Martin County, Florida, has been growing in popularity, and people are buying homes in this exciting area, from Stuart to Palm City and every town in between. Jensen Beach is one enticing town in this Treasure Coast county that has been on the must-see list of people looking to visit and move to the area.
It’s not just the location that makes Jensen Beach special, but all of the amazing features of this laid-back Old Florida locale. So, if you’re wondering, “Is Jensen Beach a good place to live?” the answer is going to depend. Here are some things that make living in Jensen Beach unique, so you can decide for yourself.
The beach of Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach, Florida.
Jensen Beach’s Quaint Community
The Jensen Beach community is an inviting and welcoming one. The area has a small-town vibe that many individuals adore while providing tons of amenities to its residents and visitors. There are plenty of things to do in Jensen Beach, from surfing at the beach to shopping in Downtown Jensen Beach.
Most Jensen Beach locals appreciate that the city is small and still holds on to some of its storied heritage. You won’t find high-rise condos lining the river in the downtown area, and there aren’t as many Bugatis here as you may see in South Florida. Living in Jensen Beach can bring simplicity and a slower pace, especially for those who want to live somewhere that favors character and charm over development.
Beautiful Beaches
The beaches in Jensen Beach are expansive and calm. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean or sunbathe on the sand. They are quiet, less traveled, and clean. During sea turtle season, you can find their nests and tracks in the early morning.
The kids will love looking for shells along the shoreline, too. Walton Rocks Beach and Jensen Beach Park are two top beaches to visit in Jensen Beach. You can bring your pup to Walton Rocks Beach, and Jensen Beach Park offers plenty of free parking and more amenities.
Between the two, Waveland Beach and Dollman Beach bring a similar experience. Both have ample paved parking and permanent bathrooms, and showers.
Top-Notch Fishing
If you’re eager to find some great fishing spots, you won’t be disappointed with the options in Jensen Beach. Some of the popular fishing spots in Jensen Beach include Indian Riverside Park and the Jensen Beach Causeway Park.
While fishing from shores and bridges can be very fruitful, you can also rent a boat or hire a charter and cast lines in the Indian River Lagoon or offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the major perks of living in Jensen Beach is the water lifestyle, and fishing is atop many people’s lists.
Superb Shopping and Dining Options
When you want to spend the day dining and shopping, Jensen Beach has a variety of options. From Italian cuisine to seafood specialties, you can enjoy a fabulous meal at one of the many Jensen Beach restaurants, such as Fig and Olive, Gigi’s Italian Restaurant, and Conchy Joe’s. When you’re done enjoying the Florida area cuisine, head over to the Treasure Coast Mall for some one-stop shopping or visit smaller boutiques around town.
Downtown Jensen Beach has a handful of quirky shops that are great to stop by if you’re walking in the area. There are also plenty of events in Jensen Beach that you can experience in the area that will get you close to local artisans and vendors.
Endless Outdoor Activities
The natural vibe of Jensen Beach makes it a perfect spot for outdoor recreation. You can go kayaking, swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding, to name a few fun outdoor recreational activities. You can even enjoy guided kayak and paddleboarding tours if you want to take part in an outdoor sport while learning about the ecosystem of the area.
There is a large active population if you’re into running or biking as well. Going down Ocean Boulevard to the beaches, you’re likely to see runners, walkers, cyclists, or even people training with a local triathlon club.
Inside different communities, they usually have clubs that invite socialization through activities like pickleball, badminton, and golf. There are some fantastic golf courses in Martin County that are within a 10 to 20 minute drive from most places in Jensen Beach.
The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
For families who are seeking fun activities in Jensen Beach, the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is an excellent option. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the museum and taking part in the many events that are hosted here. There are many other things to do with kids in Jensen Beach, but this location truly tops the list.
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Events & Seasonal Festivities in Jensen Beach
A strong sense of community can be seen through signature Jensen Beach events and traditions. Jammin’ Jensen brings people together every Thursday evening in Downtown Jensen Beach, where live music, local vendors, and a casual street-festival atmosphere make it a regular highlight for residents.
During the holiday season, the well-known Eustace Mansion on Ocean Boulevard draws visitors with one of the area’s most impressive Christmas light displays, creating a gathering point for families and neighbors alike.
For decades, the Pineapple Festival served as a defining event, celebrating the area’s agricultural roots and attracting visitors from across the Treasure Coast. Although the festival has been discontinued since 2019, its place in local history reflects how traditions shape the identity of the town. These events, both ongoing and remembered, show why Jensen Beach continues to appeal to people looking for a community with energy, character, and a calendar that reflects its quirky vibe.
