America's Best Small Retirement Town Is a Hidden Gem Along Florida's Treasure Coast With Perfect Beaches and a Charming Downtown

Stuart, Florida is a quiet slice of paradise an hour from Palm Beach — with antique shops, museums, and dog-friendly beaches — so it's no wonder 30% of its population chose it as the ideal place to live their golden years.

"That's it! The last box is all packed up," my mom exclaimed in a text to our family group chat. "End of an era!"

And with that breezy message, my parents closed up the house they'd called home for more than 30 years — a place where my sister and I built our first fort and learned to drive, where endless pizza nights filled the living room with laughter, where games of Monopoly almost tore us apart, and where all our favorite dogs are buried in the backyard — and moved on to the next chapter. At least for the winter.

Just six months prior to this exchange, my parents had announced they were retiring (or at least semi-retiring) and doing the thing they had long threatened to do: become snowbirds. As Rhode Islanders, it's a pretty common practice. But for my parents, who met as a ski patroller and ski instructor in their 20s, leaving New England even for just a few months of the year felt like an improbability I never thought would become a reality — until they found Stuart, Florida.

"We were driving from Orlando down the coast, I think about 20 years ago," my dad, Tom Leasca, shared over our dining table. “No, like 15," my mom, Joslin Leasca, interjected. "Was it?" asked my dad.

"It's OK, you tell the rest of the story," my mom said.

"We stopped in Stuart, and we just loved the town," my dad continued. "It was great. It's historic, low-key, not as much traffic as all the big places like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Naples. It was more our style of living." He paused before adding, "And it's on the water. Beautiful ocean, the beautiful St. Lucie River, the Intercoastal, great boating, great people. Nice, very friendly people."

When describing the town, which sits along Florida's Treasure Coast, about an hour’s drive from Palm Beach, my father's face lit up in a way I realized I hadn't seen in some time. He was excited. No. He was ecstatic about the newness of it all, which is the best gift anyone can ask for in their golden years.

"I love the antiques, the clothing stores, historic buildings, and the history of the area," my mom chimed in from the other room. "It's just got the right vibe."

It's a vibe I didn't quite understand until I went to visit after they set up their new home in February of 2024. And instantly, I understood why my fun-loving, adventurous, social, and extremely young-at-heart parents fell so head over heels. Stuart has an essence. The sun here feels like it's kissing you good morning. The beaches resemble an AI rendering of what the input "perfect white sand beach with azure waters" would spit out. The downtown looks like a Norman Rockwell painting, if Norman Rockwell also loved Tommy Bahama shirts. It's simply charming.

And, as my parents explained, there are just "very friendly people" everywhere. Of course, it doesn't hurt that nearly 30 percent of Stuart's population is also of retirement age — a number that is high enough to make a retiree feel included but low enough to not feel surrounded.

If you're ready to explore Stuart for a day, a week, or the rest of your golden years, here's where to visit. Surely, my parents and their dog will be there to welcome you.

Why Stuart Is the Best Small Town for Retirement in the U.S. in 2024

Just as my parents described, Stuart is a place you stumble upon. It's not always up there in the most searched for spots in Florida, but really, that's part of its magic. It's a rare, true, hidden gem. It's home to all the usual suspects when it comes to fantastic Floridian destinations, including pristine beaches that are ideal for spending an afternoon (and many are dog-friendly to boot, so long as your pup is leashed), and it has swaying palm trees that guide the gentle and warm breezes right to your cheek, along with a downtown area that's the ideal mix of shopping, historic sites, and oh-so-delicious dining.

But in Stuart, you'll find something special you don't get to experience in many of the state's larger cities: a true sense of community. Here, everyone says hello to their neighbors. Expect to spend a little extra time at the coffee shop as you chat up the barista, the person behind you in line, and the couple sitting at the bistro table at the exit. Be ready to hear about grandkids and new boats, set up tee times with people you've just met, and always be prepared for a bonfire at the beach. The people of Stuart are really into that kind of thing, and they are utter experts at making you feel welcome.

Where to Stay

Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa

The town of Stuart is rather small — we're talking only about 6 square miles — so hotels within the town boundary are a bit hard to come by. However, just a quick 10-minute drive away, travelers will find Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, an oceanfront getaway with 178 well-appointed rooms and suites offering gorgeous Atlantic Ocean views. Here, guests can dig their toes in the sand, enjoy the full-service spa, or taste locally sourced seafood at Drift Kitchen & Bar.

Old Colorado Inn

Get a little slice of Stuart history by checking in to the Old Colorado Inn, a boutique hotel in the heart of the historic downtown. This quaint inn offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy rooms to spacious suites and cottages, each boasting a unique character as vibrant as Stuart itself. Its Enchanted Cottage is particularly perfect for those looking to live like a local, as it comes with two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private grill. Not to mention it's just steps from the best shopping and dining in town.

Beach Bungalow

While there may not be many hotels, there are more than enough short-term rentals to go around, including this gorgeous little beach bungalow just outside of downtown. The home includes three bedrooms, a bright, whitewashed open kitchen, and a private backyard oasis, complete with a pool.

