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Moving to Marco: Our Ultimate Relocation Guide

Gulfstream Homes — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:22:27 +0000

You may have finally decided that island life is for you, and if you’re moving to Marco Island, we can’t wait to show you all there is to see and do around town! From the iconic beaches to the exquisite homes, Marco Island is welcoming more and more families, part-time residents and vacationers each and every year, and for very good reason. Not only is this one of the most beautiful areas in all of Southwest Florida, Marco Island is the place to be for family activities, nightlife, relaxation and so much more. So when you’re moving to Marco, let us help you get settled in with our ultimate relocation guide.

Stunning Homes

One of the most important steps of your moving process will be to find a suitable home for yourself and your family. With so many options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect space, whether it’s in one of Marco Island’s prestigious gated communities or along the gorgeous white sand beaches. No matter if you’re looking for a home that’s already built or you’ve always wanted to design a home from the ground up, you have options. This is why it’s recommended to team up with a home builder with ties to the area, who has experience with building on the Island, so that your home meets all requirements and is designed in a way that maximizes your experience on the Island.

Top-Level Schools

Many families are concerned with relocating their children, especially when it comes to finding the best schools, and if you caught our last Marco Island blog post, you’ll find that Marco Island is home to a number of top-performing schools in the state. Not only do these schools have better student/teacher ratios compared to other schools in the area, students also perform well above the state averages in math and reading proficiency.

Awe-Inspiring Beaches

Moving to Marco Island means enjoying the exquisite sights and balmy weather everyday, as well as taking advantage of the legendary beaches. From the best shelling spots to the ultimate diving locations, Marco Island is home to tranquil breezes and serene waters all moments away from your doorstep. If you need a break unpacking, head to one of Marco’s amazing beaches for some sun therapy and relaxation.

Unbeatable Entertainment

Whether you’re newly retired or you’re looking to take the family out for a fun night, Marco Island has something to appeal to any age group. Enjoy a romantic date night at one of the fine dining establishments on the Island, or stroll around and browse through the many shops that line the streets. Other fun activities include:

Marco Island Historical Museum
Ten Thousand Islands Shelling Tour
Fishing charters & dolphin watching
Spa day at the J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Southwest Florida’s Best Kept Secret

The secret is out…Marco Island is the top place to be for families and vacationers alike, and with so many things to love about the Island, we don’t blame you for wanting to call it home. From the sophisticated homes to the brilliant beaches, grade A schools to all of the fun you can have in a day, Marco Island is truly special. When you’re relocating to the Island, get ready for a better way to embrace your Southwest Florida lifestyle.

Gulfstream Homes is excited to help you find or build the ideal home on Marco Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

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The post Moving to Marco: Our Ultimate Relocation Guide first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

5 Reasons Marco Island is Perfect for Families

Gulfstream Homes — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:14:15 +0000

Daydreaming about life on Marco Island, many have the misconception that it’s strictly for retirees and vacationers; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth! As more full and part-time residents are flocking to the Island, we’re seeing more families putting down roots in paradise as well. Not only is Marco Island exceptionally beautiful all year round, it’s also filled with exciting family activities, ideal for families of all sizes and kids of all ages. If you thought Marco Island was just a vacation destination, think again. Here are five reasons why Marco Island is perfect for families.

1. Top-Level Schools

Marco Island is home to a number of top-level schools, some of the highest ranking schools in all of Florida. With an average math proficiency score of 80%, as opposed to the statewide average of 58% and a reading proficiency score of 76%, as opposed to the statewide average of 55%, Marco Island’s school system is in the top 5% of schools in Florida. These top ranked schools include:

With an average overall ranking of 10/10, Marco Island schools prove that they’re among the best of the best across the state of Florida. So, if you’re wondering whether or not your children will be able to take advantage of a stellar education, the proof is in the numbers.

2. Beautiful Beaches

Boredom won’t be an issue when your family lives on the Island! With some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, spending time in the sand and sun is as easy as ever, and with sensational diving and other aquatic experiences, your kids will stay entertained each and every time you venture to Marco Island’s pristine white sand beaches. Take a trip to Keewaydin Island for a fun family outing or Tigertail Beach for unbeatable shelling.

3. The Best Eats

Don’t feel like cooking dinner? No worries when you live on the Island! Gather the family and enjoy a number of fine dining establishments on Marco, designed with families in mind. Our favorites include:

The list goes on and on, depending on what everyone is in the mood for at any given moment. When you’re living on island time, there’s always somewhere delightful to eat with the family.

4. Culture & Education

From the Marco Island Center for the Arts to various nature centers and historical landmarks, Marco Island is alight with things to do…and learn! Take the kids for an educational day trip to one of the many parks or visit Briggs Nature Center for an up close and personal look at some of the wildlife that calls Marco Island home.

5. Homes Built for Families

Whether you’re interested in a single-family home or a condo, Marco Island has what you’re looking for to appeal to your new lifestyle. And when it comes to your family’s needs, it’s best to partner with a builder who knows the area well. That way, you’ll be able to get the home you’ve always wanted with the features you desire to maximize your time on the Island. If you didn’t think Marco Island was for families, one trip to the Island will change your mind.

