Treasure Coast Area

While South Florida is a retirement hot spot, many active retirees can't afford to buy a home in popular areas such as Palm Beach County. This does not mean that they have to give up their South Florida retirement dreams. Expanding the search to lesser known areas turns up more affordable options, such as buying a home in South Florida's beautiful Treasure Coast.

"Treasure Coast" is a term used to describe the South Florida region that lies just north of Palm Beach County. Depending on the source, you may find some variations in the Treasure Coast's specific boundaries. In general, the area stretches from Sebastian in the north to Hobe Sound in the south. Although many people also include Jupiter, just south of Hobe Sound, as part of the Treasure Coast. The name "Treasure Coast" is derived from a number of ships of Spanish galleons that wrecked off the coast during the 17th and 18th centuries. Artifacts from these ships have been recovered in the past fifty years.

Some of the Treasure Coast's most popular areas include Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Stuart Beach and Jensen Beach. Throughout the area, retirees and visitors will find pristine beaches and a quiet, relaxed charm. There is less hustle and bustle than in more southern coastal areas, and a great deal of natural beauty. Tranquil attractions include Jonathan Dickinson State Park, an 11,500-acre nature preserve located near Hobe Sound, and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter.

Port St. Lucie is the largest city in the Treasure Coast, and it has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. Though the city began as a largely residential area, business sectors and recreational attractions soon followed. Port St. Lucie has grown into a large city, but it has retained the feeling of a small town. This appeals to many retirees who want to live in a quiet area which still has many local attractions, including a variety of championship golf courses, shopping centers and charming restaurants.

The beautiful, uncrowded beaches are often considered the Treasure Coast's prime attraction. With miles of sandy beaches, retirees can enjoy a wide range of water-based recreations, such as boating, fishing and swimming. There are many excellent snorkeling areas as well, particularly within the protected swimming areas at Gulfstream Park, Ocean Reef Park on Singer Island, and Coral Cove Park in Tequesta.

The Vero Beach Museum of Art is a cultural jewel of the Treasure Coast. This large facility offers changing exhibits, performances, workshops, studio art classes, seminars and tours. There is also a sculpture park and garden. Grandkids who come to visit will love taking a trip to The Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, centrally located in Jensen Beach.

When it comes to housing, the Treasure Coast is home to many affordable active adult communities. Many popular developments are found in the Port St. Lucie area, such as: Seasons at Tradition, Cascades at St. Lucie West and Kings Isle. Retirees can also find more upscale living at the luxurious Jupiter Country Club in Jupiter.

When looking to retire in South Florida, active adults should not overlook the Treasure Coast. This beautiful, yet tranquil stretch of shoreline has much to offer, and is an ideal retirement destination for many active adult retirees.