Jupiter/Gardens v. Stuart/Palm City (Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach Gardens: insurance, homes, neighborhoods)

[Agnes]

We are a family in our 30's with small children. Currently we live in central Palm Beach County. We are debating whether to move north to Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter or to Stuart/Palm City. I am looking for feedback on these areas.

We need to be close to the turnpike or I-95. We want good (great!) public schools. We don't need a fancy house, and we don't care for McMansions, zero lot lines, or gated communities. I'd like to have a yard.

I like Palm Beach County for the airport and cultural/entertainment amenities, but it is congested, getting worse, plus you have to find just the right pocket for schools/neighborhoods. The pockets, when you find them, are very nice. It's also great for our business.

I have heard that Martin County is less congested, cheaper (at least for property tax and insurance), and has good schools. It has less development (which we like). I have not seen a significant difference in housing costs yet, though.

It seems a no-brainer to move to Martin County for a better quality of life, even though it may be farther from the airport, shopping, etc. Would you agree, or keep shopping for just the right "pocket" in Gardens/Jupiter? Please, no Port St. Lucie plugs - it's too far away for our business. Thanks.

[PBCboy]

This is too complicated to answer. But Palm Beach Beach Gardens is among the nicest area Palm Beach County has to offer, and Jupiter is good as well.

[dennis s]

Agnes, you've got the right idea. I think Martin County is quieter and the taxes are lower. The palm Beach County Tax Collector is a arrogent crazy old man who needs to dissapear. (but that's a different thread).Hobe sound is great old Fla. style and still close enough to Jup. and the gardens (30 min.) for dinners out or great shopping.

There............I don't think that was complicated at all.

[5FLgirls]

I hate giving a plug but I agree with all that everyone has said. I just hate the commute on 95 from Martin County. It just seems so far from Stuart to Jupiter and then farther south. Have you thought of looking into the 1/2 acre lots in Jupiter, east of I95. They've drastically reduced prices (I know this from experience). I just sold my 1/2 acre home in Whispering Trails for $455K and it originally listed 14 mos. ago for $669K. We took the offer because it was only one in a year that didn't have contingencies. The great thing about Whispering Trails and a lot of the homes along Loxahatchee River Road is that they're five minutes from 95 but feel like they're in the country. I love it there and really miss it. By the way, I am also in my 30s and have 4 small children. I had no issues with the public schools in Jupiter and I've heard that Martin County is even better.