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
Belmis Montesino,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Marathon, FL sell after 144 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Marathon, FL over the last 12 months is $1,000,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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,
TURNKEY Indigo Reef Villa! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome is a boaters dream and income-earning gem. The highly desired, gated community offers resort-like amenities for homeowners and guests. Located near the heart of Marathon and peacefully tucked away on 10+ acres along the water's edge, the convenient location, boating access, and weekly transient license attracts vacation goers for
Sarah EckertColdwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. (KW)
Welcome to a rare opportunity to own a **fully renovated, turnkey residence** in the highly desirable **Little Venice neighborhood of Marathon**A seamless blend of coastal elegance and cozy sophistication, finished with impeccable attention to detail and a warm, inviting aesthetic. This property offers a 7-day minimum rental restriction, making it attractive for both personal enjoyment and
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 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
Life on the water begins the moment you arrive at this beautifully positioned open water home on prestigious Harbour Drive in Duck Key. Surrounded by swaying palms and tropical landscaping, this classic 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Florida Keys coastal cottage sits on an oversized 11,250 sq. ft. lot highlighted by a bright open-concept layout with panoramic views of Toms Harbor. Built with CBS
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Marathon--just moments from the white sands of Sombrero Beach. This exceptional 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom waterfront estate offers approximately 4,200 sq. ft. of elevated coastal living, perfectly designed for both personal enjoyment and strong income potential. Located on a wide, clean canal with 100 feet of concrete dockage, this property is a true
Welcome to Coco Plum Terrace Unit 211, a beautifully updated and fully furnished corner residence offering a bright, breezy coastal atmosphere with peek-a-boo views of the Atlantic Ocean. This charming condo features a spacious primary suite with king bed accommodations and a newly updated bathroom, while the light-filled living area flows seamlessly to a private balcony--perfect for enjoying
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
Rare opportunity to own a ROGO Exempt oceanfront property in Marathon! This expansive 56,488 sq. ft. parcel offers approximately 100 feet of direct ocean frontage and stretches nearly 570 feet deep, creating the perfect setting for a private estate or investment property. Previously improved with a residence (just recently removed), this cleared and buildable lot allows you to build immediately
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, NEW AC, NEW WATER HEATER, this home is move-in ready and built to handle Keys living with
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
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
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 $21,346/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of June 28, 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
Cozy 1 bed 1 bath located in Key By The Sea with a driveway parking space. No neighbors located behind you offers some privacy. Store your extra belongings in the detached storage shed and enjoy your own washer/dryer! Common laundry buildings are also steps away. Relax in the waterfront picnic area and enjoy ocean views and breezes. Conveniently located near Publix/Sombrero Beach/Crane Hammock.
The advertised rate of $29,735/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of September 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
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
This 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bath townhouse is available in Mid May 2026! Kitchen has new white upgraded cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Parking under the house. Front balcony off the living room. Master bedroom has private bath and front balcony as well! Ready for MOVE-IN Mid May. Pets considered.
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,
Wonderful Location, Walk to Restaurants and more. Quiet Private Road Relax and Entertain in your own Private Fenced Yard, Ocean Breezes, Ground level, No Stairs. Clean and Freshly Painted, 2 Large Bedrooms. Tiled Bath with Full Size Tub, Eat in Kitchen. 2 Mounted TVs, Washer and Dryer. Sorry No Pets. Long Term Yearly Rent lease at $2645 per month No Application Fee.
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
Welcome to your private oasis in the Florida Keys. This beautifully renovated home blends classic Keys architecture with a thoughtfully designed outdoor retreat rarely found in homes of this style. Upstairs features the primary living quarters with two official bedrooms and two full bathrooms, creating a comfortable and bright main living space. What truly sets this property apart is the fully
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