14 minute read
What You’ll Gain From Reading This Article: This article provides a comprehensive overview of Stuart, Florida as an exceptional destination for retirees. Also, the detailed information on Stuart’s 55+ communities allows prospective homebuyers to explore various options that cater to their preferences and lifestyles.
You may have never heard of Stuart, Florida, but it’s an exceptional destination for retirees. Perfectly poised along Florida’s Treasure Coast, this charming city offers natural beauty, a welcoming community, as well as amenities that cater to the 55+ active adult lifestyle.
Stuart is on the Sunshine State’s east coast, north of West Palm Beach, and close to Port St. Lucie. This city has a population of around 18,000 as well as exceptional 55+ communities worth exploring. If you’re a 55+ homebuyer, then here’s everything you should know about Stuart, Florida real estate.
What is Florida’s Treasure Coast?
As you will see, Florida’s Treasure Coast is appropriately named. It was named after a Spanish treasure fleet that was lost there during a 1715 hurricane. This picturesque area has three counties: Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie. Stuart is in the northern part of Martin County.
The St. Lucie inlet is one of the Treasure Coast’s best-known landmarks, located at the junction of the St. Lucie River and the Indian River Lagoon. It separates Jupiter Island to the south and Hutchinson Island to the north. Both are surfing destinations with laid-back vibes. Also, some of the Treasure Coast’s other popular attractions include Hobe Sound, Vero Beach, and Jensen Beach.
Climate
Stuart is an excellent choice for retirees because of its pleasant climate. Florida is renowned for its year-round sunshine, a primary reason why Stuart, Florida real estate is in high demand. The city enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers with little precipitation. Therefore, you can take advantage of outdoor activities throughout the year and never worry about shoveling snow or running the heat too often.
Living in Stuart means long, hot summers and short, comfortable winters. The average yearly temperatures range from 56 degrees to 89 degrees rarely dropping below 42 degrees or exceeding 93 degrees. Also, the most comfortable times are early February through early May and late October through late December.
Stuart’s wet season is from May 23 to October 9, with the most rain in August. Its drier season is from October 8 to May 23. Throughout the year, the average precipitation amount on any given day is 0.04 inches.
Cost of Living
Home prices are a key aspect of the cost of living, no matter where you choose to live. Taxes are also an important consideration. It’s good to know that Florida has no state income tax; it’s considered a retirement-friendly state for this reason. There aren’t any taxes on retirement or pension benefits, either. Residents pay a 6% sales tax, but that doesn’t apply to food or medical supplies. As for property taxes, they’re in line with the national average.
Most parts of the country have higher living costs than Stuart, Florida. The overall cost of living index in this city is 99.5, compared to 100 for the entire U.S. Food and groceries come in at 104.4, while housing is 99.5. Transportation costs are slightly lower, while health costs are at 103.6. Keeping that in mind, Stuart is about 2% less expensive than the national cost of living average and about the same as the rest of the state.
Health Care in Stuart, Florida
Stuart residents are fortunate to have a world-class medical organization right in town, with two locations: Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital.
Other nearby hospitals include:
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital – Port St. Lucie
- Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital – Port St. Lucie
- Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital – Port St. Lucie
- HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital – Fort Pierce
There are also health clinics, rehabilitation centers, private medical practices, and fitness centers in the area. You won’t feel limited by the choices.
Outdoor Recreation Options
Called “The Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is close to the coastline, giving active adults their choice of short drives to beautiful beaches. Some of the nicest ones are Jensen Beach Park, Stuart Beach, as well as Bob Graham Beach. All offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
If you enjoy visiting nature preserves, Savannas Preserve State Park is a popular option. There, you can go bicycling, boating, camping, kayaking, as well as fishing. Other nature preserves include Seabranch Preserve State Park and Saint Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.
Stuart is also home to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center, a wonderful place to take the grandchildren. It’s a 57-acre marine life center with educational programs. Residents and visitors also go on fishing charters, take tours of the Loxahatchee River, and go on hikes and bicycle rides.
And then there’s the wonderful Stuart’s Riverwalk boardwalk by the St. Lucie River. It connects the downtown area to parks and recreation facilities and takes you to Flagler Park, the Riverwalk Stage for concerts, and a fishing pier and public dock.
