Like much of the housing environment in the state of Florida and throughout the country, the Port St. Lucie, Florida real estate market has had many ups and downs in recent years. Recent reports from the first quarter of 2011 show that the average price per square foot for housing Port Saint Lucie was $61. This represents a decrease of 1.6% compared to the same period last year.
The median sales price for sales of existing homes in Port Saint Lucie for the time period from March 2011 to May 2011 was $95,000, and these numbers are derived from 713 home sales that took place during this time period. This is an amount equal the that from the prior quarter, but is a decrease of 5% compared to the prior year. Sales prices have depreciated 72.9% over the last 5 years in Port Saint Lucie. The average listing price for Port Saint Lucie homes for sale was $178,946 for the first quarter of 2011, which represents an increase of 0.2%, or $299, compared to the prior year.
Compared to the first quarter of 2010, the median home sales price for the first quarter of 2011 decreased by 5%, or $5,000. At the same time, the number of home sales decreased 47.4%. Currently, there are 2,150 existing homes for resale and new homes in Port Saint Lucie on listed with different real estate listing services. This number includes 1,680 homes that are in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for a home for sale in Port Saint Lucie was $178,946 for the first quarter of 2011, which represents an increase of 0.2%, or $299, compared to the first quarter of 2010.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Port St. Lucie, Florida
Like many of the cities along the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Port St. Lucie offers visitors and residents an abundance of water-related activities and adventures. The River Lilly Cruises, located at 500 East Prima Vista Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, conducts tours aboard The River Lilly, a 34-passenger pontoon boat. The excursion is guided by a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Captain, and is a informational and fun nature trips on the St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve that visitors have been enjoying for more than 13 years. The cruise ventures to parts of the river that are so wild and untamed that they were used in the James Bond film Moonraker to represent a tributary of the Amazon. The waters of the St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve are the same as those used by early settlers and Native American tribes. The excursion offers the opportunities to view alligators, turtles and lots of native birds, maybe even playful otters or gentle manatees.
To many, Florida is all about golf and players can enjoy a round at PGA Village Port St. Lucie. The course is owned and operated by The PGA of America, and ranks among the “75 Best Golf Resorts” as concluded by Golf Digest magazine. The course at PGA Golf Club includes 54 holes of Championship Golf and was designed by experts. The PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance is an area comprising 35-Acres of golf instruction, practice greens, technology assessments and a fitness park. The PGA Village Port St. Lucie is home to one of the world-renowned PGA of America Golf Schools. For those interested in the history of the sport and the major championships, the location also features The PGA Museum of Golf where visitors can view Golf's 4 Major Championship Trophies
To many, Florida is all about golf and players can enjoy a round at PGA Village Port St. Lucie. The course is owned and operated by The PGA of America, and ranks among the “75 Best Golf Resorts” as concluded by Golf Digest magazine. The course at PGA Golf Club includes 54 holes of Championship Golf and was designed by experts. The PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance is an area comprising 35-Acres of golf instruction, practice greens, technology assessments and a fitness park. The PGA Village Port St. Lucie is home to one of the world-renowned PGA of America Golf Schools. For those interested in the history of the sport and the major championships, the location also features The PGA Museum of Golf where visitors can view Golf's 4 Major Championship Trophies
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
City of Port St. Lucie, Florida: General Information
Port St. Lucie, Florida is a city in St. Lucie County, with a population of 88,769 according to U.S. Census figures in 2000 census. However, the city grew significantly during the 2000s, and by 2009 the State of Florida estimated the population to almost double. Port St. Lucie forms part of a metropolitan area called the Port St. Lucie, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area for purposes of the U.S. Census. The estimated population in 2009 boomed to a whopping 406,296 residents.
As of 2010, there were 70,877 households in Port St. Lucie, 14/1% of which were vacant. Details on the 2000 Census indicate that 31.6% of the city’s households had children under the age of 18 living with them, and 61.8% were married couples living together. Female householders comprised 10.0% of all Port St. Lucie homes and 24.1% were unrelated persons sharing a household. Individuals living alone were in 18.2% of all households, and 8.9% were persons living alone that were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 persons and the average family size was 2.94.
The demographic breakdown of the Port St. Lucie population show that 24.3% were children under the age of 18, 5.9% were aged from 18 to 24, 28.1% were age range of 25 to 44, and 22.8% were persons aged 45 to 64. Persons 65 years of age or older were in 18.8% of houses. The median age for residents of Port St. Lucie was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males, and for those females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.
