Florida is known for being home to many hot spots for vacationing, nightlife, retirement, and stable jobs. But if you find Palm Bay a bit boring and Miami way too wild, you might fall in love with St. Petersburg, a small but vibrant coastal town in Pinellas County with lots to offer.
If you’re considering moving to “Sunshine City,” get ready for many opportunities and an overall high quality of life. In addition to beautiful weather, a thriving economy, a selection of outdoor activities, and options for food and drinks, there’s also the booming St. Petersburg real estate market.
We’ll discuss the ins and outs of St. Pete, so you’ll be equipped with everything you need to know before moving to St. Petersburg.
Thriving Housing Market
St. Petersburg’s thriving housing market makes it all the more attractive for a cross-country (or cross-state) move.
There are homes for various homeowners and renters, including historic homes with an old-school charm, grand, luxury homes with ocean views, and contemporary St. Petersburg condos for sale for young professionals or empty nesters.
And, of course, many of these housing options are on or near the beach, providing waterfront views or a short trip to the sugar-like sand.
The neighborhoods here are also notably diverse, each with its own character and amenities, and the town is known to be quite walkable wherever you land. Top neighborhoods to consider when moving to St. Petersburg include:
- Historic Roser Park
- Historic Kenwood
- Downtown St. Petersburg
- Historic Old Northeast
- Snell Isle
- North Kenwood
- Historic Uptown
- Crescent Lake
- Old Southeast
- Coquina Key
The average cost of St. Petersburg real estate is $357.6K and is steadily increasing, so now is a good time to find a qualified real estate agent to secure your investment. The median home price in this Floridian city is below the national average.
Weather
One of the best parts of moving to St. Petersburg is getting rewarded with gorgeous, comfortable, sunny weather all year long.
This city is nicknamed “Sunshine City” because it enjoys 361 days of sunshine each year! In other words, only four days might be a bit drab. There’s still winter, but it’s very mild, with the temperatures rarely ever dropping below freezing.
And, of course, the rest of the year is more than ideal for soaking up the sun on the beach or exploring Egmont Key State Park.
Easy Commutes
A long commute can negatively impact your productivity and even affect your overall well-being, so moving to a place where getting around is easier than the big city is logistically, mentally, and emotionally ideal.
St. Petersburg has a well-connected transportation system that offers different public transit options, such as buses and trolleys, making commuting a breeze.
It’s also known as a green city, with more eco-friendly options to either use public transportation or take advantage of the bike lanes and trails, as opposed to driving a car everywhere.
However, if you do want to drive, you’ll enjoy well-maintained roads and smooth, safe commutes all the same.
Beaches
Living on or close to the beach is a dream for many people, and St. Petersburg is renowned for several stunning, long-stretch beaches along the Tampa Bay coastline. Some of the best beaches include:
- St. Pete Beach
- North Skyway
- Spa Beach
- Lassing Park
Another beach that’s not in St. Petersburg but only 25 miles away is Clearwater Beach, known for its pristine white sand and dreamy, clear waters.
At any of these beaches, you can relax while sunbathing, have a cool swim, partake in fun water sports, or simply hang out with your friends and family while enjoying the Florida sun.
Booming Economy
As stated, the housing market is thriving right now in St. Petersburg, and the economy is thriving right along with it. There’s a range of industries and abundant opportunities for the diverse array of St. Petersburg residents.
This sunny city is home to various major corporations, tech companies, financial institutions like CitiBank, healthcare providers like HCA Healthcare (HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital), and more.
It’s particularly an attractive economy for young professionals looking to establish a career with lots of opportunities for growth and advancement, as there’s a low unemployment rate that remains consistently below the national average. Some of the biggest employers in the area include:
- Jabil
- Raymond James Financial
- HSN
- HCA Healthcare
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
- Nepal
- Tampa Bay Times
- Cox Target Media
- Goodwill-Suncoast
- St. Petersburg College
- USANi Sub LLC
Sports
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll be happy to hear that sports play a vital role in the fabric of St. Petersburg’s active community. The Tampa Bay area is home to a few major sports teams, but the biggest is the Tampa Bay Rays, the professional major league baseball team.
There’s also the Tampa Bay Rowdies, a United Soccer League team and the first professional soccer team in the area. Many find it enjoyable to catch a game at the Tropicana Field, and there are also plenty of sports bars if you love that atmosphere or want to catch other national games.