As one would expect, golfing is a big deal in much of Florida, and Stuart doesn’t disappoint. Here’s a short list of the local courses:
- Hammock Creek Golf Club
- Martin Downs Golf Club
- Piper’s Landing Yacht & Country Club
- Willoughby Golf Club
Noteworthy Restaurants and Shopping Centers
Historic Downtown Stuart is a hub for dining and shopping, also right by the lovely St. Lucie River. There are more than 50 locally-owned restaurants, shops, and galleries housed in turn-of-the-century buildings. Also, it’s accessible from the Riverwalk boardwalk, near the docks of Sunset Bay Marina.
Some of Stuart’s best-loved restaurants include:
- Black Marlin
- Fysh Bar & Grill
- LouRonzo’s Italian Fusion
- Sailors Return, Inc.
- Shrimpers Grill and Raw Bar
- Stuart Boathouse
- The Gafford
When you’ve had your fill of eating and shopping in Downtown Stuart, these centers are also worth exploring:
- B & A Flea Market
- Riverside Shoppes
- Town Center at St Lucie West
- Treasure Coast Square
- Wedgewood Commons
Noteworthy Cultural Attractions
Martin County has phenomenal cultural attractions you can enjoy independently or with family and friends:
- Art galleries – Martin County attracts artists from around the world. Look for the Florida Mural Trail, festivals, exhibitions, and galleries in Downtown Stuart.
- Elliott Museum – Art lovers enjoy visiting this unique museum, with its exhibits dedicated to inspiring creativity.
- House of Refuge – As the oldest structure in the County, the House of Refuge was originally built for shipwreck survivors. It’s an interesting museum with historical maritime artifacts. Also, there’s a shipwreck nearby where you can go snorkeling.
- The Lyric Theatre – Built in 1925, this 500-seat theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There, you can experience musical performances, movies, and more.
Our Favorite Stuart 55+ Communities
South River
Mid $100ks – Mid $200ks
Our first choice for Stuart, Florida real estate is an established, gated community with 546 condos that are geared for downsizing. South River has 39 two-story buildings, each with 14 units. The five models range from 697 to 1,188 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one to one-and-a-half bathrooms, and assigned carport parking spaces. Upgrades include walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.
South River also features a community clubhouse, a swimming pool, pickleball courts, as well as a communal boat dock. additionally, the homeowners’ association (HOA) provides for common area and exterior maintenance, security, and trash pickup.
Vista Pines
Low $100ks – High $100ks
Vista Pines is our second Stuart, Florida condo community designed for ages 55+. It’s on the larger side with 517 resale units in low-rise buildings. These condos offer 679 to 1,089 square feet, with one to two bedrooms and bathrooms. Also, parking is provided in outdoor spaces close to the buildings. Look for spacious bedrooms, open floor plans, as well as upgrades like remodeled bathrooms and glass-enclosed porches in this welcoming community.
There’s also a clubhouse with an outdoor pool, a patio, shuffleboard, and meeting rooms. Vista Pines’ HOA fees cover insurance, basic cable, trash pickup, and water and sewer expenses.
Monterey Yacht & Country Club
Below $100k – High $100ks
Want more options for Stuart, Florida real estate? With 510 resale condos and resort-like amenities in a prime location, Monterey Yacht & Country Club offers active adults access to the finest things in life. This gated community has several floor plans, ranging from 699 to 995 square feet, with one or two bedrooms, two bathrooms, as well as assigned outdoor parking. Also, look for features like master bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, upgraded appliances, and sunrooms in these cozy homes.
Many of these condos have water or golf course views, and all residents have access to the property’s clubhouse, nine-hole golf course, lakes, and kayaking equipment. Additionally, the community’s HOA takes care of common area and exterior home maintenance and landscaping.
Vista del Lago
Low $100ks – Low $200ks
This affordable 55+ community is close to the Atlantic coastline. It has 500 resale condos, and it’s conveniently located near Winn-Dixie, Walmart, CVS, and Treasure Coast Square Mall. The comfortable units range from 631 to 1,014 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, and up to two parking spots. Vista del Lago condos have plenty of space, wood or tile flooring, and recessed lighting. Upgrades may include extra storage space, kitchen islands with breakfast bars, as well as updated appliances.