Gulfstream Homes is excited to help you build or buy the perfect home on Marco Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

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The post 5 Reasons Marco Island is Perfect for Families first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Top Aquatic Adventures on Marco Island

Gulfstream Homes — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 18:27:41 +0000

If you’re lucky enough to call Marco Island home, you know that nothing quite compares to the island lifestyle that you get to experience day after day. After all, with a pristine tropical backdrop right outside your home and all the small town flair that envelopes you, it can be easy to forget that you’re not on vacation everyday. When you move to the Island, remember to take some time out and really take it all in, explore new places and get acquainted with your surroundings…even get out of your comfort zone for an afternoon. Marco Island offers some of the best scenic water attractions in the entire state, so if you’re ready to soak up the sun and discover new destinations, here are the top aquatic adventures on Marco Island.

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Located off the southern end of the Island lies a chain of islands and mangroves that offer some of the best sights to see in all of Southwest Florida. The Ten Thousand Islands feature spectacular scenery and is home to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most impressive mangrove forests in North America, a wide array of campsites and so much more. Take a Ten Thousand Islands boat tour for a half-day island adventure. With small tours departing daily, you’re able to take in the serene lifestyle of this protected area and enjoy dolphin watching, sightseeing and more during this unbelievable experience.

Marco Island Diving

For those who are yearning for a bit more adventure, Marco Island offers incredible diving experiences. Whether you’re a first-time diver or a veteran, take part in an underwater excursion like no other. Explore the depths of the Gulf and get up-close and personal with angelfish, crabs, snapper, snook, lionfish and more aquatic species. Take a journey over to The Hole, an 80′ wide sinkhole and uncover secret caverns and fish that swim upside-down due to the opposite pull of gravity. If you’re looking to be amazed, you simply must take a dive off the waters of Marco Island.

Beautiful Beaches

You may not be ready for any deep-sea diving just yet; however, if feeling the warmth of the sun and enjoying tranquil breezes is more your thing, Marco Island doesn’t disappoint. White sand beaches, calming waters and salty sea air await at some of the best beaches on the Island. We recommend visiting the following:

Tigertail Beach
Residents’ Beach
Marco Beach
Keewaydin Island Beach

Nothing beats a day at the beach and with so many options to choose from on the Island, any day can be a beach day.

Other Marco Island Aquatic Activities

When it comes to enjoying the water, Marco Island makes it easy. Other iconic Marco Island experiences include:

So, if you’re in the mood to get out on the water, you’re in the right place! Discover all that Marco Island has to offer that makes it one of the most unique places to live in Southwest Florida.

The team at Gulfstream Homes is ready to help you build or buy the perfect home on the Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.

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The post Top Aquatic Adventures on Marco Island first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Experience Marco Island Like a Local

Gulfstream Homes — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 22:15:23 +0000

From the salty sea air to the warm tropical breezes, Marco Island offers up one of the best backdrops in the country if you’re looking for ultimate relaxation and island living. And if you’re considering making Marco Island your new home, you may be wondering how to spend each of your days in paradise. After all, with the abundance of activities offered on the Island, you may be finding it difficult to plan out your day. Between boating and diving, wining and dining, relaxing and shopping, Marco Island showcases some of the best options available when it comes to entertainment, and it helps if you have some tips from the locals on how to take advantage of it all. When it comes to living the island life, here’s how to experience Marco Island like a local.

Catch the Sunrise

Start your day with a sunrise and some dolphin-spotting at Caxambas Pass Park, a beautiful spot to take in the natural landscape around you. A four-acre park, Caxambas Pass includes a marina, concessions and more, and acts as a launching point to the famous Ten Thousand Islands, where you can take advantage of incredible views of the water and mangroves, plus local wildlife and not to mention, pure serenity. After this moment of tranquility, you may have worked up an appetite, and you’re in luck. Marco Island is home to some of the best breakfast spots in the area, including Doreen’s Cup of Joe, Red Rooster, Nene’s Kitchen and more.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

After a hearty breakfast, make your way down the relaxed streets of Marco for some one-of-a-kind retail therapy. From Island Trends, which offers island-inspired women’s and men’s clothing and accessories, to the Blue Mangrove Gallery, which features exquisite artwork, photography, jewelry and more, you’re sure to find it on the Island. And if you’re looking for more specialty shops, be sure to check out the following:

Whether you’re shopping for trinkets and other fun gifts, clothing or diving gear, Marco Island offers something for everyone.

Relax & Unwind

If relaxation is on your mind, pay a visit to the Spa by JW for the ultimate in pampering. From massages, facials and body treatments to a steam room, therapy bath and soaking pools, Spa by JW creates the ideal ambiance to allow you to treat yourself to the fullest. In the mood for a little beach therapy instead? Head over to Tigertail Beach for the best shelling experience on the Island. Rent a kayak or a paddle board to stay active and take advantage of our Southwest Florida paradise.

Dinner Date

From family options to romantic evenings, Marco Island has everything you need to create an unmatched dinner experience. May we recommend the following:

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood and other island fare, authentic Italian flavors or something else, you’ll find it on the Island.

Your Day on Marco Island

From fun in the sun to a relaxing spa day, a lunch date with friends or a romantic sunset dinner, Marco Island shows that you really can have it all in paradise. Laid back and relaxed, yet sophisticated and refined, Marco Island appeals to virtually everyone, making it the ideal location to live any time of the year. So, now that you know what a day in the life of a local looks like, what’s on your schedule today?

The Gulfstream Homes team is ready to help you design and build a home on Marco Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

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