Living a Beach Lifestyle in Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island is on a barrier island on the southwest corner of Florida. Many people choose to live here because of its access to the water and some very nice beaches. It is the last community of any size on the southern end of Florida's Gulf side. The population is just over 18,000 and the average age, 60, reflects its popularity as a retirement destination.  Development is filling in the area between Naples to the north and Marco.  There is not too much of a central town. Marco Island is a relatively new town.

Where to Retire in Marco Island and Home Prices

Marco Island is a popular resort as well as being home to many, many active adult communities and developments. Some of these are golfing communities which are generally not on the Gulf, while many high rise condo communities are on the beach. Many of the area's communities claim to be in Naples or are in between the two towns. Zillow reported the median home value in Marco Island to be $927,604 in early 2023. The National Association of Realtors reported the median sale price in the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island area to be $802,500 during the 4th quarter of 2022.

What Is Special about Marco Island

Warm winters make Marco Island special along with lots of waterfront, big resorts, and many active communities to choose from (many of them high-end).

What Is Not Special about Marco Island

Real estate is expensive. It is fairly isolated since it is the last town on Florida's southern coast. The Everglades stretch to the east and south. There is not much of a town and most everything is new and big box-like.

Climate and Physical Environment

Marco Island is the southernmost community on Florida's west coast It is located on the largest of many barrier islands in the area. The average July high temperature is 91, and the average January high is 75 (the low is 53). The wettest month is June (8").

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The Chamber of Commerce website for Marco and Collier County reports that: "From community theater performances to unique art galleries, Marco Island has a variety of choices for cultural activities." While visiting the island, you can visit a world-class art league facility, historic exhibits, and working artists' studio. There are street festivals, outdoor art fairs, performances by dance troupes and concert bands. Nearby Naples has an unbelievably large number of great cultural resources.

Crime

Crime in Marco Island is incredibly low.

Medical Facilities

The nearest hospitals are plentiful in towns like Naples (the Cleveland Clinic) and Fort Myers.

Transportation

I 75 is just to the north, which connects Marco to Miami and Fort Myers. Marco Island Airport serves the community, the much bigger Fort Myers airport is within 50 miles.

Valuable Links

City of Marco Island

Florida retirement guide

Rate This Town