Assisted Living in Stuart, Florida
Poised on Florida's Treasure Coast between Port St. Lucie and West Palm Beach and surrounded on three sides by the scenic St. Lucie River, the historic city of Stuart offers retirees a quaint, laid-back ambiance, endless water views and balmy year-round temperatures that seldom dip below 53 degrees. This city of about 16,000 people provides its approximately 4,000 senior residents with lots of engaging activities — they can stroll along the water's edge on the downtown Riverwalk and stop to fish or picnic at Flagler Park, peruse the one-of-a-kind shops along Osceola Street, visit the Stuart Green Market, take in a free concert at the amphitheater and attend the annual Stuart Art Festival.
Retirees have a choice of 22 assisted living communities in the Stuart area, which have an average cost of $3,500 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey. This is about $550 lower than the national average of $4,051. These significant cost savings, combined with the lack of a state income tax, make Stuart an attractive option for seniors seeking a budget-friendly retirement lifestyle in a charming seaside locale.
The SeniorScore for Stuart, Florida
The SeniorScore rates a community's livability across four categories of interest to older adults, using over 100 variables sourced from private and government databases. Stuart's SeniorScore of 82 is well above the U.S. average of 72 and Florida's score of 76. The city received fairly consistent scores of 76, 75 and 73, respectively, in the Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life categories and earned a respectable score of 65 for Health & Safety.
Stuart has an exceptionally high 43% of residents who are aged 55 and over, which helped the city earn its highest score for Recreation & Leisure. The city's many amenities also helped bolster this score, such as 76 area golf courses and six public green spaces, including waterfront Sandsprit Park and Stuart Beach, as well as 87 grocery stores and eight shopping centers within close proximity. Seniors can gather with like-minded individuals at one of 49 houses of worship or enjoy a movie at any of the area's six theaters.
Finances is another high-scoring category for Stuart, partly because of the low city sales tax rate and Florida's lack of state income tax. Higher-than-average mean household and per capita incomes also contributed to this category's score. Stuart's General Quality of Life rating reflects the area's superb year-round weather, above-average air quality and ease of access to public transportation.
Stuart scored lowest in the Health & Safety category, which is likely due to the area's higher-than-usual crime rates. However, the city has a high number of Medicare-registered doctors, four hospitals and 188 pharmacies within close range and a resident life expectancy almost a year longer than the U.S. average.
SeniorScore™ for Stuart, Florida
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Stuart scores higher than the Florida average of 76.
- Stuart scores significantly higher than the national average of 72.
- There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 4 hospitals within close range of the city, including Martin Memorial Medical Center, Martin Memorial Health Systems, and St Lucie Medical Center.
- There are 45 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Brookdale Stuart, Allegro Inspired Senior Living, and Parkway Health and Rehabilitation Center.
- There is a very high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is an average number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 79.4, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 188 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a high property crime rate.
- The area has an average violent crime rate.
- The city has a very high percentage of seniors in the population (43% of residents).
- There are 76 golf courses in or around the city, including King Mountain Condo Association, Gold/Blue Course at Martin County Golf & Country Club, and Indian River Plantation Golf Club.
- There are 6 parks near the city center, including Seabranch Preserve State Park, Halpatiokee Regional Park, and Saint Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.
- There are 49 churches in or near the city, including Abundant Life Ministries, St Mary\'s Episcopal Church, and Covenant Fellowship Baptist.
- There are 8 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 87 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 6 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There is 1 gym or health club in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 3.84% of total income, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.91% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 6.75%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- Florida has an average state income tax of 0.00%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $79,690, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $51,370, which is lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $36,380, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $34,800 per year, which are very low compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $99,463 per year, which are high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $13,000 per year, which are very low compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $41,985 annually, which are low compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 10.27%, which is high compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is average compared to national averages.
- 0% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Stuart receives very high levels of rainfall each year.
- Stuart has ideal mean temperatures, with very mild winters and very warm summers.
- This city has above average air quality.
- Stuart has an average population density of 1,466.7 people per square mile.
- Residents of Stuart have a short daily commute time.
- The city has a very low public transportation ridership.
- Stuart has an average public school quality ranking.
- The city has a high public school safety rating.
- This city has a high graduation rate of 88.89%.
Assisted Living Costs in Stuart, Florida
According to Genworth Financial’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, Stuart shares a $3,500 per month average cost for assisted living with Port St. Lucie, situated approximately 10 miles to the northwest. This is approximately $550 lower than the U.S. median of $4,051 and on par with Florida's statewide average.
