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Get to Know St. Petersburg, FL- Your EZ Home Search Moving Guide

In St Petersburg, FL, the so-called “Sunshine City” of the Sunshine State, palm trees rustle in Gulf breezes, dolphins frolic in the bay, and everyday life feels like a permanent vacation. But it’s a thriving city, not a vacation town! Residents have a well-rounded lifestyle on the central Gulf Coast. Not only do you gain access to beautiful beaches, but it’s affordable with a diverse job market, excellent schools, and a treasure trove of cultural attractions like its iconic Pier and the Dali Museum.

Anyone moving to St. Petersburg should get ready to dive into an array of delightful adventures in this truly unique and sun-drenched paradise. Our guide includes information about the city, like its history and how to get around, as well as bucket-list attractions to check out once you’re settled. Soak in these tips and tidbits of living in St. Pete.

About St. Petersburg, FL

If you look closely at Florida on a map, on the central Gulf Coast, you’ll see a small peninsula that helps form Tampa Bay. St. Petersburg is at the southern end of that peninsula. This is an eclectic modern city with roots going back to the pre-colonial era when Native Americans flourished fishing the abundant waters.

The city’s name comes from a Russian immigrant who purchased land and founded a town he named after his birthplace. It’s worn many hats over the years. Early immigrants started with farms, primarily citrus crops. The city expanded as a railroad hub, and the wealthy turned it into a resort town. The city became a major training center during World War II. The invention of air conditioning led to an influx of retirees looking for affordable but fun places to spend their golden years. That earned St. Petersburg the moniker “God’s Waiting Room.” But don’t worry; today, the average resident age is 44, showing it’s welcoming to all age ranges.

Artists moved in, attracted by the laid back vibe, the inexpensive real estate, and the encouraging creative culture to express themselves. You can see their presence all over town with the dozens of murals, public art installations, and ten-plus museums.

Today, locals just refer to the city as “St. Pete.” It’s become a top place for the LGBTQ+ community to live and has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI).

It’s surprisingly affordable in St. Petersburg

Florida’s reputation as an inexpensive place to live is changing. The high interest in living in the warmer south and near the waterfront has increased prices. So how does St. Petersburg, a city with a waterfront on three sides, stack up?

Pleasantly affordable, all things considered! It aligns with nationwide averages and is about 3% less expensive than Florida. Locals do pay a little more for groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous costs but realize some cost savings in housing and transportation.

These savings aren’t dramatic, with the median home price only 3% below average. But with housing being the largest expenditure in most budgets, that does add up. It’s also worth noting that housing prices vary significantly across St. Petersburg, with inland neighborhoods posting lower median prices than the waterfront areas. Check out the character of St. Petersburg’s top neighborhoods.

Getting around St. Petersburg

Most people own cars to move around St. Petersburg, which is probably why the roadways are so congested. The city’s status as a peninsula city doesn’t help, as east-west and even north-south travel are limited to a few bridges. So when the iconic Sunshine Skyway or Gandy Blvd bridge backs up, it trickles across St. Petersburg roadways. Rush hours can be particularly bad.

I-275 is the major north-south highway connecting St. Petersburg to Bradenton and Tampa across the Bay. 34th Street runs parallel to I-275 and can serve as an alternative route. I-275 includes the beautiful Sunshine Skyway, one of the world’s largest suspension bridges, spans the mouth of Tampa Bay and connects St. Petersburg to Manatee County.

For east-west travel, Alt. 19 is the major road linking downtown St. Petersburg to the bridges and barrier island beaches.

Otherwise, most of St. Petersburg is laid out in a grid pattern, with some exceptions in specific neighborhoods.

If you want to ditch the car, your best bet is to live closer to the downtown areas or on the beaches, as vintage trolleys and buses run more frequent routes around town. Downtown is also one of the more walkable communities in St. Petersburg.

Can you find a job in St. Petersburg?

