$602,828Average Value$450Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Ah, the good old days
The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro was originally settled in 1555. And while it can’t boast the same longevity as the city that shares its name (though not its pronunciation), the Rio (RYE-oh, in local parlance) neighborhood of Jensen Beach is also something of a historical artifact. Life in Rio moves at a slightly slower pace and residents here take the time to enjoy the incredible beauty that their neighborhood provides, thanks to its position next to the St. Lucie River. “I would use the word ‘olde’ to describe Rio. And I mean ‘olde’ with an e,” says local Realtor Patrick Stracuzzi, who has been representing transactions in the area for 15 years. “It’s classic Florida, the way it used to be. There’s no traffic, and you can walk down a path and find a secret beach that can be your new kayaking or fishing spot.” In other words, Rio is the kind of Florida people expect to find when they come to Florida.
Rio is a neighborhood with with a small town feel.
Treelined sidewalk on NE Alice St in Historic Rio.
1/2
Nature, nature everywhere
From the neighborhood's own pocket preserve, Rio Nature Park, featuring mangroves and direct access to the shores of the river, to the winding, unpaved trails of nearby Haney Creek Nature Preserve, there are plenty of green spaces in and around Rio to explore. “The Board of Commissioners, back in the day, really cared about preserving nature and creating parks. Rio benefitted from that,” says Stracuzzi. Of course, a walk down Rio's narrow, sidewalk-lined roads may give you all the organic escapism you'll need. “There are still peacocks wild in the streets,” says Jim McGlone, broker-owner of Jensen Beach Realty Inc. and a former Jensen Beach resident. “They nest in the trees, and during mating season, the males walk around everywhere with their feathers spread. That's something you never see anywhere else.”
Rio's proximity to South Hutchinson Island is another major draw. Sitting just over five miles from Stuart Beach, Rio residents are a breezy, half-hour bike ride away. "I loved the fact that I could be at the beach in 15 minutes," McGlone says. "I used to go early, around 6 a.m. I'd walk over the causeway to the beach. They have free showers and free parking. By 9 a.m., I'm at the office like nothing ever happened. Did that for years. And even if you're not on a waterfront property, there are plenty of places to dock your boat, like marinas and warehouses; they'll put the boat in the water for you. I had mine docked at a restaurant marina."
Rio is a small neighborhood with lots of greenery and a small town feel.
Haney Creek Park is just a short ride from Rio, offering a dog park and nature trails.
1/2
Casual eats and luxurious shopping
Speaking of restaurants, Rio has a few local favorites that attract the crowds at dinnertime. Original Anna’s Pizza is a popular stop for a fresh-made pizza. Alternatively, TideHouse offers diners a second-floor vantage point to take advantage of the 180-degree water views from the restaurant and an extensive menu of salads, sandwiches and hearty entrees with a definite seafood theme.
Rio is not a shopaholic’s destination of choice, so those seeking retail therapy will have to. Fortunately for them, US 1 is less than a mile from the neighborhood, offering easy travel to Treasure Coast Square 4 miles to the north. There, shoppers will find Target for all of their home necessities, along with more than 80 other retail establishments, several fast-food options and a 16-screen Regal Cinema. For groceries, Publix is a mile further north on US 1.
Exterior of Anna's pizza, serving Rio residents whole pies or pizzas by the slice.
The Treasure Coast Square Mall is a great place to enjoy some window shopping by Rio.
1/2
Be it ever so humble...
The “olde Florida” appeal of Rio extends to the homes here. Because the neighborhood is primarily occupied by year-round as opposed to seasonal residents, there is a true sense of community within the neighborhood. And residents need not fear that the classic Florida vibe will give way to high-rise developments. Martin County authorities limit the size of buildings, and nothing can exceed four stories. So Rio homes will always have their beautiful views. The median price of homes in Rio is $488,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $398 per square foot. A two-bedroom/one-bathroom ranch-style home in need of some TLC can sell for $199,000, and prices can go up to $1.5 million for a four-bedroom/four-bathroom Modernist home on a 1-acre lot with river views.
There are luxury homes on the water with their own docks in Rio.
Many homes in the Rio neighborhood have metal roofs, making them more weather resistant.
1/2
Excellent Martin County schools
Students in Rio are served by the Martin County School District, which earns an overall rating of A-minus from Niche. Children can attend Felix A. Williams Elementary, Stuart Middle and Jensen Beach High School. Both Felix A. Williams and Stuart earn an A-minus from Niche, and Jensen Beach earns an A. Students at Jensen Beach High School can participate in any of over 30 school-sponsored clubs, and they have the opportunity to play 26 different varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of multiple private school options in the area, including The Pine School in nearby Hobe Sound, which earns an overall rating of A-plus from Niche.
Dedicated staff encourage integrity, growth mindset and compassion at Felix Williams near Rio.
Stuart Middle School earns an A from Niche and sits a short drive from Rio.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Rio neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Rio
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Rio Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Rio, Jensen Beach sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Rio, Jensen Beach over the last 12 months is $299,000, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Premier waterfront location built in 2020. Modern-Mediterranean home close to downtown Jensen Beach and Stuart. Spectacular southern exposure and wide-water view. Direct ocean access minutes from the St. Lucie Inlet. No low bridges - a boater’s dream. High coffered ceilings, four spacious bedrooms plus a den, four full baths, and a cabana bath designed for everyday comfort
We are proud to present an extraordinary new build on Orange Avenue, part of the exciting transformation of Rio’s redevelopment. This 2,954 sq ft under air (4,072 total), 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom CBS home with optional 5th bedroom has been crafted with attention to detail, featuring impact windows, spray foam insulation, and a 1” standing seam metal roof. Step inside to enjoy bright open living
We are proud to present another exceptional new build on Orange Avenue, part of the exciting transformation of Rio’s redevelopment. This 2,954 sq ft under air (4,072 total), 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom CBS home with optional 5th bedroom is designed to impress with impact windows, spray foam insulation, and a standing seam metal roof. Step inside to discover light-filled living spaces, 9’4” ceilings, a
Exceptional waterfront boating community.Docks are available to buy or rent,there's no waiting to enjoy the boating lifestyle.Boat lifts are permitted,as are trucks(some restrictions).All ages welcomed.Located east of Roosevelt Bridge & RR tracks.Furnished 2 bed,2 bath corner unit w/ 1220 sq.ft. & move in ready.Flexible dining area can easily accommodate overnight guests,adding extra
Located at the end of a palm lined private drive, the home underwent a meticulous renovation, concluding in 2023. This luxurious Florida Keys-inspired retreat, combining high-end finishes with full functionality. Enter the main upstairs living via an oversized contemporary door & you are welcomed with panoramic, wide water views. The main living area offers immense living & entertaining
Silent, Cozy peacefull living, The best 1/4th Acre lot available , with best location and view. Best who want to get a HOME that they can expand as their needs.Beautiful natural lake in the back yard. Located near a culdisac which allows ample guest parking space. New roof done in 2025
Discover this immaculate, light and bright, spacious 2/2 condo in the desirable River Club community, offering peek-a-boo views of the St. Lucie River from the living room and primary bedroom. One year new Air Conditioner. Enjoy luxury furniture included, refinished knockdown ceilings, and the convenience of an in-unit washer & dryer. Relax on the screened balcony with storage, and feel secure
Be the first to rent this beautifully fully renovated single-family home, offering a complete top-to-bottom transformation with brand new finishes throughout. This 100% refurbished residence features an open-concept layout, creating a bright and spacious living environment, along with a split-bedroom design that provides added privacy. Enjoy cooking in the modern kitchen equipped with all new
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
