At Home with Jessica is my twice-monthly letter about life, local favorites and real estate on the Treasure Coast and the Palm Beaches. This is the October 21, 2026 issue. Get the next one in your inbox.
Hello, neighbors,
Happy almost-Halloween! I hope this season has been treating you well, whether you’re stocking up on candy or still deciding on a costume.
This time I’ve rounded up the best Halloween fun happening around the coast, a few big projects moving forward close to home, and September’s housing numbers.
The Market, Explained
September’s numbers: steady prices, and more choice the farther north you go
The September reports for single-family homes are in, and the three counties tell slightly different stories. In Palm Beach and Martin counties, the median sale price rose about 5% to 7% from a year ago while the number of homes for sale dropped by nearly a fifth. In St. Lucie County, prices held essentially flat and buyers have more homes to choose from.
| September 2026 | Median price | vs. a year ago | Months of supply | Days to contract | Of original price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach County | $656,000 | +6.7% | 3.6 | 43 days | 95% |
| Martin County | $600,000 | +5.3% | 3.6 | 39 days | 95% |
| St. Lucie County | $395,000 | −1.3% | 5.2 | 52 days | 96% |
Source: MIAMI REALTORS® + RWorld September 2026 reports, single-family homes, using MIAMI MLS and BeachesMLS data, published Oct. 16, 2026. Days to contract and share of original price are medians.
Here’s how I’d read that: if you’re selling in Martin or Palm Beach County, less competition from other listings is working in your favor, and homes there went under contract faster than a year ago. In St. Lucie County, homes are taking a little longer to go under contract, so pricing it right from day one matters. And across all three, homes sold for a median of about 95% to 96% of their original asking price. In other words, a little room to negotiate is normal, but deep discounts are not.
On the financing side, Freddie Mac’s 30-year fixed average held at 7.40% on Oct. 15, with the 15-year at 6.71%. A year ago the 30-year was 6.27%, so it really does pay to look at your options carefully before you lock. Start a secure loan application or Book a Call and I’ll walk you through them.
Sources: Freddie Mac, Oct. 15 · Palm Beach County · Martin County · St. Lucie County
Want the full monthly breakdown? See my Treasure Coast market reports, or get a free home value report.
Big News Close to Home
Port St. LucieCostco and a new entertainment district get the green light in Tradition
On Oct. 12, the Port St. Lucie City Council approved site plans for a 163,000-square-foot Costco, the first 5.5-acre phase of the Tradition Entertainment District with restaurants and retail, and a 42-bed rehabilitation hospital in the Southern Grove area.
Approval is the first step, not an opening date. Under its agreement with the city, Costco has until June 2027 to secure its remaining approvals and then 30 days to close on the land. The city says it will be a standalone store. Curious about the area? Here’s my guide to living in Tradition.
Source: WQCS, Oct. 15
Fort PierceBuc-ee’s moves a step closer at Indrio Road and I-95
St. Lucie County has approved the final site plan for the Buc-ee’s planned on about 36 acres at the southeast corner of Indrio Road and I-95: a 75,245-square-foot store with 120 fueling spaces and EV charging.
A road improvement agreement and a building permit still come first, and the county’s planning director now calls a 2028 opening a realistic expectation.
Source: Hometown News, Oct. 16
JupiterA makeover for the Shoppes at Jupiter
The Town Council has approved changes for the plaza at U.S. 1 and Indiantown Road, including new facades, more landscaping and a stormwater filtration system. Whole Foods is set to replace Beall’s, and Total Wine is expected in the former Staples space in 2027. Work could begin as early as 2027.
Source: WPTV
Martin CountyA pause on new data centers moves forward
On Oct. 13, Martin County commissioners voted unanimously to move ahead with a one-year moratorium on new data centers while they decide how to regulate them. The final vote is scheduled for Oct. 27. A large data center application filed just before the proposal, off Kanner Highway west of I-95, would not be affected.
If you live in Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach or Hobe Sound, this one is worth following. The Oct. 27 meeting is open to the public.
Source: WQCS, Oct. 15
Halloween Around Here
Stuart · Sat., Oct. 24Hobgoblins on Main Street
Free trick-or-treating in historic downtown Stuart, noon to 3 p.m. at the Riverwalk Stage.
Palm Beach Gardens · Sat., Oct. 24Palm Beach Gardens Fall Festival
Trick-or-Treat Street, carnival games, bounce houses, a DJ dance party and food trucks, 4 to 8 p.m. at Gardens North County District Park. Costumes encouraged.
Jupiter · Sun., Oct. 25Feathers, Fangs, Fur & Fun
Trick-or-treating on the nature trails at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with storytimes, a costume parade and conservation talks.
Fort Pierce · Oct. 28 and 31Spooky nights at the Sunrise Theatre
Once Upon a Nightmare starts Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. at the historic downtown theater, and the Rocky Horror Picture Show screens on Halloween night at 9 p.m.
Port St. Lucie · Oct. 30 to Nov. 1Fall Fun Fest
Free admission at the MIDFLORIDA Event Center, with carnival rides, food trucks, live music and a Street of Treats on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Ride tickets and food are extra.
Dates and times come from each organizer and may change.
What I’m Loving Lately
The Rory at Southern Salt & Coffee Co.
Their spin on the pumpkin spice latte, and my current fall favorite. You’ll find them on Midway Road in Fort Pierce.
My New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite 4s
My go-to running shoe while I train for a marathon.
The Jupiter Riverwalk
A paved path along the Intracoastal and the Loxahatchee River, and one of the prettiest places around for a long run or an easy evening walk.
Homes I’d Love to Show You
From lakefront single-story homes in St. Lucie West to acreage in Palm City and 55+ golf communities in Jupiter, there’s a lot on the market right now. Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll send you the best matches, with details and more photos.
Search homesCall (772) 297-1400Text (772) 297-1400A Thought to Take With You
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables (1908)
Down here, our Octobers come with fewer falling leaves, but just as much to love.
Let’s Talk
Will you be handing out candy this year, and what’s the go-to treat at your door? Full-size bars, a big bowl of the classics or something creative. Text me or email me and tell me. I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading. Have a safe and happy Halloween, and I’ll see you in November.
Warmly,
Jessica
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Jessica Schwartz, Broker Associate, RE/MAX Gold · Licensed Loan Officer, NMLS #2704014 · RMI Brokers, Inc. dba One Brokerage, NMLS #2142653 · Equal Housing Opportunity · Call (772) 297-1400 · Text (772) 297-1400. Mortgage rates shown are published national averages and are not an offer or quote. Local market figures are believed reliable but not guaranteed.