Moving to Port Saint Lucie
Published: March 2023 | Updated: April 2024
If you’ve recently moved or are thinking about moving to Florida’s Treasure Coast, then you’ve landed in the right place— and you’re not alone!
There are so many new builds and houses for sale in Port Saint Lucie. Thousands of families are flocking here from other states and here’s why—but first, let me give you a quick background about the Treasure Coast, before you leave your nest.
The Treasure coast, which consists of: Indian River County, Saint Lucie County, and Martin County, got it’s name from, “that one time” in 1715 where 11 Spanish ships were lost at sea during a tragic hurricane.
Wait, what? Yes! This tragedy turned into someone else’s treasure, because there was an immense amount of gold, silver, and jewels aboard the fleet, a lot of which, have been recovered by hopeful divers and treasure hunters throughout the years.
There are rumors floating around that valuables are left uncovered on this coast, and many continue to search for their big break. Nobody really knows who officially named this area the Treasure Coast—overtime, the name kind of just stuck.
Now, flash forward to the present—We are seeing a huge influx of families moving here, and it’s not for the monetary treasures.
Why is Port Saint Lucie growing so fast?
Homes for sale in Port Saint Lucie
A few reasons that this less populated area is growing super fast is because of the attractive affordability relative to the rest of South Florida. The houses for sale in Port Saint Lucie are much cheaper than surrounding areas, especially near the water.
However, you may notice that the property taxes are some of the highest in Florida. (Still, about half of that in other states.) So yes, everything is relative.
One of the developing areas in Port Saint Lucie is Tradition. This is the newer side, west of I-95 and it’s looking beautiful.
The weather in Port Saint Lucie
Port Saint Lucie has beautiful weather. You’ll notice a nice breeze overall in this area. It’s also not far from the beautiful beaches- check out my guide on the Best Beaches for Families. Port Saint Lucie is more inland, and is less worrisome when hurricane season arrives.
Attractions in Port Saint Lucie
These reasons mentioned above, are the real treasures that families are seeking! Moving here means that many young families are leaving behind the costs and the cold that comes along with living elsewhere. Now let’s talk about things to do in Port Saint Lucie. With expanding population, brings new businesses and amenities. Check out 50 Favorite Things to do on the Treasure Coast with Kids
Moving to the Treasure Coast, Florida
However, this also means starting new, and leaving other family behind. A lot of moms new to the area are starting fresh; some are starting a new job and others, a role as a stay at home mom.
Both, likely won’t have enough support, and will need to make a whole new group of friends.
Well, for most of us, making friends after our early twenties is really hard—not only because you don’t know a soul here, but because parenting is isolating!
To top it off, they are leaving their parents, childhood friends, college friends-everyone.
Because of this, holidays will change, birthdays, and even the mundane stuff, like finding a new hairdresser. This is a huge undertaking for young people just getting started in their family and/or careers.
So why are moms moving to the Treasure Coast? I’ve narrowed it down to the big reasons, although everyone has their personal motives.
1. The economy has driven us all to rethink our lifestyle choices. Florida has no state income tax— which for most, means an automatic salary increase. Coming from a state like New York, you can easily save thousands per year.
2. The quality of life is better here, where you can be outdoors year round, and the sun is mostly always shining. If you’ve visited here during winter, then need I say more?
3. Housing costs are cheaper than many parts of the country, and you can get more bang for your buck.
Mom groups in Port Saint Lucie
Now, I can go on and on about the pros and cons— but my major point to get across is what families, and moms in particular really need. Now more than ever, moms need friends for support, and an ear to listen, because other moms just get it— when nobody really said how hard motherhood was going to be.
Well if you are new here, you are invited to join the Treasure Coast Mom community, where you will find plenty of resources and meetups on Instagram.
Way before our time, women had the whole villiage, but things are different now. What hasn’t changed though, is that mothers still need other moms—in mom groups, to go on walks with, to meet for coffee, to vent about juggling it all—and we do.
We juggle daily chores, meals, appointments, lists, keeping up with what we need as a household, and making schedules—all while trying to be gentle with our kids, present for our spouse and still have a social life.
Speaking of being present for your spouse-don’t forget to take time to date! Here is the Ultimate Date Night on the Treasure Coast Guide-with over 30 amazing date night ideas.
Should I move to Port Saint Lucie?
Moms in this neck of the palm trees, are the most supportive group of women that I’ve ever come across.
Is it because the sunshine makes us happy? Or is it because there’s so many who left it all behind to start a new life here— and we all just get it. Maybe it’s a little bit of both.
Surely, it isn’t always “sunshine and rainbows,” because you will find bitter people just as you would anywhere, but overall our mom community wants to be a team and we want to help each other. It’s not that small-town “cliquey” feeling that you get when you’re the new girl.
Things to do in Port Saint Lucie
We meet up, join clubs, start play dates, offer advice and support on life’s up’s and downs, and we’re seeking lasting friendships.
One thing about us is that we like parks. Our parks are the best and we can use them year-round. Check out my guide on the Best Playgrounds on the Treasure Coast.
Our stories are unique because no two moms really have the same life experiences, due to being from different parts of the country.
The one thing we do have in common, is we’re all in this mom journey together— and it’s wonderful, and terrifying, all at the same time. We all want to not only just survive these years of parenting; but we want to enjoy them.
Luckily, you’re moving to a place that welcomes you and has a lot of kid-friendly things to do! So brace yourself to make some new friends, and help your kids make new friends, in a place that you can call home. It kind of helps, that’s it’s by the beach!
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you’re probably moving to Florida! If you enjoyed reading this.
I want to welcome you to our community!
Also, here is my airport guide, if you need to know where to fly into when exploring the area.
Follow along on instagram @TreasureCoastMom to find local things to do, freebies, kid-friendly events, and parenting resources on the Treasure Coast. Like and share this, if you found it helpful.
