Stuart, Florida Is the Finest Small U.S. City for Retirement in 2024

“That is it! The final field is all packed up,” my mother exclaimed in a textual content to our household group chat. “Finish of an period!” 

And with that breezy message, my dad and mom closed up the home they’d known as residence for greater than 30 years — a spot the place my sister and I constructed our first fort and discovered to drive, the place countless pizza nights crammed the lounge with laughter, the place video games of Monopoly virtually tore us aside, and the place all our favourite canines are buried within the yard — and moved on to the subsequent chapter. At the least for the winter. 

Simply six months previous to this trade, my dad and mom had introduced they have been retiring (or no less than semi-retiring) and doing the factor they’d lengthy threatened to do: change into snowbirds. As Rhode Islanders, it is a fairly widespread apply. However for my dad and mom, who met as a ski patroller and ski teacher of their 20s, leaving New England even for just some months of the 12 months felt like an improbability I by no means thought would change into a actuality — till they discovered Stuart, Florida. 

“We have been driving from Orlando down the coast, I take into consideration 20 years in the past,” my dad, Tom Leasca, shared over our eating desk. “No, like 15,” my mother, Joslin Leasca, interjected. “Was it?” requested my dad.

“It is OK, you inform the remainder of the story,” my mother mentioned.

“We stopped in Stuart, and we simply beloved the city,” my dad continued. “It was nice. It is historic, low-key, not as a lot visitors as all the large locations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples. It was extra our fashion of dwelling.” He paused earlier than including, “And it is on the water. Stunning ocean, the attractive St. Lucie River, the Intercoastal, nice boating, nice individuals. Good, very pleasant individuals.”

When describing the city, which sits alongside Florida’s Treasure Coast, about an hour’s drive from Palm Seashore, my father’s face lit up in a means I spotted I hadn’t seen in a while. He was excited. No. He was ecstatic in regards to the newness of all of it, which is the most effective present anybody can ask for of their golden years. 

“I really like the antiques, the clothes shops, historic buildings, and the historical past of the world,” my mother chimed in from the opposite room. “It is simply bought the appropriate vibe.” 

It is a vibe I did not fairly perceive till I went to go to after they arrange their new residence in February of 2024. And immediately, I understood why my fun-loving, adventurous, social, and intensely young-at-heart dad and mom fell so head over heels. Stuart has an essence. The solar right here feels prefer it’s kissing you good morning. The seashores resemble an AI rendering of what the enter “good white sand seaside with azure waters” would spit out. The downtown seems like a Norman Rockwell portray, if Norman Rockwell additionally beloved Tommy Bahama shirts. It is merely charming.

And, as my dad and mom defined, there are simply “very pleasant individuals” all over the place. After all, it does not harm that just about 30 % of Stuart’s inhabitants can be of retirement age — a quantity that’s excessive sufficient to make a retiree really feel included however low sufficient to not really feel surrounded.

In case you’re able to discover Stuart for a day, every week, or the remainder of your golden years, this is the place to go to. Certainly, my dad and mom and their canine might be there to welcome you. 

Why Stuart Is the Finest Small City for Retirement within the U.S. in 2024 

Simply as my dad and mom described, Stuart is a spot you come upon. It is not at all times up there in probably the most looked for spots in Florida, however actually, that is a part of its magic. It is a uncommon, true, hidden gem. It is residence to all the standard suspects with regards to unbelievable Floridian locations, together with pristine seashores that are perfect for spending a day (and lots of are dog-friendly in addition, as long as your pup is leashed), and it has swaying palm timber that information the light and heat breezes proper to your cheek, together with a downtown space that is the perfect mixture of procuring, historic websites, and oh-so-delicious eating.

However in Stuart, you may discover one thing particular you do not get to expertise in most of the state’s bigger cities: a real sense of group. Right here, everybody says howdy to their neighbors. Count on to spend just a little further time on the espresso store as you chat up the barista, the individual behind you in line, and the couple sitting on the bistro desk on the exit. Be prepared to listen to about grandkids and new boats, arrange tee occasions with individuals you’ve got simply met, and at all times be ready for a bonfire on the seaside. The individuals of Stuart are actually into that type of factor, and they’re utter consultants at making you’re feeling welcome.

The place to Keep

Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

The city of Stuart is fairly small — we’re speaking solely about 6 sq. miles — so inns inside the city boundary are a bit laborious to come back by. Nevertheless, only a fast 10-minute drive away, vacationers will discover Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, an oceanfront getaway with 178 well-appointed rooms and suites providing beautiful Atlantic Ocean views. Right here, company can dig their toes within the sand, benefit from the full-service spa, or style regionally sourced seafood at Drift Kitchen & Bar. 

Previous Colorado Inn

Get just a little slice of Stuart historical past by checking in to the Previous Colorado Inn, a boutique lodge within the coronary heart of the historic downtown. This quaint inn provides quite a lot of lodging, from cozy rooms to spacious suites and cottages, every boasting a novel character as vibrant as Stuart itself. Its Enchanted Cottage is especially good for these trying to reside like a neighborhood, because it comes with two bedrooms, a totally outfitted kitchen, and a personal grill. To not point out it is simply steps from the most effective procuring and eating on the town.

Seashore Bungalow

Whereas there is probably not many inns, there are greater than sufficient short-term leases to go round, together with this beautiful little seaside bungalow simply outdoors of downtown. The house contains three bedrooms, a shiny, whitewashed open kitchen, and a personal yard oasis, full with a pool.

Issues to Do

Stuart Heritage Museum

So far as lovable museums go, the Stuart Heritage Museum is on the very prime of the record. Housed within the historic Stuart Feed Retailer, it provides an enchanting glimpse into the city’s previous, together with artifacts from the early settlers, data on the Seminole Indigenous individuals, and displays on how Stuart grew to become a serious fishing hub in Florida. 

