Is Hobe Sound a good place to live? The answer depends on what you value most. This coastal town in Martin County offers pristine beaches, low crime rates, and natural beauty. However, it comes with higher living costs and a quieter lifestyle than nearby cities.
This guide covers everything you need to know. You’ll learn about housing costs, safety, schools, weather, and what daily life actually looks like here.
Where Is Hobe Sound?
Hobe Sound sits along Florida’s Treasure Coast in southeast Martin County. It’s positioned between Jupiter to the south and Stuart to the north.
The town lies along the Intracoastal Waterway and includes parts of Jupiter Island. Major roads include Bridge Road, Dixie Highway, and US-1. Interstate 95 is just minutes away for easy commuting.
You’re 30 minutes from West Palm Beach and 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport. Orlando is about 2 hours north. Tampa sits roughly 3 hours northwest.
Demographics and Community of Hobe Sound
Hobe Sound’s population is roughly 14,000. The median household income sits around $60,000, though this includes a wide range.
The community mixes families, working professionals, and retirees. Ages span from young children to senior citizens. This creates a balanced, multi-generational feel.
Residents describe a friendly, neighborly atmosphere. People greet each other at the store and stop to chat. Exciting activities and plenty of local events bring folks together regularly.
Social life centers on outdoor activities and small gatherings. It’s not a party town. People who want vibrant nightlife should look elsewhere.
The Cost of Living in Hobe Sound
Is Hobe Sound Expensive to Live?
Yes. Hobe Sound costs more than most Treasure Coast communities. The high concentration of waterfront homes and Jupiter Island estates drives prices up. Because of these outliers, the cost of living actually looks a lot more expensive on paper than it actually is. There are plenty of ways to live comfortably in Hobe Sound when compared to other Treasure Coast cities.
Nearby Port St. Lucie and Palm City offer comparable costs. However, you’re paying for location, safety, and lifestyle perks in Hobe Sound. Palm City is a suburban alternative, while Port St. Lucie is more of an urban, higher-population area.
Hobe Sound Real Estate Market
The median home price is around $495,000. This varies widely based on location and property type.
Options range from condos and townhomes to luxury estates. New construction homes are available throughout the area. Homes for sale in the 33455 ZIP code include everything from starter homes to multi-million dollar properties.
Average monthly rent runs about $2,500. Waterfront rentals, properties near Hobe Sound beaches, and homes on Jupiter Island cost significantly more.
The market stays competitive. Homes near Hobe Sound Beach and Jonathan Dickinson State Park sell quickly. Buyers should expect multiple offers on desirable properties that are priced right.
Is Hobe Sound a Wealthy Area?
Yes. Hobe Sound attracts affluent residents, especially along Jupiter Island. This barrier island ranks among the most expensive ZIP codes in the country, with residents like Tiger Woods and Nick Saban.
Business executives, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals own properties here. Gated communities and exclusive golf clubs like The Medalist Golf Club add to the area’s prestige.
However, the community includes middle-class neighborhoods too. You’ll find working professionals, families, and retirees across various income levels.
Safety and Crime in Hobe Sound
Hobe Sound delivers low crime rates compared to national averages. Violent crime remains rare. Property crime happens but stays below state and national levels.
Neighborhoods are tight-knit. Residents know their neighbors and look out for each other. Law enforcement maintains a visible presence throughout town.
Families and retirees consistently cite safety as a top reason for choosing Hobe Sound. The community feels secure and welcoming.
Healthcare Services in Hobe Sound
Medical care in Martin County is strong. Several high-quality facilities serve Hobe Sound residents.
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health provides comprehensive care. The Cleveland Clinic affiliation brings nationally recognized standards. Services include emergency care, surgery, and specialty medicine.
📍 Location: 200 SE Hospital Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994
☎️ Phone: (772) 287-5200
Jupiter Medical Center
Jupiter Medical Center sits just south in Jupiter. It’s convenient for Hobe Sound residents. The facility earns high ratings for patient care and outcomes. For young families, this is likely going to be the spot you would be looking at for labor and delivery.
