(Image Source)

Exploring Riverfront Homes in Jupiter & Tequesta

Hercalitis once said, “no man steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Setting her foot many a times in the Loxahatchee River, Kristin Wallace of NV Realty Group, affirms the philosophical thought. “The Lox has a magnetic draw. Its water is home to fresh and saltwater species and plants, and its tropical banks provide refuge for wildlife and birds,” she reflects. “I always have a sense of renewal after spending time on the river.” From Native Americans to Spanish Explorers to early pioneers to modern day millennials, the Loxahatchee River has not lost its captivating charm. In fact, its value continues to increase as more and more home buyers search for real estate along its banks.

Two hallmarks of riverfront properties along the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter and Tequesta are saltwater recreation and serene relaxation. Today, riverfront communities in this area offer a family friendly ambiance in a paradiscal environment. Kristin, who specializes in Jupiter-Tequesta real estate and who lives along the Loxahatchee River, emphatically states that this region is the best of Palm Beach County. “The tranquil setting, massive live oak trees, mature landscape, and peaceful river create a beautiful backdrop to the real estate here,” she says. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Truly characterized by a “salt life” mentality, residents here, as well as those residing along Loxahatchee River Road and Riverside Drive, welcome the Old-Florida mantra of easy living and the New-Florida attitude of modern conveniences. From eclectic boutiques and local pubs to elegant shops and fine dining, Jupiter-Tequesta real estate is a perfect balance of hippie and hipster and laid-back and luxe.

Here are just a few reasons why riverfront homes in the Jupiter-Tequesta region are a popular choice among homebuyers:

(Image Source)

The Loxahatchee River

A federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Loxahatchee River meanders through both freshwater and brackish creeks until it finally greets the Jupiter Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. This fluvial river is home to ten major habitats: Coastal Dunes, Cypress Swamp, Estuaries, Freshwater Marshes, Hardwood Hammock, Mangrove Swamp, Oyster Reefs, Pine Uplands and Scrub, and Seagrass Beds. These habitats are comprised of indigenous plant life, aqualife, and wildlife such as manatees, alligators, dolphins, turtles, ospreys, woodstorks, sandhill cranes, blue herons, snook, bass, snapper, Cyprus trees, mangroves, Seagrape, and more. A slow flowing river, the Loxahatchee is ideal for paddle boarding, kayaking, and flat fishing. “Even families who are not necessarily into boating still enjoy living on the river. The views are so majestic and residents often see manatees, dolphins, turtles, and sea otters in their own backyards,” adds Kristin.

(Image Source)

Navigable Waterways

The Loxahatchee is more than just a scenic wonderment, it is also a navigable waterway. “I think there is something so special (and so convenient!) about being able to keep your boat in your own backyard,” says Kristin. Whether taking a sunset booze cruise down the Intracoastal or a quick trip to Grand Bahamas, which is only a few hours away, the freedom of living on a navigable waterway allows residents to fully experience the Florida lifestyle. “One of my very favorite things to do with my family is to take our kids to the Jupiter Sandbar,” shares Kristin. “My children are entertained for hours!” Here, boats anchor in the shallow water, and children freely play in briny sea, searching for starfish, manta rays, and other marine life. Often, the “snack shack” boat will deliver pizza or the the ice-cream boat will come by with cold treats. River residents also frequent waterfront restaurants such as Guanabanas, U-Tiki, or Tommy Bahama at Harbourside Place. “We use the public dock space for front row parking at these popular dining establishments,” says Kristin. The convenience and freedom of a passable channel set riverfront communities apart from others in Palm Beach County.


Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

Sharing the same pristine beauty, residential neighborhoods along the river also boast tranquil settings, majestic oak and palm trees, mature landscape, and, of course, panoramic views of the Loxahatchee. Riverfront communities include North Passage, Islands of Jupiter, Tequesta Country Club, Pennock Point, River Ridge, Heritage Oaks, Loxahatchee Pointe, and Jupiter River Estates. Typically, homes in these waterfront neighborhoods are situated on large lots and feature private backyard swimming pools, docks, and boat lifts. Amenities often include playgrounds, tennis courts, resort-style swimming pools, and recreational spaces. The majority of communities are governed by the Town of Jupiter and thus zoned for Palm Beach County Schools. Students begin at Limestone Creek Elementary and then transition to Jupiter Middle and Jupiter High Schools. For children residing in neighborhoods that are associated with Martin County, the school tier starts with Hobe Sound Elementary and then progresses to Murray Middle and South Fork High School. Nearby private school options include Good Shepherd, Jupiter Christian, the Pine School, and Turtle River Montessori. When considering purchasing property in one of these communities, Kristin recommends visiting those schools, ensuring the compatibility of the boat lift, checking the bridge height clearances on fixed bridges, inspecting the sea walls, and evaluating how tidal changes affect the navigation.


Parks & Recreation

Another advantage of living in a Jupiter-Tequesta riverfront community is its close proximity to public parks, specifically Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Riverbend Park, and Constitution Park. Located off U.S. Highway 1 in the northern region of Jupiter, Jonathan Dickinson State Park spans across 11,500 acres and 13 ecological river communities. Named after a Quaker merchant who was shipwrecked at the site in 1696, the park is well known for the educational research center, well-appointed campsites, and abundance of amenities. Activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, fishing, geo-seeking, picnicking, viewing wildlife, and touring Trapper Nelson’s 1930 pioneer homestead. Riverbend Park, which is located west of the Florida Turnpike on Indiantown Road, is another riverfront park that presents many of the same family-friendly activities including fishing, canoeing, and horseback riding trails. This park is home to the Loxahatchee Battlefield, from the Second Seminole Indian War, and contains the ocean to lake portion of the Florida Trail. Though not situated on the river, Constitution Park in Tequesta is another popular park that features an expansive playground, giant tree house, fitness stations, walking trail, and rock climbing wall. Frequently, the park hosts “food trucks” night, which attracts families from nearby neighborhoods.


Area Attractions

Conveniently situated around the Martin County and Palm Beach County border, riverfront communities are a short distance away from popular places, championship golf courses, and public beaches. Residents enjoy touring Jupiter Lighthouse, watching a performance at the Jupiter Maltz Theater, shopping at Harbourside Place, dining at scrumptious seafood restaurants, and drinking a cold one at the Square Grouper, a favorite local hangout. Golf enthusiasts are privy to social memberships at premier area courses such as Turtle Creek Country Club, Riverbend Country Club, and Tequesta Country Club. Other area attractions include Jupiter Beach, Abacoa Town Center, Downtown Stuart, and the Gardens Mall. Additionally, both the Town of Jupiter and Tequesta host several seasonal events throughout the year, gifting residents with even more outdoor family fun.

Not surprisingly, real estate along the Loxahatchee River continues to flourish. As a river-loving resident herself, Kristin has a firm understanding of the properties here and she is careful to consider all the selling points and shortcomings of a home so that her buyer can make the best decision. “For me, it’s about building a personal relationship with my clients, and I start that relationship by always putting their needs first,” she says.

For more information on the Loxahatchee River or the Jupiter - Tequesta area, contact Kristin Wallace with NV Realty Group at kristin.wallace@nvrealtygroup.com.

Leave a Comment

TOP