In its early days as a farming community on the oceanside of Florida, Jensen Beach earned a reputation as the “Pineapple Capital of the World.” Financing and agricultural issues wilted the industry, but the tropical fruit still holds a special place in the town of 12,000. Technically, most of Jensen Beach isn’t on the beach, and the Atlantic Ocean is a mile or two across the causeway, starting with Jensen Beach Park. Instead, the town occupies a slice of land between the St. Lucie River and the Intracoastal Waterway, about 45 miles north of Palm Beach. The small town isn't as well-known as its flashy neighbor, but flying under the radar has its benefits. “You get to enjoy Florida — the water, the beautiful beaches — but at a fraction of the cost of Palm Beach,” says Phillip Parisi, founder of real estate agency Sea Flag Homes.
Jensen Beach is called The Pineapple Capital in southeastern Florida.
Jensen Beach is the perfect place to call home with waterfront homes and activities and a great place for families to live in.
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Waterfront scuba shops and hot dog stands
Most of Jensen Beach is set back from the water, but a coastal vibe permeates a jam-packed downtown steps away from Indian River Lagoon. Tree-lined sidewalks lead past casual seafood joints, taco and hot dog stands, and bars with upper decks overlooking the water. Shops sell scuba gear, local artwork and seashore-themed clothing and gifts. As Jensen Beach Boulevard winds toward U.S. Route 1, shopping centers and chain retailers dominate the landscape.
Get a bite outdoors at Mulligan's in Downtown Jensen Beach.
Enjoy the outdoor artist gallery shops in Jensen Beach.
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Waterfront condos and luxury homes
The median price for a home in Jensen Beach is $475,000, which is higher than state and national medians but dramatically lower than the median in Palm Beach. Inland condos start at $200,000 to $325,000, while small cottages, waterfront condos and townhomes are priced in the $350,000 to $500,000 range. Custom luxury homes in riverside neighborhoods like Rio and Sewall's Point sell for $1 to $3 million.
Rio residents lay claim to some exotic neighbors: Radio and film star Frances Langford brought peacocks to her estate in the 1940s, and their indigo-plumed descendants are still seen prancing around the area. Parisi says, “Sometimes people ask, ‘Where did all these peacocks come from?’”
Ranch homes are the most common in Jensen Beach with private driveways.
Jensen Beach single family homes have large driveways and big front yards.
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Scuba diving on the Treasure Coast
In the 17th century, Spanish ships often came to ruin on the coral reefs that web the shallow waters near present-day Florida. Scuba divers search these shipwrecks for artifacts in the area now known as the Treasure Coast. Clear, calm water conditions make for excellent paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming, and parks along the causeway invite anglers to cast their lines. Jensen Beach is also a nesting location for sea turtles, with designated areas barricaded to protect the reptiles and their eggs. The public 18-hole golf course includes practice facilities, a pro shop and an onsite restaurant.
Sewall's Point adventurous boys taking in some spearfishing at the River Cove Preserve.
Sewall's Point local practicing his jump shot on one of the many courses in the neighborhood.
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Jammin’ Jensen comes to town every Thursday
Visitors are welcome at the Artist Colony, a collection of pastel-hued tin-roof cottages where local artists create work inspired by the seaside setting. Families with young kids can explore the hands-on, interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. Downtown Jensen takes on a festival atmosphere on Thursday nights as live music and food vendors fill the streets for the Jammin’ Jensen event.
Jammin Jensen is an event happening every Thursday evening in downtown Jensen Beach.
High marks for Martin County School District
Martin County School District boasts a Niche grade of A-minus and graduation rates higher than the state average. The technology-focused district encourages digital collaboration by giving every student access to their own laptop or Chromebook.
Jensen Beach High School offers a student-teacher ratio of 22-to-1 in Sewall's Point.
Felix A. Williams Elementary offers the children of Sewall's Point a quality education.
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Martin County Airport at Witham Field
Jensen Beach is a car-dependent town. Although Martin County Public Transit buses stop along U.S. Route 1, they’re only convenient for commuting to nearby towns like Stuart and Port Salerno. U.S. Route 1 is the main artery, leading south to Palm Beach and the closest major airport, about 45 miles away.
Many healthcare-related jobs are available in the area. Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital and St. Lucie Hospital are nearby, along with numerous doctors’ offices. Although Martin County Airport at Witham Field doesn’t offer commercial service, plans are underway to expand the facility and bring in hundreds of new jobs.
Hurricanes and historic downtown churches
Hurricane season in Florida runs from June through November. Residents should prepare for frequent storm watches, plus hot and humid conditions throughout summer. No recent crime data is available for the area.
Churches in Jensen Beach serve as historic architectural landmarks. All Saints Episcopal Church and Jensen Beach Christian Church have both stood for over a century. The stucco buildings and stained-glass dome of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church rise from a pocket of trees along Savannah Road.
As a full-time Realtor on the Treasure Coast for over thirty years, I have helped hundreds of clients with real estate transactions. If you live here, I probably helped a neighbor of yours either buy or sell a home! I work the entire area from Jupiter up through Port St Lucie in all price categories. If you're interested in selling, as a former real estate appraiser, I am uniquely qualified to tell you what you home is worth in this changing market. I will be happy to meet with you for a no-obligation interview to discuss the pricing and marketing of your home. If you want an honest, experienced and hardworking Realtor to help you sell or purchase a home, please give me a call.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
