Historic Downtown Stuart claimed the 7th annual "Great Places in Florida" award hosted by the state's chapter of the American Planning Association. 

The American Planning Association praised Downtown Stuart for its ongoing evolution, including projects like, transforming the downtown area and restoring it to its former 1920s glory, enhancing thoroughfares on Osceola Street and Flagler Avenue to support exposure of local businesses and the beautification efforts including artistic crosswalks, installation of sculptures, increased parking, new outside dining areas and additional shade trees. 

Stuart has also been named “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” by Coastal Living in 2016; ranked No. 6 among “60 charming American towns you haven’t heard of but should visit ASAP,” by Oprah’s magazine; and a finalist in Smithsonian Magazine’s 2015 “Best Small Towns to Visit"

Stuart beat out Mill Lake Park Continuum in Orange City and Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port for the 2020 title.