Stuart

Hugging the confluence of the western and southern branches of the St. Lucie River, the North River Shores neighborhood is one of the most highly sought-after areas in all of Martin County. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Martin County, North River Shores has several canals that connect to the St. Lucie River, affording residents easy access to the water from multiple locations, including the private neighborhood boat ramp. “People move here because they want to be near the water,” says Realtor Barbara Johnson, who has been representing real estate transactions in the area for 45 years. “A lot of the people who buy in the neighborhood want their boat in their backyard or on their own dock, if they’re on the river.” That waterfront lifestyle is one of the primary draws for residents who choose to call North River Shores home, but it’s just one of the many outdoor amenities available to residents here. Neighborhood golfers can tee off at the public 18-hole course at the Shores of North River Golf Club, and racquet-sports fans can play both tennis and pickleball at the public North River Shores Tennis Club. “It’s a very active neighborhood,” says Johnson. “There are a lot of serious anglers, but also just people who like to be out and doing things.” Additionally, five neighborhood parks provide residents with ample opportunity to get outside and enjoy the Florida sunshine. On the banks of the St. Lucie River, Nosaw Park is home to the neighborhood’s private boat ramp for the exclusive use of neighborhood residents and their guests, as well as a basketball court and several picnic tables. Lake Park offers a playground, a horseshoes pit, a picnic pavilion and a fishing pier. Half Mile Lake Park and North Shore Park are both relaxing spots to walk the dog or just sit on a bench and marvel at the beautiful scenery. The Duck Pond, which is actually a stormwater retention pond that serves as a home to Muscovy ducks, offers excellent fishing, along with park benches, picnic tables and a neighborhood message board. Many homes in North River Shores are waterfront, some on the St. Lucie River and others on canals connected to the river, but regardless of location, the spectacular views from all over the neighborhood will remain free from obstruction. Martin County regulations prohibit any building taller than four stories, so there is no fear of a structure blotting out the vista. Potential buyers here do need to be aware, however, that the neighborhood is composed of member properties and non-member properties. Member properties are those whose current owners have signed on to the neighborhood’s covenants regarding home construction and are, therefore, restricted in terms of what modifications can be made to the existing structure. Real estate representatives can get the information for you from the neighborhood’s accounting firm. All homes in the neighborhood are subject to a review process for any new construction or modification to an existing structure. Home styles in the neighborhood include both condominiums and detached single-family homes. The median price of real estate is $610,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $284 per square foot. A one-bedroom/one-bathroom condominium can list for $185,000 and a riverfront three-bedroom/two-bathroom ranch-style home with a Florida room and a detached garage can sell for $1.7 million. Students in North River Shores 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. When dining out is on the menu, 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. Publix has a location in North River Shores, so for those times that call for cooking at home don’t require a long drive to the grocery store. U.S. 1 is conveniently located in the middle of the neighborhood, offering easy travel to Treasure Coast Square. 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.

Downtown Stuart is a neighborhood saturated with Old Florida charm and anchored by a buzzy waterfront district. “It’s a quaint, small-town atmosphere with access to the river, great restaurants and entertainment,” says Janice Norman, associate broker with Water Pointe Realty Group and longtime Stuart resident. “The big thing people like is to go to Downtown Stuart for dinner and then go to the Lyric Theater, which was built in 1925.” In addition to the restaurants that dot the shores of the St. Lucie River, residents enjoy access to boutique shops, art galleries and a host of community events throughout the year. “It’s a great vibe. I love going there,” says Barbara C. Smith, A Realtor with Keller Williams Treasure Coast who has been selling real estate in Martin County since 1979. “It’s a fun place to just go and walk around.” Market on Main, previously known as Stuart Green Market, is among a trio of popular year-round events. It is held every Sunday morning at Flagler Park. Come for the market and stay for the tunes, as the neighborhood comes alive with the sound of music every Sunday afternoon for the Rock’n Riverwalk concert series. The Downtown Stuart Art Festival is the neighborhood’s signature annual event. The two-day cultural showcase features