Stuart

City Population: 19,600

Long known as “The Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is a quaint community of 19,500 residents along the St. Lucie River in Martin County on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Stuart is widely recognized for its welcoming atmosphere and “old Florida” charm.

Once home to pineapple plantations and flower farms, the city continues to grow with attractive residential neighborhoods, active townhome and condominium communities, and a vibrant historic downtown. Pristine, landscaped streets and skyscraper-free views have helped Stuart earn several national accolades over the past decade, including one of the “Top 10 Beach Towns in Florida,” and being listed as the “Best Small Town to Visit” and among the “50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America.”

The seaside town is just 45 minutes north of Palm Beach International Airport, providing a quick connection and easy opportunity to explore West Palm Beach. The U.S. 1 corridor houses major retailers and restaurants, while smaller business and cultural districts host independent businesses, boutiques, galleries, and gourmet eateries. Walkable and bicycle-friendly, Stuart also offers golf cart–friendly neighborhoods. A solar-powered fleet of trams provides free service throughout the downtown and adjacent neighborhoods, connecting residents to Martin County public transportation. Nearby, miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, golf courses, and nature preserves offer recreation from hiking and golfing to boating and paddleboarding.

Neighborhood and street-end parks extend tropical greenery throughout the city. Stuart’s Riverwalk boardwalk runs along the St. Lucie River connecting downtown Stuart to parks and recreation facilities. President Grover Cleveland once owned the land where city hall sits today. Visitors and residents can still fish these waters from a dedicated fishing pier under the Roosevelt Bridge at the northern tip of Flagler Park and from a public dock behind city hall.

The Riverwalk is a popular place to stroll along the scenic waterfront. It is also home to the Riverwalk Stage, which plays host to holiday events, the weekly Stuart Green Market, and more than 50 outdoor concerts year-round.

Another major park is the tranquil Memorial Park on Southeast Ocean Boulevard, where there are U.S. war memorials and plenty of green space, recreation facilities, walkways, and pavilions. With a gazebo and band shell, it is the site of annual community events, such as ArtsFest and Memorial Day commemorations.

Kiwanis Park was created in partnership with the City of Stuart and the Kiwanis Club of Stuart. It is an accessible playground with specialized equipment for children of all abilities, with many shaded areas for relaxing and other amenities.

Another claim to fame: the city’s water-utility program is recognized year after year as having the best-tasting water in the state by the Florida Rural Water Association’s Annual Conference.

Cleveland Clinic Martin Health provides health care for city residents and the surrounding community. The Cleveland Clinic North Hospital is a fully integrated medical campus that includes diagnostic centers, outpatient surgery, and a 24-hour emergency department. Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, multispecialty, academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.