South Hutchinson Island has many oceanfront homes with direct beach access.
A laid-back coastal vibe
The South Hutchinson Island neighborhood of Fort Pierce is part of Hutchinson Island, less than a mile from mainland Florida, but it’s also a world away. “It’s very laid-back here,” says local resident and Realtor Margaret Shinnebarger, who has been representing real estate transactions in the area for nearly a decade. “It’s also a big walking community., There are sidewalks all the way from here to Fort Pierce, so you can walk or run as far as you want.” Throw in miles of beaches fronting both the Atlantic on the east and Indian River Lagoon on the west, and it’s easy to understand the appeal for those seeking a neighborhood with a coastal vibe.
The great outdoors
With 12 different public beaches on the island, many of which include playgrounds for kids, it can be difficult to decide on just one. Walton Rocks Beach is a favored spot with locals, as it is the only Atlantic-side beach in St. Lucie County that allows dogs to be off-leash. With its gentle waves, picnic pavilions and restroom facilities, it’s the perfect spot for a family-friendly day at the beach, complete with the four-legged members of the group. For horse lovers, Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is a beachfront area that is one of the few in North America that allows horseback riding on the beach. Local companies offer guided rides on company-owned horses, and horse owners can get a permit from the city to ride their own horses.
At the northern end of the island, Bear Point Sanctuary is a 13-acre wetland preserve known as a premier site for birdwatching. Visitors will also find a fishing pier, hiking trail and picnic tables. Those seeking to do a little paddling on Indian River can launch a canoe or a kayak at Little Mud Creek, while those looking for more land-based recreation can check out any of the 37 nature preserves or miles of hiking trails that traverse the island. Anglers will find ample opportunities to wet a line in South Hutchinson Island, and Jetty Park is a favorite destination for them, as gamefish love the area and anglers can safely walk out on the paved surface lined with benches.
South Hutchinson Island offers endless miles of pristine beaches.
South Hutchinson Island residents love to take walks on the beach.
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The great indoors
While there’s no guarantee that the fish will bite, one sure place to catch a sight of plenty of marine creatures is the St. Lucie County Aquarium, which features six different marine ecosystems and a touch tank where visitors can get up close and personal (safely) with a variety of aquatic creatures. History comes alive at the Elliott Museum, where exhibits include those dedicated to baseball, vintage automobiles, artwork, pieces of Americana and much more, including an ever-changing slate of temporary exhibits from around the world.
Grab some ice cream at Strawberries Ice Cream and Sandwich Deli in South Hutchinson Island.
St. Lucie County Aquarium has excellent educational program for the visitors in South Hutchinson
Kyle G`s Restaurant is a well known steak and seafood restaurant in South Hutchinson Island.
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Many South Hutchinson Island residents enjoy a night out to dinner at Kyle G's.
Dining options from beachfront to formal
For dining out, South Hutchinson Island offers residents even more to get excited about, as the area has become one of the favored dining destinations throughout the Fort Pierce area. From open-air cafes on the beach like the iconic Archie’s Seabreeze to more elegant fare at one of the island’s more formal restaurants, the options are as varied as they are inviting. A local favorite that combines those two options is Shinnebarger’s personal go-to: “Kyle G’s is restaurant number-one on the island,” she says, referring to Kyle G’s Prime Seafood and Steaks. Elegant meals are served in the al fresco dining room overlooking the Atlantic surf at Kyl G’s, where lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch are neighborhood staples.
Home sweet home
Homes in the area include condominiums, townhouses and detached single-family houses, but homeowners in South Hutchinson Island need not fear the encroachment of high-rise developments. Martin County prohibits any building higher than four stories, which ensures that the natural vista will remain intact. “We have a lot of seasonal residents from all over the country,” says Shinnebarger. “But we’re starting to see more full-time residents. There are still a lot of visitors, though, and a lot of rentals.” The median price of homes here is $692,500, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $506 per square foot. A cozy one-bedroom/one-bathroom manufactured home can sell for $170,000, and prices can go up to $3.3 million for a four-bedroom/six-bathroom oceanfront postmodern-style home with an elevator.
The condos in South Hutchinson Island are not high rises and rather blend with the scenery.
Many single family homes have an island or beach vibe to them in South Hutchinson Island.
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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.
Jensen Beach High School has handicap-accessible parking in front.
Welcome to Felix A. Williams Elementary School in Stuart, FL.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Hutchinson Island
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Hutchinson Island Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Hutchinson Island, Port Saint Lucie sell after 154 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in South Hutchinson Island, Port Saint Lucie over the last 12 months is $585,000, down 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Renovated Ocean View Condo. Oceanside 2/2 condo in highly sought after Hutchinson House Condominiums. Private, unobstructed, northeast views of open skies, rolling waves and green, beachside foliage. Oversized living area separates 2 primary suites. Impact sliders and windows, wood-look tiles and new w/w carpeting. Only 8 units of this unique floor plan in the 121 condo complex. Kitchen fully
Margaret ShinnebargerBerkshire Hathaway Florida Realty
Escape the cold and secure your piece of paradise with this fantastic 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo, ideally located on the first floor of the sought-after Fairwinds Cove community. Perfect for seasonal retreat or year-round enjoyment, this unit offers effortless, convenient living. The spacious interior features an open-concept Living and Dining area, unified by tile flooring throughout. The
This updated 2/2 ground-floor unit on is serving up the perfect mix of coastal charm and modern upgrades! Step inside to a bright, open living space that flows right out to your private deck—perfect for coffee or cocktails. The completely renovated kitchen is a total showstopper, with a smart layout that adds counter space, quartz counters, SS appliances, and plenty of storage (because let’s be
Price drop to $2800/mo and available Oct-Dec, perfect for the holidays! (Can stay until Jan 4th.) This large, first floor condo, is seated on the Indian River Lagoon (Intracoastal waterway). The community of Green Turtle Cove is an oasis at the crossroads of Stuart and Jensen Beach on Hutchinson Island. Amenities include tennis and pickle, beach access (ocean is right across the street), 3 BBQ
Enjoy this stunning condo that truly captures the essence of coastal living. This beautifully decorated condo features a large balcony porch with magnificent views overlooking the ocean, perfect for those serene mornings or relaxing evenings. You'll find the convenience of the pool and hot tub just steps away, plus direct beach access is only a short walk away. Also includes a covered carport
Attention Beach Lovers... This unit is a MUST SEE!! Little Ocean Place is an oceanside complex of only 14 units with private access to the beautiful sandy beach and a great community pool! Enjoy the Ocean breezes, the sound of the waves and beautiful sunrises on the beach, or from the observation deck. This 2 Bedroom, 1.5 bath, first floor condo has a large, light and bright Living area, Dining
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