Florida’s Treasure Coast Is Waiting For You To Discover
Thousands of people move to Florida’s Treasure Coast every year. They come for the tranquil beaches, relaxing neighborhoods, and rich history. Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie are popular destinations for retirees and those who want a second home when it gets too cold up north. Even Florida residents move to the Treasure Coast from the busier cities of Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. So, why should you consider a move to Florida’s Treasure Coast?
History of Florida’s Treasure Coast
Before we get into the details that make the Treasure Coast an excellent destination for renters and homebuyers, you might be wondering why it’s called the Treasure Coast in the first place. Of course, history buffs will already know the answer, but if you’ve never heard the term before and you’re thinking about moving to the Treasure Coast, we’ll explain.
In July of 1715, a hurricane sank nearly all of a Spanish fleet named the Treasure Fleet near what is now Vero Beach, Florida. The ships were carrying gold and silver back to Spain from the New World. Although the Spanish recovered much of the precious cargo, pirates, privateers, and others plundered the shipwreck. Over the past 300 years, treasure hunters have found millions of dollars in gold and silver off the coast of what is now known as Florida’s Treasure Coast.
One of the ships, Urca de Lima, became the first Florida Underwater Archaeological Preserve in 1987. The preserves are underwater parks that are made up of shipwrecks.
The name “Treasure Coast” came about in the 1960s, after treasure hunters began to find gold and silver from the 1715 Treasure Fleet. Although the discovery made international news, it took about 20 years for the name to catch on.
Treasure hunters regularly find Spanish coins. Nearly every year, locals with metal detectors find coins washed up on beaches, and divers emerge with coins and jewelry. It’s common for treasure hunters to find thousands and millions of dollars worth of precious metals on their casual strolls with metal detectors.
Relaxing Lifestyle
The Treasure Coast sets itself apart from other Florida Atlantic coast cities because it truly is an area where things slow down. Jonathan Dickinson State Park is an 11,500-acre preserve near Hobe Sound. The preserve remains untouched so visitors can see Florida in all of its natural beauty. Plenty of people move to the Treasure Coast just for its serene beauty.
Coastal Living Magazine named Stuart the “Happiest Seaside Town” in 2016. They described the town as having “a relaxed flip-flop approach to life that is the special secret of the area.” Stuart is also known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” What was once a small, quiet fishing village is now a busy hub for boaters. Every Sunday from October to June, free public concerts are held in downtown Stuart.
Jensen Beach is a small town known as the “Pineapple Capital of the World.” It’s a top destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. The Indian Riverside Park in town is 63 acres of waterfront grounds, walking paths, fishing piers, picnic pavilions, and gardens on the Indian River lagoon. Jensen Beach is a quiet, beachfront town you’ll quickly fall in love with.
Whichever town you decide to settle in on the Treasure Coast is sure to be quiet and “set aside” from the bustle of the rest of South Florida. This area of Florida is such a different feel than cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Things seem to slow down here.
Affordable Housing in Good Neighborhoods
If you think that all coastal properties in Florida are out of reach for you and your family, then think again. For example, the cost of a brand new, three-bedroom home in St. Lucie County runs an average of $1,600 per month. That purchase buys a resort-style lifestyle, with pools, gyms, and playgrounds. It’s no wonder why so many people move to Florida’s Treasure Coast.
This lifestyle particularly attracts young families who capitalize on the positive financial opportunity that comes with a better, healthier lifestyle for their kids. Instead of paying expensive rental costs, they can become a homeowner in a safe neighborhood. Port St. Lucie is one of the safest cities in the country and the third safest city in Florida.
Florida’s property taxes are seemingly nonexistent compared to states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The property tax is only 0.86% in Florida. And homebuyers get a lot more bang for their buck. Lot sizes are bigger and neighborhoods are generally cleaner, both in terms of pollution and sanitation.
Port St. Lucie is one of the most affordable places to live in South Florida. For example, $41,000 in Port St. Lucie will get you as much as $80,000 would in New York. The cost of living is far lower than most of the country. It’s also one of the safest cities in all of Florida.
