Treasure Coast
Florida’s Treasure Coast is located along the Atlantic and is comprised of Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties. This area got its name from the fact that 11 treasure ships returning to Spain from the New World sunk off the coast in a 1715 hurricane. This area of Florida offers very mild winters and is relatively uncongested compared to the counties to the south. You won’t find the same level of cultural opportunities that exist in some other parts of Florida but the Treasure Coast offers a relaxed lifestyle with many opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.
Photo Courtesy of: Discover Martin County Florida
Living in
Stuart
Photo Courtesy of: Martin County Florida
The small town of Stuart, FL is a great option for boating enthusiasts as it is surrounded on 3 sides by the St. Lucie River which leads to the Intracoastal Waterway and then directly to the Atlantic Ocean through the St. Lucie Inlet. Boaters are also in luck because Stuart hosts an impressive annual boat show. And if you like to fish from your boat, you’ll be happy to know that Stuart is known for it’s big population of sailfish offshore.
For those that prefer to stay on land, they will find that Stuart’s historic, pedestrian-friendly downtown is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Then from town, cross over to the barrier island and visit the popular Bathtub Beach. This beach, which is protected by a reef, is great for swimming and snorkeling.
Living in
Fort Pierce
Photo Courtesy of: KMB Travel Blog
Fort Pierce is a great town for boating on the Intracoastal Waterway with both power boats and kayaks/canoes. There are dozens of spoil islands to explore and a number of boat ramps from which to launch. The Fort Pierce Inlet brings clean water in from the Atlantic so be prepared for beautiful blue water in the shallows. Nature lovers are sure to enjoy spending time at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. In addition to great kayaking, the park offers extensive opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, fishing, snorkeling and diving.
Ft. Pierce may be a good choice for your retirement if you like the idea of investing in a city that is investing in itself. Over the last couple of decades, Ft. Pierce has moved toward revitalizing it’s city and the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency (FPRA) continues to move forward on implementing its dynamic vision.
Living in
Hobe Sound & Jupiter Island
Photo Courtesy of: Visit Florida
The names of the cities here are a bit confusing. Although Hobe Sound is an unincorporated area that does not include the barrier island/beaches, the incorporated, beach town of Jupiter Island uses the Hobe Sound address. We’ll discuss both areas here and the search buttons below combine both areas.
Jupiter Island is often on the short list of wealthiest small towns in the country. Even a 1,600 square foot beach cottage could fetch a whopping $5,000,000. Celebrities such as Celine Dion and Tiger Woods have owned oceanfront mansions here. The town of Jupiter Island offers relative seclusion for its residents that number less than 1,000.
Whether you’re on the island or on the mainland, Hobe Sound offers great opportunities to enjoy nature! Blowing Rocks preserve is a beach area with unique rock formations that is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Another large and notable nature area is Jonathan Dickinson State Park which borders the south end of Hobe Sound. And if you like kayaking or boating through nature, you’ll love that the intercoastal waterway (Indian River) that abuts Hobe Sound is mostly undeveloped. Consider living on one of the canals that lead to the river.
While there are some opportunities here to appreciate the arts (such as the community mural project/tours run by local artists), Hobe Sound doesn’t offer the cultural opportunities you will find in nearby cities. For a lifestyle more focused on arts and culture, check out the cities to the south such as Jupiter (not to be confused with Jupiter Island) and West Palm Beach.
Living in
Vero Beach
Photo Courtesy of: Visit Indian River County
An article published in Southern Living refers to Vero Beach as a low-key, upscale town that’s funky at heart. While Vero Beach isn’t renowned for its wealth, it is definitely more posh than the adjacent towns. Here you’ll find plenty of spas, upscale bars & restaurants, and stylish boutiques.
Golfers will appreciate having 22 golf courses in the immediate area and there are several tennis complexes for those that prefer a racquet to a club. Additionally, Vero Beach offers many opportunities to those who enjoy the arts. Attractions include the Riverside Theatre, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, Indian River Symphonic Association, Vero Beach Opera, and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. And if you’re an artist you’ll be happy to know that Vero Beach has an established, active art club that is over 500 members strong.
And we’d be remiss not to mention the beaches – it is Vero Beach after all! The city maintains several well-manicured beach parks with facilities. South Beach is a great place to play volleyball and collect seashells. Hunting Beach is popular with fishermen, Conn beach has a boardwalk (currently being rebuilt), and the County park of Treasure Shores is known for its sand dunes.
Living in
Indian River Shores
Photo Courtesy of: Treasure Coast
Indian River Shores is an exclusive, residential area on the barrier island adjacent to Vero Beach. Most homes are located within upscale, gated communities of which the largest and most exclusive is Johns Island Club. This club offers true resort-style living with three golf courses, tennis, pickle ball, croquet, an oceanfront pool, water sports and more. The Johns Island Club is very family oriented – they offer full membership privileges to its members’ parents, children and grandchildren.
Living in
Sebastian
Photo Courtesy of: Visit Indian River County
Sebastian is a small city (population of approximately 25,000) located at the northernmost end of Indian River County nestled along the Indian River. Sebastian offers a laid-back lifestyle, affordable homes and a lower than average cost of living. Fishing is a popular pastime here and there are lots of opportunities to commune with nature. Sebastian may not be the first choice for retirees who want to always be on-the-go, but for seniors who prefer to live the quiet life it’s a popular retirement location; almost a third of Sebastian’s residences are over 65.
Living in
Port St. Lucie
Photo Courtesy of: Florida State Parks
Do you love golf and want to live in a newly built home? If so, Port St. Lucie might be a good choice for your retirement. Purchase a home in the new PGA Village Verano and you could live where other golfers vacation! But in Port St. Lucie you don’t have to live in a golf community to be near a great golf course since there are 13 golf courses within Port St. Lucie’s city limits and another 42 courses within a 20 minute drive! Consider living in Tradition – a large planned community with a variety of new neighborhoods and condos being built.
Port St. Lucie’s local government is known for its focus on soliciting feedback from its residents who are in turn proud of their city’s accomplishments. The city has an active parks and recreation department that sponsors a variety of events and even runs two public fitness centers.
