Marathon’s namesake dates back to the early 1900s, when railroad workers labored day and night to complete the Florida East Coast Railway. While the pace of life may have been unrelenting back then, today the city stands as a premier destination for island living the heart of the Florida Keys. Over 9,000 residents call Marathon home, and many enjoy exploring the surrounding turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico, which offers premier sport fishing opportunities. “Marathon has some of the best fishing in the Keys,” says Jennifer O’Marah, a local Realtor with United Realty Group.
Marathon, FL was built in the early 1900s, with laborers working days and night to build the Florida East Coast Railway.
The beauty of the Florida Keys is right within Marathon, FL.
Enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys while living in Marathon, FL.
Fishing enuthizist love Marathon, FL for its great accessibility to amazing local fish.
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A sport fishing destination with nearby parks to explore
Marathon’s recreation revolves around the ocean. The city is a world-renowned destination for catching mahi mahi, yellow tail, goliath grouper and sailfish. For recreation on dry land, the Marathon Community Park offers multiple athletic facilities including baseball diamonds, basketball courts and soccer fields. Curry Hammock State Park features over 1,000 acres of undeveloped mangrove swamps, winding lagoons and sandy beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the diverse wildlife of the islands at the Florida Key Aquarium Encounters, with over 50 species of tropical fish, rays and much more on display.
The peaceful scene of the sea reflects the beauty of the city of Marathon, FL.
Marathon Community Park has a variety of sports amenities, including a very well-maintained tennis court.
Curry Hammock State Park Trail in Marathon, FL is a beautiful park to explore.
Learn about the creatures of the sea at Aquarium Encounters in Marathon, FL.
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Combination of waterfront estates and midrise condos
Marathon offers a collection of single-family and multifamily housing options, many of which have oceanside views. “Lots of the condos and homes are actually waterfront as there are a lot of canals in Marathon,” O’Marah says. “Most homeowners have their own boat in their backyard.” Ocean front estates and mid-rise condos are popular styles and many sit on stilts to provide flood protection. The median single-family home price is about $1.4 million, significantly above the national average.
While most other keys limit tourists by requiring 28-day-rental periods, Marathon embraces them with a 7-day rental minimum.
Marathon, FL has lots of newly multifamily homes for more of a affordable housing option for residents.
Homes in Marathon, FL are along the ocean with space for boats.
Raised homes in Marathon, FL are built alongside beautiful waterfront views.
Rasied homes in Marathon, FL are perfect for large and growing families.
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Students attend Monroe County Schools
The Monroe County School District serves Marathon and receives a B-plus rating on Niche. Because the district covers most of the Keys, all students in Marathon attend the same schools. Stanley Switlik Elementary receives a B rating while Marathon Middle High School receives a B-plus rating. Marathon Middle High School offers numerous clubs including habitat for humanity and digital journalism. The College of the Florida Keys – Middle Keys Center is located in the city.
Stanley Switlik Elementary School in Marathon, FL has a B- score on Niche.
Marathon Middle School in Marathon, FL has a B+ score on Niche.
Marathon High School in Marathon, FL has a B+ score on Niche.
The College of the Florida Keys - Middle Key in Marathon, FL is a great place to start your early higher education.
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Waterfront dining with sunset views
Marathon’s culinary scene is directly tied to its setting. “There are lots of place you can get to by boat which is a big draw,” O’Marah says. “Marathon has plenty of sunset spots and happy hours everywhere.” Famous seafood eateries include Porky's Bayside and Keys Fisheries. Unlike other islands in the Keys, Marathon has a grocery store, so residents don’t have to drive far for weekly goods.
Enjoy amazing service and foods at Porky's Bayside in Marathon, FL.
Locals and tourists alike flock to Keys Fisheries in Marathon, FL for those amazingly fresh seafood and great spirits.
Winn-Dixie in Marathon, FL is a great place to get everything you need.
Shop at Publix in Marathon, FL for that great Publix sub and amazing grocery deals.
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Transportation
US Route 1, also known as the Overseas Highway, is the main thoroughfare of the Florida Keys, connecting all of the islands to the mainland. Marathon is about 50 miles from Key West and 116 miles from Miami. The Florida Keys Marathon Airport is a public airport that offers on-demand charter flights. Full-service commercial airlines can be found at the Key West International Airport. Monroe County and Miami Dade County service multiple bus stops in Marathon.
Try a fresh catch at the Marathon Seafood Festival
The city’s most famous event is the Marathon Seafood Festival, the second largest event in the Florida Keys, with more than 15,000 annual attendees. The popular gathering takes place across two days every March and features live music, entertainment, and of course, fresh, local seafood. Other significant events include the Marathon Beach Party and Fireworks Show and the annual Sombrero Beach Run.
Enjoy delicious fresh Keys seafood at the Marathon Seafood Festival.
