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Stuart,FL Neighborhood Guides

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Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Stuart, FL: A Local’s Guide

Stuart, FL, often celebrated as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” offers a charming blend of coastal living and vibrant community charm. Whether you’re drawn by its scenic waterfronts or the inviting small-town vibe, Stuart’s neighborhoods provide a diverse range of options for residents and visitors alike. From historic districts to modern developments, this city’s layout is thoughtfully spread out, making it easy to explore using a Stuart neighborhoods map. Let’s dive into what makes these neighborhoods truly special.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

The best neighborhoods in Stuart feature a mix of housing styles, from quaint bungalows and historic cottages near downtown to spacious waterfront estates in areas like Sewall’s Point and Jensen Beach. While the market has seen steady growth due to the city’s increasing popularity, Stuart still offers relatively affordable options compared to other coastal cities in Florida. Neighborhoods such as Palm City provide excellent value with family-friendly homes and newer developments. The real estate market here balances between luxury properties and more budget-conscious options, making it appealing to a broad range of buyers and renters.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in Stuart carries its own distinct personality. Downtown Stuart boasts a charming historic district with brick-lined streets and colorful murals, giving it a vibrant artsy feel. In contrast, communities like Rio offer more suburban living with a strong sense of community, including parks and walking trails. Martin Downs and The Willoughby are newer neighborhoods that emphasize modern amenities and family-oriented living. The city’s coastal neighborhoods naturally attract boating enthusiasts, while inland areas focus on quiet suburban comfort, creating a well-rounded cultural tapestry across Stuart.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

When it comes to dining and social life, Stuart’s waterfront neighborhoods shine with their proximity to popular spots like The Gafford, a beloved seafood restaurant with stunning views, and Sailor’s Return, perfect for casual hangouts. Downtown Stuart is a hotspot for craft breweries, coffee shops, and unique eateries that attract both locals and tourists. Neighborhoods near East Ocean Boulevard are especially favored for their easy access to nightlife and cultural events, making them some of the best neighborhoods in Stuart for young professionals and social butterflies.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

While Stuart itself doesn’t host large universities, it is conveniently located near several higher education institutions. Indian River State College’s main campus is just a short drive away in Fort Pierce, serving many Stuart residents. Additionally, the city’s neighborhoods near Palm City offer easy access to satellite campuses and technical schools. This proximity to education hubs makes these areas appealing to students and educators who want a quieter home base while still being near academic resources.

What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?

Many people might not realize that some of Stuart’s neighborhoods are rich with hidden gems, such as secret boat launches, nature preserves like the Halpatiokee Regional Park, and tucked-away art galleries. Areas like Bathtub Reef Beach offer unique snorkeling experiences right in the city limits, a rare find for an East Coast town. Additionally, the Stuart neighborhoods map reveals that many residential zones are just minutes away from the Treasure Coast International Airport, providing convenience for travelers. These lesser-known perks add layers of appeal to Stuart’s already inviting neighborhoods.

Stuart Demographics

Population 17,639
Density (People/sqml.) 2,478
Median Age 51.8
Married Couples
45%
45% of the population of Stuart aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
15%
15% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Indian Groves-Poppleton South 58.4 11.5% $266,175 $71,844 3.5
Casa Terrace 50.8 15.5% $322,150 $82,188 3.8
Bahama Terrace 54.9 17.5% $308,625 $74,021 4.0
Bessey 59.9 12.4% $458,200 $108,882 4.2
Potsdam 47.6 16.9% $302,467 $71,833 4.2
Windemere-The Pines 55.7 26.8% $435,600 $102,411 4.4
West Riverside 52.9 10.9% $303,700 $69,031 4.6
East Riverside 59.6 8.7% $277,125 $60,798 4.6
Frazier 50.6 16% $360,650 $80,003 4.7
St. Lucie Estates-Broadway 56.7 14.4% $282,180 $60,155 4.8

Stuart neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Stuart—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Stuart, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Stuart

Violent Crime 14% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 22% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 16% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Stuart
/100k
FL
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 1 5.0 3.9 5.0
Rape 12 59.7 27.9 37.5
Robbery 6 29.8 38.2 60.6
Assault 43 213.8 197.1 256.1
Total Violent Crime 62 308 267 359
Burglary 21 104.4 152.5 229.2
Theft 408 2,028.9 1,144.9 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 3 14.9 123.0 258.8
Total Property Crime 432 2,148 1,420 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 494 2,457 1,688 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.