Can you imagine living in a city where every day feels like a stroll through attractive neighborhoods and along picturesque waterways? If so, read the full blog post on moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Port St. Lucie, FL, lies in St. Lucie County, between Orlando and Miami. The city stands 24th on the list of the best cities in America for retirement and 159th for the best place to raise a family.
Port St. Lucie, Florida, was named after a Spanish fort built on the feast day of Roman Catholic St. Lucia. Today, it is known for its golf courses, hosting the New York Mets’ spring training at Clover Park, and Spruce Bluff Preserve, built by the Ais people.
There needs to be more; this fantastic city has more features. Continue reading to know more about relocating to Port St. Lucie, FL.
Quick facts before moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida
Where is Port St. Lucie, FL, located?
Port St. Lucie, FL, is in St. Lucie County, Florida, 125 miles southeast of Orlando and 113 miles north of Miami.
Nestled on Florida’s Treasure Coast, the city is a principal city in the Port St. Lucie Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Population in Port St. Lucie, FL
The estimated population in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is 240,777 in 2023.
Port St. Lucie, Florida’s population has a 5.21% annual growth rate from 2020’s 206,752.
Diversity in Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie, FL, has a diversity score of 92 out of 100, signifying higher diversity than other U.S. cities. It is a diverse city, with ethnic and racial groups including:
- White alone: 63.3%
- Black or African American alone: 18.3%
- American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 0.2%
- Asian alone: 2.2%
- Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.1%
- Two or More Races: 11.3%
- Hispanic or Latino: 22.9%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 52.9%.
Cost of living in Port St. Lucie, FL
As you’re considering moving to Port St. Lucie, FL, here’s what you need to know about the city’s living expenses.
- The Cost of Living Index for Port St. Lucie, FL, is 100.7, just 0.7% higher than the U.S. average.
- Despite this, certain expenses like housing, utilities, and healthcare are lower than the national average, with housing being 8.9% less, utilities 12.9% less, and healthcare 22.7% less.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Port St. Lucie, FL, is $75,040, while another source reports it as $62,757.
- To live a comfortable life in Port St. Lucie, FL, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $71,280 for a family and $58,000 for a single person.
- The average cost of living in Port St. Lucie is $2653 per month.
The table below indicates Port St. Lucie’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average.
Cost of Living Categories | Port St. Lucie, FL | National Average | Difference |
Overall Cost of Living | 99 | 100 | -1% |
Goods & Services | 93 | 100 | -7% |
Groceries | 114 | 100 | +14% |
Health care | 101 | 100 | +1% |
Housing | 94 | 100 | -6% |
Transportation | 97 | 100 | -3% |
Utilities | 112 | 100 | +12% |
Housing market in Port St. Lucie, FL
Look at the housing market’s stats below to see if buying a home or renting is the better option after moving to Port St. Lucie, FL.
- The median home sold price in Port St. Lucie was $389,545 in 2023.
- In Port St. Lucie, an impressive 83.55% of the population owns their homes, out of which it can be estimated that around 16.45% of the population in Port St. Lucie rents their homes.
- The median price per square foot in Port St. Lucie was $222 in 2023.
Average rental price in Port St. Lucie, FL
- In Port St. Lucie, FL, the average rent for an apartment is $2,280.
- For a studio apartment in Port St. Lucie, monthly rent can range from $1,550 to $1,822.
- One-bedroom apartments in Port St. Lucie typically have an average monthly rent of $1,718.
- If you’re looking for a three-bedroom house in Port St. Lucie, the average monthly rent is $2,589.
- The average monthly rent for a four-bedroom house in Port St. Lucie is $3,017.
Job market in Port St. Lucie, FL
The job market in Port St. Lucie, FL, is healthier than similar metro areas, and employment in St. Lucie County is projected to grow by 1.0%. Here’s a simple analysis of how much you will need to earn after moving to Port St. Lucie, FL.
- Port St. Lucie is recognized as one of the top “Boomtowns in America,” showcasing growth in local businesses and household income, emphasizing economic development efforts to improve wages and quality of life.
- The reported average annual salary in Port St. Lucie is $60,147.
- The unemployment rate in St. Lucie County, FL, is 3.80%, lower than the long-term average of 8.78%.
What are the top employers in Port St. Lucie, FL
- St. Lucie Public Schools
- HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital
- Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
- City of Port St Lucie
- Walmart Distribution Center
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital
- St. Lucie County
- Keiser University
- ABC Home Medical Supply
- Gerelco Traffic Controls
Most typical job titles in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Retail Sales Associate
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Server
- Crew Member
- General Manager
Highest paying jobs in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Dentists, General
- Family and General Practitioners
- Physicians and Surgeons, All Other
- Chief Executives
- Personal Financial Advisors
Is it safe is it to live in Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie, FL, boasts a notably low crime rate compared to other U.S. cities. We have collected the crime and safety stats for you, which will help you deal with these circumstances after moving to Port St. Lucie, FL.
- The total crime rate is 878.3 per 100,000 people, significantly under the national and Florida averages.
- The likelihood of falling victim to either violent or property crime in Port St. Lucie is 1 in 110. However, these odds fluctuate based on the city’s region, ranging from 1 in 40 in northeast neighborhoods to 1 in 69 in the west. The chance of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 763, with an annual likelihood of 1 in 857.1.
- Property crime takes precedence in Port St. Lucie, at 761.6 per 100,000 people. This category encompasses offenses like burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The violent crime rate, covering assault, murder, rape, and robbery, stands at 116.7 per 100,000 people.
