Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce is a big city; as of 2022, its population was about 48,000 residents and covers a large portion of Florida's Treasure Coast. To the east is historic Downtown Fort Pierce, a newly revitalized neighborhood on the coast of the Indian River with coastal waters that can sometimes feel like boating in the Bahamas. To the west is Outer Fort Pierce, which has a more rural, small-town feel than much of the city. In the middle is central Fort Pierce, a sleepy bedroom community of single-family homes with easy access to both areas, plus HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. Lawnwood Sports Complex is in the neighborhood's southern end and includes many amenities that get residents moving. There are six baseball and two softball fields, a track for walking and running, and a soccer field for pick-up games. MLK Jr. Dreamland Park is farther north and smaller but packed with amenities, including baseball and softball practice fields, a soccer field, a basketball court, a splash pad and a playground for young kids. On weekends, boaters head to the nearby coastline downtown to "The Cove," a nickname for the sandbar found at Boot Toe Point, to enjoy sun and surf. “Everyone with boats piles in,” Jason Coley, the team lead at Atlantic Shores Realty who lives nearby and sells throughout the Treasure Coast. “When the tide changes, you have all this beautiful blue water coming in. Everyone just loves it.” Fort Pierce is a mix of residential and commercial, with suburban-rural style subdivisions sitting alongside parks, retailers, apartment complexes and several major medical providers, including HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital. In the residential areas, ranch-style homes and bungalows line the streets, sitting on landscaped yards dotted with small palm trees and other plant life. Short driveways often lead to garages or carports, and many sections of the neighborhood have sidewalks, allowing residents to walk to schools, parks and shops. Prices range from $165,000 for three bedrooms and one bathroom to $310,000 for four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Condos and townhouses are also available, ranging from $135,000 for two bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms to $265,000 for two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Regarding crime, Fort Pierce has a 7 out of 10 on the CAP Index, three points higher than the national average score. Kids in the area often start school at St. Lucie Elementary, which has a C-minus on Niche, then head to Dan McCarty Middle School, which has a C on Niche. From there, they often finish school at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet, which has a B-minus on Niche and is the only STEAM magnet high school on the Treasure Coast. It serves almost 2,000 students and has a student-teacher ratio of 22-to-1. There are also various faith-based private schools that serve the area. Most residents head downtown to pick up groceries at Publix and Aldi along Route 1. For dining out, there are several popular, locally owned restaurants along Okeechobee Road, including Costa Azul Mexican Restaurant, an unassuming, casual spot that serves classic Mexican dishes, and Sugar and Spice Soul Food, which serves authentic soul and Southern dishes with Caribbean twist. Orange Avenue bisects the neighborhood and leads directly to Interstate 95 to the west, giving residents access to the rest of the state, including West Palm Beach, about 67 miles south. West Palm Beach Airport is about the same distance from the neighborhood and offers flights throughout the United States and Canada.

Fort Pierce South is part of South Florida’s famed Treasure Coast, named for the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet that was sunk by a hurricane off the east coast of Florida in a hurricane. Situated directly west of Hutchinson Island, the neighborhood not only offers residents proximity to some of the area’s finest beaches, but also plenty of other natural splendor. “Fort Pierce South is a beautiful neighborhood that reminds me of old Florida,” says area resident and local Realtor Heather Price. “It’s a peaceful area, but it's still close to plenty of big-city amenities.” Fort Pierce South is home to the largest freshwater coastal marsh on Florida’s east coast, the Savannas Campground and Recreation Area. This 550-acre preserve is composed of diverse habitats ranging from pine flatwoods to scrub brush and wet prairie, all of which are federally protected areas. More than 10 miles long, the preserve offers visitors a look back to a time before Florida’s wetlands were drained. Wildlife is plentiful here, and creatures like iguanas, egrets, raccoons, ducks and tortoises can be seen throughout. It’s also a