Outdoor Adventures
Moving to St. Petersburg offers plenty of adventure and exploration opportunities for nature and outdoor lovers. It’s surrounded by natural beauty, including nature preserves, beaches, recreational areas, and parks and green spaces such as:
- Sawgrass Lake Park
- Pioneer Park
- Abercrombie Park
- Sunken Gardens
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Vinoy Park
- Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
- Demens Landing Park
- Gizella Kopsick Arboretum
- North Straub Park
- Fort DeSoto Park
One of the standout natural attractions is St. Pete Pier, a waterfront landmark offering gorgeous sea views, various recreational activities, and a myriad of dining options to conclude an active day. Some of the activities that residents love to partake in include:
- Paddleboarding
- Hiking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Bird watching at Weedon Island Preserve
Educational Opportunities
There’s a wide range of educational institutions throughout St. Petersburg, making it an ideal place to raise kids or to continue adult education.
There are numerous highly ranked public and private school options offering quality education and extracurricular programs for kids and adolescents.
The city is also home to colleges like the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg College. It’s safe to say that you can foster the culture of lifelong learning with a move to St. Petersburg.
Arts & Culture
Formal educational institutions aren’t the only places for educational opportunities. There are plenty of cool arts, culture, and history museums and organizations where you can learn, explore, and be entertained.
St. Petersburg has a vibrant culture and art scene with art galleries, theaters, museums, and more, featuring local and international artists. The Salvador Dali Museum stands out, as it’s home to the largest collection of the renowned surrealist’s work outside of Spain.
Other interesting museums in St. Petersburg include:
- St. Petersburg Museum of History
- Imagine Museum (Art)
- Gulfport History Museum
- Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center
- The International Museum of Radiant Peace
Entertainment
In addition to establishing museums and theaters, St. Petersburg hosts regular art walks, festivals, live music performances, and more, cultivating a rich and diverse tapestry for all types of entertainment.
Additionally, you’ll find music, food, racing, and other types of events throughout the year, including the St. Pete Pride Festival, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and even the St. Pete Tacos & Tequila Festival for those who love a good party!
And although it’s not Miami, there’s a vibrant culinary scene and nightlife here, too, with several bars, restaurants, and live music venues that cater to a range of preferences. Combining fresh seafood with a live band is common here! Some of the best theaters and live music venues in St. Petersburg include:
- Jannus Live
- Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
- Palladium Theater St. Petersburg
- Mickey Quinn’s Irish Pub & Live Music
- Noise Makers
- St. Petersburg City Theatre
- Ringside Cafe
- Raymond James Theater
- Bininger Center for Performing Arts
- The Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center
Affordable for Florida
Florida isn’t the cheapest of states (cost of living index:103.1), but compared to other major cities in the state, St. Petersburg offers a more affordable cost of living while still providing a high quality of life overall. The overall cost of living index in Saint Petersburg is 100.4, below the state average.
As mentioned earlier, the housing market is still relatively affordable in St. Pete.
And although the bills from grocery stores, transportation services, medical care, and other living expenses tend to be above the national average, you get beach access and vibrant cultural life without breaking the bank like you might in places like Palm Beach.
That said, when considering the overall value and amenities of St. Petersburg, this coastal city emerges as a truly affordable and attractive place to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Saint Petersburg
We’ve covered a range of topics so far and discussed the top appealing reasons to move to St. Petersburg, but if you still have questions, check out our answers to other commonly asked questions below.
Is St. Petersburg, Florida, a good place to move to?
Sure thing! St. Petersburg is a friendly, inviting, vibrant, and comfortable place to live in due to its booming job market, thriving housing market, spacious beaches, and wide range of recreational fun.
It offers a wonderful quality of life in every major aspect, including but not limited to arts & culture, recreation, education, sports, commuting, career, community, and more, making it a fantastic choice for individuals and families, young and older.
What salary do you need to live in St. Petersburg, FL?
There’s a range of salaries that are suitable for living in St. Petersburg, Florida, and it’ll depend on your housing preferences and other personal expenses.
Generally speaking, a household income is around $45,000 to $60,000 per year to live in the coastal city, and on the higher end to live closer to the city or near the beach.
Is it expensive to live in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Compared to many other cities in Florida like Miami, Palm Beach, and Key West, St. Petersburg is often seen as very affordable, especially given its proximity to lovely beaches.
Housing prices vary depending on the specific style and location, but the average housing is priced around $350,000, which is a relatively affordable price by American standards.
Healthcare, transportation, and groceries also align with the national average. That said, living in St. Petersburg is not the cheapest overall, but it’s undoubtedly one of the best “bang for your buck” cities.
Should I live in Clearwater or St Pete?
Both Clearwater and St. Pete are in the greater Tampa Bay area, and both of them offer great lifestyles. That said, the choice between Clearwater and St. Petersburg ultimately depends on your and your family’s preferences.
Clearwater is known for gorgeous beaches and a more family-friendly atmosphere, while St. Pete boasts a trendier, artsy downtown area that’s a bit more lively.
Both cities have their special charm and are relatively nearby, so it might be worth exploring both areas to understand the atmosphere and amenities you prefer in each location.
