Living in Marathon

It’s been said, that being a tourist in Marathon, Florida is nothing like actually living here, and it’s true. When you’re on vacation, everything seems perfect, but real life can be stressful after moving to Marathon, Florida.

Today we are discussing some REAL pros and cons of living in Marathon, Florida that you will want to consider before making the move here.

*********Don’t Like to Read?  Watch the Video at the end instead!******************

Pro’s – Living in Marathon

1.  Beautiful Scenery and Climate

It’s no secret the beautiful blue oceans, sandy beaches and the stunning sunsets make living in the Marathon, Florida feel like paradise.  You’ll never get tried of looking at the beautiful ocean and feeling the warm breeze in the air. It’s warm all year long compared to other places in the United States.  When it rains it’s usually at night, which is great because that means you can still enjoy the day.  In the winter months is does get cool and you will need a jacket.  In the summer, it’s hot and humid but the ocean breeze sure does help!  It’s also a lot less windy in the summer and I think the water is better. 

2.  Low Crime

Marathon, Florida is a very safe island to live on. I never feel unsafe when I am out and about in the city.  Like every city we do have some crime but the occurrence of criminal activities is minimal and the unlawful acts themselves are quite insignificant.

3.  Simple Life / Slow Pace

When you live in Marathon you are on Island Time.  Everything moves a little bit slower here in the Florida Keys.  There are not a whole lot of options when it comes to get material type items like electronics and clothes. Marathon also lacks many chain brand stores, which means that you’ll often need to order items online and wait for them to be delivered by mail.  However, I like that we don’t have all those stores. I think it makes the city unique and also save me a lot of cash not spending money on things I really don’t need.  

4. The Water 

One of the best part of living on an island is being surround by water.  The range of water sports that are available here is arguably better than anywhere else in the world. The diving, snorkeling and fishing are all world-class activities here on the island. You can go canoeing, kayaking, or Paddle boarding at numerous locations too! The Florida Keys reef is awe-inspiring! Not only is it the third largest living coral barrier reef system on the planet, but it’s also the only expansive reef system found in the entire continental United States! Watching the fish glide by and taking in the breathtaking colors of the reef is truly an unparalleled experience!

5. Exploring

Living in Marathon, Florida has been an absolute blast. One of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had is exploring the uninhabited islands! To get to these hidden gems, you’ll need a boat, but don’t worry, there are numerous charters that’ll take you deep into the backcountry. Prepare to discover secluded slices of paradise that you never knew existed, and have the time of your life! It’s an adventure that’s sure to leave you with memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

6.  Community 

Marathon is a truly heartwarming and thriving town that takes pride in its strong sense of community. The city goes above and beyond by hosting frequent free events for families, where complimentary food and snacks are generously donated by local churches and businesses. In times of hardship, the residents unite to organize fundraisers to support those in the community who are facing challenges, demonstrating a deep sense of compassion and care. This close-knit atmosphere is what makes Marathon so special and sets it apart from larger cities where such a strong sense of community can often be hard to find.

7. Seafood 

If you’re a seafood lover like me, then living in Marathon is an absolute dream come true! With an abundance of fresh fish markets to choose from, you’ll have no shortage of options for the catch of the day. For a truly unforgettable experience, try getting your hands on some lobsters right off the boat – you won’t believe the incredible freshness! Simply put, if you’re a fan of seafood, Marathon is the place to be.

8.  Small Island

Marathon may only be 10 miles long from end to end, but it has everything you need! While we may not have an abundance of stores, we’ve got all the basics covered, including a Home Depot. One of the best things about living on this island is how quickly and easily you can get from one place to another – it takes no more than 15 minutes to travel from one end of the island to the other! (in season it can be a bit longer) I’m fortunate enough to have my office just five minutes away, which is a real luxury. Living on an island definitely spoils you, as you come to expect everything to be close by. It’s hard to imagine having to commute for 30 minutes just to get to work!

Con’s – Living in Marathon

1. The Housing Market 

Marathon is expensive. In the past few years, the cost of homes has skyrocketed, with prices doubling in many cases. This trend has extended to rent as well, making it tough to make your money go far here. It’s not uncommon for locals to work two or even three jobs just to make ends meet. If you’re planning to stay in Marathon for an extended period of time and have the funds available, I would strongly recommend investing in a property. Finding a place to rent in Marathon can be a real challenge, and what you get for your money may not be all that impressive. It’s worth keeping these factors in mind when considering a move to this area.    

2. Tourist

Living in Marathon, you quickly learn how to distinguish locals from tourists. Our high season runs from January to April, and during this time, the town is inundated with visitors. As locals, we have a bit of a love-hate relationship with the tourists. On the one hand, they help to keep our businesses thriving, which is great. On the other hand, everyday tasks like grocery shopping and running errands can become a real hassle when there are long lines to contend with. Plus, if you happen to live next to a vacation rental, you’re guaranteed to get new neighbors every week, who may not always be the most considerate of visitors. Let’s just say that when people are on vacation, they sometimes tend to get a little rowdy.

3.  Lack of Seasons

When you live in Marathon it sort of feels like time stands still.  The lack of season makes every day feel the same.

4.  Get off the Rock

Living in Marathon, you’ll often hear locals talking about the need to “get off the rock” every now and then. Since not much changes on the island, you’ll find yourself frequenting the same restaurants and hangouts. Every once in a while, it’s nice to take a break from the island life and venture to the mainland for a change of pace.

5.  Job Market 

Job opportunities in the Florida Keys are somewhat limited. The majority of available jobs are in the hotel and service industry. If you’re able to secure a job that allows you to work remotely from anywhere, that would be your best bet for employment in this area.

6.  Not Just Paradise When Living in Marathon

Online photos of Marathon may depict beautiful images of the water, luxury houses, and breathtaking sunsets. However, once you arrive, you’ll also encounter parts of Marathon that aren’t so picturesque. The wealth gap in Marathon is significant, and the streets often consist of a blend of old mobile homes and conch houses alongside magnificent newly constructed homes. Additionally, there aren’t many pedestrian-friendly areas to stroll around. Walking or cycling near U.S. 1 can be very dangerous.

7.  Health Care

If you have any major medical conditions, don’t come to Marathon.  Although we do have Fishermen’s Community Hospital it is not equipped to handle major emergencies.  Having to travel over two hours in the car to get medical help it not something anyone wants to do. 

8.  The Bubba System

It’s all who you know in this town. In Marathon, the city has a tendency to selectively enforce its code ordinances, sometimes turning a blind eye to certain situations while strictly enforcing others. As a local, it can be incredibly frustrating to try to get the City of Marathon to take action. However, if you happen to have connections on the city council or are friends with the right people, you may have an easier time getting things done. It’s definitely not a fair system.

Prumo & Carden – 310-384-5647

Amy’s success as a Florida Keys Elite Agent and Diamond Award Winner is truly awe-inspiring. With over a decade of experience in the real estate industry, she has cemented her position as a trailblazer and pioneer. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in her impressive academic credentials, which include a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Management. Amy’s marketing programs are simply unmatched, ensuring that your property is showcased to the widest audience of potential buyers, thus guaranteeing maximum exposure.