fabulous place for bird and butterfly watching. Visitors can take advantage of areas for both RV and tent camping, and restrooms, showers and laundry facilities make roughing it easier. The park also hosts nearly 15 miles of walking, biking and horseback riding trails. Another conservation effort in Fort Pierce South is the Spoil Island Project. Spoil islands are formed after an area has been dredged, and the piled sand and dirt break the water’s surface. These artificial landmasses provide recreational opportunities, and the Spoil Island Project works to preserve and enhance the islands for future generations. By 2022, the project had overseen seven aquatic preserves and spoil islands in Fort Pierce South, all of which allow visiting and overnight camping free of charge. For a slightly less rustic encounter with nature, the Heathcote Botanical Gardens has the largest collection of tropical bonsai trees in the nation, with more than 100 on display. The gardens were initially planted in New York City, but were moved and transplanted in their current Florida home in 1960. Since then, the facility has grown to include nearly a dozen specialty gardens, including butterfly and herb gardens. For children, there’s a fairy garden with tree stumps to rest on, a playhouse, mosaic hopscotch and art pieces made from gardening tools. And when they want to just head to the neighborhood park, residents love to spend time at Maravilla Park. The park has a playground, a basketball court, a baseball diamond and lighted tennis courts, as well as a dedicated dog park for the four-legged family members. Maravilla Park is also home to the Maravilla Community Center, offering exercise classes during the week and facility rental for gatherings on the weekends. Home shoppers will find a variety of styles in the neighborhood, where cozy bungalows stand next to spacious villas. Manufactured homes, condominiums and townhouses also feature in the neighborhood’s architectural styles, as do ranch- and mission-style homes. The median home price in Fort Pierce South is $280,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $178 per square foot. A two-bedroom/one-bathroom manufactured home in need of some renovation can sell for $90,000, and prices can go up to $2 million for a spacious five-bedroom/five-bathroom ranch-style home with a separate guest cottage and private tennis court. “Homebuyers here range from first-time buyers that are drawn to the neighborhood’s affordability to retirees who love the tranquil setting,” says Price. Fort Pierce South is districted to St. Lucie Public Schools, which earns an overall rating of B-minus from Niche. Neighborhood students can attend Lawnwood Elementary, Forest Grove Middle and Fort Pierce Central High School. Both Lawnwood and Forest Grove earn a C-plus from Niche and Fort Pierce Central earns a B. Students at Fort Pierce Central High School can participate in any of 20 school-sponsored clubs and they have the opportunity to play 26 different varsity-level sports. Fort Pierce South is also close to several area private schools, including St. Edward’s School in nearby Vero Beach, which earns an A-plus rating from Niche. Residents of Fort Pierce South don’t have to drive far for their groceries, with Publix located in Sabal Palm Plaza in the neighborhood’s northeastern quadrant. In the same mall, shoppers will also find stores like Urban Appeal, Citi Trends, Staples and GNC, among others. And when dining out is on the menu, locals head to Moonswiner’s Barbecue, where the Adkins family has been slow-smoking meat and hand-making all their sides since 1981.

Neighboring the Indian River along Florida’s Treasure Coast, the Indian River Estates community offers a laid-back suburban feel only 6 miles from downtown Fort Pierce. Residents here often spend their time fishing off the Indian River coastline at Savannas Recreation Area, making day trips to the sandy beaches on nearby Hutchinson Island and taking advantage of the plentiful amenities along U.S. Route 1. This community is distinctly Floridian, home to a world-class fishing heritage and an at-ease lifestyle that can be witnessed in the slow traffic – which makes for safe biking and jogging – the family-owned eateries like Big Worm's BBQ, and the unique mailboxes decorating the area – front lawns don everything from those carved to represent flamingos while others feature whales or have a more patriotic theme. These Indian River Estates staples help define the spirit of Florida and the community. "Indian River Estates features a quick commute to downtown Fort Pierce and is considered a secluded gem to buyers who know where to look,” says Natalia Rhinehart, local Realtor with EXP Realty. Housing options in this community range from traditional ramblers to multi-level coastal homes donning