Treasure Coast Ranks Among Most Livable Areas in Florida
Nearly all of Florida is known for beautiful beaches and eccentric communities, and its home to some of the wealthiest areas in the United States. Among these, the Treasure Coast is among the richest and livable in the Sunshine State. Spanning mostly Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties, the Treasure Coast is a place that is highly-revered and cared for by its residents. The high-quality living, excellent amenities, and strong investment and employment opportunities are part of what make it great.
What Makes Florida’s Treasure Coast Great
Florida’s Treasure Coast is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, making it one of the most livable and enjoyable regions in the state. This area offers tight-knit communities, wonderful schools, high safety scores, and economic stability. Rankings also took into account IRS statistics and regional home values to determine cost of living.
Martin County
Martin County is home to cities like Stuart and Hobe Sound, and it's often thought of as one of the Treasure Coast's most desirable areas. The county boasts a median household income of approximately $70,000, and when looking at the census data it's not growing as fast as nearby towns. Martin County limits building heights with hopes that natural landscapes and waterfront views can remain unobstructed. This emphasis on controlled development also contributes to the area’s safety, with crime rates significantly lower than the state average.
Housing in Martin County varies, with median home prices hovering around $600,000, depending on the proximity to the ocean and the exclusivity of the neighborhood. The county's property taxes are also competitive, averaging 1.02% of assessed home value, making it more affordable than other wealthy Florida areas.
St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County, particularly the cities of Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, has experienced rapid growth in the past 3 to 5 years. The median household income in St. Lucie County is approximately $60,000, with a steady rise due to the influx of new businesses and residents from all over the country.
Port St. Lucie is frequently ranked among the safest cities in Florida, with a crime rate well below the national average. Housing remains relatively affordable, with median home prices between $350,000 and $400,000. This affordability, coupled with a property tax rate of about 1.2%, makes St. Lucie County an attractive place to call home.
Fort Pierce, known for its storied history and revitalized waterfront, is one of the most underrated cities in the entire state. The city has been undergoing significant redevelopment, enhancing its appeal and livability. The people here smile and laugh, and housing costs are still slightly lower than Port St. Lucie.
Indian River County
Indian River County, particularly Vero Beach, has places of opulence that rival South Beach. The median household income in Indian River County is approximately $60,000, so there is a balanced economic profile of working professionals, families, and retirees.
Vero Beach is often called “The Hamptons of Florida”, and the median home price is around $500,000. Affordability is creeping up and the city is known for its low crime rates. Property taxes in Indian River County are comparable to its neighbors, averaging around 1.1% of a home’s assessed value. Nearby Sebastian and Fellsmere can be less-costly options to plant roots in a more laid-back setting.
The Treasure Coast of Florida offers some of the most livable and enjoyable communities in the state, and this ranking proves that. With economic stability, safety, and natural settings that can't be seen anywhere else, the Treasure Coast provides a quality of life that is hard to match in Florida.
