Retiring in Stuart
Stuart is a genuine, well-documented retirement market -- its senior population share (29.5%-31.2%) runs roughly double the national rate, and Niche's 2026 rankings place it among Florida's stronger retirement destinations. Real healthcare infrastructure and nearby age-favored communities back up that reputation.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreThe demographic profile
Between 29.5% and 31.2% of Stuart residents are 65 or older, depending on the source, versus a national share of roughly 17%-18% -- consistent with median-age figures for the city clustering in the high 40s to low 50s across sources, per Neilsberg's Census-derived analysis.
Niche's 2026 ranking, and nearby age-favored towns
Niche's 2026 rankings place Stuart 85th of 659 for Best Places to Retire in Florida and 199th of 12,636 nationally. Within Martin County, Niche separately highlights Sewalls Point (A-, a peninsula between Stuart and Hutchinson Island), Hobe Sound (described as having an 'old Florida' feel), and Rio as areas that rank especially well for retirement living -- real regional context for buyers weighing a specific address near Stuart.
Real healthcare infrastructure backs the reputation
Cleveland Clinic Martin Health's two in-city hospitals -- with Martin North a U.S. News-recognized Best Regional Hospital -- give retirees genuine local access to acute and specialty care, a meaningful factor given the age of the resident population.
The cost side for a fixed-income budget
Florida's lack of a state income tax applies fully to retirement income (Social Security, pensions, 401(k)/IRA withdrawals). On the cost side, a typical homeowner's insurance premium runs about $2,971/year but climbs to $3,500-$5,993+/year on waterfront property, and the citywide median sale price runs $307K-$325K depending on the measurement window -- real planning considerations for a retiree budgeting on a fixed income.
Key takeaways
- 29.5%-31.2% of Stuart's residents are 65 or older, roughly double the national share -- a genuine, well-documented retirement demographic.
- Niche's 2026 rankings place Stuart 85th of 659 Florida places to retire and 199th of 12,636 nationally.
- Cleveland Clinic Martin Health's two in-city hospitals (Martin North, a U.S. News Best Regional Hospital) provide real local healthcare infrastructure for the retiree population.
- Florida's no-state-income-tax status applies fully to retirement income, but waterfront insurance ($3,500-$5,993+/year) and fast-appreciating home prices are real costs to budget for.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Stuart overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert