Stuart, Florida: General Area Info

Stuart, Florida is a gorgeous city that attracts thousands of tourists each year. With glorious beaches, incredible restaurants, and a vibrant arts and culture scene, Stuart certainly has everything you could want for your next vacation.

But while it’s certainly a fantastic vacation destination, Stuart is also a great place to live full-time. In fact, thanks to its proximity to the water, small-town charm, and thriving local economy, Stuart routinely appears on “Best Small Town in the Country” lists. It was even named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living Magazine.

Read on to learn more about Stuart and the surrounding region. We think you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming one of the most beloved cities in all of Florida!

Stuart Florida: History

Image courtesy of TCPalm.com.

While inhabited by native peoples for thousands of years, Stuart was first colonized by Europeans in 1870. Prior to that, the coastal waters around Stuart were frequented by pirates. In fact, the region is often referred to as Florida’s Treasure Coast due to the many ships that sank in the area, spilling unknown quantities of gold and silver into the ocean. 

Originally called Potsdam, the city was renamed Stuart in the late 19th century to honor Homer Hine (Jack) Stuart Jr., a wealthy landowner from the region. The city was finally incorporated in 1914.  

A number of very old properties (including some dating back to the 1880s) remain standing in Historic Downtown Stuart, which provides a significant portion of the city’s charm. Gilbert’s Bar House of Refuge – a United States Lifesaving Station first built in 1875 – is still present and appears on the National Register of Historic Places.

Things to Do & See Near Stuart, Fl: Attractions

Part of Stuart’s appeal lies in all of the great things to see and do in the area. Whether you’re looking for an exciting, action-packed vacation or a low-key and relaxing getaway, Stuart is ready to oblige.

Some of the most notable attractions and activities in the area include:

• Beaches: Stuart is located near several beautiful beaches, which provide plenty of opportunities to swim, build sandcastles, and sunbathe. Most of the local beaches are located on Hutchison Island – a long and narrow barrier island off the coast. Stuart Beach is the closest option, but Bathtub Beach, Ross Witham Beach, and Virginia Forrest Beach are also nearby.
• Fishing: As the Sailfish Capital of the World, Stuart offers a litany of fishing opportunities for visiting anglers. Whether you want to target freshwater species from the shore or a small boat in the St. Lucie river, try your hand at surf fishing on the beach, or hop aboard a deep-sea fishing charter, you’re sure to find the perfect fishing opportunity for you near Stuart.
• Restaurants: Stuart is a foodie paradise, as the area boasts an incredible array of restaurants. You’ll be able to choose between swanky fine dining spots and family-friendly casual eateries, and dig into whatever cuisine strikes your fancy, from seafood to Asian fusion to all-American.
• The Arts: Stuart is home to a number of talented artists, and the city goes to great lengths to provide opportunities to share their work. The Lyric Theater offers live entertainment all year long, while the Rock’n RiverWalk Concert Series provides live music every Sunday afternoon, giving you the chance to see the Riverwalk Boardwalk winding around behind the talented musicians. Several arts and crafts festivals also occur throughout the year.
• Events: There are a number of annual Stuart, Florida events that you can attend during your visit. You can shop for deals at the Spring Sidewalk Sale or browse interesting creations at the downtown Stuart Fall Craft Festival. And though it isn’t an annual event, the Market on Main (which is open every week) will give you the chance to buy tasting produce while supporting local growers.
• Historic Attractions: You can learn more about Stuart’s storied history by visiting the House of Refuge Museum or the Stuart Heritage Museum. You can also visit a number of historic homes and buildings in the area, including the Old Martin County Courthouse (now the Courthouse Cultural Center), which was originally built in 1937.
• Nightlife: Stuart is home to a number of bars, lounges, and clubs, including Lush Lounge, Terra Fermata Tiki Bar, and 999 Lounge and Bar, among others. Local restaurants that feature live music and are worth checking out include Sailor’s Return and Waterfront. 

Stuart, Florida: Population and Economic Information

Image courtesy of TreasureCoast.com.

Home to roughly 17,000 people, Stuart has a population density of nearly 2,500 people per square mile. As a point of reference, New York City is roughly 12 times as densely populated, with 30,000 people per square mile.

According to the 2020 census, the median household income for Stuart residents was a little more than $61,000. Many of the area’s residents are employed by a relative handful of businesses and organizations, with nearly 7,000 individuals working for either the Martin health system, Martin County school district, or Martin County government. Other important area employers include Publix and the State of Florida.

Stuart is a relatively affordable town to live in, as its overall cost-of-living index is 88 (100 represents an average score across the U.S.). Stuart, Florida real estate is quite affordable, and the city’s housing-specific cost-of-living index score is a 55. However, food is slightly more expensive than average here, with an index score of 105.

Stuart, Florida: Geography, Climate, & Weather

Located is east Florida, just east of Lake Okeechobee and about 100 miles north of Miami, Stuart is a small city near the mouth of the St. Lucie River and the Atlantic Ocean. The city itself is about 9.5 square miles in size, with 7 of those square miles encompassing land area (the rest is covered in water). Originally part of Palm Beach County, Stuart is now in Martin County and serves as the county seat.

Stuart has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning that the summers are hot and wet, while the winters are a bit cooler and drier. Daytime high temperatures often reach into the 90s from May to September, while the daytime highs are generally in the mid-70s from December through February.

Rain and (brief) thunderstorms are fairly common from June to September, while the winters are relatively dry and often receive only half as much precipitation as the summer months. In total, the area receives roughly 70 inches of precipitation each year. Snow is incredibly rare in Stuart; the last recorded snowfall in the city occurred way back in 1977. 

Stuart, Florida: FAQ

Still hungry for information about Stuart? We’ll try to help by answering some of the most common questions about the city below!

Visit Stuart, Florida, United States Now!

Given all of the fun things to do in the city, as well as its interesting history and proximity to several other key Florida cities, it’s easy to see why Stuart is quickly becoming the premier vacation destination in Florida. If you’re ready to see everything Stuart has to offer, check out Riverwalk Retreat — our vacation rental property in the area. Located in historic downtown Stuart, it will give you the opportunity to enjoy the getaway of a lifetime!