☀️ The Sunshine City — 360 Days/Year
Moving to St. Petersburg, FL
Murals on every block, craft breweries everywhere, and a waterfront that never ends. Tampa Bay's coolest city.
$380K
Median Home
270K
Population
$0
Income Tax
360
Sunny Days
Living in St. Petersburg
St. Pete has transformed from a retiree town into one of Florida's most dynamic cities. The EDGE District, Central Arts District, and Grand Central District are packed with murals, galleries, craft breweries, and independent restaurants. The Dalí Museum is world-famous. The downtown waterfront stretches for miles with parks, marinas, and the new St. Pete Pier. Housing ranges from 1920s bungalows in Old Northeast to new condos downtown. It's more affordable and more walkable than Miami, with better weather than Orlando. Remote workers and young professionals are driving demand.
Top Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Northeast | Historic bungalows, tree-lined | $450K-$900K | Charm seekers, walkability |
| Downtown St. Pete | Urban, condos, nightlife | $350K-$700K | Young professionals |
| Kenwood | Historic, artist community | $300K-$500K | Creatives, investors |
| Shore Acres | Waterfront, mid-century | $400K-$800K | Boaters, families |
| Gulfport | Quirky beach town, artsy | $350K-$550K | Artists, retirees |
| Seminole/Largo | Suburban, affordable, family | $280K-$420K | Budget families |
Pros & Cons of St. Petersburg
✅ Pros
- ✓ 360 days of sunshine (Guinness record)
- ✓ Walkable downtown
- ✓ World-class arts scene
- ✓ No state income tax
- ✓ More affordable than Miami/Tampa
- ✓ Vibrant food & brewery scene
- ✓ Beach access on Gulf + bay
⚠️ Cons
- ✗ Hurricane risk
- ✗ Flood zones in waterfront areas
- ✗ Rising insurance costs
- ✗ Tourist season traffic
- ✗ Limited freeway access
- ✗ Older housing stock = maintenance
Financing in St. Petersburg
- Older homes (pre-1970) may need 4-point inspection for insurance
- Flood insurance required in many areas — check FEMA maps before buying
- Condo financing — many downtown buildings are Fannie-approved
- FHA loans: 3.5% down on qualifying properties
- Homestead exemption — file immediately after closing to save ~$1K/yr