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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
Written By
Delaney Murray
Photography Contributed By
Kristjan Veski
Video By
Dan Mack
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Amanda Yonkin,
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 Marco Island, FL sell after 131 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Marco Island, FL over the last 12 months is $1,050,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LOCATION, LOCATION!Discover the ultimate Marco Island waterfront lifestyle in this beautifully renovated and fully furnished condo, perfectly positioned to capture sweeping panoramic views of the Marco River and Caxambas Pass. Light-filled and tastefully updated, this residence offers a seamless blend of comfort, style, and easy coastal living. The thoughtfully redesigned interior features a
Discover the charm of Seabreeze South with this second floor 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo, ideally located just minutes from the Gulf of America. Situated inland, this residence is located within close proximity to Marco Island Residence beach and a nearby laundry and storage facility. Enjoy the beautifully maintained tropical landscaping, one of the largest condo pools in the area, and the
WELCOME TO PARADISE! Spectacular Gulf views await from this beautifully updated, oversized 8th-floor unit in the highly sought-after Crescent Beach Condo. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,601 square feet of bright, open living space and includes covered parking for your convenience. Enjoy expansive, breathtaking waterfront views from both the living room and the primary bedroom,
WELCOME TO PARADISE! Spectacular Gulf views await from this beautifully updated, oversized 8th-floor unit in the highly sought-after Crescent Beach Condo. This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,601 square feet of bright, open living space and includes covered parking for your convenience. Enjoy expansive, breathtaking waterfront views from both the living room and the primary bedroom,
Experience true beachfront luxury in this completely renovated and beautifully redecorated condo in the highly sought-after South Seas Club on Marco Island. This residence is move-in ready, offering a modern coastal design with tasteful updates throughout. Every feature has been carefully selected to create a space that blends comfort, sophistication, and functionality. From the moment you enter,
UPDATED & FURNISHED, this top-floor slice of paradise on Marco Island which allows WEEKLY RENTALS is what you've been looking for! This residence at Anglers Cove presents a rare opportunity to enjoy island living without the time or expense of renovations. Updates include new hurricane impact sliders, windows and entry door; updated kitchen with new stainless steel appliances (2025) and beautiful
Luxurious Waterfront Retreat on Marco Island. Escape to paradise in this stunning Marco Island home, where white sandy beaches meet unparalleled luxury. Boasting a private dock for entertaining, this waterfront gem is perfect for hosting unforgettable gatherings with family and friends. Step outside to your resort-style outdoor living oasis, featuring an outdoor kitchen and spacious lounge area
This beautiful single-family home is in a quiet neighborhood! Just minutes from the sandy white beaches of Marco Island. Situated on an oversized property with pool and deck. Located close to local shopping, top ranked schools, Mackle Park, and Island style restaurants. Spacious 4BR/3Bath, master suite with sitting area with an outside porch. Downstairs 3BR/ 2B. In-law suite has its own private
Feel at home in this luxe 2-bedroom condo on the 17th floor, offering stunning beach views from every room. The condo community has 19 floors total.This newly renovated condo features smart TVs in each bedroom, a fully stocked kitchen, and complimentary beach gear, including a beach cart, chairs, and umbrellas. The kitchen is equipped with modern stainless steel appliances and a craft coffee
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
