Fort Pierce, Florida Real Estate Market

There have been many fluctuations in the prices and number of home sales in the real estate market in Fort Pierce, Florida.  Some of these trends are local effects, such as the ending of NASA’s Space Shuttle program and termination of many job opportunities.  Weather has had a considerable and direct impact on the real estate market in Fort Pierce as well.  For instance, various insurance companies pulled out of Florida after hurricane losses in the 1990s and 2000s.  For many homeowners, property insurance became a major concern.

There is much debate over when the housing market in the Fort Pierce area will recover, and some economists believe that things will not turn up until at least 2011.  Another analysis in 2009 estimates the market would fall and bottom out by the end of 2010.  The average non-foreclosed house sold for $143,000 in 2010, down from $147,000 in 2009.  Foreclosed home prices fell as well, from approximately $80,000 in 2009 to $70,000 in 2010.  Nearly one-quarter of homes sold in 2010 in the areas surrounding Fort Pierce had been foreclosed.

By 2008 estimates, there was an expectation of 100,000-300,000 more people by 2020, an increase of 60%.  However, there were 1,550 permits for residential projects valued at $355.45 million, which figure reflects the lowest number of filings since 1975.

Signs of improvement in the Fort Pierce real estate market are few, but they do exist.  The median sales price of existing homes in the Fort Pierce area is up when comparing the first quarters of 2010 and 2011.  Also, the sale of existing single-family homes topped 600 for the fourth time in a year as of April 2011.  The median sales price of single-family homes was higher during the first quarter of 2011, and the sale of condominiums in the Fort Pierce region increase almost 40%.

Climate and Storm History of Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce has experienced several tropical storms and hurricanes, but one is worthy of mention due to the extreme amount of rain it dropped on the region.  Tropical Storm Fay hit the area on August 20, 2008, dumping over 20 inches of rain.  Fay formed from a dynamic tropical wave on August 15 in the Eastern Caribbean.  The storm moved its way over the island of Hispaniola, then into the Gulf of Gonave before passing over Cuba.  Tropical Storm Fay made landfall at the Florida Keys in the late afternoon hours of August 18, and finally through into the Gulf of Mexico.  The storm made a second landfall near Naples, Florida, in the early hours of August 19  The following day, on August 20, emerged on the Atlantic Ocean side of northwest of Fort Pierce.

Due to the fact that Tropical Storm Fay moved sluggishly, record amounts of rain fell throughout the state.  On August 21, Fay once again made landfall near New Smyrna Beach, before moving due west across Gainesville and Panama City.  While skipping around over water to land and back again, it became the first storm in recorded history to make landfall in the state of Florida a total of four times.

The climate in Fort Pierce qualifies as subtropical, which identifies those geographical and climate zones immediately north and south of the tropical zones of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.  These types of climates are characterized by relatively warm and mild winters, while the summer season is comparatively hot and humid.  Frost or snowfall are extremely rare in Fort Pierce, which offers an ideal atmosphere for palm trees, citrus, broadleaf evergreens, and many other plants to thrive.

Average temperatures in Fort Pierce March range from 77 degrees at the high end and 55 degrees as the low.  In June, the high averages 89 degrees, while the low is 71 degrees.  September is approximately the same temperature-wise, with highs of 88 degrees and lows of 72 degrees.  December is comparatively cooler, with average highs of 73 degrees and lows of 53 degrees.

Top Fort Pierce, Florida Restaurants

Dining options abound in Fort Pierce, and all varieties of cuisines are represented.  Located right on the waterfront in the beautiful downtown area, Cobb’s Landing is a must-see.  The restaurant and bar offer a refined, yet casual atmosphere, with a magnificent patio that overlooking the Fort Pierce Marina.  Diners can enjoy a refreshing drink at Cobb’s Mojito Bar and try one of the world-famous Pineapple Mojito, developed from the restaurant‘s own homemade recipe.  The restaurant and bar is open for lunch and dinner every day, and the spot is well-known for great service and superb food.  Cuisine includes fresh local seafood brought in daily, as well as certified Angus Beef and daily lunch and dinner specials.

