Guest Post How to Move to St. Pete
How to Move to St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, Florida, has been listed as one of the world’s top 50 places to see and visit. Since 1875, St. Petersburg has always had a “cool” vibe, with its Mediterranean revival buildings, brick-lined streets, and ample green space, it’s no wonder St. Petersburg has been nicknamed “The Sunshine City. ”For decades, St. Pete has been attracting people from up north who are looking to escape the harsh, brutal winters and cloudy climates typical in many parts of the U.S. In the last ten years or so, young professionals and entrepreneurs have begun moving to St. Petersburg in droves. If you’re looking to find a home in St. Petersburg, here’s what you need to know about moving to the Sunshine City.
Enjoy a Low Cost of Living
St. Petersburg is an affordable town, and it’s got one of the lowest cost of living indexes for many of Florida’s coastal cities. The average median rent is below $1000, with the average median household income set at a little over $45,000. The average home in St. Petersburg has a home value of around $145,000, which should give you some indication of the town’s affordability. Compare this to other cities:
Boulder, Colorado is 73% more expensive
Oakland, California is 74% more expensive
San Francisco is 171% more expensive
Another major perk of living in Florida? No state income tax. If you’re relocating long distance to Florida from a higher cost of living state that also nails you with a hefty income tax bill every year, you may be pleasantly surprised to find your dollars stretching further when you move to St. Petersburg.
The Weather
So many people come to St. Petersburg just for the weather alone. They don’t call Florida and St. Pete The Sunshine State and Sunshine City for nothing. The weather in this part of the nation is hard to beat, and St. Petersburg averages 361 days of sunshine every year. Average yearly temperatures will fall between 60 and 85 degrees, and you’ll see palm trees and other tropical plants growing in abundance throughout St. Petersburg.
Residents will also enjoy access to Gulf Coast beaches. Pretty much anywhere in town, you’re about a fifteen to twenty-five-minute drive to the nearest beach. Beaches that sit on the Gulf are some of the most scenic beaches in the U.S. Residents will enjoy the white, soft sand and sparkling, clear-blue water. Nature lovers will also get to enjoy access to a range of natural wonders you can only find in The Sunshine State. St. Petersburg is close to Sawgrass Lake Park, and Weedon Island Nature Preserve. You’ll also enjoy access to tons of places where you can hike, fish, canoe, or picnic.
Arts and Culture in St. Petersburg
Those with an artistic bent will love the eclectic, artsy vibe that St. Petersburg has to offer. You’ll have access to a range of locally owned, small businesses and boutiques, and the city is home to seven distinct art districts. In St. Petersburg, something is going on practically every weekend. There are art and history museums, the Pride festival, and an array of shops, dining experiences, and attractions in the bustling Central District of St. Petersburg.
Sports
If you aren’t into the art scene, St. Petersburg has a robust sports culture. Visit Tropicana Field located right in St. Petersburg, or head on over to Tampa across the bridge. Either way, you’ll see tons of college and professional sporting events.
Dining and Food Culture
St. Petersburg is famous for having some of the tastiest Cuban sandwiches in the U.S. All around the Tampa Bay area, you’ll find a variety of different restaurant destinations that foodies will love to hit up and sample. In St. Petersburg, you’ll have access to a range of food trucks at the Saturday Morning Market, and dining prices, even in downtown St. Petersburg, are reasonable.
Transportation
Most people in St. Petersburg either drive or carpool. The average commute time for St. Petersburg residents is 23 minutes. But the city has a walk score of 40, so it’s not too bad if you’d prefer to make your way on foot. There is some access to public transportation, including the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), which runs 40 bus and trolley lines, and boasts a fleet of over 200 vehicles. Every vehicle is wheelchair accessible.
Prepare for the Move
St. Petersburg is a pretty large city, with over 250,000 residents and a variety of different neighborhoods and suburbs to live in. If it’s possible, it might be a good idea to try and find a short-term rental in St. Petersburg while you search for a house. This will give you a chance to immerse yourself in the St. Petersburg culture fully, and help you make an informed decision regarding which neighborhood to buy a house in. A real estate agent in St. Petersburg can help you find a short-term rental.
Work with an Agent
Why should you work with a Realtor? For one thing, they have access to an extensive listing of properties for sale that you may not be able to access through a regular internet search or the local paper. An agent will also understand the culture of the different St. Pete’s neighborhoods, and what the traffic is like in different areas. They will be able to help you look for a property that’s located in a place that will meet your lifestyle and transportation needs. An agent can also help you coordinate the sale of your previous home with the purchase of your new St. Pete’s property. Before you start contacting professional Florida moving companies, keep these tips in mind while you search for your St. Pete’s dream home.