The median income for a household in Port St. Lucie in the 2000 Census was $40,509 and the median income for a family was $44,162. Males had a median income of $18,730 compared to $16,702 for females. The per capita income for Port St. Lucie was $18,059. Families below the poverty line comprised 15.7%, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
As of 2010, there were 70,877 households in Port St. Lucie, 14/1% of which were vacant. Details on the 2000 Census indicate that 31.6% of the city’s households had children under the age of 18 living with them, and 61.8% were married couples living together. Female householders comprised 10.0% of all Port St. Lucie homes and 24.1% were unrelated persons sharing a household. Individuals living alone were in 18.2% of all households, and 8.9% were persons living alone that were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 persons and the average family size was 2.94.
The demographic breakdown of the Port St. Lucie population show that 24.3% were children under the age of 18, 5.9% were aged from 18 to 24, 28.1% were age range of 25 to 44, and 22.8% were persons aged 45 to 64. Persons 65 years of age or older were in 18.8% of houses. The median age for residents of Port St. Lucie was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.5 males, and for those females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.
The median income for a household in Port St. Lucie in the 2000 Census was $40,509 and the median income for a family was $44,162. Males had a median income of $18,730 compared to $16,702 for females. The per capita income for Port St. Lucie was $18,059. Families below the poverty line comprised 15.7%, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.
History of the City of Port St. Lucie, Florida
Port St. Lucie, Florida was a largely uninhabited tract of land until the 1950s, mostly just a fishing camp, a few farms and businesses near US 1. However, in 1958, the General Development Corporation (GDC) purchased the River Park development area of town as well as and 40,000 acres along the banks of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. The following year, the GDC opened its first causeway over the St. Lucie River, allowing for direct automobile access to Port St. Lucie and enabling an influx of new residents and residential developments.
By 1961 there were 250 new homes in Port St. Lucie, at which point the GDC requested that the state legislature pass a law to officially incorporate the region into the City of Port St. Lucie. In an unusual twist, Port St. Lucie did not incorporate a city as such at the request of its residents, though it did officially become a city on April 27, 1961.
The city expanded In the early 1990s, when another developer became involved and acquired a tract of land to began planning a branch on the west side of town. St. Lucie West was originally intended contain about 14,000 homes, to be built over a 20-year period. However, after realizing the community’s strategic position and attraction as a commercial and tourist area, the company began building business sectors and sites for entertainment and fun outdoor activities. As a positive indirect effect, 7,000 jobs were brought to the small town, helping it into its boom during most of the early 2000s.
A decade later, development started again on a new neighborhood in Port St. Lucie, the community of Tradition. Situated just west of the Interstate 95 intersection was a large cattle ranch that offered an ideal location to begin developing a new neighborhood. The new commercial district encompassed 13,000,000 square feet, and space for over 18,000 residences.
Just after Tradition was built up, the housing market in Florida and the Treasure Coast began to collapse and job opportunities dwindled. By early 2009, unemployment was at a high and over 10,000 homes went into foreclosure. These devastating trends prompted the St. Lucie County government to propose declaring itself as a disaster area under federal law. This would give Port St. Lucie access to county emergency reserve funds to be spent on building projects: research parks, highways and other infrastructure improvements.
By 1961 there were 250 new homes in Port St. Lucie, at which point the GDC requested that the state legislature pass a law to officially incorporate the region into the City of Port St. Lucie. In an unusual twist, Port St. Lucie did not incorporate a city as such at the request of its residents, though it did officially become a city on April 27, 1961.
The city expanded In the early 1990s, when another developer became involved and acquired a tract of land to began planning a branch on the west side of town. St. Lucie West was originally intended contain about 14,000 homes, to be built over a 20-year period. However, after realizing the community’s strategic position and attraction as a commercial and tourist area, the company began building business sectors and sites for entertainment and fun outdoor activities. As a positive indirect effect, 7,000 jobs were brought to the small town, helping it into its boom during most of the early 2000s.
A decade later, development started again on a new neighborhood in Port St. Lucie, the community of Tradition. Situated just west of the Interstate 95 intersection was a large cattle ranch that offered an ideal location to begin developing a new neighborhood. The new commercial district encompassed 13,000,000 square feet, and space for over 18,000 residences.
Just after Tradition was built up, the housing market in Florida and the Treasure Coast began to collapse and job opportunities dwindled. By early 2009, unemployment was at a high and over 10,000 homes went into foreclosure. These devastating trends prompted the St. Lucie County government to propose declaring itself as a disaster area under federal law. This would give Port St. Lucie access to county emergency reserve funds to be spent on building projects: research parks, highways and other infrastructure improvements.
