MARTIN COUNTY - SEE ALL IT HAS TO OFFER Martin County is a colorful mixture of several small communities clustered around expansive waterways flowing into the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the communities of Stuart, Palm City, Sewall's Point, Jensen Beach and Hobe Sound, Florida. Those familiar with its countless amenities consider it the gem of Florida's popular Treasure Coast, located a few miles north of Palm Beach on the beautiful South Atlantic Ocean. Following are a few reasons why Martin County has been "discovered" as the nearest thing to paradise in the continental United States. DELIGHTFUL SEMI-TROPICAL CLIMATE Benefited by the Atlantic's southeast trade winds, the nearby Gulf Stream and one of America's largest fresh water lakes, Lake Okeechobee, on the west, Martin County enjoys a pleasant year-round climate similar to Hawaii's with an average annual temperature of 73 degrees. Located just south of the "frost line," it rarely freezes in the winter and does not suffer the extreme heat waves sometimes experienced by such cities as Chicago, Washington, or Phoenix. Overall, the climate generally is considered superior to that of Florida's west coast. CLEAN AIR Ocean breezes, low density of population and the absence of "dirty" industry mean clear skies -- no air pollution -- no smog! EXTRAORDINARY COMBINATION OF OCEANFRONT AND INLAND WATERWAYS Beautiful water views almost everywhere you go, 200 miles of navigable waterfront, and comfortable year-round water temperatures make Martin County a paradise for avid boaters. The breadth of these waterways means very few "no-wake" zones. A BOATING & FISHING MECCA Martin County has received international recognition for its excellent sail fishing. Other big fish regularly caught offshore include dolphin, wahoo, cobia, grouper, African pompano, kingfish, and snapper, to name a few. The warm surf along miles of uncrowded beaches also produces a great variety of fish including whiting, croaker, pompano, snook and tarpon; and the inland waters are famous for their giant snook (to 40 inches and 40 pounds), big redfish, sea trout and tarpon. AN INLET TO THE ATLANTIC A convenience not enjoyed by every seaside community, makes possible this wide variety of boating and fishing opportunities, letting fish in and the boats out! LAKE OKEECHOBEE Located in the western portion of the county and the Savannas in the northern portion are known for their prize bass. BOATING "HIGHWAYS" The Intracoastal Waterway -- up to a mile wide in Stuart -- will take you south to Key West or north as far as you want to go. The Okeechobee waterway spans the state and will take you all the way from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico making it the only cross-shore waterway to the west coast of Florida. LOCATION Martin County enjoys easy access to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike which makes it conveniently located to other Florida destinations as Palm Beach, Miami or the Keys to the south, and Orlando, Cypress Gardens and Kennedy Space Center to the north. West Palm Beach International Airport is only 45-60 minutes away, and there is a local airport for private planes. PROXIMITY OF CARIBBEAN ISLANDS A whole sea for exploration is at your doorstep with the Bahamas but a few miles offshore -- minutes by air, and 4-5 hours by boat. Easy access to the Ports of Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami make cruising the more southerly islands an enjoyable possibility. NATURAL BEAUTY Martin County, just south of the "frost line," offers the exotic natural beauty that only a tropical or semi-tropical climate can provide: lush greenery fed by the tropical rains, towering palm trees swaying in the trade wind breezes, majestic Banyan trees so large you sometimes drive through Banyan "tunnels," and yellow, pink and red hibiscus that won't stop blooming. The South Florida flora, coupled with the omnipresent waterways and their verdant islands, produce magnificent vistas in every direction accentuated by the spectacular bird life: pink ibis, roseate spoonbills, great gray herons, white egrets, diving pelican, soaring osprey and eagles, celebrated storks, and dancing sandhill cranes. And to top it all, there are those breathtaking sunrises and sunsets -- a product of beautiful skies and extensive reflective water. YEAR-ROUND GOLF AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Only minutes away from anywhere are 31 beautiful golf courses in exciting tropical settings -- championship courses by such great designers as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Pete Dye. If golfing is not your pleasure, you may choose one of the areas many popular activities: swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, boating, fishing, tennis, baseball, and football to mention a few. FRIENDLY PEOPLE LIVING AN INFORMAL, RELAXED LIFESTYLE Considering the local population's casual attire, you wouldn't know that their per capita income is one of the highest in the state. The many advantages of living here have attracted some of the country's most successful people -- good neighbors! SCHOOLS Our school system is one of the finest in Florida. A very high percentage of our high school graduates move on to the finest universities and colleges in the nation. In addition to the public school system which has been expanded within the past five years, there are also parochial and private elementary schools. On the college level, Indian River State College, Barry University and Florida Atlantic University operate branches in the surrounding areas. LOW DENSITY POPULATION As the least urbanized of any area on the Southeast Coast of Florida, Martin County is known for its controlled growth policy to avoid some of the problems experienced by other popular communities. For example, you will not see any "high rises" in Stuart. Local ordinances prohibit building anything more than four stories high and new developments are required to include major "green areas." LOW CRIME RATE Martin County is considered one of the safest communities to live in anywhere. Professional criminals are almost nonexistent. That's why there has been such an influx of new residents seeking a level of safety they did not enjoy where they came from. REVITALIZED DOWNTOWN The largest community in Martin County is Stuart. Now the beauty, safety and fun of this charming city have been enhanced by the revitalization of its "old town" neighborhood, one of the most delightful attractions in the whole area with its riverside boardwalk, tree lined streets and sidewalks, variety of restaurants, and quaint shops of every kind.
