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
Jeff Margolis,
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 139 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Marathon, FL over the last 12 months is $1,000,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Attention Investors! Owner financing opportunity with no windstorm insurance required. This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ground-level home is perfectly positioned on a desirable flow-through canal, only several houses away from the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Inside, you'll find a spacious layout with an updated kitchen featuring modern finishes and stainless steel
Over 3400 sqft of Luxury Living is featured with this 2007 custom built CBS in the gated community of Stirrup Key Sub in Marathon. Elevated water views, a deeded boat slip, protected community marina, multiple outdoor living areas and a private pool.Designed for both everyday comfort and entertaining, this multi-level home offers generous interior space, flexible living areas, and a
Anthony PallariaColdwell Banker Schmitt Islamorada
Welcome to your slice of paradise in the heart of Marathon! This exceptional ocean-side retreat is where luxury, lifestyle, and opportunity come together in one unforgettable property. This beautifully reimagined 3-bedroom, 2-bath half duplex offers an expansive 1,342 sq ft of spacious, stylish and light-filled living space--an incredibly rare find for a property of this kind in the Florida Keys.
Nate BartlettBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Keys Real Estate
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
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
Looking for bay views, space, resort-style amenities, and excellent investment potential? This is the one! Rarely available DIRECT GULF FRONT corner townhome at Tranquility Bay Resort offering the perfect blend of luxury, tranquility, and income-producing opportunity in the heart of the Florida Keys. Ideally situated on the quiet northern end of the resort, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence
Build your dream oceanfront home in the prestigious gated community of Sunrise Isle, a coastal island of just 20 properties located next to beautiful Sombrero Beach in the heart of Marathon. Build anytime you like as the property comes with a deeded City of Marathon Transferrable Building Right subject to the conditions of the City of Marathon. Generous 40,249 sq. ft. ocean and canal front lot (a
Looking to find an inexpensive way to enjoy the relaxed, Florida Keys living? Take a look at this well-maintained 2004 Skyline 39' trailer located on a leased lot in a quiet 55+ community in Marathon, Florida. This cozy home offers two bedrooms and one bathroom with a shower, making it ideal for full-time living or a seasonal retreat. The interior features a functional floor plan with comfortable
This beautifully updated waterfront condominium captures the essence of the Florida Keys lifestyle along a serene 200-ft-wide deep-water canal with 6+ ft control depth and no bridge clearance restrictions—The residence includes an assigned boat slip accommodating vessels up to approximately 43 ft, providing effortless access to open water. Hurricane-panel-protected sliding glass doors fill the
You don't often hear 'affordable' and 'Duck Key' in the same sentence, but this top-floor end unit proves you can live on one of the Keys' most desirable islands without breaking the bank. The end-unit location means extra windows that flood the space with natural light, and your private patio is the perfect spot to unwind at the end of the day. Inside you'll find tile floors throughout, a full
Experience the ultimate Florida Keys waterfront lifestyle with this rare oversized boat slip located in the highly sought-after Coco Plum Beach neighborhood of Marathon. Situated in the exclusive Coco Plum Beach Yacht Club. Boasting an impressive 22-foot x 80-foot slip with a 65 foot dock, this slip is perfectly suited for accommodating larger vessels with ease.Positioned on the oceanside,
Discover a rare opportunity to own an oversized boat slip with live-aboard approval in the desirable Cocoplum neighborhood of Marathon. Offering an impressive 22' width, 80' length, and 6' draft, this slip easily accommodates larger vessels, and a recently removed piling maximizes your available space. Nestled on the ocean side, you'll enjoy direct, fast, no-bridge access to the open water,
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
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
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.
The advertised rate of $19,500/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 4, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $24,670/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 2, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Marathon -Ground-Level Keys Retreat with Private Fenced Yard – Walk Everywhere!Enjoy easy island living in this bright and freshly painted 2-bedroom home located on a quiet private road in a fantastic Marathon location.Features Include:Large private fenced yard — perfect for relaxing or entertainingGround-level living with no stairsOcean breezes throughoutBright open
Florida Keys living! Come enjoy this beautiful single-family pool home located in the Hammocks area of Marathon. This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home features upgrades including impact windows and doors, paver driveway and walkways, front porch canopy, engineered flooring, and plantation shutters. The spacious kitchen offers real wood cherry cabinets, granite countertops, a large eat-at island,
Welcome to a rare opportunity to Rent a **fully renovated, residence** in the highly desirable **Little Venice neighborhood of Marathon** Furniture NOT included.6+ month OK ( Long term rental only ) Looking for Renters that can appreciate the quaint quiet life in the area, No pets, no smoking will be permitted in the Property. 4MAX in the property anyone over 18 Must be in the lease, and
4/2 renovated furnished home steps from Sombrero Beach. features pool with new heater/chiller, a private boat dock with new Power Pedestal, a fish cleaning station with water & accommodates 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
3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths in great central location in Marathon. All major kitchen appliances included and washer/dryer inside the unit. Wood flooring and tile throughout. Impact proof windows and doors.
Experience the laid-back luxury of Duck Key in this beautifully appointed waterfront residence. Designed for both comfort and entertaining, the home features a chef’s kitchen with premium appliances, generous counter space, and custom cabinetry that will delight any culinary enthusiast.Rich Brazilian wood floors add warmth and elegance throughout the living spaces, while the spacious primary
Jen ReyesKeller Williams Realty Premier Properties
Monthly and weekly rates available. Wide water views from this beautiful renovated furnished condo boasting a fantastic floor plan (one of the larger units), is attractively decorated w/an updated & modern coastal look. Many windows for natural light & huge L-shaped balcony boasting pocket sliding doors for indoor/outdoor living. Kitchen has white countertops, newer SS appliances, and a terrific
Welcome to ''Casa Azul Villa'', a beautifully renovated Gulf-front retreat available as a fully furnished, turn-key long-term rental in the peaceful enclave of Grassy Key.Privately tucked away on quiet Morton Street, this waterfront home offers sweeping open water Gulf views, exceptional boating access, and the relaxed coastal lifestyle the Florida Keys are known for. With no highway noise and a
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