The city of St. Petersburg ranks as one of the top places to live and work in the country. Its lively downtown is home to independently owned businesses, murals, museums, and art galleries. With a Walk Score of 90.9, downtown St. Petersburg is among the nation’s most walkable neighborhoods. And, with ample outdoor space, beautiful weather (average temperature of 73.7 degrees), and progressive Pet-Friendly Business Program, St. Petersburg is a dog lover’s heaven.

St. Petersburg was designated as Florida’s first green city because of its programs dedicated to water conservation, tree planting, recycling, fuel-efficient technology, and more. In early 2017, the city completely transitioned to using clean and renewable energy. In addition, the city is home to more than 250,000 trees, earning it a “Tree City USA” designation by the Arbor Day Foundation.

Facts about St. Petersburg

In an article titled, A New Age for St. Pete, FL, “Millennials are being drawn to St. Pete’s affordable cost of living and outdoor recreational opportunities, while businesses benefit from the area’s transportation options and access to a skilled workforce provided by five institutions of higher learning.” (https://www.areadevelopment.com/ContributedContent/Q4-2017/new-age-for-St-Pete-FL.shtml) Listed in the article are the following facts:

• The median age in St. Pete has dropped to 41.8 with a total population of 268,768.
• The city’s cost of living is also below the national average, making it one of the most affordable mid-sized cities to live in the Southeast. St. Pete is characterized by 260 miles of waterfront property, but there’s much more to discover when you explore the neighborhoods that make the city special. From brick streets and quaint bungalows to urban rooftop gardens, St. Pete offers a vibe, and price range, for everyone. The median sales price for a single-family home is $206,500, and $145,000 for a condo or townhome (Pinellas Realtor Organization, October 2016). Several historic neighborhoods surround downtown with brick, tree-lined streets meeting Craftsman-style homes, well-loved gardens, and welcoming porches. Its historic, small-scale neighborhoods balance the big-city pleasures.
• St. Pete encourages its residents to go outside and explore. With 137 parks and seven miles of preserved downtown waterfront, the city boasts the third-largest urban waterfront park system in North America — not to mention, the Pinellas Trail, a 37-mile hiking and biking trail that is the longest urban linear trail in the eastern United States.
• Cyclists and pedestrians in Pinellas County also enjoy more than 950 miles of bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use trails. The city has a strong commitment to further growth of St. Pete as a walkable city with safe cycling conditions. Coast Bikes, a bike share program, recently launched bringing more than 300 rentable bikes to St. Pete’s downtown corridor.
• There are five institutions of higher learning located within city limits that fuel a young, skilled workforce and attract talent to St. Pete from around the nation. The University of South Florida St. Petersburg and USF College of Marine Sciences, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg College, Stetson University College of Law and Pinellas Technical Education Center. Students often fall in love with the area and decide to stay, bringing fresh energy and expertise to a variety of industries.
• Two international airports serve St. Pete: Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a 25-minute scenic drive that connects travelers to major hubs in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) provides nonstop flights to regional airports around the U.S., and two destinations in Canada. Even closer to home is the Albert Whitted airport, located a few blocks south of downtown. Here, you’ll find private charters and rentals, and a commercial St. Pete – Ft. Lauderdale flight.
• The culture has shifted. In 2017, Travel + Leisure told their readers to “Skip Miami, Try St. Pete” mainly due to its budding arts and culinary scene. Some often compare St. Pete to Miami many years ago, when it was charming, authentic, and gritty.
• Home to seven arts districts and counting, each arts district has distinctive character and boasts museums, galleries, studios, and thriving businesses. SHINE Mural Festival brings national and international artists to the city each year to transform public walls into life-size works of art. Monthly outdoor markets with local makers and artisans, showcasing handmade goods, vintage apparel, and furniture, give residents an opportunity to support local businesses. Culinary trendsetters collaborate with museums, and local galleries host underground art shows and pop-up markets. Art is part of the fabric of St. Pete’s community.

Bottom Line: Named the Sunshine City, St. Petersburg offers some of the best beaches in the county, a strong job market, affordable living and amazing weather. Its growth rate is strong and consistent ranging from 0.53% to 1.72%, adding around 1,295 to 4,490 people each year to the overall population.

Related Links:
Culture Continues Fueling Ascension of St. Petersburg, Florida
Living in St. Petersburg, FL: A Complete Guide | Common

St. Petersburg Communities
Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one and are thinking of selling, talk to The Mesimer Team.