Mediterranean-styles. Architectural styles from the 1960s and 70s are common, while modern styles have become more popular as new construction and renovation continue in the area. This community boasts a variety of subdivision choices, from gated communities like Palm Grove to waterfront homes within Metes and Bounds. With a median sales price of $318,000, price points here can range from the low $100,000s to upwards of seven figures depending on the age, size and location of the property. For example, a three-bedroom ranch-style can go for around $129,000, while a five-bedroom coastal home complete with a backyard pool in a gated community can go for around $1.2 Million along the river. Homes neighboring the Indian River with waterfront views or those within gated communities are subject to increased price points. Many homes in Indian River Estates feature paved circular driveways and are fronted by well-maintained yards and tropical foliage easily spotted from the street. “Indian River Estates attracts older families and retirees moving into the area — It’s also one of the more sought-after locations around Fort Pierce,” says Rhinehart. Residents here shop at Sabal Palm Plaza, which offers a variety of department stores and retailers to choose from, like Bealls, Big Lots and Dollar General. Groceries and other everyday essentials are available at Town South Plaza which features stores like Winn-Dixie, CVS and Walgreens. For fresh produce, Nelson Family Farms offers an open-air market for fruits, vegetables, house-roasted coffee, citrus plants and pottery. When dining in the area, locals head to Tropical Latin Food for their outdoor patio and hearty portions of Cuban cuisine. For New York style pizza, Downtown Benny's is the place for all things Italian. Or for slow-smoked barbeque with hints of oak and hickory, residents visit the family-owned Big Worm's BBQ. Students in Indian River Estates can attend schools like Weatherbee Elementary, Dan McCarty Middle and Fort Pierce Central High, which have earned ratings of C, C and B from the educational review site, Niche. Weatherbee Elementary School implements Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) into its curriculum, which is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve student outcomes on a daily basis. Dan McCarty Middle School offers a student-teacher ratio of 18:1, while Fort Pierce Central High School offers a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and earns an A-plus from Niche in Diversity, ranking 23rd out of all the public schools in Florida. Private institutions like Calvary Christian Academy and Florida State Christian Academy are also common here. Residents of Indian River Estates are located within walking distance of the Savannas Recreation Area, which offers a distinct habitat of pine flatwoods, marshland and lakes. This natural area is perfect for camping, boating or fishing, and also offers 17 miles of trails for both hiking and horseback riding. For sunbathing on the sandy coastline, locals can visit Hutchinson Island, just 10 miles from the community. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with Gator Trace Golf & Country Club also nearby. Offering an 18-hole course and clubhouse with a full-service restaurant and bar, this club is open to the public and offers both daily rates or ongoing membership options. Indian River Estates shares its home with the local gopher tortoise, a land-dwelling creature that burrows under the soil — which creates homes for more than 300 species of animals and insects within the area. This protected animal is native to the state, and 'tortoise crossing' signs are common throughout the area — reminding drivers to slow their speed and watch out for the tortoises. If conditions are safe, tortoises found in the middle of the road can be moved to the shoulder in order to ensure their continued safety. Indian River Estates is situated next to U.S. Route 1 and provides residents with easy access to downtown Fort Pierce and neighboring areas like River Park and White City. Residents seeking public transit options can take the Area Regional Transit (ART), a fare-free public transit system serving the cities of Fort Pierce. Indian River Estates riders can start their ride on bus route 1, which operates along U.S. Route 1 and stops throughout the community. For those seeking to travel longer distances, the Treasure Coast International Airport (FPR) is only 10 miles away from Indian River Estates. When it comes to hurricanes and flooding, Indian River Estates is at a high risk due to its waterfront location. However, St. Lucie County has implemented recent precautionary measures like the 2023 Fort Pierce Shore Protection Project to strengthen the shoreline and reduce storm damage to residential and commercial areas.

