Marco Island is the entry point to the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands, and it's a gateway to an upscale, coastal lifestyle. The permanent population is around 18,000 people, but from January to April it swells to over 40,000 during the peak tourist season. Island residents embrace the white-sand beaches and the waterfront recreation on the Gulf of Mexico, whether they are here for just a few months or year-round. “People love the beach, love their biking, love their tennis and golfing. If you come down here and say you’re bored, you didn’t look very hard,” says Michael Ludwig, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Marco Island’s waterfront properties.
Marco Island is a self-contained community accessible by bridge or boat.
Boaters in the Marco Island can moor adjacent to popular restaurants and shopping plazas.
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Boating and beaches along the Gulf of Mexico
Boaters can launch from dozens of canals that feed into the Gulf of Mexico for short fishing outings or trips to Fort Myers and Key West. The southern part of the island is lined with beaches like Tigertail Beach, which fills up with residents and vacationers during sunset. “I call the sunset here the living tapestry or two minutes of serenity. People come down just for the sunset and the stars,” says Nina Burkhardt, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has sold on the island for over 20 years. Locals can use Residents’ Beach, which can only be accessed by people who own Marco Island property. Collier County residents may apply for a free parking pass for all the city’s parks and beaches.
Marco Island beaches offer a variety of recreational activities, including Hobie craft.
Boaters in Marco Island can easily venture to nearby islands for a unique experience.
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The wildlife of the Everglades
Marco Island is home to more than human residents — pelicans and egrets fly over the water, manatees and dolphins splash in Rookery Bay, and gopher turtles and iguanas wander through yards. Locals protect their wild neighbors by turning off lights during sea turtle mating season and relocating burrowing owls before construction. “[Residents are] very into the conservation of eagles, turtles and wildlife. They take great pride in making sure they don’t disturb them,” Ludwig says.
Marco Island residents can see Florida wildlife in the Everglades nearby.
Airboat tours through the Everglades offer a unique experience and a chance to see wildlife.
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Waterside dining in Olde Marco
Olde Marco, on the island's north side, has some of the most frequented restaurants and shops. The Shops of Olde Marco and the Esplanade Shoppes both have art galleries, clothing stores and restaurants that serve straight-from-the-bay seafood and play live music, regardless of the season or weather. “Until you’ve danced in the rain at the Esplanade, with the music playing, you haven’t danced,” Burkhardt says.
Marco Island is home to many popular restaurants with outdoor and waterfront patios.
The Shops of Olde Marco has a great selection of restaurants, shops, and art galleries.
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Vacation homes on Marco Island’s canals and beaches
Marco Island is known for its waterside mansions and high-rise condo buildings. The median home price is $1.1 million, more than double Florida’s median price of $435,500. Most buyers are purchasing or building properties that serve as second homes. In 2024, there was a decrease in both condos and single-family homes sold but a 300% increase in land sales, with many buyers wanting to tear down an existing property or construct something new from scratch.
Many homes in Marco Island are designed with vibrant colors and tropical decor.
Marco Island's coastline is lined with multi-story condominiums with luxurious amenties.
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Aftermath of Florida’s hurricane season
Marco Island has hot, humid summers and short, windy winters. During hurricane season, the island sees its fair share of storms. It was hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017, Hurricane Ian in 2022, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The south side is especially prone to damage.
In 2019, the FBI named Marco Island the safest city in Florida. That year, the city reported less than five property crimes and less than one violent crime for every 1,000 people.
Bridges leading to Tamiami Trail
There are no highways on Marco; instead, it is filled with local roads, and the speed limit never goes over 35 mph. The S.S. Jolley Bridge on Collier Boulevard and Goodland Bridge on San Marco Road are the only two routes off the island. Both roads connect back to Highway 41, also known as Tamiami Trail, which is the main route to Naples. Most residents get around by car, but Collier Area Transit (CAT) also has daily routes between Naples and Marco Island. The Marco Island Executive Airport handles private flights, while the closest commercial airport is Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.
A-rated Marco Island Academy
Marco Island is part of the Collier County School District, which has an A grade on Niche. Marco Island Academy, a public charter school, is A-rated and in the top five high schools in Collier County. The closest college is Florida SouthWestern State College–Collier Campus in Naples.
Tommie Barfield Elementary School is centrally located in Marco Island.
Marco Island Academy is a publicly funded charter high school.
Naples is the #1 place to LIVE. My family and I relocated here 25 years ago. The beautiful foliage, beaches, and tropical climate along with the mild winters were attractive to us. I have been a Realtor for the past 45 years. I proudly provide unsurpassed concierge service to my buyers and sellers. I take pride in providing the utmost personal attention you deserve and need. Your real estate purchase or sale is one of the most important things to you and having the right Realtor should be as well. Your Priorities are my Priorities. It would be my pleasure and privilege to help you or anyone you know, Buy or Sell a Home or Condo in Beautiful Naples, or anywhere in Southwest Florida.
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