How This Coastal Province Became One of The South’s Best Small Towns

September 20, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes

With picturesque natural scenery and friendly locals in abundance, Florida’s small towns celebrate the very best of leisure lifestyles. Contrary to their quaint sizes, however, charming small-town cities like Stuart along Florida’s Treasure Coast have a renowned reputation. Ranked #6 on Southern Living’s Best Small Towns List for 2022, Stuart encompasses the essence of coastal small-town living. A truly one-of-a-kind area, see for yourself what makes Stuart so authentic.

A Community Surrounded by Water

The Okeechobee Waterway and St. Lucie Inlet converge and surround the quaint city of Stuart to create a natural paradise. Enveloped by these scenic waterways, this community is uniquely connected by bridges. Leading to the Intracoastal Waterway, the bodies of water feed out into the Atlantic Ocean, a true dream for waterfront living. In unique proximity to both fresh water and salt water, locals are often found boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and enjoying the very best of living in paradise.

Dive Into an Active Lifestyle

Given the gorgeous natural scenery, it is no surprise that locals love to live a healthy, outdoor lifestyle. A plethora of ways to stay active provide a fresh and fun twist on staying happy and healthy. Venture into the outdoors and enjoy activities unique to living in a coveted beachside town, including yoga on the beach, hiking protected nature trails, playing racquet sports and golfing on internationally renowned courses. Watersports are popular for those wanting to make the most of coastal Florida living. Spend the day on the water via paddleboard or kayak. With a gorgeous backdrop and sunny weather, there is always something to do on land or water!

Explore The Vibrant Downtown Within This Scenic Hideaway

Known by few but cherished by many, Stuart oftentimes feels like a private hideaway. Surrounded by adjacent coastal towns, Stuart is the local epicenter for shopping and dining. The vibrant downtown embodies the charm and leisure lifestyle of the area. Popular boutiques like April Daze, Matilda’s and Gumbo Limbo are local favorite places to find coastal gifts for family, friends and yourself! A wide variety of restaurants including the Stuart Boathouse, Hudson’s on the River, and The Gafford make dining experiences exciting and lively. This waterfront downtown hosts a green market every Sunday morning, highlighting the best small businesses in Martin County. Immediately following the market is Rock’n Riverwalk, a boardwalk concert series featuring local musicians who never fail to bring the community together for a good time. Although seemingly hidden off the map, Stuart is a lively area with much to see and do.

Over a Century of Rich History

Established in 1870, Stuart has a rich and authentic history. Residents take pride in the area’s locally famous landmarks. A museum that was once a shelter for shipwreck survivors, The House of Refuge is a scenic spot to watch sunsets and learn about Florida’s maritime history. Located in the heart of historic Downtown Stuart, The Lyric Theater was a silent movie house popular in the 1920s and is now a dazzling performing arts venue. For those looking to learn about a century and a half of Stuart’s history, look no further than The Elliott Museum and the Historical Society of Martin County. More than just another coastal small town, Stuart has played an important role throughout the course of Florida history.

A Close-Knit Community Like No Other

A place that is warm and welcoming, Stuart’s locals have a reputation for supporting the community and its people. From supporting local farmers at the green market to inspiring a passion for the arts with the annual ArtsFest, the community prioritizes helping the area and its people in any way possible. Friendly faces are in abundance and community involvement is at an all-time high, as there is always an event being celebrated. United by a love for leisurely coastal living, locals embrace all that the Stuart community has to offer.