Stuart, FL

Without a doubt, this is the best boating town anywhere on the East Coast. Arguably it is the best jumping-off point for the Bahamas, but you can also head west to traverse the state through the Okeechobee Waterway. Stuart has a myriad of canals, inlets, rivers, and hurricane holes. My own subdivision, Mariner Cay, provides every owner a private boat dock plus our own marina. There are scads of marine manufacturers and related businesses in the area, so finding parts is never hard. Although geographically close to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, we are a world away with no high-rises and a laid-back lifestyle. I could go on with many more attributes, but you get the idea. —Jeff Gregory