Is Stuart, Florida, a Good Place to Live? Many people ask this question when considering the small town as a place to settle down permanently. Stuart is one of the best places to live in Florida and on the Treasure Coast. The small, charming town has a population of almost 18,000, making it an excellent place for families and retirees to live a relaxed life.
Stuart is known as the sailfish capital of the world and America’s happiest seaside town. Coastal Living magazine named it the happiest town. The city is a historic Florida-style treasure that both residents and tourists love. In 2024, it was named one of the best coastal towns in the US.
Stuart Has an Array of Things to Do
The city has tons of restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and exciting events. There are always exciting things to do in Stuart, from festivals, concerts, car shows, parades, carnivals, fairs, flea markets, and hundreds of other amazing events. The city always has something exciting going on.
Stuart is a small town, but it still has all the modern conveniences of a bigger town. The downtown area is charming and has everything from high-end boutique stores to antique stores to upscale restaurants and mom-and-pop shops.
Stuart also has one of the best farmers’ markets on the Treasure Coast. The Market on Main is held every Sunday in Flagler Park, and Rock’n Riverwalk follows. Both are right on the St. Lucie River. The market is incredibly diverse and features some of the best vendors in the region. It always has fantastic things to see and purchase, and people travel from all over the region to visit the green market.
View this post on Instagram
Read More: Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Stuart, Florida
A Top Destination for Families & Retirees Alike
People in their golden years are drawn to Stuart because it’s a great place to live by nearly all standards. They love the size of the town, the welcoming atmosphere, the location, the safety, and the cost of living. Stuart is a retirement haven, and in 2024, Travel and Leisure magazine named Stuart the best small retirement town in the United States.
Young families choose Stuart because it is in one of the state’s top school districts. Also, it is much more accessible than other larger beach towns on the east coast of Florida.
Stuart is a must-visit tourist destination. It’s popular among tourists and snowbirds, and during the winter, the city’s population grows to over twenty thousand. Seniors love the leisure activities and the abundance of outdoor activities. Stuart also has top-tier healthcare facilities.
Florida is also a very tax-friendly state and is a top destination due to its lack of state income tax. This has broad financial implications for nearly every age demographic. Stuart’s affordability and location on the Treasure Coast make it one of the best places to settle down in the nation.
An Angler’s Dream
Stuart is an incredible place for sport fishing. Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World“, people come from everywhere to fish for marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi, tuna, bonefish, redfish, snook, tarpon, and more. Boating is also easily accessible with many fishing charters and boat rental companies.
The city rests on the Atlantic Ocean and St. Lucie River and has its own inlet to the ocean. Stuart locals spend time paddleboarding, boating, kayaking, and taking cruises on the north and south Forks of the St. Lucie River.
Stuart’s Downtown Embodies the City’s Character
Stuart has one of the best downtowns on the Treasure Coast. Downtown Stuart is a mixture of residential and commercial, and the main street is lined with award-winning restaurants, shops, and places for arts and culture. The city has some of the best restaurants on the Treasure Coast.
The downtown area is home to dozens of locally owned shops, art galleries, restaurants, and museums. It also has many beautiful historic turn-of-the-century buildings. A courtesy tram runs through downtown and provides tours of the area. Residents also enjoy a beautiful Riverwalk Boardwalk that winds through docks and a marina.
Stuart also has an excellent local economy, boosted by tourism. The town offers plenty of job opportunities in hospitality and retail. However, young professionals can also find careers at one of Stuart’s healthcare facilities and hundreds of other growing businesses in Stuart.
A Family-Friendly City
Sunset image from Stuart Florida along Martin County at the St Lucie River.
The city has excellent schools, essential for families with school-aged children. From daycare to elementary to middle to high schools, the education is top-rated. It’s also pet-friendly, with dog-friendly beaches and restaurants.
Stuart Beach is a fantastic dog-friendly beach, and the town also has several great dog parks, including Poppleton Creek Dog Park, Haney Creek Dog Park, and Shepard Park. The city is a great place to raise a family. There are tons of things to do in town with kids, from visiting the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center to Nature and Wildlife areas to spending the day at the Bathtub Beach.
Stuart has something for everybody. The city’s community services division runs youth activities, senior citizens’ programs, a club, meetings, and other entertainment programs for residents. It’s a great city for all ages.
Read More: Things to Do with Kids in Stuart, Florida
Stuart’s Prime Location
Stuart is located off of I-95, offering easy access to many amenities. Its location on the Treasure Coast means that residents enjoy beautiful weather year-round. It’s ideal for people who want an outdoor lifestyle and close proximity to beaches.
Charming cities and towns surround Stuart, and residents can enjoy other Treasure Coast cities like Port St. Lucie or Jupiter, Florida. The community is close to major cities. Palm Beach is less than an hour away. A quick getaway to Miami or Fort Lauderdale is just over two hours away. Residents are less than an hour from international airports, making it an excellent place for people who enjoy travel, or work on the road, but love returning to a relaxing and serene place.
Is Stuart Florida a Nice Place to Live?
Stuart is a fantastic city and a true hidden gem on the Treasure Coast. It’s a wonderful destination in Florida and a great place to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle. It’s a friendly spot and a great place to build a sense of community in Stuart.
Stuart is a growing town and a wonderful place to live in Florida. Many people are attracted to the town for its slower pace of life and amenities. People looking for a laid-back and wonderful city with a tight community and tons of things to do will find that Stuart, Florida, is a great place to live.