Bounded east by the Atlantic Ocean and west by the Indian River, Hutchinson Island North has been a relatively small coastal community from its inception. The first wooden bridge wasn’t constructed until 1926, and electricity and phone lines weren’t made available until 1953. While the summer months do bring the buzz of tourism, Hutchinson Island North doesn’t get nearly as packed as West Palm Beach, Orlando, Miami and the Florida Keys. “There’s something for everybody here, and it’s got these quiet, peaceful beaches and little to no commercial properties,” says Richard Zangre, a Vero Beach resident and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Commercial Brokerage. Condos began appearing in 1968, with Little Ocean Place being the first to break ground. Now, there are dozens to choose from. “Much of the north end is all condos,” Zangre says. “And the market is pretty even; there’s a good supply of housing to match the demand.” Ocean Harbour North, Breakers Landing and Atlantic View Beach Club provide private parking and balconies adorned with chairs and decorations, perfect for enjoying the crisp, salty ocean breeze. Most two-bedroom condos sell for around $300,000, while penthouses encroach the million-dollar price range. A few multimillion-dollar Floridian beachfront estates offer backyard pools and five to six bedrooms. Homeowners have the option to rent out their homes in the summer through Airbnb and VRBO. River County School District’s youngest may attend Vero Beach Elementary School, earning a B-minus score from Niche. Students may then attend Storm Grove Middle School, with a B-plus Niche rating, before moving on to Sebastian River High School, ranked B from Niche, or the A-minus graded Vero Beach High School. Both high schools offer special interest clubs like the Air Force JROTC Program and Animal Rescue Club. Golf carts, motorcycles, cars and bikes travel along the main road, and it's not uncommon to see surfers on foot. Main roads include Highway A1A, which cuts through Jim Island and South Ocean Drive. North and South Hutchinson Islands are located roughly 110 miles north of Fort Lauderdale and southeast of Orlando, home of Disney World. NASA Kennedy Space Center and West Palm Beach are just an hour's drive away. HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital is roughly 14 miles away, and while the island is surrounded by small airports, Vero Beach Regional Airport and Melbourne Orlando International Airport are the two main public airports for locals. Queens Island Preserve and its corresponding beach access are just a few miles away, along with Pepper Park Beach’s various shipwrecks, which make this spot popular for diving and snorkeling. There’s also Kings Island Park, Jack Island, Avalon State Park and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. Jetty Park and Jack Island are mostly within walking distance of some of Hutchinson Island North. No matter which beach they go to, locals are sure to be fishing or out on the water in kayaks and boats, or catching waves on a surf or paddle board. There’s a culture of wildlife preservation here with manatees and sea turtles being the top priority among this community with the help of the Hutchinson Island Preservation Initiative. Sharky's Seafood Restaurant is the only restaurant immediate to the neighborhood, which serves anything from pizza and burgers to fresh, local seafood. Nearby South Beach has more restaurant options with Archie's Seabreeze, Shuckers, and Square Grouper Tiki Bar Ft Pierce Inlet, a local favorite for its panoramic views, drinks and live music. Grocery stores include The Fresh Market, Walmart Express and Big Lots in Vero Beach. “Fort Pierce is close by, and it’s the second-oldest city in Florida with a beautiful, laid-back downtown area,” Zangre says. “It has all the shopping and restaurants you’d want there, and there are Saturday farmers' markets.” Notable attractions include the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, Lucie County Aquarium, McKee Botanical Gardens, Elliott Museum, House of Refuge and the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. “The National Navy Seal Museum is a super popular destination, even for the locals,” Zangre says. “The Navy Seals do a mock landing every year; they set up the bleachers and come in from the sea, it’s really entertaining.” Locals also enjoy practicing their swing at BigShots Golf Vero Beach. In Community Rating System (CRS) communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in an effort to reduce and avoid flood damage on homes and foster a comprehensive floodplain management plan.