more than 100 gallery-style booths lining Osceola Avenue. Other annual events include Brews, Blues, Bourbon & BBQ, craft fairs and sidewalk sales. For more intimate events on the waterfront, residents can take advantage of the Lyric Theater, once a stage for Vaudeville acts that has been transformed into a contemporary concert and performing arts venue. Dockside dining is a staple of the neighborhood. Popular destinations include the Gafford, Stuart Boathouse and Sailor’s Return. The neighborhood also is home to Kyle Green’s latest Oak & Ember Steakhouse. Green, a famous restaurateur, has opened eateries of various kinds throughout the region. “You ever see a guy who keeps trying new things and they all fail? Well, Kyle G is not that guy,” says Michelle Scherger, a Realtor with Pinnacle Real Estate Group and resident of nearby Port St. Lucie. “He’s got amazing food. In St. Lucie West, he has an oyster bar where the shrimp are as big as your head. There’s definitely a method to his madness.” More casual fare can be found amid the friendly confines of Osceola Street Café. “It's perfect for breakfast and lunch,” says Jason Flannery, a Realtor with RE/MAX of Stuart and city resident. "You get the Cheers feeling the moment you walk in. Every time, they're like 'Hey Jason! Welcome back!’” Popular downtown boutiques include The GypSea Cottage, Gumbo Limbo and April Daze. Publix and Fresh Market provide convenient grocery options in the neighborhood, while Walmart and other big-box retailers can be found along U.S. Highway 1 south of downtown. Homeowners enjoy proximity to the waterfront without the hassle. “You can walk to downtown Stuart, but the houses are not right on top of the commercial area,” Norman says. Featuring everything from 1920s bungalows to contemporary waterfront condominiums, the housing options are plentiful. County code dictates that no structures can be more than four stories, so low-rise condominiums along the river stand out relative to the neighborhood’s selection of single-family homes. Condos also make up the housing in the 55-plus Monterrey Yacht & Country Club and Cedar Pointe Villages communities. Prices typically range from around $100,000 to the high $300,000s, but luxury waterfront condominiums can list in excess of $1 million. Colorful Key West-style townhomes start at $400,000. The occasional small traditional home can be found for under $300,000, but most range in price from around $400,000 to around $800,000. Midcentury-moderns, ranch-style homes and established bungalows stand out. Coastal designs can be found among newer options. Waterfront homes typically range from around $2 million to about $4 million, although the largest can list for close to $9 million. These custom houses, which typically feature private piers and boats out back, are designed in a variety of luxurious styles, including Spanish Mediterranean and Mediterranean Revival. Situated on the coast, Downtown Stuart residents understand the threat severe weather can pose. Residents equip their homes with backup generators and hurricane shutters and have evacuation plans at the ready should they need to head out of town. Parks and green spaces are conveniently located throughout the neighborhood. Flagler Park offers a picturesque setting adjacent to the riverfront boardwalk. Nearby Shepard Park is a larger green space popular with picnickers. Anglers and boaters can launch directly into the river there. Plenty of activity is concentrated in and around Memorial Park. The Stuart Shuffleboard Club has access to 15 courts, and the location also features lighted racquetball and tennis courts. The YMCA of Treasure Coast is a neighborhood facility that features a fitness center, athletic classes and children’s programs. Golfers can hone their game on the 18-hole layout at Sailfish Sands Golf Course. And don’t forget about the nearby oceanfront. “Another thing about Downtown Stuart is that all the beaches are located on Hutchinson Island, but from downtown, you can be on the beach in 10 minutes,” Norman says. “And our beaches are quieter because it’s mostly condos instead of hotels.” This neighborhood offers an assortment of public and private options. J.D. Parker Elementary School, rated B-minus by Niche, is where students attend kindergarten through fifth grade. For sixth through eighth grade, students attend either Stuart Middle School, with an A-minus rating, or David L. Anderson Middle School, rated B-plus. Students at the A-rated Jensen Beach High School can take advantage of dual-enrollment opportunities at Indian River State College. Private options include Bridges Montessori and First Baptist Christian School. U.S. Highway 1 bisects the community and provides quick and easy access to Port St. Lucie and Port Salerno. State Route 76 is another convenient neighborhood thoroughfare. It connects to Interstate 95, which provides access to the major metropolitan areas of South Florida. A Brightline commuter rail station is scheduled to be operational in 2028. Witham Field is a general aviation facility nearby, and commercial service is available at Palm Beach International Airport about 40 miles away.

