Shopping in Marathon, FL
Living full time in the Florida Keys is a lot different than just coming on vacation. One of the first things you notice is the lack of stores to obtain everyday items. Each area of the Florida Keys has it’s own little section where items can be bought. Today, we are going to explore the Middle Keys and where to go for your everyday items, like food and pantry.
In the Middle Keys, there are two chain grocery stores, Publixs, and Winn Dixie. We also have a Farm Stand, Paradise Produce, which most of the time has lower prices or comparable to the chain groceries; however it’s locally owned, so that makes it better! There is also the Dollar Store (or now the $1.25 store) Walgreens and Home Depot.
Call me crazy, but I like to shop the sales and Winn Dixie and then head over to Publixs to get their deals as well. Hey, it’s not cheap living in the Florida Keys. I try my best to avoid going to the grocery store on Saturday, as that’s when all the rentals come in and the stores are a mad house! Everyone is different, but I like to get my dry goods, canned goods, and some snacks at Winn Dixie. I purchase most of my produce, fruits and meats at Publixs and then some more produce items over the Farm Stand. So yeah, when we go grocery shopping, it’s a long day!
Now, after living here for over a decade, there are some things that I never buy at the grocery stores. These items are: paper towels, toilet paper, bleach, detergents, cleaners and dish soap. I prefer to purchase these at the local Home Depot I am a firm believer that those items are cheaper year around. Now, don’t get me wrong once in a while, there might be a great sale at Publixs, but if nothing is on sale, my go-to for those items is to head over to Home Depot.
Besides Winn-Dixie for snacks, we like to go to the Dollar Store. Did you know you can get a whole package of Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzel Rods at the Dollar Store for way less than Publix or Winn Dixie. Currently, they have Coca- Cola liter bottles too. Yeah, yeah, I know it’s not good for you and we usually don’t drink soda at all. However, just recently I got on a soda kick and I saw the liter bottles there and was super excited. When shopping at the Dollar Store, beware some of the items are packaged smaller, and you are actually spending more for less. There are great deals to be had, just be sure to watch what you buy.
Walgreens, ever since the Dollar Store is now the $1.25 store, I have been going over to Walgreens to get my candy. When candy is on sale at Walgreens, it’s almost always cheaper than a $1.25. Walgreens carries some staple items but almost always its going to be more money than the grocery store.
Although we don’t have a ton of stores to go to, the best part of living in Marathon is that everything is close. On average it will take about about 5-7 minutes to get to any of these stores. I don’t know about you, but I much rather use my time on something else than driving to the grocery store.
Happy Shopping!
Prumo & Carden Team
Amy is a Florida Keys Elite Agent & Diamond Award Winner. She has been selling real estate for over a decade in the Florida Keys.
Tom’s experience is in the Building, Planning, Zoning and Development field. He worked in the Civil Engineering Department for the USAF. He has built homes in both Marathon and Key Colony Beach.
