Palm City, FL

Palm City got its start in 1912 when Charles C. Chillingworth bought land in the area, turning a place with only one home into a farming community by selling farmland for citrus and pineapple crops. This neighborhood changed from a rural farming area to an upscale city centered around high-class activities like golf.

You won't find museums here, although neighboring Stuart has the Elliott Museum and the Stuart Heritage Museum, which shares history of the local area. This city also doesn't have much of an arts scene, aside from On Pointe Dance Studio and Cross Academy of the Arts. Palm City holds annual events such as the Palm City Turkey Trot, a 3D Archery Tournament and the Sporting Clay Shoot.

You can find a flourishing arts scene in neighboring Stuart, which has the Downtown Stuart Art Festival, art classes at the Elliott Museum, arts and crafts boutiques, and performing arts.

Palm City has most of its restaurants along Martin Downs Boulevard, Martin Highway and Mapp Road in the northeast corner of the neighborhood. The city includes a mix of independent ethnic restaurants and chain restaurants.

The Olympic Diner has the epitome of Greek food. Try the Famous Gyro Sandwich with piled-on beef and lamb, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions and tzatziki sauce in a pita. No matter what you order, you get huge portions so you might have extra to bring home for later. Enjoy delectable Thai combinations at Basil Garden of Palm City. Savor flavors such as different types of curry, chicken with coconut and lemon grass, and fried bananas for dessert. Pretend you’ve traveled up north by going to the New England Fish Market & Restaurant. This establishment has fun nautical decor to go with the seafood theme. It serves authentic New England dishes such as Maine lobster, New England clam chowder, Maine steamer clams and haddock Milanese. If you want more local flavor, you won’t be disappointed because this restaurant also has Key West conch chowder, grouper, rock shrimp and other Florida seafood. If you plan to visit this restaurant regularly, join the discount club so you can save.

At night, Palm City has Harpers Pub for a drink in a simple pub setting and Vine and Barley, where you have a vast selection of beers and wines for tastings or to enjoy by the glass. Along with the drinks, it serves food and has a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Find a more happening nightlife just across the bridge in neighboring Stuart, where numerous bars inhabit the downtown. Check out live music and grab a drink in an outdoor tiki bar atmosphere at Terra Fermata. This place is the closest you’ll get to a club in this area. Beer lovers will delight in a wide choice of craft beers at The Crafted Keg, while wine lovers can satisfy their taste buds at Crush Wine Bar. Some Stuart chain restaurants such as Duffy’s and Flanigan’s also have bars and a fun night scene.

You need a car to get around Palm City, although you can walk and bike sections of it. Most roads don't have biking lanes, although streets of quiet residential neighborhoods provide safe conditions for biking and walking. For designated bike-friendly roads, travel on Sunset Trail and SW 29th Street.

You won't find public parking, although restaurants and shopping centers offer parking to their customers and residential neighborhoods have parking for residents and guests. From Palm City's State Road 714, also known as Martin Downs Boulevard, you have access to Florida's Turnpike, which connects to I-95.

Buses can pick up residents when they need to rely on public transportation. You can't hail a cab from the streets of this city, and Uber doesn't serve this area, However, you can call taxi companies for a car to pick you up.

Residents of Palm City have numerous parks to enjoy; many of these free parks provide features for children, dogs and those who enjoy exercising. Canal Park and Pendarvis Cove Park both have fishing. Lance Corporal Justin Wilson Memorial Park features sports fields, tennis and racquetball courts, and a playground. This park also holds the city’s annual Fall Fest event. For more options, you can bike, fish and play sports at Charlie Leighton Park or go to Jock Leighton Park for its sports fields, walking trails, skateboarding areas and playground.

The average rental rate of $888 for a one-bedroom residence in Palm City remains on par with the rest of Martin County. Residents in this area pay 6 percent higher than the rest of the nation to fill their gas tanks, $3 to $4 for a beer at a pub and $1.50 for a one-way bus pass.

Palm City's main shopping areas center around Martin Downs Boulevard and Mapp Road in the northeast section of the city, as well as Martin Downs Village Center and Martin Downs Town Center on the west side.

This neighborhood features specialty stores without a focus on being high-end or high-value stores. Take care of your home needs at Peter's Hardware Center and take care of the needs of your pets and larger animals at the Palm City Horse and Hound Supply.

Palm City is limited with its shopping choices, so you'll need to leave the city for much of your shopping needs. For an area mall, go to the Treasure Coast Square Mall. Stuart's downtown section has high-end boutiques, and most of the county's chain stores sit along Federal Highway in Jensen Beach.

Residents go food shopping at the supermarket chain Publix, or they can pick up Italian groceries at Gattuso's Italian Market. Shop for fresh seafood in the market section of The New England Fish Market & Restaurant and for fresh fruits and vegetables at Palm City Produce Farmers Market.