Expert Advice for Moving to Port St Lucie, FL | 2023 Port St Lucie Relocation Guide

Moving to Port St Lucie

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to relocating to Port St. Lucie, FL - a hidden gem tucked away on the Florida's Treasure Coast. Draped in endless sunshine, this captivating city is more than just an idyllic retreat. It's a vibrant community known for its compelling mix of gorgeous beaches, lush golf courses, affordable housing, and stellar quality of life. Whether you're about to embark on a thrilling new stage of your life, or just daydreaming about your next big leap, we'll arm you with all the juicy details and practical tips you need to call Port St Lucie your new home!

What to Know Before Moving to Port St Lucie

1. Soak Up the Sun

Get ready to soak up some serious rays. Port St Lucie, Florida, also known as PSL, is nestled along the East Coast of Florida and is known for its fabulous weather. With an average of 236 sun-soaked days per year, you'll never have a shortage of Vitamin D. This is a stark contrast to the national average of just 205 sunny days.

2. Delight in the Outdoors

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, prepare to be delighted. One of the most amazing things about PSL is the abundance of nature. The city boasts beautiful city parks, walking trails, and the nearby Savannas Preserve State Park. Not to mention world-class beaches within a comfortable driving distance like the charming Jensen Beach.

3. Welcome to Golf Heaven

Sharpen your clubs and get ready to tee off! PSL is a premier golf destination and is even home to the PGA Village, which offers 54 holes of championship golf. But that's not all, there are multiple other golfing spots scattered across the city that cater to both beginners and experts.

4. Enjoy the Lower Cost of Living

Living in Port St Lucie means enjoying the sunshine state without breaking the bank. In fact, the cost of living in PSL is significantly lower when compared to Florida's more glamorous cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This is definitely a breath of fresh air for anyone worried about the cost of relocating to a coastal city.

5. A City with Biodiesel Blended Fuel Buses

Perhaps one of the least known facts about PSL is that the city takes green living very seriously. Port St. Lucie is amongst the pioneers in Florida using B20 biodiesel blended fuel for their city bus fleet. This is part of the city's commitment to reducing harmful emissions in the fight against global warming. Now how's that for a fun fact?

6. Botanical Beauties Abound

Few outside of PSL may know about the city's hidden gem: The Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens. Spread across 20 scenic acres, this fantastic location is home to many exotic and native Florida plant species. Here you can explore everything from bamboo forests to butterfly gardens. Whether you are a botanist or just someone who loves nature, the botanical gardens are sure to impress!

In conclusion, moving to Port St Lucie is not just about being in Florida - it's also about the great outdoors, lower living costs, playing golf, being friendly to mother nature, and exploring the wonders at the botanical gardens. Pack your bags, PSL is waiting for you!

What to know before moving to Port St Lucie, FL image

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Pros and Cons of Living in Port St Lucie

Pros of Living in Port St Lucie

Great Weather

If you enjoy warm, sunny weather, Port St Lucie is a great place to live. The average high temperature is around 90degF in the summer and 75degF in the winter, so it's perfect for outdoor activities year-round.

Low Crime Rate

Port St Lucie is recognized for having a relatively low crime rate, especially when compared to other similar-sized cities. Residents often highlight the general feeling of safety and security as one of the reasons for choosing to make Port St Lucie their home.

Excellent Outdoor Activities

With its lovely beaches, excellent fishing spots, and several golf courses, Port St Lucie offers a broad range of outdoor activities. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the botanical gardens, or visit the Savannas Preserve State Park for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Quality Health Care

Port St Lucie takes pride in its high-quality healthcare facilities. The area offers numerous medical centers, skilled doctors, and specialists providing excellent care to the community's health needs.

Strong Sense of Community

The city offers a wide range of events and community activities that foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents. From farmers markets to festivals, and sports leagues, the community spirit is strong in Port St Lucie.

Cons of Living in Port St Lucie

Limited Nightlife

While Port St Lucie offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities, it may not fit the bill for those looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. It's quieter nightlife may not offer the range of evening options that some people prefer.

Summer Humidity

While the city boasts generally wonderful weather, the high humidity levels during the summer can prove to be uncomfortable for some. Individuals sensitive to humidity may need to adjust or consider these conditions before relocating.

Lack of Public Transportation

Public transportation options in Port St Lucie aren't as plentiful as they are in other cities. This might make getting around difficult if you don't have access to a car.

Lesser Job Opportunities

While Port St Lucie has plenty of opportunities in healthcare, the city might not offer as much diversity in terms of employment as some other larger cities. The job market in certain industries may be limited.

Hurricane Season

Living in Port St Lucie means enduring hurricane season which usually spans from June through November. Although not every year sees a hurricane, the potential does heighten during these months, which could cause some inconvenience or worry for residents.

Modern day picture of Port St Lucie, FL highlighting pros and cons of living in Port St Lucie, FL

Is Port St Lucie a Good Place to Live?

Port St Lucie, FL is a great place to live because of its laid-back lifestyle, beautiful coastal views, and abundance of outdoor recreational activities. Among its many attractions are top-rated golf courses, fascinating botanical gardens, and fabulous dining spots. Plus, the community is incredibly welcoming, and there's always something exciting happening around town!

What Is Port St Lucie Famous For?

Spring Training Home of the New York Mets

Baseball fans far and wide know Port St. Lucie as the Spring Training Mecca for the New York Mets. Every year, from February to March, the Clover Park becomes the epicenter of action where hopefuls, rising stars, and veterans alike display their skills on the field, making it a perfect destination for sports enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Botanical Gardens

This city is home to a splendid 20-acre destination, the Port St Lucie Botanical Gardens, that features areas devoted to orchids, bamboo, native plants, and much more. For people searching for a flurry of flora and lush tranquility, visiting these gardens is an absolute must.

PGA Golf Club

Port St. Lucie might well be referred to as a golfer's haven with its prestigious PGA Golf Club. The club boasts of four championship golf courses, making it a dream golfing destination and a significant player in the city's claim to fame.

Top-Notch Sportfishing

Port St. Lucie is widely recognized for its excellent sportfishing opportunities. Its prime location by the Atlantic Ocean and the St. Lucie River makes it an angler's paradise, offering an impressive array of catches ranging from snook and trout to tarpon and redfish. For more information on this, you can visit the Visit St. Lucie website.

Capital building of Port St Lucie, FL in artistic rendering

Overview of Tax Rates

Property Tax

As of 2023, the property tax rate in Port St Lucie, FL is about 1.78% which is notably higher than the national average of 1.07%. This rate applies to your property's assessed value and may increase every year due to changes in the property's value and local tax rates.

Sales Tax

In Port St Lucie, FL in 2023, the sales tax rate is currently 7.00%, which is relatively lower compared to other parts of the US such as California which has a state sales tax rate of 7.25%. This tax is imposed on the sale of goods and services within the city.

Income Tax

As for income tax, Florida, including Port St Lucie, does not have a state income tax as of 2023. This is a stark contrast to many other parts of the US like California which has a state income tax rate ranging between 1% and 13.3% depending on the income brackets.

Housing Market

The housing market in Port St. Lucie, FL shows an upward trend compared to other U.S. regions with a median home value of $261,384, a figure expected to rise by 3.5% within the next year. The city's rental market hasn't been left behind either, posting a median rent price of $1,700, slightly lower than the $1,750 U.S. median. Despite the increasing prices, Port St. Lucie is favored for its affordability against coastal markets, lower cost of living, and robust economic projections, making it an inviting prospect for both renters and homebuyers.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Port St Lucie, FL is considerably more affordable compared to other cities within Florida and across the U.S. Generally, housing costs are much lower, and this drives the overall cost of living down. Nevertheless, certain expenses such as healthcare and groceries can be slightly above the national average. As such, Port St Lucie offers a balanced and reasonably priced living environment, especially for individuals seeking the sunny allure of Florida without the exorbitant costs often associated with its more urban locales.

