Goodland is One of the Last Slices of Old Florida on the Water

Photo: T toes

If old style, waterfront living is your goal, Goodland is one of the last slices of Old Florida on the water. This casual community of mostly single-family homes and condos exists on the corner of Marco Island and is home to only around 200 residents in all.

This is a close-knit community that is favored by those who want to experience authentic Florida. Fishermen and others first came to Goodland around the turn-of-the-century and built up the community as a fishing village.

As years passed, the community grew in size, thanks, in part, to more opportunities that opened up in the region with the addition of Tamiami Trail in the 1920s. Today, the community relishes its opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Each of the waterfront homes and condos in Goodland has direct Gulf access, which is especially appealing for boating and fishing. Living here means access to several marinas and the ease of Goodland Boat Park.

The park is where you can launch out on the water to explore the Ten Thousand Islands, and it’s a popular spot for fishing. Back on solid ground, people use the park area for bird watching and picnics. Some of the landmarks of Goodland include spots for live music on the waterfront, plus spots that serve up fresh seafood.

Apart from its easy water access, artists sometimes come to Goodland to draw inspiration from nature itself. The community is known to host frequent events and exhibits tied to the arts.

In terms of area real estate, some of the homes of Goodland date back to the 1950s, such as a one-bedroom, one-bath cottage with direct Gulf access. There are also some established condos with boat docks that sometimes hit the market, and occasionally new construction, elevated homes that sit right alongside the canals.