Florida suburb along the St. Lucie River Just outside of Stuart, Florida, South Stuart is a laid-back suburban neighborhood made up of several different communities that are surrounded by Florida nature preserves and the St. Lucie River and are just ten minutes from the beach. South Stuart is a "Peaceful paradise near islands and water," says Sandra Kesslering, a real estate agent with Home Sales Palm Beach for six years, adding that "it's not too big or too small so people here are welcoming and friendly." Unlike the surrounding areas of West Palm Beach and Stuart, trees and greenspace are common here and homes back up to nature preserves and golf courses, so getting out in nature is just a way of life. Close to popular vacation hotspots like Hutchinson Island, land here is valuable, but relatively more affordable than nearby areas. With diverse communities ranging from manufactured homes to private, gated communities, homes here are highly sought-after, with more new construction underway. Amidst quickly developing land, South Stuart is "a vestige of a slower way of life where people greet their neighbors and enjoy being outside." Homes with a view of Florida nature Communities in South Stuart are often gathered around ornamental lakes, sitting along the St. Lucie River or bellying up to a golf course, making the demand for homes high in the area. With an average sales price of $499,000, homes here are slightly less than those in nearby Stuart, but still higher than the national average. Two to three-bedroom homes can be found for $350,000-$500,000 in ranch, bungalow and traditional styles while, for $550,000 to $750,000, three to four-bedroom Spanish revival style homes sporting palm trees, terra cotta roofs and deep verandas are also available. These more expensive homes often offer private dock access to the St. Lucie River or views of the Champions Club golf course out the front door. Larger, custom-built homes featuring four bedrooms and up to 3,000 square feet can cost upwards of a million. Top-rated Martin County schools in the area Students of South Stuart are served by Martin County schools like Pinewood Elementary and Dr. David L. Anderson Middle, which received ratings of B-minus and B-plus from Niche. South Fork High, which received an A-minus, is the only high school in the Martin County School District with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It also has its own on-campus golf course used for its golf team, as well as an on-campus farm with cattle and citrus groves used for its agricultural program. South Stuart parks and neighborhood golf course In addition to nearby beaches, the St. Lucie River and the intercoastal waterway, there are also numerous parks around South Stuart offering residents the opportunity to experience pristine Florida nature. One of these is Kiplinger Nature Preserve. With boardwalks, trails, and informational signs, visitors can walk through 164 acres of pine and flatwood forest, exploring wetland habitats and keeping an eye out for Florida wildlife like herons, egrets, raccoons, and alligators. Or, for some fun outside, residents can head to Mary Brogan Park to find a playground, skate park and basketball courts to play on. For other sports, stop by Halpatiokee Regional Park. This area has tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields as well as a disc golf course. For some golf, the Champions Club at Summerfield is the popular local choice. With a par-72, 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio as well as a driving range and putting green, this course offers residents the opportunity to enjoy daily games alongside the diverse Florida wildlife and nature of Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park, which borders the course. Stores and food along Federal Highway Although homes here are often close to nature, shopping and dining are not far away. Options for daily necessities like Lowe's and Walmart are nearby along Federal Highway, and so is the local grocer, Publix. For something to eat, stop by Charlie's Neighborhood Bar and Grill, a staple of South Stuart. This locally-owned restaurant serves American & Mexican fare like burgers and fries and has a friendly atmosphere to enjoy a drink and watch some sports. Another popular local restaurant is Poached, a breakfast and lunch spot offering specials such as tiramisu french toast and filet benedict. Centrally located near I-95 Bordered by Kanner Highway and Federal Highway, getting to nearby places is convenient for residents of South Stuart. With nearby commercial areas and public bus routes running along Federal Highway, most people don't have to go too far in daily life, but Federal Highway does connect those who want to travel with surrounding areas like North River Shores while Kanner Highway connects residents with Interstate 95. About four miles up Federal Highway, residents can find their closest hospital, Monterey Medical Center, while, for the airport, residents will have to head about 38 miles south to Palm Beach International Airport.