Marathon Seafood Festival offers visitors over 200 local vendors from all over Florida.
Let your kids have fun at the Kids Zone at the Marathon Seafood Festival.
Enjoy great live entertainment while at the Marathon Seafood Festival.
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Crime and Environment
The Monroe County Police Department serves Marathon. While the county may have a violent crime rate slightly above the state average, violent crime decreased by around 27% from 2022 to 2023, according to data from The Florida Department of Health.
Flooding is a large concern in Marathon as nearly all of the city lies in FEMA-designated flood zones. Hurricane season typically runs from June through November with Hurricane Irma being the most recent storm to directly strike the area. Monroe County participates in the National Flood Insurance Programs and homeowners are highly encouraged to review available policies. The city normally experiences mild, sunny winters with hot and humid summers.
Written By
Beck Connelley
Photography Contributed By
Yanan Sun
Video By
Hunter Severtson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darrin Smith,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Marathon, FL sell after 128 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Marathon, FL over the last 12 months is $1,032,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 230 W Seaview Drive, a beautifully remodeled canal-front home on prestigious Duck Key. This move-in-ready residence combines modern coastal design with classic Keys charm. Featuring impact-rated windows and doors, a brick pavered driveway, and lush tropical landscaping, every detail has been thoughtfully curated for comfort and style.Step inside to find an upgraded interior with luxury
Welcome to your island oasis on prestigious Yacht Club Island in Duck Key. This elegantly upgraded 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence delivers the ultimate Florida Keys lifestyle with exceptional boating, privacy, and resort-style living. Step inside to discover a beautifully appointed interior with tasteful finishes throughout--designed for both full-time living and luxurious retreats. Enjoy canal
Welcome to Gulfpointe II, a Gulf front community offering lots of amenities including great dockage, large heated and chilled pool and lots of parking. This spacious 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo offers an open floor plan with panoramic views of the gulf from all angles. Enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails watching the sunset over the water from one of your. two porches that face different angles
Discover an extraordinary waterfront oasis in the heart of the Florida Keys. Located just moments from the pristine sands of Sombrero Beach, this elegant estate blends modern sophistication with the relaxed charm of coastal living. Designed for the discerning buyer, every detail of this property reflects luxury, comfort, and an unparalleled boating lifestyle. Elevated foundation - permitted for
Welcome to 230 W Seaview Drive, a beautifully remodeled canal-front home on prestigious Duck Key. This move-in-ready residence combines modern coastal design with classic Keys charm. Featuring impact-rated windows and doors, a brick pavered driveway, and lush tropical landscaping, every detail has been thoughtfully curated for comfort and style.Step inside to find an upgraded interior with luxury
Welcome to this beautifully updated island retreat in the heart of Duck Key! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on a desirable corner lot, offering extra privacy and great outdoor space.Built solid with CBS construction and recently upgraded with a new metal roof and new impact windows and doors, this home is move-in ready and built to handle Keys living with ease.Inside, you'll find
Seawatch Condominium offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy resort-style living in a private, gated waterfront community in the Florida Keys. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath that has been recently remodeled, featuring an updated kitchen with modern appliances and cabinetry, wood flooring, tile, and beautifully updated baths. The unit is sold fully furnished making it move-in ready for immediate
The Perfect fully furnished weekend escape, or high yield, fully managed resort style rental property! Experience the charm of the Florida Keys in this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath villa at The Village at Hawks Cay. Set along a beautiful and wide canal, this waterfront property offers spectacular views and a peaceful setting ideal for relaxation and entertaining (and the color of the
Welcome to your island oasis on prestigious Yacht Club Island in Duck Key. This elegantly upgraded 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence delivers the ultimate Florida Keys lifestyle with exceptional boating, privacy, and resort-style living. Step inside to discover a beautifully appointed interior with tasteful finishes throughout--designed for both full-time living and luxurious retreats. Enjoy canal
This 7,500 sq ft residential lot on Duck Key Island offers 75 ft of canal frontage and 100 ft of deep-water canal depth on the ocean side with crystal-clear waters. This property is yacht accessible. The ROGO permit is already grandfathered in, so it's ready to build with no waiting in the ROGO line and you can start construction today. Fully approved dock plans are included. A three-story home
Welcome to Bonefish Townhomes, where luxury meets the laid-back elegance of the Florida Keys. This beautifully appointed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath waterfront townhome offers sweeping open-water views of the Atlantic Ocean and channel, creating the ideal setting for relaxed island living. Boaters will appreciate the 62-foot deeded boat slip with lift, conveniently located just steps from the back door,