Weather & Natural Disasters

Located on the east coast of Florida, Port St. Lucie enjoys a subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mildly warm winters. The average temperature can range from a pleasant 64degF in January to a higher 82degF in July. Rainfall is relatively high with the wettest period being from June to September, but the city boasts about 237 days of sunshine annually. While this renders Port St. Lucie a sought-after location, it also faces potential threats from natural disasters, particularly hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30). Flooding, thunderstorms, and occasional tornados are also risks. Nonetheless, Port St. Lucie's captivating appeal lies in its weather's charm and geographical splendor, offering residents and visitors a taste of the classical Floridian climate.

Economy & Job Market

Healthcare and Social Assistance

Retail Trade

Construction

Educational Services

Accommodation and Food Services

In the sunny city of Port St Lucie, Florida, the economy is as radiant as the sunshine that graces its shores. Healthcare and Social Assistance leads the roster of dominant industries, tapping into the powerhouse of dedication and compassion found in its workforce. Historically, Construction played a significant role in weaving the city's economic fabric due to Port. St. Lucie's rapid growth and development. Nowadays, the Retail Trade industry, Educations Services, and Accommodation & Food Services have ballooned, catering to an ever-increasing population and tourists yearning for a taste of Florida life.

Fancy a bit of job-hunting mischief in Port St. Lucie, Florida, do you? Keep your eyes peeled and your CV spruced up! With an employment rate hovering around 94%, your chances of scoring that dream job are as bright as a fully lit tiki torch. Port St. Lucie is ripe for job seekers, bursting with opportunity in its major sectors like Healthcare and Social Assistance and Retail Trade. For the creative souls out there, the city is also renowned for its thriving arts and culture scene. So pack your bags, fill up that gas tank, jump on the Florida's Turnpike, and get ready to make Port St. Lucie the backdrop to your next career move!

Traffic and Transportation

Zip, zoom, go places around Port St. Lucie, FL! Average commute times in this sun-soaked city are a breeze. It only takes about 27 minutes - that's less time than it takes to listen to your favorite album. Looking for a ride? Port St. Lucie's Treasure Coast Connector has you covered, offering public transportation citywide. Want to reach sky high? Break free from those traffic ties and sail through the clouds carefree! You can hop on a plane at the Treasure Coast International Airport or the St. Lucie County International Airport, both conveniently located nearby. So whether you're a land lubber, a bus buff or an air travel aficionado, in Port St. Lucie, you're always on the move. Happy traveling, commuters!

What is the traffic like in Port St Lucie, FL?

Best Neighborhoods in Port St Lucie

1. Tradition

Catch the Florida charm in Tradition, one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Port St Lucie. Tradition emanates with a small-town vibe sure to warm your heart. If brunching on weekends and leisurely strolling in the evenings is your style, Tradition's parks and plazas are just perfect. Community events are often the talk of the town, and the Tradition Square is popular with annual festivals and concerts. If suburban bliss with easy access to attractive amenities is your idea of home, Tradition is the place to be!

2. Sandpiper Bay

Sandpiper Bay is another gem in the crown of Port St Lucie. Known for its natural beauty and recreational activities, this neighborhood is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From golfing at Club Med Resort to boating along the Saint Lucie River, there's never a dull moment in Sandpiper Bay. With quiet streets lined with palm trees and vibrant array of local flora and fauna, it sure is a captivating sight for the nature lovers.

3. St Lucie West

Shopping aficionados, baseball fans, and foodies - welcome to your paradise, St Lucie West. Boasting the New York Mets' spring training facility and numerous top-rated eateries, it's where urban excitement meets serene suburban living. Great schools, an ever-evolving retail space, and lush golf courses, make St Lucie West an enticing place for settling down and kicking back, Florida style.

4. PGA Village

If golf runs in your blood, then the PGA Village might be your calling. This prestigious neighborhood is renowned for its world-class golf courses and high-quality public schools. The Historic Center, PGA Golf Club, and unique dining spots make it a great place for quality lifestyle. Those with a penchant for classy vibes and the sporty life - the PGA Village welcomes you with open arms!