Also, some of the most popular amenities include a heated pool and patio, a clubhouse, and a picnic area. Additionally, the HOA provides for common area and exterior maintenance, laundry, cable, trash removal, sewer, and water.
Cedar Pointe Villages
Low $100ks – Low $200ks
Moving on to our next 55+ Stuart, Florida real estate option, Cedar Pointe Villages offers 480 resale condos located in several buildings. The units offer 619 to 1,138 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, as well as carport parking throughout the community.
This established neighborhood offers a community center with an outdoor pool, multipurpose rooms for socializing, shuffleboard courts, and a performance theater. Also, residents enjoy low-maintenance living here, with an HOA that covers cable, trash removal, common area and exterior maintenance, pest control, and water.
Kingswood Condominiums
Low $100ks – Low $200ks
We think you’ll love Kingswood Condominiums—it has 444 resale condos, and it’s close to Seabranch Preserve State Park and Willoughby Golf Club. These cozy units range from 691 to 1,236 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one to two bathrooms, as well as a covered parking spot. You’ll see desirable features like breakfast bars, separate dining areas, walk-in closets, in-unit laundries, and tile or carpet flooring in these well-priced condos.
Residents also enjoy amenities like an outdoor pool and patio, multi-purpose meeting rooms, shuffleboard, and a public BBQ area. Additionally, the Kingswood HOA covers common area and grounds maintenance and parking.
De La Bahia
High $100ks – Mid $300k
Next, we have De La Bahia, an established active adult community with 303 resale condos. They’re sized at 685 square feet and offer one bedroom, two baths, and an assigned parking space. Many offer upgrades like screened lanais with views of the St. Lucie River, granite countertops, plantation shutters, as well as stainless steel appliances.
These residents enjoy spending time in the community clubhouse and pool. There’s also R.V. and boat parking available. Some of the most popular group activities include the bowling league, dinner dances, and fitness classes. There’s also a community yacht club and an active HOA that provides cable, common area and exterior maintenance, and other services.
Circle Bay Yacht Club
Mid $200ks – High $300ks
This Treasure Coast mainstay offers resort-style living that checks all the boxes. Completed in 1982, Circle Bay Yacht Club has 295 resale condo units inside buildings along the St. Lucie River. The units offer 751 and 1,294 square feet, with one or two bedrooms and bathrooms. Some also have covered carports.
Circle Bay’s clubhouse offers an outdoor pool, a library, and shuffleboard courts. Best of all, this 55+ is boat accessible for residents looking for waterfront living. Also, the monthly condo fee includes basic cable, fire and liability insurance, groundskeeping, exterior maintenance, pest control, security, and other important community services.
Montego Cove
Low $200ks – Mid $300ks
With an appealing Mediterranean style, this gated age-restricted community features 182 resale condos housed in 30 condo buildings on a 54-acre property. There are three floor plans ranging from 1,462 to 1,722 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two baths, parking lot spaces, as well as screened porches.
Montego Cove has a lovely setting, with fishing lakes and a preserve area. The amenities also include two swimming pools, lighted tennis courts, an outdoor pool and spa, and a screened cabana. Additionally, there’s a condo association that covers community services for residents.
The Windjammer
High $100ks – High $300ks
The final piece of Stuart, Florida, real estate on this list is the Windjammer, completed in 1979 with 130 condo units. This property has 30 condo buildings, and there are three different floor plans to consider. They range from 1,462 to 1,722 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two baths, parking lot spaces, as well as screened porches.
Homeowners love their views of the nearby fishing lakes or nature preserves and enjoy the three swimming pools on the grounds. There’s also a community clubhouse, on-site docks, and an HOA that supports maintenance-free, lock-and-leave lifestyles.
More Information About Stuart, Florida Real Estate
If the Treasure Coast sounds like the right place for you, we can help you explore your options. Contact us today and we’ll put you in touch with a local real estate expert. Whether you become a Stuart local or your ideal community is elsewhere, 55places can help you find the perfect home.
Discover what’s next.
To learn more information or connect with a real estate expert, contact us today.
