This hidden Florida enclave has been ranked as America’s best beach town

Move over, Miami. The Sunshine State has a new star — and it’s not where you expect.

Stuart, the Treasure Coast’s best-kept secret, is making waves after being crowned America’s Best Small Beach Town by USA Today.

Located just north of Palm Beach on the Atlantic coast, Stuart has long been a favorite for anglers chasing the thrill of sailfish.

But this small town, with a population of just 18,000, is poised to see a lot more foot traffic as word gets out about its charm across the water.

“Most residents would say that living in Stuart, Florida, feels like an ongoing vacation,” says Treasure Coast MLS Search. And why not? With eight stunning beaches and the Sailfish Splash water park, this town is more than just a fishing hotspot – it’s a piece of paradise.

Back then, Stuart earned its stripes as the “Sailfish Capital of America” ​​when more than 1,000 sailfish were hauled in during a legendary 1938 fishing trip.

“In the 1940s and 1950s, this was as prolific a place for sailfish as there was in the world,” Capt. VJ Bell told Florida Travel & Life. “And we still have days here that will rival fishing anywhere, with stretches where you can catch double-digit sailfish per day.”

But Stuart’s appeal isn’t just about what floats in the water.

Named “America’s Happiest Beach Town” by Visit Florida, Stuart rose to the top of the Best Beach Towns survey, topping Pismo Beach, California and Newport, Rhode Island.

What is the secret sauce? Stuart offers a “tranquility and charm that is hard to find in more populated areas”.

Local realtor Maria Wells sums it up: “When I think of Stuart, the first thing that comes to mind is an abundance of water. Stuart offers stunning natural beauty with its pristine beaches, scenic waterways and lush vegetation.”

For those who prefer dry land, Stuart’s elevated riverwalk offers killer views of the beach, and culture vultures can take their pick at the Lyric Theatre, Stuart Heritage Museum and Elliott Museum.

Country singer Jason Aldean dropped $10.2 million on an oceanfront mansion in the posh Galleon Bay neighborhood in 2022.

But don’t worry, most homes in Stuart won’t require a celebrity budget just yet. Zillow puts the median home price at $406,128, up 1.5% over the past year.

But despite its growing popularity, Stuart hasn’t lost its small-town feel.

The locals love the place, too, and they’re not shy about saying so. Reviews on bestplaces.net sing Stuart’s praises: “This town still has that ‘small town’ feel, low crime and good schools,” wrote one.

Another added, “Stuart is a place to visit when you want to relax and enjoy yourself without a crowd of people to deal with. If that’s what you’re looking for, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.”

And a third? “Sweet place to live. Most of our neighbors and we always get together informally to sit in each other’s yards and talk. The children all play together and are free to do so as long as they stay in our way. It’s wonderful.”

One resident concludes: “Lots of weird bugs and scary poison frogs, but it’s still good.”