📍 Location: 1210 S Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, FL 33458
☎️ Phone: (561) 932-0995
The proximity to quality healthcare makes Hobe Sound practical for retirees and families with medical needs.
Weather and Climate in Hobe Sound
Expect a tropical climate with year-round warmth. Average temperatures range from 65°F in winter to 85°F in summer.
The rainy season runs from May to October. Annual rainfall reaches about 60 inches. Summer afternoons often bring brief thunderstorms that cool things down.
Hurricane season lasts from June through November. The area faces hurricane risk like all coastal Florida communities. Residents should prepare with insurance and emergency plans.
Winter months are mild and dry. This attracts snowbirds who escape the northern cold. Many eventually become full-time residents.
Schools in Hobe Sound
Families attend schools in the Martin County School District. The district earns high marks for academic performance and community involvement.
Local public schools include:
- Hobe Sound Elementary
- Murray Middle School
- South Fork High School
These schools receive positive reviews from parents. Test scores typically exceed state averages. Extracurricular activities include sports, arts, and clubs.
Private school options exist nearby. The Pine School in Hobe Sound offers education from pre-K through high school. Jupiter and Stuart provide additional private and religious school choices.
Parents appreciate the smaller class sizes compared to larger Florida cities. Teachers often live in the community, creating strong school-parent connections.
What Is Hobe Sound Known For?
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park is 11,500-acre park that sits just west of town. It’s one of Florida’s largest state parks. Activities include hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The Loxahatchee River runs through the park, perfect for paddling. Miles of trails wind through pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub.
📍 Location: 16450 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM to sunset, daily
Visitors rave about the river tours and wildlife sightings. You’ll spot alligators, manatees, and hundreds of bird species. Mountain biking trails challenge experienced riders. It is home to the annual FireFest and SpringFest events.
The park offers full-facility camping and primitive sites. It’s a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts who want nature access close to home.
Hobe Sound Beach
Hobe Sound Beach is a pristine stretch of sand that stays uncrowded even during peak season. The beach sits on Jupiter Island, accessible via Bridge Road. Clear turquoise water attracts swimmers and paddleboarders. The beach lacks commercial development, so it feels peaceful and natural. Limited parking keeps crowds manageable.
📍 Location: 8651 SE Bridge Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Visitors love the wide beach and calm waters. Shelling is excellent after storms. The beach connects to Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge for extended walking. There are plenty of other great public beaches in Martin County that are a quick drive away.
Amenities are minimal—just restrooms and outdoor showers. Bring your own food and drinks. This keeps the beach pristine and quiet.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Blowing Rocks Preserve is a Nature Conservancy preserve that sits on Jupiter Island’s coast. During high tide and rough seas, waves crash through the rocky shoreline, shooting water skyward. The Anastasia limestone formations create unique photo opportunities. A nature trail leads through coastal strand habitat. Sea turtles nest here from March through October.
📍 Location: 574 South Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, daily
Visitors call it one of Florida’s most unusual beaches. The preserve protects rare coastal ecosystems. Educational signs explain the geology and wildlife.
A small admission fee supports conservation efforts. It’s worth visiting during different tides to see the changing conditions.
The Tunnel of Trees
Bridge Road features a stunning canopy of ancient banyan trees. The trees create a natural tunnel over the road, forming one of Florida’s most photographed spots.
📍 Location: SE Bridge Rd, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
⏰ Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
The Tunnel of Trees sits between US-1 and the beach. Photographers flock here for engagement photos and Instagram shots. Morning and late afternoon light create magical conditions.
Drive slowly to appreciate the beauty. The trees provide shade and a glimpse of Old Florida charm. It’s free to enjoy anytime.
What’s Daily Life Like in Hobe Sound?