Surfing fans cannot miss the Bluewater Beach Grill, at 2025 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 on the city’s South Hutchinson Island.  This restaurant and grill is dedicated to the sport, lifestyle and culture of the surfing phenomenon.  The theme demonstrates that the staff lives, eats and breathes surfing.  All fish is fresh, never frozen, and is brought in daily.  Happy hour is every day from 4pm - 7pm, and specials are featured on beer and the house margaritas.and is located right on the beach.  The menu includes all types of seafood, fish fry and fish tacos, which many consider to be the restaurant’s specialty.

Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce is part of Florida’s Treasure Coast, which is a stretch of land from St. Lucie Inlet in the north to the Sebastian Inlet in the south along the state’s Atlantic coast.  Numerous natural and artificial reefs make for excellent fishing and diving.  Plus, the Indian River Lagoon Estuary provides a haven for more than 4,000 plant and animal species.

For gold enthusiasts, the Indian Hills Golf Course has been a cornerstone of Fort Pierce since 1938.  This Par 72 course was designed by world-famous designer Herbert Strong, and the course challenges experienced golfers and welcomes beginners.  Indian Hills offers a variety of quality instruction by PGA-certified Professionals, and class options include private instructions,  group lessons and junior golf instructions.

Old City Hall in Fort Pierce is considered one of the beautiful and respected buildings on the Treasure Coast of Florida.  Built at the during the populations boom in Florida boom during the 1920s, it was the first historic building to be restored in downtown Fort Pierce in 1995.  Historic preservation has been one of the primary triumphs of the Fort Pierce redevelopment effort, which has given new life to many beloved landmarks in the region.

No trip to Fort Pierce would be complete without a visit to the Manatee Observation and Education Center, at 406 North Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce.  The Center is open year-round and features a classroom, exhibit area and gift shop that are all open six days a week.  Manatees can be spotted in Moore’s Creek throughout the year, though sightings are more common in the winter months.

Another fun activity for families and people of all ages is to do an excursions with Beach Tours on Horseback, located at 87 Pinewood Lane, Fort Pierce, FL 34947.  Tours are given Sundays year round on the beach, though other days during the week may be scheduled by special reservation.  If the beach isn’t your thing, trail rides through wooded areas are available on weekdays.  This is one of the only regions within the state of Florida that permits this enjoyable activity, and it is sponsored by St. Lucie County Parks and Recreation Department.

City of Fort Pierce, Florida: General Information

Fort Pierce is a municipality located in St. Lucie County, Florida.  Known as “The Sunrise City,” Fort Pierce boasts a population of 37,959 at the 2004 census.  By 2008, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau was 41,000.  The city is the county seat of St. Lucie County, and is a component of Port St. Lucie, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area which has a total regional population of 400,121.  Geographically, Fort Pierce  has a total area of 20.8 square miles according to the United States Census Bureau; 14.7 square miles of it is land and 6.0 square miles of Fort Pierce is water.
The population density according to the 2008 Census figures was 2,212.4 per square mile.  Fort Pierce had 14,407 households, out of which 28.1% housed children under the age of 18, 36.1% were married couples living together.  Female heads of household with no husband present comprised 19.3% of all households, and 38.8% were non-related residents.  Individuals living alone made up 31.1% of all households and, of these, 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.  On average, the Fort Pierce household size was 2.56, with a family size of 3.19 persons.

In Fort Pierce, the city population was spread out across several age brackets, with 27.2% or residents who under the age of 18, 9.8% ranging in age from 18 to 24, 26.1% were aged 25 to 44 years.  In the older age brackets, 19.5% of people were 45 to 64 years of age, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older.  The median age of Fort Pierce was 35 years, and for every 100 females, there were 97.4 males.  In addition, for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

From an economic standpoint, the median income for a household in Fort Pierce was $25,121, and the median income for a family was $29,458.  Males slightly out earned females, with a median income of $21,274 versus $20,012.  The per capita income for the city was $14,345.