The Treasure Coast
Named for the Spanish treasure fleet that wrecked here in 1715. It is a lower key run of river towns and uncrowded barrier island beaches from Stuart to Sebastian, with no high rise skyline.
On average, strongest on boating, peace and quiet and the outdoors. Weakest on nightlife.
Average of the 12 town scorecards. How we score
Hobe Sound
A low key village between Stuart and Jupiter, surrounded by a big state park, a wildlife refuge and some of the prettiest beaches on the coast.
ComparePort Salerno
An old fishing village on the Manatee Pocket near the St. Lucie Inlet, with working docks, an artists' district and a waterfront boardwalk.
ComparePalm City
A green, spread out community across the St. Lucie River from Stuart, with canal homes, golf, big sports parks and easy highway access.
Stuart
The Sailfish Capital of the World, with a small historic downtown and a riverwalk on the St. Lucie River.
CompareSewall's Point
A small, leafy peninsula town between the St. Lucie and Indian rivers, with deep water lots, quiet streets and the beach one bridge away.
Jensen Beach
A small, colorful river town with a Caribbean streak and uncrowded Hutchinson Island beaches across the causeway.
Hutchinson Island
The long barrier island off Stuart, Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce, with free beach parking, low rise condos and miles of quiet sand.
Port St. Lucie
One of the fastest growing cities in Florida: newer homes, golf, Mets spring training and beaches 20 minutes east.
Fort Pierce
An affordable working waterfront with a big Saturday market.
Vero Beach
A quietly polished town with strict height limits, an oceanside village of shops and a serious arts scene.
CompareIndian River Shores
A quiet barrier island town north of Vero Beach, with low rise oceanfront living, big private clubs and the lagoon on the other side.
Sebastian
A riverfront fishing town on the Indian River Lagoon, near the country's first wildlife refuge and a famous surf inlet.