Elliott Museum

These searching for an even bigger museum expertise will discover it on the Elliott Museum. Right here, guests can stand up shut and private with the beautiful basic automobiles, classic boats, and vintage  memorabilia on show. There’s additionally at all times one thing new to discover, because of its rotating record of displays that embody the whole lot from surf pictures to waterway displays. 

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Middle

Get to know the aquatic life round Stuart with a go to to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Middle. The 57-acre facility provides instructional displays, a synthetic lagoon full of rehabilitated turtles, and an interactive expertise that enables children to participate in stingray feedings. “Each grandchildren love that they get to pat the stingrays,” my mother shared. “They get to have a look at the entire sea turtles and their medical therapy, which is basically cool.” 

Discover Downtown Stuart

Spend a day, or a whole day, strolling via Downtown Stuart and its eclectic combine of retailers, eating places, and galleries. In case you occur to go to on a Sunday, do not miss the Rock’n Riverwalk, which takes place each week from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Space Seashores

You are on the Treasure Coast, so spending no less than one full day by the water is a should. “My favourite seaside is Santa Lucea,” my dad instructed me. “It is simply pristine. The canine can go there. It’s totally vast open. There’s not lots of people, and it is simply completely beautiful.” Different favorites on the prime of their record embody Stuart Seashore, Bathtub Seashore, and Fletcher Seashore. 

The place to Store

Matilda’s

Discover the right little knicknack, residence good, or delicious-smelling candle at Matilda’s. Recognized for its coastal and basic objects, it is a go-to spot for these searching for host present or perhaps a colourful new costume to wear down (ideally to the aforementioned Rock’n Riverwalk). 

GypSea Cottage

GypSea Cottage is a treasure trove of Florida-ready clothes and niknaks. Every part in right here is shiny and vibrant, making it a enjoyable expertise for each critical consumers and informal browsers — however good luck leaving with out no less than a brand new accent or two. 

Uncommon Earth Gallery

Discover the right little one thing to show in your partitions or excessive on a shelf at Uncommon Earth Gallery. The gallery makes a speciality of native artists, with works starting from effective artwork work and handblown glass to pottery. 

The place to Eat and Drink

The Roasted Document

The Roasted Document is a mixture espresso roaster, store, and file retailer that’s so totally cool, you’re cooler by proxy as quickly as you stroll in. Nonetheless, this store does not placed on airs; everyone seems to be welcome to flick through its curated assortment of vinyl data whereas sipping on a scrumptious cup of espresso. (The oat milk flat white is unbelievable.) Remember to choose up a bag of beans, roasted in-house, earlier than you permit.

The Gafford

Have a extra refined eating expertise at The Gafford, the place native elements are sourced for each plate. On the menu diners will discover a signature 18-ounce bone-in Angus cowboy-cut rib eye alongside the contemporary catch of the day.

Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar

For the right completely happy hour expertise, make your strategy to Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar. The bar encompasses a huge wine record, together with 50 by-the-glass pours, alongside a prolonged menu of native seafood choices. However, naturally, the oyster choice is the star of the present, so order a dozen (or two) of your favorites. 

Kilwin’s of Stuart

Don’t depart Stuart with out getting no less than a scoop from Kilwin’s of Stuart. This store is a household favourite that has one thing for everybody because of its greater than 30 original-recipe ice lotions and handmade candies. Go forward, get that chocolate-dipped cone. And perhaps some sprinkles, simply because. 

The Finest Instances to Go to

One of the best time to go to Stuart is over the winter months, between December and April. That is whenever you’ll discover the right climate situations, with temperatures starting from the mid-60s to mid-70s, and typically up into the 80s. It is also the area’s dry season, making it completely attainable to spend the winter on the seaside. After all, you will not be alone throughout this prime trip season, so in case you’re hoping to discover Stuart with fewer crowds, attempt planning a go to throughout its shoulder season in mid to late fall. Simply be cautious — that is additionally hurricane season, and Stuart is in a reasonably precarious spot alongside the Atlantic coast. 

Methods to Get There

By airplane: The closest main airport to Stuart is Palm Seashore Worldwide Airport (PBI), positioned about 45 minutes south. PBI provides day by day home and worldwide flights, making it a handy jumping-off level. Nevertheless, my dad is a very large fan of the smaller Vero Seashore Regional Airport. “It is just like the TV present Wings,” he defined. “Very old-school.” He is additionally an enormous fan of Breeze Airways, which provides frequent flights on to Vero Seashore from Windfall, Rhode Island. 

By practice: West Palm Seashore is serviced by Amtrak and the Brightline high-speed rail, making it simple to hop a practice from Miami or Orlando. From West Palm Seashore, you’ll be able to hire a automotive or take a bus to Stuart, which takes about an hour. Nevertheless, in case you can wait awhile, Brightline has introduced it is including a cease proper in Stuart by 2026. 

By automotive from Miami: Stuart is a couple of two-hour drive north of Miami, by way of Interstate 95. The coastal journey is a good looking one, providing glimpses of the ocean alongside the way in which. You could wish to construct in some further time, because the drive takes you thru another unbelievable Floridian cities together with Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Seashore, all of which make for glorious pit stops. 

Public transport in Stuart: Whereas in Stuart, it might be prudent to have a rental automotive useful so you’ll be able to simply discover the close by points of interest, downtown, and seashores. Nevertheless, the city does supply a neighborhood bus service. There’s additionally the free Stuart Tram, which makes it simple to discover the downtown space with out the trouble of getting to seek out parking.