Safest neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Hidden River Estates
- Fountainview
- North St. James / St Andrews Park
- Sawgrass Lakes
- St. Lucie West
- Rosser Reserve
- Cashmere Cove
- Treasure Coast South
How fast can you commute in Port St. Lucie, FL
Port St. Lucie has been ranked among the cities with the worst commutes in the U.S., considering factors like average commute time, rush hour speed, gas costs, and morning commute fatal crash rates.
The average commute time in Port St. Lucie, FL, ranges from 27.5 minutes to 31 minutes for a one-way commute.
Most people in Port St. Lucie drive alone to work, with 9.5% carpooling and a small percentage taking public transportation or working from home.
List available public transportation in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Public transportation in Port St. Lucie, FL, is mainly handled by the fare-free Area Regional Transit (ART), which serves Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and St. Lucie County.
- ART operates on eight fixed routes, covering work, school, medical appointments, and critical locations on weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- ART On-Demand, an on-demand service, allows residents to book free rides via a mobile app for added flexibility.
How is the weather in Port St. Lucie, FL
The weather and climate information of Port St, Lucie is stated below:
- Port St. Lucie experiences two main seasons: a hot season lasting about 4.0 months, from May 26 to September 28, and a winter season lasting about 2.8 months, from December 6 to February 28.
- The city has a tropical climate typical of South Florida, featuring long, hot, oppressive, and wet summers and short, comfortable, and partly cloudy winters.
- The average yearly precipitation in Port St. Lucie is around 53.5 inches, with the wettest month being August.
- The best time to visit Port St. Lucie is during fall from September through November.
- Due to its tropical climate, Port St. Lucie does not typically receive snow.
- February is the most evident month, with clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies 65% of the time.
- August is the hottest month in Port St. Lucie, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 75°F.
- January is the coldest month, with an average low of 56°F.
Education system in Port St. Lucie, FL
If enrolling your children in school after moving to Port St. Lucie, FL, is your concern, read the vital stats about the education system in the city.
- Port St. Lucie, Florida, is served by the St. Lucie Public Schools district, which has an average testing ranking of 3/10, lower than some similarly sized metro areas.
- The cost of education in Port St. Lucie varies. The average tuition at 4-year nonprofit schools is $16,022, and at for-profit schools, it’s $17,582. For private education at Acton Academy Port St. Lucie, tuition is $1,000 monthly, with a 10% discount for each additional sibling.
- Port St. Lucie Public Schools has 52 schools serving 43,612 students, with a district student-teacher ratio of 19:1, higher than the Florida state average of 18:1.
- In high schools, the student-teacher ratio increases to 23:1, reflecting the number of students for every full-time equivalent teacher.
Best middle schools in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Mosaic Digital Academy (St. Lucie Virtual Franchise)
- West Gate K-8 School
- Fau/Slcsd Palm Pointe Educational Research School
Best elementary schools in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Morningside Elementary School
- Fairlawn Elementary School
- Allapattah Flats K-8
- Mariposa Elementary School
- Rivers Edge Elementary School
Best High Schools in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Lincoln Park Academy
- Port St. Lucie High School
- Treasure Coast High School
- St. Lucie West Centennial High School
- Martin County High School
Best universities and colleges in Port St. Lucie, FL
- Keiser University
- Florida Atlantic University-Treasure Coast Campus
- Indian River State College
- Hobe Sound Bible College
- Everglades University
What are the best things to do in Port St. Lucie, FL
The natural attractions and best things to see in Port St. Lucie are:
- Experience a unique journey at the Treasure Coast Model Railroad Club.
- Find serenity in the Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens, surrounded by diverse plant species.
- Cheer for your favorite team at First Data Field, the renowned baseball field hosting the New York Mets during spring training.
- Immerse yourself in nature at Savannas Preserve State Park, offering hiking and wildlife viewing.
- Unleash the fun at Oak Hammock Park, where various activities await.
- Engage in thrilling paintball adventures at Invincibles Paintball Park.
- Elevate your excitement with extreme sports at Flying Panda Extreme Air Sports.
- Enjoy various games and activities at Superplay USA, a vibrant entertainment center.
- Appreciate local art and culture at the A. E. Backus Museum and Gallery.
- Explore the Civic Center Art Gallery inside the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center for artistic inspiration.
Best neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie, FL
The best places to live in Port St. Lucie, Florida, are:
- Veranda Gardens
- Heron Preserve
- Becker Ridge
- Crane Landing
- Hidden Oaks
- Paar Estates
- PGA Village
- Sandhill Crossing
- St. Lucie West
- Tradition
Pros and cons of living in Port St. Lucie, FL
Lastly, we are presenting you with a list of the pros and cons of living in Port St. Lucie since you’re considering a move to Port St. Lucie.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable cost of living compared to other Florida cities | Risk of hurricanes and tropical storms |
Low property taxes | Limited nightlife and cultural attractions |
Proximity to beaches and water activities | High humidity and heat in summer |
The quiet and laid-back lifestyle | Some areas with higher crime rates |
The growing job market, particularly in healthcare and retail | Limited public transportation options |
No state income tax | Risk of flooding in low-lying areas |
Plenty of golf courses and parks | It can be crowded during the tourist season |
Family-friendly with good schools | Presence of pests like mosquitoes and alligators |
Less traffic congestion compared to larger cities | May lack diversity in dining and shopping options |
Conclusion
Moving to Florida is a dream for many, and it`s time to fulfill your dreams by relocating to Port St. Lucie. From beautiful beaches, riding horses, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, and a sound education system to long-chain restaurants, you can create your lifestyle the way you want. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage and hire your movers now.