Fort Pierce, The Sunrise City
Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, Fort Pierce is one of Florida's oldest coastal towns and the heart of St. Lucie County's waterfront market. The revitalized historic downtown anchors the city, with the Sunrise Theatre, the A.E. Backus Museum, a Saturday farmers market, and a walkable strip of shops and restaurants along the water. Buyers come here for a specific mix: real coastal access at prices well below Palm Beach, plus a strong rental and investment market. The median home price sits around $483,000, and roughly 1,225 homes sold over the past year. Inventory runs the full range, from historic cottages near the marina and waterfront condos on Hutchinson Island to new construction in White City and golf homes at Meadowood. Indian River Drive holds the trophy estates, with private docks and lagoon views. South Beach and Ocean Village put owners steps from 21 miles of uncrowded Atlantic beach. The Fort Pierce Inlet draws boaters and anglers, and many downtown districts now allow short-term rentals, which adds income potential most Treasure Coast towns cannot match. With I-95 and the Florida Turnpike both close, Fort Pierce stays connected while keeping its small-town pace.