How often do hurricanes hit St. Petersburg, Florida?
Like many coastal areas in Florida, St. Petersburg is susceptible to hurricanes, given its location. The hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st through November 30th.
It’s crucial to note that direct hurricane hits are quite rare, as the Tampa Bay area benefits from the state’s advanced hurricane warning systems. These warnings allow residents to proactively prepare and evacuate if necessary, ensuring safety for those who choose to live there.
Of course, we always recommend staying as informed as possible and having a hurricane preparedness plan for you and your family if you decide to buy one of the homes for sale in St. Petersburg anywhere on the coast.
Is Tampa or St. Petersburg more expensive?
When comparing the cost of living in St Petersburg versus living in Tampa – which is the bigger, more popular city to the east of St. Petersburg – it’s clear that St. Petersburg is less expensive to live in.
Of course, it’s possible to find a less expensive home in downtown Tampa or Ybor City than a more expensive home in St. Petersburg. Still, similar style, size, year, and quality homes and condos will likely cost a little more in Tampa than even in downtown St. Petersburg.
It makes sense to research homes based on your specific needs, location preferences, and lifestyle to get a better sense of which area might be more cost-effective for you. An agent can help you assess the real estate and complete this comparison with fidelity.
What’s the main hospital in Saint Petersburg?
While there are a variety of hospitals throughout Saint Petersburg, the main one is undoubtedly the Saint Petersburg General Hospital, also known as HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital. The HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital is a fully accredited 215-bed acute care facility recognized by the Joint Commission. It offers a wide range of services, including:
- Emergency care
- Diagnostics
- Medical treatment
- Surgical procedures,
- Women’s health services: Labor and delivery, postpartum care, and nursery services.
In addition, HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital has obtained multiple accreditations, including:
- Center of Excellence in Robotics Surgery.
- Advanced Primary Stroke Center
- Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care
- Community Cancer Center
What is considered a livable wage in Florida?
A livable wage is not one size fits all, as it depends on various factors like location, family size, personal expenses, and more. Typically, in Florida, a livable wage for an individual living in St. Petersburg alone is approximately $30,825 a year. The median household income in Saint Petersburg is $64,375.
What is St. Pete, FL, known for?
St Petersburg, Florida, is known for having sunny, inviting weather, gorgeous, spacious beaches, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, and much more.
You’ll find impressive art galleries, educational museums, entertaining theater performances, and an array of activities to do around the town.
The downtown area, specifically, boasts numerous shops, restaurants, and plenty of bars, ensuring a wealth of places to meet up with friends and colleagues.
What airport do you fly into to go to St. Petersburg, Florida?
The most convenient airport to fly into when going to St. Petersburg is the Tampa International Airport (TPA). It’s located just a short drive (22 miles or 25 minutes) from St. Petersburg, and it offers many domestic and international fights, so there shouldn’t be any issue flying in.
Can you swim at St. Pete Beach?
St. Pete Beach is a safe beach to swim in, and the weather is warm enough that you can immerse in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico all year round!
In addition to swimming, you can partake in water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing. These activities help you make the most of St. Pete’s clear waters and riveting, long coastline.
How far apart are Clearwater and St. Pete Beach?
Clearwater is the neighboring city of St. Petersburg and is relatively nearby – about 22 miles apart when going from one city center to the other. The drive should take 30-40 minutes without traffic and up to 50 or so with some traffic.
Even if you decide to live in one of these cities and not the other, you can feel assured that you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of the other one with just a short car ride away! And for St. Pete Beach specifically, the drive is only about 18 miles or 42 minutes.
Is St. Petersburg walkable?
Yes! St. Petersburg is a walkable city, especially in the downtown area. Downtown St. Petersburg has pedestrian-friendly streets equipped with sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian-mindful infrastructure.
Given the various shops and eateries lining the streets and waterfront promenades, plus the ample access to parks, exploring the coastal city on foot is a great idea.
How much is the average electric bill in St. Petersburg, FL?
The average electric bill in St. Petersburg varies depending on aspects like property size, individual usage habits, energy consumption, etc. Generally, residents in St. Petersburg pay an average of 15.53 cents per kilowatt hour for their electricity, which is 10.61% higher than the state average.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, you’re in for a treat of opportunities and a high quality of life.
With a thriving housing market, year-long agreeable warm weather, inclusive community, and much more, St. Pete provides a convenient, comfortable, and well-rounded living experience that suits the needs of many.
And you can’t forget the lovely suburbs, white-sand beaches, promising economic opportunities, abundant outdoor adventures, and commitment to culture, arts, and education.
If you’re considering a move to St. Petersburg, start your home search in this booming Florida area! Remember that the real estate market is booming but also quite competitive and can be overwhelming for newcomers. When in need of more tailored advice, contact a local eXp real estate agent.