Top Port St. Lucie, Florida Restaurants
Port St. Lucie, Florida is home to numerous fantastic restaurants and eateries, and its location along the Atlantic Coast on the banks of the Indian River makes it ideal for picturesque outdoor scenes and seafood as a focus. Bonefish Mac's Sports Grille, at 662 S.E. Becker Road, Port St. Lucie offers a variety of menu items, such as seafood, steak, chicken. The also have a great selection of burgers, salads, wraps and more to satisfy any taste. The dining atmosphere is casual, and feel free to bring the family. Children can enjoy a special entertainment area filled with games while waiting for their meal. Bonefish Mac’s includes both indoor and outdoor seating, and sports fans will take pleasure in viewing the game on multiple television sets.
Another top spot in Port St. Lucie is The St. Lucie Draft House, which opened in November 1994. The historic building was transformed into the restaurant and grill, though not without some difficulties in construction. Today, The St. Lucie Draft House is a perfect fit with the city’s downtown area and is enjoyed by newbies and an entertaining cast of loyal regulars.
The St. Lucie Draft House, at 6630 S. U.S Highway 1, Port St. Lucie, is a Treasure Coast family favorite restaurant that specializes in team sponsorships for local kids and adults soccer and softball teams. It has a sports bar feel during big games and the television sets are arranged so that everyone can view. There are great happy hour specials on food and drinks, which draws in quite a crowd. The menu includes typical pub grub, specializing in wings and burgers, as well as several varieties of shrimp appetizers. Oyster and clam lovers can enjoy them steamed or raw. There is a wide range of choices for draft and bottled beers, or choose from the menu of specialty drinks.
Another top spot in Port St. Lucie is The St. Lucie Draft House, which opened in November 1994. The historic building was transformed into the restaurant and grill, though not without some difficulties in construction. Today, The St. Lucie Draft House is a perfect fit with the city’s downtown area and is enjoyed by newbies and an entertaining cast of loyal regulars.
The St. Lucie Draft House, at 6630 S. U.S Highway 1, Port St. Lucie, is a Treasure Coast family favorite restaurant that specializes in team sponsorships for local kids and adults soccer and softball teams. It has a sports bar feel during big games and the television sets are arranged so that everyone can view. There are great happy hour specials on food and drinks, which draws in quite a crowd. The menu includes typical pub grub, specializing in wings and burgers, as well as several varieties of shrimp appetizers. Oyster and clam lovers can enjoy them steamed or raw. There is a wide range of choices for draft and bottled beers, or choose from the menu of specialty drinks.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Climate and Storm History of Port St. Lucie, Florida
Port St. Lucie, Florida experiences what is known as a “Koppen” climate classification, the term referring to the region’s year-round distribution of rainfall. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by especially hot and humid summers. There are also marked distinctions between the wet season and the dry season, with the latter lasting from December through May and the former from June through November. Temperature varies also noticeably from winter to summer, particularly in winter. Snow and frost are extremely rare in Port St. Lucie, especially due to the moderating effect from the Atlantic Ocean and from the Indian River. Low temperatures tend to be higher, and high temperatures are lower than those further inland.
In Port St. Lucie, January is the coldest month with an average low of 49 degrees and a high averaging 68 degrees. The warmest months in Port St. Lucie are July and August during which the average high is 90 degrees and average low is 73 degrees. The driest month in Port St. Lucie is April where the region receives with 2.3 inches of rainfall; the wettest is September with 6.9 inches.
Although residents of Port St. Lucie may refer to past storms as “hurricanes,” this is not officially true from a meteorological perspective. In fact, by the time they strike Port St. Lucie, most have already subsided to tropical storms and even depressions. The tornados that often spin off from these storms can result in severe damage, however.
Five hurricanes have directly affected Port St. Lucie in the last 60 years: David (1979), Erin (1995), Charley (2004), Frances (2004), and Jeanne (2004). The last two hurricanes followed very nearly the same path and caused widespread damage.
In Port St. Lucie, January is the coldest month with an average low of 49 degrees and a high averaging 68 degrees. The warmest months in Port St. Lucie are July and August during which the average high is 90 degrees and average low is 73 degrees. The driest month in Port St. Lucie is April where the region receives with 2.3 inches of rainfall; the wettest is September with 6.9 inches.
Although residents of Port St. Lucie may refer to past storms as “hurricanes,” this is not officially true from a meteorological perspective. In fact, by the time they strike Port St. Lucie, most have already subsided to tropical storms and even depressions. The tornados that often spin off from these storms can result in severe damage, however.
Five hurricanes have directly affected Port St. Lucie in the last 60 years: David (1979), Erin (1995), Charley (2004), Frances (2004), and Jeanne (2004). The last two hurricanes followed very nearly the same path and caused widespread damage.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)