SHOPPING AND DINING
In addition to Martin County's many restaurants, it offers a number of attractive shopping malls, including Treasure Coast Square with 1.3 million square feet under roof and five major department stores. For the shopper who wishes to expand his or her horizons, the Palm Beaches are just 30 to 45 minutes away. TAXES Florida is one of only a handful of states having no state income tax! Local taxes generally are lower than they are in better known cities. ARTS Although it maintains a small-town atmosphere, Martin County still provides some of the culture of the larger cities. Community theater, art galleries, art festivals, museums, and proximity to Palm Beach and Orlando are just a few of the cultural amenities to be enjoyed. REAL ESTATE Martin County offers a wide variety of affordable choices for the home buyer. Whether you desire luxury living on the ocean or waterways (Martin County has more waterfront property than any other county in the state.) or prefer the seclusion of more open spaces, Martin County has it all. MEDICAL Three area hospitals have provided Martin County with a multitude of medical professionals, leading-edge technology, and medical specialties. Martin Memorial Hospital was named one of the nation’s top 100 orthopedic centers and support staff in December 2000. The area also provides nursing home facilities, rehabilitation centers, and a variety of senior services. MARTIN COUNTY BECAUSE... ARTS & CULTURE Arts Festivals - Chautauqua South Arts Galleries/Studios Barn Theatre Elliott Museum Lyric Theatre Movie Location - 007 Moonraker - N. Fork of St. Lucie River National Recognition for Main Street Renovation Program Performing Arts Center - Kravis Proximity To Palm Beach/Orlando BOATING Access to the Bahamas - 52 Miles Offshore Gulfstream provides natural cleansing/fish movement Inlet To The Atlantic Marinas Only Cross State Canal/Bahamas Sailfish Club Very Few "No Wake" Zones BUILDING RESTRICTIONS Environmental Restrictions Four-Story Limits Low Density Developments No Parking Meters Setbacks/Green Space Tree Lines Visible LOW CRIME RATE High Per Capita Income - Low Crime 24-Hour/7-Day Sewall's Point Police Coverage FISHING Gulf Stream Inlet To The Atlantic International Recognition for Sail/Bass Fishing Salt/Brackish/Fresh Water Fishing Surf/Wading/Bridge Fishing Year-Round World Class Fishing GOLF/SPORTS Baseball Stadium Children's Programs Diving Football - Dolphins Flying - Airport Free Beaches 27 Golf Courses designed by nearly all top nationally known designers/Several Public Hunting Snorkeling - Man made Reefs Tennis Clubs Windsurfing United States Training Center for 1996 Laser Sailing Team Year-Round Season YMCA LOCATION Bahamas Several Miles Offshore Florida Turnpike I-95 Local Private Airport Palm Beach International Airport MEDICAL Leading-Edge Technology Medical Specialties Multitude of Medical Professionals Nursing Homes Rehabilitation Centers Senior Services - Meals, Transportation Three Area Hospitals NATURE Bird Watching - Sanctuaries Jonathan Dickinson State Park North & South Fork St. Lucie River Savannas State Park Sea Turtles, Manatee, Dolphin SCHOOLS Barry/FAU/IRCC Environmental Center Less Competitive Private/Number Of Students Per Class SAT #2 In The State Student Enhancement Programs SENSE OF COMMUNITY Driving Style Feeling of Trust - Miami In the 50's Historic Value Laid Back Atmosphere Friendly People Quality Restaurants Renovated Downtown Small Town Atmosphere TAXES Lower local taxes No state income tax WATERFRONT Affordable Variety Boat Ramps Good Elevation Mile Wide Rivers Vs. Narrow Tributaries Oceanfront - Four-Story Limit Purchased Access To Beaches 200 Miles Of Navigable Rivers WEATHER Below The Frost Line Between 2 To 7 Degrees Of Average Mean Temperature Of Honolulu Clean Air East Vs. West Coast Florida - Ocean Breezes Gulf Stream No Smog Parallel to Acapulco Tropical Island Atmosphere - Palm Trees
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