Welcome to Gulfpointe II, a Gulf front community offering lots of amenities including great dockage, large heated and chilled pool and lots of parking. This spacious 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo offers an open floor plan with panoramic views of the gulf from all angles. Enjoy morning coffee or evening cocktails watching the sunset over the water from one of your. two porches that face different angles
Ready to Build Your Dream Florida Keys Estate? This rare opportunity includes two large adjacent, cleared parcels, totaling 21,798 sq ft, in the heart of Marathon, already vested with a City of Marathon Market Rate Transferable Building Right, (TBR) -- meaning no wait, no red tape - start building immediately! Positioned on a deepwater canal with 7.9' controlling depth, this location is ideal for
Nestled on a secluded 2-acre lot in Grassy Key, Marathon, this gated waterfront estate boasts 4,000 sq. ft. and is highlighted with a ton of amenities including two docks, 4 post boat lift, private sandy beach and an infinity-edge elevated pool blending seamlessly with the gulf and featuring a built-in table and chairs for relaxing or entertaining. Expansive covered areas by the pool offer shaded
Discover one of the best-priced properties in the Florida Keys! A beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom top-floor condo on sought-after Duck Key. Offering a flexible layout, tasteful upgrades, and a brand-new air-conditioning system, this home delivers comfort and value in equal measure.The main living area features a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and
Beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom top-floor condo on sought-after Duck Key. Offering a flexible layout, tasteful upgrades, and a brand-new air-conditioning system, this home delivers comfort and value in equal measure. The main living area features a renovated kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and modern finishes throughout. The primary suite is inviting and
SUMMER SPECIAL! Experience the ultimate FL Keys vacation getaway at this BRAND NEW condo-townhome in the breathtaking community of Ocean Isles Fishing Village! This is the ONLY 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom in the community that offers complete, comfortable accommodations for up to 6 guests at competitive 1B/1B pricing! Unit 38 is the larger style, two story design. Come into the first floor open
Welcome to your ideal Florida Keys getaway in the heart of Marathon! This beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath canal-front home offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Located on a peaceful canal just moments from open water, you can enjoy fishing right from the 37.5-foot concrete dock or hop on your boat for a quick ride to the renowned Vaca Cut, providing easy access to both
Call Today to Book Your Appointment, we are eager to connect with you in Person!Tarpon Harbour is located in Monroe County, the 33050 ZIP Code, and the Monroe attendance zone.
This is the perfect Apartment, Ample fully furnished at Faro Blanco Condo to relax and enjoy the Keys living.Private screened-in balcony to enjoy all day. Master bedroom has a king bed, Second bedroom 2 full size beds and3rd bedroom has a full bed plus a twin size bunk bed. All new furniture. Rent includes electronics, housewares, 2parking spaces, basic cable & internet.Offer for long
Andres MoserKeller Williams Realty Premier Properties
Welcome to Rooftop Bliss, the ultimate family getaway in Marathon, FL! This spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom villa is perfect for making memories together, with a private rooftop deck, resort-style pool, and a safe, gated community. Close to beaches, fishing spots, and fun island attractions, it's your home away from home in the Florida Keys.This beautiful three-level villa has everything your
4/2 remodeled home steps from Sombrero Beach. features pool with new heater/chiller, a private boat dock with new Power Pedastal, a fish cleaning station with water & a dock can accommodate up to 50 ft vessels. With only minutes from the Atlantic and steps to the Beach, this is an ideal location. The Light & bright kitchen has been completely remodeled and boasts new state of the art Cafe
Experience the Florida Keys at its finest in this luxurious 4-bedroom, 4-bath tropical paradise nestled in a peaceful oceanfront neighborhood in Marathon, FL. This three-story waterfront estate was meticulously designed for the ultimate relaxation experience. Feel at home in this stunning retreat offering easy access to local shops, restaurants, beaches, and attractions.The open-concept
Seasonal Rental! 3 month rental from 2/1/2026 through 4/30/2026. Waterfront Mobile home on private lot at Key by the Sea. Huge covered outdoor patio with 30 FT dock, outdoor sink with fish cleaning table, and large storage shed. Spacious new 5th wheel trailer with queen bedroom in the front side, and double bunks in the back. This community offers great amenities, including club house, private
Property Id: 2301674CLEAN CONCRETE GROUND LEVEL HOME-Restored Terrazzo Floors-BRIGHT - Light - FRESHLY PAINTED-2 large Bedrooms - 1 TILED BATH with Full Size TUB-EAT IN KITCHEN-INCLUDES 2 large Screen Mounted TVs- AIR Conditioners Plus Ceiling fans in each room-PARK at Your front door - NO stairs-PRIVATE ROAD - PRIVATE FENCED YARD-ACCORDIAN HURRICANE
Welcome home to Ocean Isles Fishing Village this beautiful townhome oceanfront property in the heart of the Florida Keys, that allows seven-day minimum rentals $200 a night. Two stories of modern living space w/main floor living room, kitchen, and full bathroom with washer/dryer in unit. The top floor is the master bedroom with full bath. Offered fully furnished monthly or short term rental.
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