If you enjoy water, sand, and sun, with activities and fun galore, then Marco Island, the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Island chain, may be just the place for you.  Here, warm Gulf waters will lap at your toes on beaches with sand as fine as sugar.  It’s a slice of paradise, only 4 miles wide by 6 miles long, laced with canals and spectacular Marco Island real estate.  Miles of waterfront homes, condos, and home sites are available on this peaceful island refuge.  Marco Island rests comfortably on Florida's leeward side, away from the brunt of Atlantic storms, and boasts some of the most spectacular tropical sunsets you will find anywhere in the world--without leaving American shores.

Location, Location, Location

It’s been called Florida’s last paradise, while located a short 30-minute drive south of busy Naples, Florida.  You’ll find it hard to imagine that a place where you can watch pelicans fish from the dock and ospreys nest on buoys in shimmering turquoise-hued water while relaxing in luxury on the balcony of your Marco Island condo is only 40 miles south of Fort Myers Airport and 90 miles west of Miami International Airport.
 
Marco Island real estate is the ideal solution for anyone considering beachfront real estate. Naples Fl is right next to this tropical jewel. An island paradise with big city amenities! What more can you ask for?

History of Marco Island

Marco Island is a unique oasis designed, developed and created to become the leisure-living dream come true it is today by the first Marco Island REALTORS®, the Mackle brothers, Elliott,  Robert and Frank, Jr. in 1965.  They bought the island for $7 million, a paltry sum when the value of today’s Marco Island real estate is considered.  They constructed waterways and paved roads. Eventually, Elliott, Robert and Frank were sued by the state of Florida, effectively ending their involvement in the development of Marco Island, but not before the brothers gave up their own beachfront properties and money to ensure that investors and purchasers did not lose money.
(Read more about Marco Island’s History)

Resort-Living at Home

Do you enjoy water sports?  If so, Marco Island is just the place for you!  With more than 4 miles of sandy white beaches, much Marco Island real estate is situated near the water where outside activities are the main events!  Swimming, deep-sea fishing, parasailing, boating, and shelling are just a few of the many things to do.  Feast on superb fresh seafood, bike along cycling paths, stroll nature walks or take a tour.  Golf under the warm tropical sun is another popular activity on Marco Island.  You’ll love the pleasant mix of restaurants, retail stores and commercial services where vendors are known for excellent customer service.  If you like being within easy reach of the resort and don’t mind a short drive, Naples Real Estate offers affordable living accommodations that are close to the amenities of the island as well. There are a wide variety of Naples Fl homes for sale and buying one will still allow you easy access to Marco Island.
(Read more about Marco Island’s Tropical Lifestyle)
        

Island Neighbors

Ask your Marco Island REALTOR® about the many beachfront homes available in the nearby communities of Isle of Capri and Goodland.  Minutes from the center of Marco Island, Isle of Capri is a sleepy resort community of homes, condos and restaurants set within a network of exquisite islands and connected by bridges.  Once known as a tiny village for fishermen and canal diggers, Goodland is now a relaxed community where Harleys park next to Bentleys and fishermen trade stories with entrepreneurs.

Community Life

While known for its high quality of life, natural resources, and casual, easy-paced, family-oriented atmosphere, Marco Island is especially proud of its friendly people!  Your children will enjoy Kids Cove, a community-built play area just for kids.  Adults and teens like Walleyball (that’s volleyball played on a racquetball court), Wednesday night ping-pong at the Y, and big screen video games and Bocce Ball at the Marco Island Racquet Center.
(Read more about Activities on Marco Island)

Climate

You’ll bask in Marco Island’s warm tropical climate under sunny skies, with soft breezes and an occasional afternoon shower.  The year-round average temperature is 77 degrees, rarely exceeding 87 degrees, even in the summer.  Most rainfall occurs during the summer months.

Bridge to Paradise

If you’re more interested in Naples Fl homes for sale but still want to visit Marco Island frequently, you’re in luck. Marco Island is easily accessible from Florida’s mainland by two bridges:  the modern Judge Jolley Bridge, which is part of State Road 951, and the historic Goodland Bridge.  Originally constructed in the 1960s, the Goodland Bridge was used by the Mackle Brothers to transport supplies to the island as it was being built.  Named after the village of Goodland, it was the first bridge from the mainland to the island and is built high above the water so tall sailing vessels can pass beneath.

Transportation

A well-maintained network of roads and bridges crisscrosses Marco Island.  Getting around is easy when traveling by rental car, taxi, limousine, and for the more adventurous, bicycle, or boat.  Enjoy a trolley tour that winds through historic Marco Island while introducing you to the best shopping spots.  There’s no better way to learn the history of the island or peruse Marco Island real estate than to sit back and listen as your conductor narrates a tour.

Medical Care

Medical services abound on Marco Island, with a long list of providers specializing in a variety of areas including general practice, orthopedics, and dermatology.  Island Medical Center, Marco Medical Center, and Marco Island 24-Hour Urgent Care Center are three facilities on the island itself. And when you’re living on your own precious piece of beachfront real estate, Naples Fl offers many other care options. 

Canals and Bays

Imagine being only a mile or two from your condo and fishing with no one else in sight.  Most Marco Island residential real estate is within a few hundred feet of water.  Do you enjoy an evening sky alive with glittering stars?  Perhaps you would enjoy night fishing Marco Island’s canals and bays.  Or kayaking through the maze of waterways, mangroves, and sawgrass filled with more than 200 exotic and domestic species of birds and wildlife.  Visit a dockside restaurant when you’re done or take in a magical sunset.  How many dolphins and manatees did you see today?

Make Marco Island Your Home Away From Home

Are you considering the purchase of a second home as a vacation retreat or investment?  In 2003, Centex Development Corp, of Carmel, California rated Marco Island among the top five most popular destinations nationwide for individuals seeking a second home. With a year-round temperate climate, proximity to shops and restaurants, walking paths, and outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling and golf, Marco Island is the perfect choice for your second home.  Peace and quiet, nature trails, outdoor pools and a place to relax while escaping from business pressures are also important reasons to contact your Marco Island REALTOR®, Lisa Gandy, today to discuss Marco Island real estate!    

Living on Marco Island is like immersing yourself in a tropical nature preserve.  You’ll see dolphins in the waterways, and abundant sea life and birds.  This sun-drenched jewel on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico is just right.  Wet your toes in the hissing surf.  Call today about available Naples Fl homes for sale and Marco Island Real Estate!

Interested in buying or selling buy beachfront real estate? Naples Fl and Marco Island waterfront real estate can be found at great prices, if you know where to look. Contact Lisa Gandy, your Marco Island REALTOR® today.