St. Petersburg’s job market is booming and is projected to grow even more in the next decade. Plus, the city is committed to reducing equity gaps in the workforce. Forbes has ranked it a top city for young professionals, and Business Journal had it one of the top ten cities for relocating tech workers.

You’ll be in good company with Fortune 500 companies like Raymond James Financial and Jabil calling St. Pete home. But they’re not the only top employers in town. Find great careers with HSN, Ceridian, NOAA, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Leading industries include data analytics, financial services, creative art and design, marine sciences, and manufacturing.

Education options

The Pinellas County School District runs the city’s public schools. Based on the Florida reporting system, the quality is mixed. The local middle and high schools offer comprehensive academic programs, extracurricular activities, specialized programs like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and magnet programs. Charter schools are an option in Pinellas County.

For your higher education, the institutions include the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP), St. Petersburg College (SPC), Eckerd College, and the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. These institutions offer various undergraduate and graduate degree programs, professional development courses, and continuing education opportunities.

Sweat it out in St. Petersburg

You’re moving to Florida, so the subtropical climate shouldn’t surprise you. The average annual temperature sits at 76F. The location along so much waterfront brings warm and humid summers, mild and dry winters, and the occasional threat of hurricanes. Afternoon thunderstorms are also frequent, relieving the heat and adding to the tropical ambiance.

But St. Petersburg sees an enormous amount of sunshine. Back in the 1960s, it set the world record for most consecutive sunny days. Residents bask in an average of 248 days of sunshine a year.

Beautiful beaches

Find a slice of sandy paradise along St. Petersburg’s award-winning beaches. That’s not an exaggeration, as it’s been listed on Dr. Beach’s annual rankings and has been the best beach in the US on TripAdvisor!

While not technically in the city limits, they’re close enough to feel part of St. Petersburg. Offshore, you can camp at Fort De Soto and explore the eclectic Pass-A-Grille Beach, award-winning St. Pete Beach, and Treasure Island.

Spanning over 1,100 acres, Fort De Soto Park is a natural treasure and was named America’s Best Beach in 2005. The several pristine beaches include North Beach, East Beach, and the historic fort area. With its tranquil atmosphere, undisturbed dunes, and abundant wildlife, Fort De Soto Park is a favorite spot for nature lovers, picnickers, and beachcombers.

Pass-a-Grille Beach offers a quiet and laid-back escape. This charming beach exudes old Florida charm with its historic beachfront houses, quaint shops, and charming downtown area. It’s perfect for long walks along the shore, sunbathing, and breathtaking Gulf views.

St. Pete Beach is a haven for beach lovers with its soft, sugary-white sand, clear turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets. The beach is lined by resorts, restaurants, and beachfront bars, providing a vibrant atmosphere for relaxation and fun.

Just north of St. Pete Beach lies Treasure Island Beach, a hidden gem with miles of sandy coastline. This family-friendly beach offers a relaxed ambiance and ample parking. Treasure Island Beach is perfect for swimming, beach volleyball, and romantic walks along the shore.

The St. Petersburg bucket list

It’s hard to pick just a few key attractions in a place as eclectic and cool as St. Petersburg. But maybe that’s part of the mystery, as you’ll be delighted as you discover its secrets.

Still, there are a few attractions St. Petersburg is known for. To feel like a local, check them out.

Start with the world-famous Salvador Dalí Museum. The surreal wonderland houses the most extensive Dalí artwork collection outside of Spain. Even if you’re not into art, you’ll enjoy the day exploring the mind-bending works of the renowned artist, including his famous melting clocks and optical illusions.

The St. Pete Pier has long served as a waterfront destination. Currently on its third iteration, visitors have stunning bay views along its geometric pathways. But it’s not just a fishing pier. This is a fun place to shop, eat, and play. At the Pier are the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, waterfront restaurants, and independent retailers. The Pier and its surrounding green space host street fairs and live concerts and have some of the city’s public art installations.