In River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek, hot Florida afternoons are spent splashing in the community pool’s chlorinated waters or exploring Lake Zobel on a kayak. Approximately 5 miles south of downtown Fort Pierce and a short drive away from the Indian River (and the Atlantic Ocean beyond), the neighborhood is comprised of gated communities like River Oaks and Carriage Pointe. Residents can explore floodplain forests at the George LeStrange Preserve or head east to spot manatees in the Indian River Lagoon. Large-scale industrial plants like a Walmart distribution center and Southern Eagle beverage distributors populate the marshy landscape, and it’s not uncommon to see an osprey riding the wind currents. In other words, River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek is a combination of untouched wildlife and new development. “500 new homes are going up in the area,” says Suzanne Gault of Exit Right Realty, who has approximately 40 years of real estate experience. Most importantly, it’s a community built on friendliness. “When a hurricane comes, they all go from house to house and put up everybody’s storm shutters,” says Gault. “They don’t just take care of their own here.” Prospective buyers can put down roots in a gated community or build their dream home on undeveloped land. The River Oaks subdivision is made up of 27 town houses and 108 private units. Within each building, there are four luxury residences, and prices start at just over $300,000. For a monthly HOA fee, residents can enjoy community amenities like a resort-style pool, clubhouse and landscaping services. In Carriage Pointe, a gated community on the outskirts of the Geroge LeStrange Preserve, buyers can choose from four unique floorplans. Prices hover around $400,000, and homes are built in the traditional style with two-car garages. “There are regular community activities in the amenities area, especially during the holidays,” says Gault. Students in River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek can attend St. Lucie public schools like White City Elementary, Forest Grove Middle and Fort Pierce Central High School, all of which received a C or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Fort Pierce’s original high school was damaged during the 2004 hurricane season, and students moved to a brand-new campus in 2008. New facilities include college-level tennis courts, soccer, football and baseball fields, and extensive kitchens for the culinary arts program. Students have the option to enroll in college-level engineering courses through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and all credits are transferred over upon graduation. On the way to downtown Fort Pierce along Sunrise Boulevard, residents can check items off their grocery lists at the Publix Super Market at Sabal Palm Plaza and, nearby, order a skillet breakfast from Sweetie’s Diner. Wander down 2nd Street’s palm-tree-lined sidewalks to find an array of family-owned eateries like 2nd Street Bistro and Taco Dive. Or listen to live music beside the Indian River at Crabby’s dockside, which serves up fresh seafood platters and margarita buckets. Another few miles north and across the North Fort Pierce Bascule Bridge, there’s no shortage of beach-front restaurants like Little Jim Bat & Tackle (where Navy seals have been ordering beers since World War II). With stucco, Mediterranean-inspired storefronts and the sound of Spanish beats from car radios, exploring downtown Fort Pierce can feel like touching down in another country (minus the passport and luggage). Residents in River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek are just a 5-mile (or 12-minute) drive from arts and culture opportunities in downtown Fort Pierce. At the Sunrise Theater, locals can see touring rock stars, comedians and even magic shows. Or cross the Fort Pierce South Bridge to visit the Treasure Coast Park and Watch, an old-school drive-in theater near the Causeway Cove Marina. Kids will also enjoy the waterfront viewing platforms at the Manatee Observation and Education Center or learning about their underwater neighbors at the small St. Lucie County Aquarium. On Saturday mornings, head to the farmer’s market at the Downtown Fort Pierce Marina to pick up fresh lobster rolls and organic herbs. There’s plenty of free parking in the garage next to city hall. Within River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek residents will find the George LeStrange Nature Preserve, a 94-acre expanse that includes a short hiking trail through pine flatwoods, palm hammocks and floodplain forests as well as access to Lake Zobel. Although swimming isn’t allowed in the man-made lake, residents can still canoe, kayak and fish (although its strictly catch-and-release). It’s not uncommon to see bald eagles riding the wind currents. Bike lanes run throughout the River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek neighborhood and car traffic is minimal. In downtown Fort Pierce, a free, open-air city tram stops every 15 minutes at the City Hall Parking Garage, 2nd Street, A.E. Backus Avenue, Indian River Drive and Marina Square. Area Regional Transit (ART), the St. Lucie County public transit system, offers eight unique bus routes, many of which run through Fort Pierce and beyond. ART also offers on-demand car services in select zones. Approximately 20 miles north of the neighborhood along Interstate 95, River Oaks at 10 Mile Creek residents will find Vero Beach Regional Airport. From here, Breeze Airways flies to Providence, Rhode Island, Hartford, Connecticut and White Planes, New York. 60 miles — or approximately an hour — up I-95, residents can reach Palm Beach International Airport, which offers over 40 nonstop destinations. Those who live in gated communities like River Oaks and Carriage Point can access top-rated medical care at the HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, known for its heart institute, level II trauma center and comprehensive stroke center. The facility also offers 24/7 emergency care and inpatient surgical services.