Downtown Hobe Sound
Downtown Hobe Sound is small and quiet. Don’t expect bustling streets or nightlife. Think village hub rather than city center.
Bridge Road and Dixie Highway host local cafés, diners, and small shops. Mom-and-pop boutiques offer unique finds. A weekly farmers’ market brings the community together.
Occasional events happen under the banyan trees. The pace is relaxed and unhurried. This appeals to people who want to escape city chaos.
Dining and Restaurants
Local restaurants lean casual. Fresh seafood dominates menus because of the coastal location.
Harry & the Natives serves simple American food in a funky setting. It’s a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Regulars love the laid-back vibe and generous portions.
Basin Seafood & Fresh Fish Market in Port Salerno offers fresh catch and waterfront views. You can buy fish to cook at home or eat prepared meals. The quality stays consistently high.
TideHouse Waterfront, just north in Stuart, serves stellar drinks with Intracoastal views. The location makes it popular for sunset dining. Reviewers praise the seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
For Italian, Amato’s Ristorante & Pizzeria delivers family-owned authenticity. Classic dishes and pizza keep locals coming back. The portions are generous and prices are reasonable.
Nearby Stuart and Jupiter expand dining choices significantly and are common destinations for Hobe Sound locals and visitors.
Shopping and Amenities
Hobe Sound lacks big-box stores and major shopping centers. You’ll find small grocery stores, hardware shops, and service businesses.
For serious shopping, drive to nearby areas. Stuart offers downtown boutiques and chain stores. Jupiter has multiple shopping centers and a mall. West Palm Beach provides high-end retail options.
This setup suits residents who prefer a quiet home base with access to urban amenities. However, frequent shoppers might find it limiting.
Outdoor Activities
Nature defines the Hobe Sound lifestyle. Residents spend time outdoors year-round.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on the Intracoastal and Loxahatchee River. Fishing charters launch from local marinas. Both inshore and offshore fishing produce great catches.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge attracts birdwatchers and hikers. The preserve protects 1,000+ acres of coastal habitat. Trails lead through mangroves and dunes.
Golf courses dot the area, including the prestigious Medalist Golf Club. Tiger Woods is among its notable members. Several public and semi-private courses welcome players.
The beach stays central to life here. Swimming, surfing, and beachcombing happen year-round. The uncrowded shores feel like a private paradise.
Is Hobe Sound Right for You?
Hobe Sound works best for specific types of people. Retirees seeking peaceful coastal living will thrive here. Families who value safety, nature, and strong schools will appreciate the community.
Outdoor enthusiasts find endless activities. Beach lovers enjoy uncrowded shores. People who want to escape urban stress will feel at home. It’s a small and tight-knit community that enjoys the charm and quiet that you don’t find much these days in coastal areas of Florida.
However, Hobe Sound isn’t for everyone. Young professionals might find it too quiet. Those on tight budgets could struggle with housing costs. People who need diverse dining and shopping will feel limited unless they don’t mind driving 10-15 minutes to adjacent cities.
The key is matching your priorities to what Hobe Sound offers. Visit at different times of the year. Explore neighborhoods. Talk to residents. This helps you decide if the lifestyle fits.
If you value natural beauty, safety, and a relaxed pace over urban excitement, Hobe Sound could be your perfect home.
FAQ: Living in Hobe Sound, Florida
How far is Hobe Sound from West Palm Beach?
Hobe Sound is about 30 minutes south of West Palm Beach via I-95 or US-1. Traffic can extend this during peak times.
Can you swim at Hobe Sound Beach?
Yes. The beach offers clear, calm water perfect for swimming. It’s also great for paddleboarding, surfing, and snorkeling.
Is Hobe Sound good for families?
Yes. Safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and outdoor activities make it family-friendly. The quiet environment suits families seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Are there jobs in Hobe Sound?
Job opportunities exist in tourism, healthcare, and service industries. However, many residents commute to West Palm Beach or Stuart for work.
