There’s a reason why many people make St. Petersburg, Florida, their home. Surrounded by beautiful and serene beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, the Sunshine City feels like a vacation destination.

There’s plenty to do here, whether you want to settle down to start a family, make big moves with your career or retire and pursue your hobbies. Learn more to prepare for your upcoming move.

Is St. Petersburg, FL, a Good Place to Live?

If you want to surround yourself with waterfront scenery, you’ll love St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s located on the southern end of the Pinellas Peninsula, with almost 250 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. You can experience some of America’s best beaches, including St. Pete Beach, where you’ll find soft white sand and nature preserves.

When you visit Clearwater Beach, you can stop by the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and grab a bite to eat while surrounded by lush landscaping. As another option, Treasure Island Beach is known as an ideal location for cycling with easy, short trails. You can also spend the day swimming, kayaking or boating.

Pinellas County has many waterfront homes, eateries, museums and shops. And with excellent sports, schools and job opportunities here, what’s not to love? It’s no wonder this place attracts tourists and residents from across the country.

Plus, residents have quick access to other major cities. This prime location is only 15 miles from Clearwater and 20 miles from Tampa, Florida. You can easily drive to work nearby. When you want to make memories with friends and family, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is only 40 minutes away. You can have fun riding rollercoasters, feeding giraffes and watching live entertainment there. Endless possibilities and adventures await!

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Demographics and Population

St. Petersburg, Florida is the 5th largest city in the state. Today, around 257,000 people live here. With a distance spanning over 138 miles, the population density includes about 4,150 residents per square mile.

Altogether, there are around 220,260 adults, with almost 51,000 of those adults fitting into the senior category. According to the latest data, the population includes the following racial composition:

  • White: About 69%
  • Black or African American: About 21%
  • Two or more races, Asian or Other: About 10%

Cost of Living in St. Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg, Florida, is a comfortable place to live. The cost of living is about 6% lower than the nation’s average for expenses like food, utilities, transportation and health care. Residents can expect to pay around $1,300 for rent per month, and the median home price is about $412,000.

The median household income is about $64,000, with a median individual income of almost $40,000. If you’d like an overall idea of what your expenses and budgeting will look like in this city, feel free to use a cost of living calculator online.

Weather

Nicknamed the Sunshine City, this place feels like paradise. Throughout the year, plenty of rainfall keeps the greenery looking lush and vibrant. The subtropical climate features warm and humid conditions.

During the summer, the temperatures average between 79 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest month occurring in August. In winter, the cold temperatures feel mild and rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you want to plan a trip before moving here, consider visiting from late February to early May. This time of year usually features sunshine with low chances of rain. Another good time to visit is from late October to mid-December. The slightly lower temperatures provide a way to enjoy outdoor activities with friends and family.

Best Places to Live in St. Petersburg, FL

Here are some of the best neighborhoods and communities in the area:

  • Snell Isle: This historic neighborhood includes sprawling estates. Many homes here have waterfront views along the coastline, and downtown is only about seven minutes away.
  • Riviera Bay: The historic homes of this neighborhood date back to the early 1920s. The area features lush landscapes and waterfront views with access to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
  • Coquina Key: This neighborhood on an island features charming homes, eateries, shops and marinas dating back to the 1950s. Residents can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and natural surroundings.
  • Pinellas Point: The neighborhoods along the southernmost tip of the peninsula include beachfront properties and a view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The area features several good schools and recreational areas with golf courses, tennis courts and fitness centers.
  • EDGE District: An up-and-coming EDGE district includes several residential complexes. Residents can walk to the surrounding boutiques, restaurants, bars and nightlife.
  • Crescent Lake: This gorgeous neighborhood is named after a lake in the middle of a 54-acre park. The area features walking trails and dog parks with a location that is only a few minutes away from Crescent Beach.
  • Central Oak Park: The third-largest neighborhood in the city features 1920s bungalows, 1950s ranches and new builds. Residents can hop on a trolley to visit the trendy downtown area just five minutes away.
  • Historic Kenwood: An artistic and vibrant community, this area includes architectural bungalows and townhomes. Named one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, residents can enjoy the tree-lined streets with trendy restaurants, coffee shops and dog parks.
  • Downtown St. Petersburg: The downtown area features many new apartments and condo buildings. You can find coffee shops, cafes, stores, museums, concert venues and sports arenas here.

Schools and Education

Families can choose from almost 50 public schools and around 40 private schools around the area. You can browse the list of schools in Pinellas County to find schools near your neighborhood. Or you can narrow down the choices by ratings, grade level and number of students.

Some well-favored options include Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8 and the St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. They’re included in the 10 best public schools list because they have great academics, extracurricular programs and community-building events.

Employment

There are many job opportunities in the area, whether you want to work in St. Petersburg or drive a short commute to nearby cities. The most common occupations include office and administrative support, sales and management roles.

Jabil, a product solutions company, is a top employer for residents interested in design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management. If you’d like to work for a banking company, Raymond James Financial is a great option. They have over 18,000 employees and continue to grow their team.

10 Ways You Can Make Memories in St. Petersburg, FL

Here are some of the best ways you can have fun on a solo adventure or with friends and family in St. Petersburg:

  • Relax at a beach: A breathtaking view of the coastline at St. Pete Beach features soft white sands and emerald waters. This destination is a great spot to soak up the sun, build sand castles, surf and swim.
  • Go museum-hopping: The city offers lots to learn about history, culture and art. You can explore famous artwork at the Salvador Dali Museum, feel inspired at the Museum of Fine Arts and discover priceless artifacts at the Museum of History in the heart of downtown.
  • Splash at a water park: A short, 45-minute journey to Adventure Island water park is worth it. The resort features a lazy river, a 17,000-square-foot wave pool, tube rides, a six-story water slide and cliff jumps into 9,000 square feet of turquoise water.
  • Attend a baseball game: The BayCare Ballpark complex is home to the Clearwater Threshers, the city’s minor league baseball team. You can share your sports enthusiasm and cheer them on at their games.
  • Adventure on nature trails: A 4.3-mile loop at the Weedon Island Preserve features natural paths and boardwalks where you can walk, run, hike and bike. The peaceful trails lead to the western shore of Tampa Bay where you can birdwatch.
  • Climb aboard a pirate ship: The family-friendly Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise has set sail for over 45 years. Guests can enjoy treasure hunts, water gun battles, dance parties and scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Explore a botanical paradise: A tour through the 100-year-old Sunken Gardens includes thousands of tropical plant and flower species. Visitors can wander through the meandering paths, witness a flock of flamingos and admire cascading waterfalls.
  • Watch the sunset at Pier 60: The 1,080-foot-long pier at Clearwater Beach is a world-famous attraction. The popular gathering spot is well-lit for night fishing and features a nightly celebration to watch the sunset and listen to musicians perform.
  • Make memories on a boat tour: A ride on a scheduled boat tour offers a great way to spend the day with friends and family. You can dolphin watch, hop on an island, collect shells, watch the sunset and party.
  • Marvel at beautiful marine life: The nonprofit Clearwater Marine Aquarium supports the rescue, rehabilitation and care of marine animals like sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, otters and pelicans. You can interact, feed and take photos with the wildlife.

Plan Your Move With David McCarthy Moving

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