Inside Stuart

Stuart is a Capital City: Capital of Martin County, Capital of the Treasure Coast, and Sailfish Capital of the World.  With six square miles of land and bordered (actually surrounded) by the Saint Lucie and Indian Rivers, Stuart is a water-based small town.

The 20,000 citizens (growing to 30,000 in winter) are boaters, golfers, gourmets, and small business people.  Downtown Stuart is a charming area of restaurants, shops, a live theater, and a waterside live performing area.  Residents and visitors stroll the four block area, and the waterfront boardwalk.

Stuart is dominated by gated and water communities.  There are more than thirty golf courses and hundreds of tennis courts.  Water is King!  Boating and fishing are prominent in the inland waterways.  But the real emphasis is in the Atlantic and Gulfstream, where fighting sailfish attract big time fishermen.

Stuart has been named an All-American City.  Forbes says this area is the best living below the Frost Line.  Residents of south Florida have long recognized the attractiveness of Stuart as both a destination and a place to live.  The average age is 42, pointing to a varied population.  The largest employer is Martin Health Services, a nationally ranked hospital and health care provider.

South Stuart features the fishing village of Port Salerno blending art galleries, working artist studios, and waterfront dining.  The working waterfront shares the Manatee Pocket with an active sport fishing fleet.  The area hosts world-class sport fishing tournaments and year-round events for local residents.

In 2011, there were 550+ single family sales, with a median sales price of $166,000 (according to RAMC MLS with data from January, 2011 thru December, 2011).  More than 30 sales exceeded $1 Million.   Waterfront homes generally double the value of a home.  Overall, Stuart real estate is down 40+% since 2005.   Pundits predict some upside coming in 2012.

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