Assisted living costs in Florida vary between cities, based on the local cost of living, the available accommodations and the amenities offered, as well as other factors. This variance spans a $2,500 range, and the lowest rates are found in Sebring ($2,836), Miami ($3,250) and Tampa ($3,250). Stuart is part of the Port St. Lucie metropolitan area and shares this Treasure Coast region's relatively low cost of $3,500 per month. The monthly cost is higher in nearby Palm Bay, where seniors pay an average of $3,800, and increases further in the resort city of Orlando, where this level of senior care costs $4,274 per month, on average. Assisted living is even more expensive in Tallahassee and The Villages, which have the state's two highest monthly rates, at $4,775 and $5,375, respectively.
- Stuart/Port St. Lucie: $3,500
- Sebring: $2,836
- Miami: $3,250
- Tampa: $3,250
- Palm Bay: $3,800
- Orlando: $4,274
- Tallahassee: $4,775
- The Villages: $5,375
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Stuart, Florida
Salerno Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 120 bed skilled nursing facility situated in Stuart, Florida. The community is in a predominantly middle income area, with an average per-household income of $57,801. It is heavily populated, with ...
Located at 3400 SE Aster Ln, Allegro Inspired Senior Living is a senior care facility serving Stuart, Florida. The community is in a largely middle class area, with a median family income of $39,061. With about 17,000 people ...
Located at 3401 SE Aster Ln in Stuart, Florida, Brookdale Stuart is a senior community serving individuals 55 and over. The surrounding area has an average population density, with around 17,000 individuals living in the 34994 zip code. ...
Solaris Senior Living Stuart is an 84 bed senior community. It is located at 860 SE Central Pkwy in Stuart, Florida. The neighboring area has an average population density, with approximately 17,000 poeple living in the zip code ...
Stuart Lodge Assisted Living is a senior care facility located at 1301 SE Palm Beach Rd in Stuart, Florida. The neighboring area has an average population density, with roughly 17,000 poeple living in the 34994 zip code. With ...
We're Open! As the premier senior living community in the region, Symphony at Stuart is committed is to setting the standard for Assisted Living and Memory Support in a community setting. Often cited as one of "The Best Small Towns ...
The Residence of Stuart is a 12 bed senior care community situated in Stuart, Florida. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average family income of $39,061. With about 17,000 individuals residing in the ...
Located at 24 SE Mead Pl, Maple Leaf Assisted Living is a senior care facility serving Stuart, Florida. The community is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of $57,801. It is densely populated, ...
Amore At Kanner Highway is a 38 unit senior care facility situated in Stuart, Florida. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with around 17,000 poeple living in the zip code of 34994. It is a predominantly middle ...
Located at 3178 SE Iris St, Family Manors is a senior care facility in Stuart, Florida. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 41,000 poeple living in the zip code of 34997. With an average per-family income ...
Sandhill Cove Retirement Living is a 56 room senior community located in Palm City, Florida. The neighboring area has a dense population, with about 29,000 residents in the 34990 zip code. With an average family income of $78,859, ...
2 miles away from Stuart, FL
Brookdale Jensen Beach is a senior housing community serving residents over the age of 55. It is located at 1700 NE Indian River Dr in Jensen Beach, Florida. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with ...
3 miles away from Stuart, FL
Grand Oaks of Jensen Beach is a 62 unit senior housing community located in Jensen Beach, Florida. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-family income of $46,595. It is densely populated, with ...
4 miles away from Stuart, FL
Paradise Care Cottage is a senior care facility located at 2277 SE Lennard Rd in Port St Lucie, Florida. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with around 39,000 residents in the zip code of 34952. It is a ...
7 miles away from Stuart, FL
Life Care Center of Port Saint Lucie is a 123 bed senior housing community situated in Port St Lucie, Florida. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with an average family income of $42,992. With around ...
7 miles away from Stuart, FL
Located at 3700 SE Jennings Rd, Harbor Place at Port St Lucie is a senior community serving Port St Lucie, Florida. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with an average household income of $42,992. It ...
7 miles away from Stuart, FL
Located at 171 SW Euler Ave, Jamaica Shores Assisted Living is a senior housing community serving Port St Lucie, Florida. With approximately 62,000 residents in the 34953 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is ...
7 miles away from Stuart, FL
Gardens Retreat is a senior community located at 4405 SW 72nd Ave in Palm City, Florida. The community is in a mostly well-to-do area, with an average family income of $78,859. With about 29,000 individuals living in the ...
7 miles away from Stuart, FL
Merrill Gardens at Port St. Lucie is a senior care community located at 9825 S US Highway 1 in Port St Lucie, Florida. With an average family income of $42,992, the facility is in a predominantly middle class area. ...
