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
Lesli Burkhead,
an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Angel DiGiorgio
American Caribbean Real Estate, Christie's International Real Estate
On average, homes in Marathon, FL sell after 119 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 $1,100,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
OPEN WATER VIEWS AND DOCKAGE, LARGE LOT.Cute and comfortable 3 bedroom 2 bath home with storage under the building. The concrete dock is approx 50 ft, and there is a dockside Tiki . Do not miss this home with its water VIEWS and close proximity to the Bay and Ocean on the other side of the 7 Mile Bridge around the corner. This home is listed below Tax Assesor's valuation.
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
Embrace refined island living in this waterfront home, where tropical serenity meets effortless sophistication. Perfectly positioned on a lush corner 9,255 sq. ft. lot framed by stately date palms and vibrant landscaping, this coastal sanctuary captures the essence of the Florida Keys lifestyle--relaxed, elegant, and immersed in natural beauty.Step inside to 1,478 square feet of beautifully
Nestled within the confines of exclusive Plantation Island, at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, lies a monumental Oceanfront estate of unparalleled proportion. Enveloped in lush tropical landscaping, and sprawling across an oversized 17,900 Sq. Ft. Point Lot, boasting stunning Open Water Views, every detail has been considered at this coastal retreat in coveted Hawks Cay! Enjoy Direct Ocean Access
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 110 Bruce Ct, a fully remodeled, 2-story canal-front Vacation Rental in the heart of Marathon, now complete with a brand-new Pool with sunshelf and spa! This stunning 5-Bedroom, 3-Bath home offers 2,592 sq ft of beautifully updated living space on a 7,500 sq ft lot with 75' of deep-draft water frontage, a 14,000 lb Boat Lift, and concrete dockage.The layout is ideal for
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
This room has a full living room with TV, Full kitchen, a King size bed and a full bathroom with shower. Also, in addition to the interior room, there is a balcony and full use of our large swimming pool. Ample parking available on property's parking lot. The apartment is located walking distance from Publix, Walgreens, Bank of America, and UPS drop off store. Less than a mile drive from Home
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