M arco Island, Florida is the largest of the state's Ten Thousand Islands in the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. With its miles of white sand beaches and tropical climate, Marco Island is a residential haven for those who live here, and a vacation paradise for visitors. The island's stunning environment looks much the way it thousands of years ago when it was inhabited by the Calusa Indian tribe. Its lush foliage is home to hundreds of species of birds, including the American Bald Eagle. With its crystal blue waters, residents here while away their free hours in the sun, sailing, windsurfing, and simply listening to the waves roll onto the shore.

Marco Island was a planned community, built on the last few miles of privately held land on the southwest Florida coast. The construction plan called for an ambitious 175 miles of road and waterways, along with churches, schools, parks, and homes. The insightful engineers who planned the area dug channels and lined them with concrete retaining walls. With this foundation in place, they removed the dirt from the river's end, causing the channels to fill with water. Today, these are the waterways that front upscale properties throughout the community. While there are local legends of Spanish doubloons being found during the excavation period, any buried treasure remains just that.

Just slightly under 15,400 people call Marco Island home. They average 60 years of age, with a median household income of $65,000 and home value around $365,000. Folks here enjoy the outdoors, entertaining, and sightseeing. They spend hours on the beaches, sunbathing and spotting dolphins and whales off the coast. Of course, there is no shortage of ways to pass the hours on Marco Island.

Southern Florida is a golfer's paradise, and Marco Island is no different. With constant sunshine, it's possible to play year round. From May through October, the area is largely locals-only and residents will find easy access to the links. Many private courses will also accept non-member reservations during this time. There are currently over forty courses in the Marco Island-Naples area, with more being constructed. If you care to take a little day trip, the southeast coast offers over one hundred courses to challenge you.

Residents take full advantage of their coastal location. There are pristine beaches scattered along the coast of Marco Island. The Cedar Bay Marina has fishing gear and boat rentals. You can also charter a boat, or take a sunset cruise. Many enjoy exploring the Everglades, either by airboat, canoe, or kayak.

The restaurants here are plentiful and exquisite. Proprietors meet the challenge of the demanding palates of the island's residents. Many restaurants in the area specialize in the succulent fresh seafood of the region, including jumbo shrimp, scallops, crabs and grouper. But that's certainly not all. There is a diverse range of cuisine, including award winning Italian, French, and American bistros. For a quick bite, there is an array of "pub grub" to much on while you sip a cold drink overlooking the water.

Marco Island, Florida is a tropical retreat catering to distinguished residents. It provides a balmy climate averaging 77 degrees with breathtakingly clear blue waters and sunny skies. If you're thinking of moving to Marco Island, our relocation packet is yours for the asking!