listings are waterfront and 42 are gated, so security and water access come standard. The island connects easily to the wider Clearwater Beach scene while keeping its own calmer pace. Tampa International is about 45 minutes out for travelers.

Yes, this is a premium waterfront market — the median list price is $862,500, and 20 of the current listings are priced above $1 million. At an average of $613 per square foot, you pay for location and water access, though entry points start around $425,000 for smaller units.

Active listings run from $425,000 up to $2.9 million, with a median list of $862,500 and a median size of about 1,604 square feet. Over the last 12 months, 47 homes sold at a median price of $928,777. Communities like Viewpoint On The Bay give a sense of the range.

It's a measured market that favors ready buyers — homes sit a median of 86 days before selling, and sellers are getting about 94% of their asking price. With 52 active listings against 47 sales in the past year, there's steady supply and room to negotiate.

Because Sand Key is condo- and gated-community heavy, HOA fees are significant — the median runs about $1,366 per month, typically covering building and amenity upkeep. Median property tax lands near $10,842 a year, so factor both into your monthly budget.