To relax, explore the natural beauty of Fort De Soto Park, whose islands are famous for their pristine beaches and stunning view of the Sunshine Skyway. But it’s not just white sands; the park has nature trails, kayak rentals, and historical sites. Visit the historic fort or take a leisurely bike ride through the park.

If you’re into theater and live performances, catch a show or concert at the Mahaffey Theater, a premier performing arts venue in St. Petersburg. The annual schedule brings Broadway shows, orchestral concerts, comedy acts, and more.

Another cool attraction in St. Petersburg, a trip to Sunken Gardens, is a step back in time. The lush oasis is a former theme park that dates back to 1903. Wander through winding paths, vibrant flower displays, cascading waterfalls, and encounter exotic plants and wildlife.

For baseball fans, the Tampa Bay Rays take the pitch at Tropicana Field near downtown St. Petersburg. It’s fully enclosed and air-conditioned, a true perk in the hot Florida environment.

A haven for the creative

Life in St. Petersburg is dynamic and colorful thanks to its huge arts community and patronage. The city has long been a premier destination for artists and art enthusiasts alike, which has given rise to more than Dali Museum, although it may be its most famous art museum. There’s also the Chihuly Collection, the Morean Arts Center, and Florida CraftArt–but these are just a few of the art-forward attractions!

In truth, St. Petersburg’s range of art museums, galleries, festivals, and public art installations give “art cities” a run for their money. The city has no less than seven art museums that showcase an eclectic mix of artistic styles and mediums. And that doesn’t even include the art galleries, fairs, 600 street murals, or public art displays.

While it has an Arts District– the Warehouse Arts District houses a communal creative and entertainment space– the truth is creative expression surrounds you in St. Petersburg. Conde Nast gave St. Petersburg an entry on its 2022 list of cities with significant art scenes.

St. Petersburg or St. PETSburg?

Looking for the ultimate dog-loving city? Look no further than St. Petersburg, says SmartAsset. With a whopping 134 dog-friendly restaurants, 18 dog-focused retail shops, and the fifth-highest number of pet stores and vet offices per 10,000 establishments, it’s no wonder it ranked among the most dog-friendly cities in the nation!

When it comes to room to roam, your pup can run wild at one of the many dog parks or even enjoy a day at the beach at Fort De Soto Park! Just do your pet a favor and check the weather before you go out, especially in the summer, and never leave your furry friend in the car.

Highly inclusive

Florida’s made political headlines for its different stances over the years. In St. Petersburg, inclusivity is the name of the game. With a thriving LGBTQ+ community and a perfect equality index score for nine years in a row, community members will feel right at home, starting with the resources available at the Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center.

The inclusiveness continues at mega-events. St. Pete Pride is the largest Pride celebration in Florida, but it’s not the community’s only event. Thousands come for Pride events, including Miss St Pete, Queer-E-Okee, and the 5k Pride Run.

Party till dawn

Don’t miss out on experiencing St. Petersburg’s electric nightlife scene. Living here comes with the perk of enjoying stunning sunset views at a beachside bar.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. After sunset, the party’s just getting started in St. Pete. Pick from beachside laid-back tiki bars to lively downtown nightclubs. Dance lovers can choose from famous local spots like Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar and Grill or Jimmy B’s Beach Bar for live music on the beach.

If you’re looking for pubs, popular options include Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Pass-a-Grille Beach, and O’Maddy’s. For those who prefer dancing and cocktails, Ruby’s Elixir, MacDinton’s, and Park & Rec are the perfect go-to spots with live music and amazing drinks.

Moving to St. Petersburg

As you can see, St. Petersburg is a lively city. Even though it’s waterfront, it’s more affordable than many other waterfront Florida cities. Residents thrive with an urban lifestyle that balances a strong economy with a fantastic roster of amenities, like access to genuinely world-class beaches. What could be better? Get to know some of the best places to live in St. Petersburg.