Tequesta 55+ Communities
Incorporated in 1957, the Village of Tequesta is the northernmost city of Palm Beach County and the South Florida-Miami metropolitan area. Encompassing around 2 square miles, the village of Tequesta borders Martin County to the north, the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean to the east, portions of Jupiter, the Inlet, Island, and colony, to the east, south, and west. In April 2020, Tequesta's population was noted as around 6,158 by the U.S.Census Bureau. Compared to Palm Beach County's "Seat" and largest municipality, West Palm Beach, Tequesta is much smaller in land size and population - nearly 25 times smaller in square miles, and around 19 times less populous. Learn more about West Palm Beach's 55+ communities here.
There are only four Tequesta 55+ Communities, and monthly condominium dues range from $300 to $667. Constructed between 1964 and 1976, each building features adorable 2 bedroom & 2 bath dwellings, and total square footage ranging from 717 to 1,287. Whitehall is a waterfront community located on the North fork of the Loxahatchee River, offering residents a clubhouse and pool, plus an opportunity for a boat slip. Tequesta Garden provides residents with numerous amenities including shuffleboard, putting greens, billiards, and a bustling calendar of community events. Broadview Condo is located on the Intracoastal, featuring open floorplans, impact glass, and large balconies with sliding doors. Blair House Condo is a charming 2 story building, comprised of 36 charming old Florida condos, with a fitness center, pool, picnic area, and shuffleboard. Each condo has specific community regulations on vehicles, leasing, pets, and more, so be sure to scroll down and check out the "Association Information" box on the neighborhood of interest.
Lifestyle
Whether looking to slow down or turn up the pace, Tequesta 55+ communities offer both! The city has a warm friendly atmosphere, with a brilliant blend of easy-going, laid-back, down-to-earth beach vibes and the optimal active all-year-round outdoor Florida lifestyle. Because it is located in the most northern portion of Palm Beach County, the Village of Tequesta feels preserved in time, lacking the over-development of some of the more southern cities in the state. Through conservation and stewardship, the land has been protected and cared for with grace, allowing some of the most incredible ecosystems, wildlife, and awe-striking beauty in the State. There are countless state, county, and city parks a hop skip, and a jump away.
The shore of the Atlantic Ocean from Tequesta northward on Jupiter Island is home to the Nature Conservancy's 73 acres of beachfront land called Blowing Rocks Preserve. Established in 1969, Blowing Rocks has developed into an archetype of extensive native coastal habitat restoration, particularly noted for the magnitude of its size. Created from decades of the rough waters of the ocean pounding on the sands, the preserve is home to the biggest Anastasia limestone stretch on the east coast. The name Blowing Rocks comes from the event of a choppy ocean crashing into the countless holes, nooks, and crannies of the tall limestone arches and caves, known to soar up to 50 ft. The best time to witness this exciting event is at high tide, check the tide tables, and when the sea is rough and choppy, which tends to happen more frequently in the winter. The shoreline transformation throughout the year is fascinating. The summer months tend to have calmer seas, fantastic for snorkeling, perhaps alongside a sea turtle if luck strikes the day. Five different sea turtles nest in Florida, all listed Federally as endangered or threatened. Around 50% of Leatherback Sea Turtle nesting in Florida happens in Palm Beach County. The beach at Blowing Rocks is one of the main areas these ancient giants go to nest. Leatherback Sea Turtles are one of the most endangered species in the world and less frequently sighted. They range in size from 700 to 2,000 lbs and are the last living creatures on their branch of the animal kingdom. Get involved in helping this Palm Beach County treasure here.
There are plenty of local markets close by such as Jo Jo's, J- Town, and Hobe Sound Farmer's Market, all with fresh, local produce. Take a self-guided tour of the Jupiter Lighthouse, then head on over to the Square Grouper Tiki Bar. Square Grouper has an outdoor tiki bar with live music, delicious conch fritters, snacks, and plenty of tropical drinks, plus, an incredible view of the Jupiter Inlet and lighthouse. Drive a little north to Jonathan Dickinson State Park to catch a manatee or two kayaking on the Loxahatchee, and after, wind down with white sangria and delicious fresh seafood at Food Shack. There are local boutiques to check out like Feathers n Fringe, Sporty Girl, and Decorators Finest, also, there is upscale shopping at the Gardens Mall less than a half-hour drive away. Live theater enthusiasts can catch a performance or special event at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre or Lake Park Black Box. There are fine art galleries, schools, and museums such as the Lighthouse Art Center, there are endless places to explore for residents of Tequesta 55+ Communities.
History
The history of people in the area we know today as Palm Beach County Florida is thought to go back 5,000 years. In 1513 when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León showed up for the first time, he found a thriving native settlement of around 20,000 people. Grouped into regional tribes, there were three predominant native settlements in the Palm Beach area. In the Lake Okeechobee Basin, the Mayaimi tribe, whose ancestors were likely one of the oldest tribes found in the area, the Belle Glade, dating back to 1000 BC. In the east Okeechobee sub-area and eastern Loxahatchee portion where the Village of Tequesta sits today, there were the Ais and Jeaga. To the south on the coast and into the Everglades, the Tequesta.
In the early 1700s, native communities from Georgia and Alabama migrated south to the area known as the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes. Fast forward to February 10th, 1763, the Treaty of Paris was signed, and the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War) ended. After much discourse, an agreement is made, the treaty is passed, Spain keeps Cuba, but Britain takes over Florida. By this point, the entire native tribe population took a hit due to diseases brought from Europe, enslavement, and war. An influx of transplants from all over the world, including settlers from the newly formed United States of America and Spain, plus escaped enslaved people from the north who found safety with the Seminoles. Three Seminole Wars were fought from 1817 to 1858. The Florida Department of State website mentions by the time the Third Seminole War ended, the population of Seminoles had dwindled to around 200.
The space where the Village of Tequesta lies today was nothing more than a handful of homes nestled throughout the shores of the northeast portion of the Loxahatchee River until the 1950s. In 1955, Charles Prynne Martyn bought 350 acres on the north and northwest fork peninsula of the Loxahatchee River. He filled the land with 600 plots for residential homes, which became the Tequesta Country Club in 1957. Martyn preferred the sound of the south Florida Everglade indigenous tribe the Tequesta to the Jaega who once called the land where the Village of Tequesta sits today home. The Tequesta Country Club served as the nucleus for the city, John W. "Jack" Kurtz Jr serving as the first mayor, and Walter Fuller "Bud" Lathrop Jr. serving as the first town clerk, both partners with Martyn. The Village of Tequesta opened it's a first golf course in 1958, in attendance the likes of Dow Finsterwald and Arnold Palmer. A bit of National attention was given in the 1960s when, at that time, vice president Richard Nixon played around at the Tequesta Country Club Golf Course, and CBS Sports Spectacular featured it as well. The club moved to private in 1963.
