5 Reasons To Live in One of Florida’s Best Small Towns

October 4, 2022 | Read Time: 4 minutes

Located along the Treasure Coast of Florida lies the charming city of Stuart. Contrary to its quaint size, Stuart has a renowned reputation and is currently listed as #6 on Southern Living’s list of best small towns in the south. A place where you can immerse yourself in coastal history and explore many sights, Stuart is the type of town where locals know everyone’s name. Given the title of “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine, see for yourself the top 5 reasons why locals are in love with their little slice of paradise.

1. A Vibrant Downtown

This quintessential town may be small in size, but it is filled with charm. With much to see and do, Historic Downtown Stuart is a highlight of the area. Located directly off the St. Lucie River, this downtown has a variety of award-winning restaurants for every palate including, Café Martier, an eclectic modern European café and speakeasy, and The Gafford, a sophisticated American bistro offering a mouthwatering menu of fresh and locally sourced specials. Shop till you drop at local boutiques and stores such as, Matilda’s, Gumbo Limbo and O’ Sole Mio. If you are looking for a lively art scene, this downtown has a plethora of art galleries and music venues including the 95 year old Lyric Theater. Stop by this charming downtown on Sunday mornings to explore the local greenmarket, and enjoy music from local musicians at Rock’n Riverwalk, a weekly waterfront concert series. Between fabulous shops and dining, a lively art scene and mile of riverwalk, Downtown Stuart is a gem in this small town.

2. 152 Years of History

In the center of Martin County, Florida, Stuart is a city that has a long and rich history. Founded in 1870, this town embodies authentic Florida history and is home to many historic landmarks. Located right on the coastline is The House of Refuge at Gilbert’s Bar, the oldest structure in all of Martin County. This former house once provided shelter for shipwreck survivors but now is used as a museum. Right up the road lies The Elliott Museum and the Historical Society of Martin County. The museum encompasses many local history exhibits pertaining to cars, artwork, baseball and more. Just two of many historical attractions.

3. Gorgeous Scenery

Located in the heart of Martin County, Stuart is home to breathtaking waterways and pristine beaches. Connected to the surrounding areas via bridges, there is a surplus of waterfront views. Feeding out into the Atlantic Ocean, St. Lucie Inlet and Indian River Lagoon have several small islands and sandbars meant for gathering and exploration. The long shorelines of pristine beaches on Hutchinson Island are undoubtedly what draws people to Stuart. Clear waters and sunny weather make every day feel like a vacation. The barrier island also encompasses a wide variety of tropical wildlife, such as sea turtles, manatees, herons and egrets. Its lush landscape consists of gorgeous mangrove forests and untouched estuaries. Stuart is truly a nature lover’s dream. Tropical scenery and seemingly endless waterfront views transform this unassuming town into a scenic resort-style area.

4. Sailfish Capital of The World

A hotspot for deep-sea fishing, Sailfish Alley runs from Fort Pierce all the way down to the Palm Beaches. Located right in the middle of this oceanic phenomenon is Stuart, the “Sailfish Capital of the World”. Popular for sportfishing, Stuart has an abundance of sailfish, tarpon, lobster, snook, and more just yards from the shore. Between the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, there are a wide variety of places to boat and fish. For those longing for adventure, the Bahamas are only 55 nautical miles away by water. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing for sailfish or kayaking around the river, there are an infinite amount of ways to be active on the water.

5. Central Location

Stuart, Florida is the centermost point of Martin County. Surrounded by smaller adjacent cities such as Palm City and Jensen Beach, this area is a suburb for The Palm Beaches. A vibrant area with many attractions, shopping and dining, The Palm Beaches are a gateway to all things luxury. There is something that will pique everyone’s interest whether you’re exploring iconic Worth Avenue, visiting The Breakers Palm Beach, a historic landmark hotel, or taking in the lively and colorful ambiance of this famous area. Approximately an hour away from Stuart, take advantage of all this lively area has to offer while still embracing small-town living.

Content Courtesy of Harbour Ridge

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.

two surfers on the beach in stuart

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!

shop windows in downtown stuart

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.

refuge house at the beach in stuart

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.

cultural parade in downtown stuart

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.

lilac sky over the hutchinson island