Active and native living at its finest. This guide offers the top places to live and be close to nature in Port St. Lucie along with highlights on eco-conscious lifestyle.
Top Naturistic Neighborhoods in Port St. Lucie
- River Place in the northern portion of Port St Lucie is a 293 acre master planned community where native wilderness preserves and dense oak hammocks establish an “Old Florida” lifestyle. It is this “Old Florida” theme that distinguishes River Place from other communities. Here, 113 acres of River Place is dedicated to open, natural preserves which are threaded by almost 2 miles of nature trails, woodlands for hiking, and wetlands for canoeing and kayaking. River Place is situated on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, an acclaimed fishing retreat, where a lazy riverboat ride is just minutes from home.
- A mix of home owner’s association communities and non-gated neighborhoods, Torino is unique in that greenbelts run throughout the area. Homes back up to minor waterways or stretches of pine tree forests. Just north of St. Lucie West, the Torino area has close access to the necessities and quick access to Interstate 95. You could choose your own lot and choose your own builder and live without association restrictions or purchase within an association – the choice is up to you! But either way you’ll be in an area that has a bit more green spaces than the rest of PSL.
- In my opinion, the Town of Tradition in western Port St. Lucie is going to be the wave of the future for true green building. The zoning is already slated to consider pedestrian-friendly walkways and myriad bicycle routes. Currently the north side of Tradition (north of Gatlin Blvd) is mostly developed but there is a lot more to come with the biotech business and medical facilities growing in this area. Let’s start a conversation about what is available and what is to come. My current top-recommended neighborhood in Tradition is Bedford Park which has green spaces and public parks, a play area, and a designated butterfly garden. Use the inquire tab to contact me to discuss available opportunities.
Green Living in Port St. Lucie
Parks & Rec: The city of Port St. Lucie boasts 40 unique parks and recreational facilities. One of my favorites is Oxbow Eco-Center which will get you quickly acquainted with the diverse eco systems within our county.
Healthy Diet: Port St. Lucie is home to Nutrition Smart which is an organic and natural grocery store similar to Whole Foods (just not as big). The store offers monthly classes on various topics and is also a great way to find other green businesses within our area.
My favorite restaurant for fresh food is Berry Fresh Cafe in St. Lucie West. The menu changes seasonally and the owner continually surprises and delights his loyal customers.
Recycling is available to PSL residents through Waste Pro which provides free green and blue bins. Click here for details.
Environment Tours: The River Lilly or River Princess eco-tours are a great way to learn about the diverse habitat within our county while cruising along the St. Lucie waterways.
Gardeners: The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) partners with our County to offer the Master Gardeners program which provides info about native plantings, gardening, and residential landscaping.
Also, be sure to check out the PSL Botanical Gardens which is a fairly new community garden that boasts gardens such that are native, roses, orchids, bromeliads, succulents, and a butterfly garden to name a few. There is a Jazz & Blues Fest every other Wednesday night in the gardens.
Farmer’s Market: The downtown Fort Pierce Farmer’s Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings. Fresh produce, live jazz, and craft vendors overwhelm the senses. Come hungry and stay for a good portion of the day. The breezes from the water tantalize as you leisurely stroll from booth to booth.
Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful: As a committee member I work with the City to help host annual events such as the tree giveaway and the Adopt-A-Street program.
