Jewfish Key in Longboat Key is one of the lesser known barrier islands that make up the Sarasota Keys. It is home to some of the most amazing real estate in Southwest Florida.

House hunters should know that this barrier island is not attached to inland Florida, which means that it can only be accessed by boat. As such, Jewfish Key tends to attract home buyers looking for vacation property. Homes can be rented for as much as $4,000 per month in the winter.

Jewfish Key used to be two separate islands until dredging operations merged them into a single, 38-acre isle. It is located right off the northeastern tip of Longboat Key. Half of the island is a nature preserve that attracts plenty of coastal wildlife. The other half contains a small collection of waterfront residences that range from beach cottages to impressive Mediterranean-style and Cape Cod homes.

Development at Jewfish Key is still ongoing. The electrical, landline and cable TV utility cables are buried. Some of the properties have private docking space, but residents are welcome to use the community island docks and piers. Membership in the local preservation association is mandatory.

Price appreciation in Jewfish Key has skyrocketed in the last few years as the island has become more developed and home buyers learn about this unique neighborhood. One-acre lots start at $1.3 million while a three-bedroom and two-bathroom waterfront estate with 2,378 square feet of air-conditioned space can be negotiated at $1.85 million.

In terms of convenience, the Longboat Key municipal docks are just five minutes away; this is where Jewfish Key residents can tie their watercraft and walk over to the Avenue of the Flowers shopping center, which includes a new Publix GreenWise Market. Anna Maria Island is just north of Jewfish Key; the closest docks are near Coquina Beach, less than 10 minutes away.