Florida waterfront living in River Park
True to its name, River Park was built on both sides of the St. Lucie River. Tributaries that shoot off the river wind through the primarily residential community, maximizing waterfront real estate. A homeowner along the tributaries can walk to their personal dock, hop on a boat and cruise up the channel to the river. Meanwhile, riverside residents can catch sunrises or sunsets from patios and backyard pools.
Mobile homes and houses along the waterways of the St. Lucie River
More than 100 55-plus mobile homes are clustered on the east side. Residents of this age-restricted community have access to tennis courts, shuffleboard, pickleball and other amenities. Linda Fritts, a Realtor with Anchor Southeast Realty and one of the top-selling agents in River Park, says the mobile home community is popular with retirees and is where she makes most of her sales in River Park. Mobile home prices vary from $15,000 to $220,000.
Channels branch off the St. Lucie River and extend into the west end. Many of the ranch-style homes and Mediterranean-inspired houses along these waterways come with docks for fishing or mooring boats. Smaller homes typically range from $165,000 to $300,000, but larger homes cost up to $675,000. There’s some flood risk along the river and the channels, but few homes are in flood zones.
Fishing, boating and cricket at River Park’s green spaces
If residents don’t live on the river or a tributary, they can haul a boat or canoe to River Park Marina. A boat ramp, canoe launch and fishing pier border the water, and a playground stands a few steps from the riverfront. A trail winds through the forested peninsula that juts into the river. Bird-watchers sometimes hit the trail to see blue herons and white ibis. Port St. Lucie National Little League plays baseball games at Sportsman’s Park, while locals can play cricket at Girl Scout Friendship Park.
Stores and restaurants located along Route 1
The community connects to U.S. Route 1, which is lined with businesses. Publix, Rocky’s Ace Hardware and a handful of restaurants fill a shopping center across the street from River Park. Down the highway is Casa Amigos, a Mexican restaurant that Fritts says is one of her favorites in the area. Residents of the community’s far west side live closer to businesses on St. Lucie West Boulevard and Southwest Bayshore Drive, including The Home Depot, Walmart Neighborhood Market and Rick’s Diner.
River Park is within 10 miles of two hospitals: HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and Tradition Hospital. Both operate emergency departments and provide specialist services, such as orthopedic care.
Multiple options for students attending St. Lucie Public Schools
St. Lucie Public Schools gets a B-minus from Niche and assigns children to zones based on their address. Parents can apply to their preferred schools within those zones. Students in River Park live in the blue zone, where there are several elementary and middle schools. One nearby option is Northport K-8, a combined elementary and middle school that gets a C-plus from Niche. At B-rated St. Lucie West Centennial High, teens can take courses that are part of the Advanced International Certificate of Education, an advanced curriculum created by the University of Cambridge. Students can even earn college credits through these classes.
Highways connect River Park to the rest of the Treasure Coast
U.S. Route 1, Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 95 are all within 3 miles for travel around the Treasure Coast and beyond. A biking and walking path runs parallel to the west side of Route 1, so River Park residents can get to restaurants and shops along the highway without driving. The roughly 15-mile drive to the sands of Jensen Beach takes people down South Indian River Drive, where palm trees and coastal scrub lining the highway occasionally part to reveal glimpses of the pale blue waters of the lagoon below. “I always take my customers down Indian River Drive,” Fritts says. Thirty miles away, airlines fly to more than 10 destinations from Vero Beach Regional Airport.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