Things to Do

Stuart Heritage Museum

As far as adorable museums go, the Stuart Heritage Museum is at the very top of the list. Housed in the historic Stuart Feed Store, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's past, including artifacts from the early settlers, information on the Seminole Indigenous people, and exhibits on how Stuart became a major fishing hub in Florida.

Elliott Museum

Those looking for a bigger museum experience will find it at the Elliott Museum. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with the gorgeous classic cars, vintage boats, and antique  memorabilia on display. There's also always something new to explore, thanks to its rotating list of exhibits that include everything from surf photography to waterway exhibits.

Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Get to know the aquatic life around Stuart with a visit to the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center. The 57-acre facility offers educational exhibits, an artificial lagoon filled with rehabilitated turtles, and an interactive experience that allows kids to take part in stingray feedings. "Both grandchildren love that they get to pat the stingrays," my mom shared. "They get to look at all of the sea turtles and their medical treatment, which is really cool."

Explore Downtown Stuart

Spend an afternoon, or an entire day, strolling through Downtown Stuart and its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, don't miss the Rock’n Riverwalk, which takes place every week from 1 to 4 p.m.

Area Beaches

You're on the Treasure Coast, so spending at least one full day by the water is a must. "My favorite beach is Santa Lucea," my dad told me. "It's just pristine. The dog can go there. It's very wide open. There's not a lot of people, and it's just absolutely stunning." Other favorites at the top of their list include Stuart Beach, Bathtub Beach, and Fletcher Beach.

Where to Shop

Matilda's

Find the perfect little knicknack, home good, or delicious-smelling candle at Matilda’s. Known for its coastal and classic items, it's a go-to spot for those looking for host gift or even a colorful new dress to wear out (preferably to the aforementioned Rock'n Riverwalk).

GypSea Cottage

GypSea Cottage is a treasure trove of Florida-ready clothing and accessories. Everything in here is bright and vibrant, making it a fun experience for both serious shoppers and casual browsers — but good luck leaving without at least a new accessory or two.

Rare Earth Gallery

Find the perfect little something to display on your walls or high on a shelf at Rare Earth Gallery. The gallery specializes in local artists, with works ranging from fine art paintings and handblown glass to pottery.

Where to Eat and Drink

The Roasted Record

The Roasted Record is a combination coffee roaster, shop, and record store that is so utterly cool, you’re cooler by proxy as soon as you walk in. Still, this shop doesn't put on airs; everyone is welcome to browse through its curated collection of vinyl records while sipping on a delicious cup of coffee. (The oat milk flat white is fantastic.) Don't forget to pick up a bag of beans, roasted in-house, before you leave.

The Gafford

Have a more refined dining experience at The Gafford, where local ingredients are sourced for every plate. On the menu diners will find a signature 18-ounce bone-in Angus cowboy-cut rib eye alongside the fresh catch of the day.

Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar

For the perfect happy hour experience, make your way to Riverwalk Cafe & Oyster Bar. The bar features a massive wine list, including 50 by-the-glass pours, alongside a lengthy menu of local seafood options. But, naturally, the oyster selection is the star of the show, so order a dozen (or two) of your favorites.

Kilwin’s of Stuart

Do not leave Stuart without getting at least a scoop from Kilwin’s of Stuart. This shop is a family favorite that has something for everyone thanks to its more than 30 original-recipe ice creams and handmade chocolates. Go ahead, get that chocolate-dipped cone. And maybe some sprinkles, just because.

The Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Stuart is over the winter months, between December and April. This is when you'll find the perfect weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s, and sometimes up into the 80s. It's also the region's dry season, making it entirely possible to spend the winter on the beach. Of course, you won't be alone during this prime vacation season, so if you're hoping to explore Stuart with fewer crowds, try planning a visit during its shoulder season in mid to late fall. Just be cautious — this is also hurricane season, and Stuart is in a pretty precarious spot along the Atlantic coast.

How to Get There

By plane: The nearest major airport to Stuart is Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), located about 45 minutes south. PBI offers daily domestic and international flights, making it a convenient jumping-off point. However, my dad is a particularly big fan of the smaller Vero Beach Regional Airport. "It's like the TV show Wings," he explained. "Very old-school." He's also a big fan of Breeze Airways, which offers frequent flights directly to Vero Beach from Providence, Rhode Island.

By train: West Palm Beach is serviced by Amtrak and the Brightline high-speed rail, making it easy to hop a train from Miami or Orlando. From West Palm Beach, you can rent a car or take a bus to Stuart, which takes about an hour. However, if you can wait awhile, Brightline has announced it's adding a stop right in Stuart by 2026.

By car from Miami: Stuart is about a two-hour drive north of Miami, via Interstate 95. The coastal journey is a beautiful one, offering glimpses of the ocean along the way. You may want to build in some extra time, as the drive takes you through some other fantastic Floridian towns including Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, all of which make for excellent pit stops.

Public transport in Stuart: While in Stuart, it may be prudent to have a rental car handy so you can easily explore the nearby attractions, downtown, and beaches. However, the town does offer a local bus service. There's also the free Stuart Tram, which makes it easy to explore the downtown area without the hassle of having to find parking.

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