5. River Park

If calm and serene is your style, River Park is beckoning you. Nestled along the majestic North Fork of the St. Lucie River, it offers great spots for fishing, boating and picnicking. With mature trees towering over the homes and spaces that hark back to old Florida, River Park's sense of tranquility is truly unmatched. The community is tight-knit, adding a good ol' Southern charm to the neighborhood.

In conclusion, Port St Lucie's assortment of neighborhoods are as diverse as they are charming. Each offers a unique atmosphere and lifestyle, whether you crave serene riverfront living, the energetic vibe of a city suburb, or the world-class amenities of an elite golf community. With a hint of southern charm, a dash of Florida sun, topped with the eclectic mix of the cuisine, shopping, and outdoor activities - Port St Lucie is a fantastic city, ready to welcome you home!

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Things to Do

Sunny Port St Lucie, or simply PSL as the locals call it, offers a multitude of fun, fabulous, and perhaps even a few under-the-radar activities that are certain to keep you entertained. Whether you're new to this city or just visiting, let this guide take you on a phenomenal journey. Here are 7 of the top things you should do in Port St Lucie, FL.

1. Visit the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

Lush and extravagant, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens is a must-visit. This 20-acre paradise stocks an array of exotic plants, butterfly-friendly flowers, and even features a bamboo garden. What's more, there are events, seminars, and classes for those who wish to learn more about horticulture.

2. Paddle down the St. Lucie River

Get your heartbeat racing by paddling down the gorgeous St. Lucie River. With several access points, including parks and boat ramps, it's easy to set in for a leisurely day of adventure. Watch out for the native wildlife like alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds that call this river home.

3. Explore the Savannas Preserve State Park

This is not your run-of-the-mill state park. Spanning over 5000-acres, the Savannas Preserve State Park is an ecological gem with marshes, wet prairies, and lake landscapes. For adventure seekers, there are several activities to sink your teeth into here, including hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting.

4. Tee off at PGA Village

PGA Village is a golf enthusiast's paradise, boasting three championship courses designed by legends Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. After a round of golf, stop by the PGA Museum of Golf to learn about the history of the sport and its famous champions.

5. Walk the Port St. Lucie Mural Trail

Get a unique insight into Port St. Lucie's cultural landscape by wandering through the city's @PSL Mural Project. This somewhat lesser-known activity takes you on a trail of vibrant, heartwarming community murals painted on the walls of local businesses. The murals reflect the city's history, natural surroundings, and friendly spirit.

6. Dig into local seafood at Tin Fish

For food and seafood lovers, a visit to Tin Fish is a must. This local favorite does a killer clam chowder and other Florida-style seafood dishes. Coupled with a vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff, this family-owned joint is a seafood haven tucked away in this sunny city.

7. Discover the Oak Hammock Park

If you want to venture off the beaten path, discover the beautiful Oak Hammock Park. This local gem is tucked away in a quiet, residential area and offers a peaceful refuge for those seeking serenity. It features an expansive pier, walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a playground. It's an ideal spot for a quiet picnic or a relaxing day of fishing.

There you have it, a fun-filled itinerary for the sun-soaked Port St. Lucie. This coastal city has something for everyone, including nature lovers, adventurous spirits, and golf enthusiasts. And with those lesser-known spots, you'll even earn your local stripes! So go ahead, dive into these activities, and make your time in Port St. Lucie truly spectacular.

Find Movers for Your Port St Lucie Relocation

Having explored the diverse offerings of Port St Lucie, it's clear this sun-drenched paradise is an excellent choice for relocation. A new chapter awaits, and to begin this exciting journey, reaching out to the professional services of Great Guys Moving is the perfect starting point. Their top-rated, fully insured movers ensure a seamless transition to your new home. With established relationships across the industry, this dedicated team is here to simplify your move and provide affordable solutions. Ready to make Port St. Lucie your home? Don't delay, let Great Guys Moving provide a free moving quote for your forthcoming adventure today.

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