In a neighborhood dominated by its namesake, Witham Field offers coastal living among the palm groves, with waterfront views close by – or for some residents, right outside their back windows. “It’s a great location,” says Adam Brown, Realtor with Waterfront Properties. A boater himself and a specialist in waterfront properties, he adds “It’s also close to U.S. 1, and Manatee Pocket which has protected deep-water dockage.” Witham Field is a popular destination for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, as noted by the wealth of adult-living condo communities here. Nearby, local and regional shopping and dining options provide for plenty of nights out on the town, and a variety of annual events and clubs also keep residents active. Residents of Witham Field have access to public parks and the sands of the Treasure Coast, just moments from their homes. Sailfish Sands, a municipal golf course, sits adjacent to the Witham Airfield and offers both an 18-hole and a 9-hole course. The nearby YMCA of the Treasure Coast offers plenty of indoor and outdoor options to stay healthy, while Sandsprit Park to the south is an excellent spot to relax and take a short walk. While all waterfront property in the neighborhood is privately-owned, the Stuart Public Beach is only a 5-mile drive over the causeway – and on the way, residents can stop off at the Stuart Causeway Park for a calm picnic and a chance to spot some wildlife. Condo-living contrasts with palatial waterfront estates dotting the secluded roads of the Witham Field neighborhood. For most buyers, the over 55 modern condos in well-maintained, palm-covered communities like Conquistador, Vista Pines or Kingswood offer great deals, ranging from $175,000 to $450,000. Residents looking for the ultimate in waterfront living turn to the modern homes along the St. Lucie River. “This region, there’s multiple rivers, and we’ve got over three thousand waterfront homes,” Brown says. Sitting amidst lush groves of palms, these estates can top $4 million in price and generally include 50 to 100 feet of water access, private docks with slips, and lifts for watercrafts. Block construction is the standard, to deal with harsh coastal climates, and many of these homes also feature luxury amenities like four or more bedrooms, modern stainless steel chef’s kitchens, garages and pools – topped off by sweeping water views. Hosting the Stuart Air Show every November, Witham Field brings in aircraft fans from across the region. While Witham Field residents will need to prepare for the noise and traffic, they also get front row seats to watch F-22 and F-16 demo teams, aerobatics teams, jump teams, and more, from the comfort of their own patios and backyards. Looking to the sea instead of the skies, the St. Lucie River is a hub of activity. “On the Fourth of July, Stuart closes down the river and does a fireworks display over the river,” Brown says. “People watch from the boardwalk, boaters go out and watch from the water, the whole town comes out to watch.” Then every December, the Christmas boat parade offers waterfront residents a Christmas show on their doorstep—making its way from Stuart to Manatee Pocket. The Martin County Fairgrounds, located across the street from the airfield, hosts the annual Martin County Fair, while the Barn Theatre provides musicals ranging from comedies to classics throughout the year. Residents love to go to downtown Stuart for a night out, Brown says, “We’ve got really the only downtown in the region, and it’s a real downtown! There’s a mile-long boardwalk, a little downtown area, Stuart Main Street puts on Dancing in the Streets, they do monthly arts festivals – there’s so much going on right there.” While most shopping and dining options sit along the Dixie Highway strip, to the north local favorite The Fresh Market offers groceries and premium foods, with small local dining spots like Carmela’s Brick Oven Pizza and Carson's Tavern in Cedar Point Plaza. Stuart Centre, with local Greek favorite Mr. Gyros, has retail ranging from HomeGoods to Office Depot, and just a little further south regional favorite grocery store Publix and natural and organic grocery Sprouts Farmers Market offer something for every diet. Stop by Southern Pig & Cattle Co. for award-winning barbecue, served by the Tomlinson and Nolan families for over four decades. Served by the Martin County School Districts, students in Witham Field attend J. D. Parker Elementary School, rated B-minus by Niche, for kindergarten through 5th grade. Stuart Middle School, with an A-minus rating from Niche, moves students from 6th through 8th grade. Martin County High School, with available AP and Career and Technical curriculums, is where students finish their schooling, and is rated A-minus as well by Niche. Numerous parochial and private schools including Bridges Montessori and Redeemer Lutheran service the region, with K through 5 schools as well as private schools that cover the full K through 12 education. Witham Field residents are car-dependent, with sparse sidewalks located along the two-way palm-lined roads and no public transit serving the neighborhoods. However, with U.S. Route A1A running along the top of the neighborhood, residents enjoy easy access to the center of Stuart as well as the barrier islands and their beachy vibes. Pilots will enjoy the proximity to Witham Field – for some it will be only a short bicycle ride away. International destinations can be reached from Palm Beach International Airport, roughly 40 miles south. Martin North Hospital provides emergency care for the region and is less than 5 miles from anywhere in the neighborhood. The major feature of Witham Field is the Witham Field public-use airport, which operates from 6 AM to 10 PM year-round. Residents should expect traffic during those hours, although the bulk of traffic comes during the daylight and it’s not large planes. Brown – who is a pilot himself – says, “It’s a smaller airport, it does have a long runway but you don’t have passenger jet service coming and going.” The event calendar also brings traffic in from outside of the region – including for the events at the Martin County Fairgrounds – which can sometimes add on travel time due to the relatively limited road access to the waterfront homes. Additionally, residents understand they live in a region prone to hurricanes and tropical storms and know to prepare accordingly. Emergency supplies and evacuation plans are some things that almost every resident keeps on hand, particularly as the peak season approaches.