History of Jensen Beach
Jensen Beach’s story begins with a Danish immigrant who saw opportunity in Florida’s untamed wilderness. In 1881, John Laurence Jensen arrived and established his pineapple plantation, which eventually became the town bearing his name. This coastal community quickly transformed into something extraordinary.
By 1876, pineapple farming was spreading throughout the region, and Jensen Beach became the pineapple capital of South Florida. The sandy, well-drained soils along the Indian River proved perfect for cultivation.
The arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway in 1894 revolutionized the community, allowing freight shipments to load directly onto train cars. This transportation breakthrough connected Jensen Beach to markets across the country, fueling unprecedented growth and prosperity.
A devastating freeze in 1917 hit the region, causing significant damage to the pineapple crops that were the backbone of Jensen’s economy. This natural disaster marked the end of the pineapple era, but Jensen Beach proved resilient. The community gradually transitioned from agriculture to tourism and fishing, discovering new ways to thrive along Florida’s Treasure Coast.
The railroad that once carried pineapples eventually brought visitors seeking Florida’s natural beauty. Fishing guides replaced plantation workers. Beach cottages sprouted where pineapple fields once flourished. The community’s entrepreneurial spirit, born during the pineapple boom, adapted to embrace these new opportunities.
This agricultural-to-coastal transformation created the foundation for Jensen Beach’s distinctive character today. The town maintains its laid-back atmosphere where good food and natural wonders can be had in abundance, reflecting its unhurried agricultural roots. The colorful local businesses and strong sense of community with annual events and local traditions echo the cooperative spirit that once made pineapple farming successful. Jensen Beach’s quiet streets and Old Florida enchantment on and off the water preserve the small-town charm that has endured through decades of change, creating the quaint, peaceful community that residents and visitors cherish today.
Pros and Cons of Living in Jensen Beach
When comparing residential areas, it’s always a good idea to make a pros and cons list to narrow down the options to the location that’s the best place to live. You can do this with Jensen Beach as well. There are many more pros than cons; however, it’s good to know everything about an area before moving there, the good and the bad.
Pros
Here are some of the positive aspects of living in Jensen Beach:
- Close to the water: Jensen Beach borders the Atlantic Ocean, so no matter where you live in town, you won’t be too far from the beach.
- Excellent dining options: Although Jensen Beach may not have as many restaurants as other nearby towns, these dining spots are quality ones.
- Plethora of outdoor activities: If you are an outdoor recreation enthusiast, you’re sure to love all of the outdoor activities you can enjoy living in Jensen Beach.
- Close to other towns: If you crave certain shops, restaurants, or event options, you can easily get to surrounding towns and cities from Jensen Beach.
- Smaller community so you get to know your neighbors: Since Jensen Beach is a smaller community, it has a small town vibe and you can get to know your neighbors.
- Highly-rated public schools: If you have school-age children, you’ll likely appreciate the highly-rated public schools in the area.
Cons
As with any comparison, you must look at the less-than-favorable aspects, too. Here are some potential downsides to living in Jensen Beach:
- May be too small a community for some people: With its small-town allure, Jensen Beach may be too small for some prospective residents who prefer a more built-up city. The residents, by in large, don’t want to see more growth, so its not expected to turn into a South Florida metro.
- May not be enough shopping or dining options for some residents: Although Jensen Beach has a lot of shopping and dining options, individuals who are looking for a new place to live may find that they prefer a larger city with more options. There isn’t an endless array of bars and clubs, and those that exist are typically shutting down by 10 PM.
- The oceanside location makes the area a bit more secluded: Since Jensen Beach is on the ocean, the town has a bit of a secluded aspect to it, with not too much hustle and bustle. You’ll have to drive about a half-hour to get to the Florida Turnpike or I-95.
Jensen Beach’s Premium Location
Even with all of the amenities this welcoming community offers, you’re still close to many other Treasure Coast towns. Therefore, if you want to venture out and enjoy dining, shopping, and events in other nearby vicinities, such as Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach, it’s quite easy to get to the surrounding communities.
FAQs
Is Jensen Beach a small town?
Jensen Beach can be considered a smaller town as it has a population of approximately 12,450 individuals.
Does Jensen Beach experience hurricanes?
Yes, Jensen Beach may experience hurricanes due to its location on the coast of Florida.
Is Jensen Beach safe?
Yes, Jensen Beach is generally considered to be a safe area.
Is Jensen Beach known for its water activities?
Yes, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a wide array of water activities in Jensen Beach, such as surfing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
How much are homes in Jensen Beach?
The price of homes in Jensen Beach varies; however, the average home value is $441,582.
So, when you’re wondering is Jensen Beach a good place to live, you can tell by looking at all these exciting aspects that it certainly is.
