Research Coast – Economic Profile
CareerSource Research Coast, or Florida’s Research Coast, is comprised of the three county region of Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties and is located in the southeast region of the state of Florida. On the Research Coast, you’ll find the perfect area for cutting-edge companies pushing the frontiers of research in the life science, bio-technology, energy, information technology and manufacturing industries. As Florida’s Research Coast, this area is attracting the attention of renowned organizations from all over the globe.
Indian River County
Indian River County is located on Florida’s east coast, covering 543 square miles of beaches, citrus groves, thriving commercial and growing industry. Located an hour north of West Palm Beach and 90 miles southeast of Orlando, Indian River County is within three hours of 90 percent of Florida’s population, with easy access to markets, yet far from urban sprawl, traffic and congestion. Indian River County is known for its low crime rate, which attracts many retirees and young families relocating from larger markets around the state and nation.
Vero Beach, the county seat, has long been a popular resort area, attracting thousands to Indian River County and the array of recreational and entertainment pursuits it offers. The City of Sebastian, an historic fishing village and now a thriving family-oriented community, is also home to many national surfing competitions. Indian River County serves as the center of the world-famous Indian River Citrus District.
Martin County
Martin County Florida has a well-earned reputation as one of those ideal locations to attract and grow business. Martin County’s focus on talent and innovation, along with our prime location and unmatched quality of life makes the area the perfect location for your business prosperity. Boasting a dynamic business climate, abundant opportunity and skilled workforce, business owners are lured by our beautiful beaches, relaxed lifestyle and strategic proximity to ports and big cities, making Martin County a magnet for economic growth. In recent years, the County Commission has taken aggressive steps to create a strong and friendly business climate by expediting the permitting process, reducing business fees, increasing access to resources and investing in a world-class educational system.
St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County is located in southeastern Florida within a four-county region – known for its innovation within life sciences, agriculture, marine sciences, oceanography and aerospace. The County is located about 120 miles south of Orlando and 60 miles north of West Palm Beach. The population of the region is over 600,000 with a 30% growth rate from 2000 to 2010. Primary cities and population centers within the region include the cities of Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Stuart. Within the City of Port St. Lucie, the emerging community of Tradition is in the process of building out an 8,200 acre mixed use planned development located west of I-95.
Extensive, dependable transportation and easy access is the key to growth, and St. Lucie County has both in abundance. Interstate Highway 95 and U.S. Highway 1 provide easy access to the country’s east coast, from Key West to Maine. The Florida Turnpike stretches from just south of Miami through northern-central Florida, while State Road 70 runs from U.S Highway 1 in Fort Pierce west to Bradenton, Florida.