7 miles away from Stuart, FL
The Gardens of Port St. Lucie is a 30 room senior care community situated in Port St Lucie, Florida. With approximately 39,000 individuals living in the zip code of 34952, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is ...
8 miles away from Stuart, FL
Located nearby the Port St. Lucie-River Park area of the city, Rosie's Manor Assisted Living is a senior care community in Port St Lucie, Florida. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with about 39,000 poeple living in the 34952 ...
8 miles away from Stuart, FL
Harmony Care Home is a residential care facility located at 534 SE Thanksgiving Ave in Port St Lucie, Florida. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with around 15,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 34984. It ...
8 miles away from Stuart, FL
Free Assisted Living Resources in Stuart, Florida
Florida Department of Elder Affairs SHINE Program Trained volunteers with the SHINE program, operated by the Florida DOEA, are available to provide unbiased Medicare counseling to senior Stuart residents. Volunteers can answer questions about coverage issues and provide guidance on eligibility and the enrollment process. Assistance is also available with locating resources that can help seniors defray the cost of their Medicare premiums and prescription drugs. These services are free of charge and can be provided by phone or in person at one of two designated counseling sites in Stuart. 4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399 (800) 963-5337 http://www.floridashine.org/Home.aspx |
Martin County Veterans Services The Martin County Veterans Services office in Stuart offers free assistance to senior veterans, their spouses and dependents who are entitled to state and federal benefits. Experienced MCVS staff can help determine a veteran's eligibility and assist with filing applications for service-related disability compensation, VA pensions and pension top-up benefits through VA programs, such as Aid and Attendance and the Housebound Allowance. The MCVS also provides transportation assistance to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center on weekdays. 435 Southeast Flagler Avenue, Stuart, FL 34994 (772) 288-5448 https://www.martin.fl.us/VeteransServices |
MARTY Access Paratransit Bus Service Martin County Public Transit, or MARTY, offers ADA-compliant paratransit services for Stuart seniors and others who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system due to functional or physical disability. This shared-ride, door-to-door service, known as MARTY Access, is available from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A rider's origin and destination must be within 3/4 of a mile of a scheduled fixed route. 2401 Southeast Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996 (772) 463-2860 https://www.martin.fl.us/public-transit |
Florida Rural Legal Services Stuart seniors with limited income may be eligible to receive free legal assistance through Florida Rural Legal Services. This nonprofit law firm offers assistance with civil legal issues related to public benefits, consumer law, individual rights, abuse and neglect, long-term care, wills and advance directives, among others. 200 South Indian River Drive, Suite 101, Fort Pierce, FL 34948 (772) 466-4766 https://www.frls.org |
Area Agency on Aging – Palm Beach – Treasure Coast The Area Agency on Aging – Palm Beach/Treasure Coast operates the Aging and Disability Resource Center serving Martin County, which offers Stuart seniors and their loved ones one-call access to a wide range of aging-related resources. ADRC staff can provide Medicare information, personalized long-term care options counseling and referrals to wellness, nutrition education and other available programs. 1100 Saint Lucie West Boulevard, Suite 204, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 (772) 467-0008 https://www.youragingresourcecenter.org/home |
Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Local volunteers with the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program office in West Palm Beach make regular visits to Stuart assisted living facilities to assess conditions and advise seniors about their rights as residents. These trained ombudsmen also act as resident advocates, who can investigate and help resolve complaints filed by seniors and their loved ones, regarding care standards, living conditions and other facility-related concerns. 111 South Sapodilla Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (561) 837-5038 http://ombudsman.myflorida.com/index.php |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What does assisted living cost in the state of Florida?
Answer
Assisted living in Florida averages about $100 per day (ranging from $28 to $264), $3,000 monthly (ranging from $850 to $7,920), and $36,000 yearly (ranging from $10,200 to $95,040). By comparison, the national averages are $117 per day, $3,500 monthly, and $42,000 yearly.
Question
What is the cost of assisted living in Stuart?
Answer
The cost of assisted living in Stuart, Florida runs between $1,700 and $4,350 monthly, with an average of $2,900 (or approximately $34,800 annually).
Question
What services are included with assisted living?
Answer
Services offered in assisted living communities commonly include regular medical care, housekeeping help, 24-monitoring, transportation services, and spiritual activities.
Question
Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Stuart?
Answer
There are multiple assisted living communities in Stuart that accept Medicaid, including The Gardens of Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce Health Care, Abbiejean Russell Care Center, Life Care Center of Port Saint Lucie, and Salerno Bay Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Question
What is the senior population of Stuart?
Answer
It has a total population of 67,021, with 417,439 inhabitants in the encompassing metro area. The senior community represents around 43% of the overall population.