For years, people from New England and other Northeast states who wanted to move to Florida tended to concentrate on Florida’s East Coast. But today, more of these same people are discovering the Gulf Coast – and the West Coast’s urban jewel, St. Petersburg.

Known affectionately as “St. Pete,” the city offers something many communities struggle to find: the energy of a vibrant downtown combined with the relaxed atmosphere of waterfront Florida living.

St. Petersburg is a place where you can spend the morning at an art museum, enjoy lunch overlooking Tampa Bay, catch a Tampa Bay Rays game in the afternoon, and finish the day watching the sun disappear into the Gulf of Mexico.

A Downtown That Never Stands Still

Unlike many Florida communities that revolve around seasonal tourism, downtown St. Petersburg is active throughout the year.

Beach Drive has become one of Florida’s premier waterfront districts, lined with restaurants, sidewalk cafés, boutiques, galleries, and luxury condos. The city’s beautiful waterfront parks stretch for miles and provide walking and biking trails, marinas, shady green spaces, and spectacular views across Tampa Bay.

It is a place where you can leave the car at home and spend the entire day exploring downtown on foot.

One of Florida’s Great Arts Cities

St. Petersburg has quietly built one of the finest arts communities in the Southeast. It is home to the world-famous Dalí Museum, featuring the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s work outside Spain. Nearby are the Chihuly Collection, the Museum of Fine Arts, dozens of galleries, and the colorful murals that have transformed entire neighborhoods into outdoor art exhibits.

The city’s annual calendar is chock full of events, festivals, concerts, and weekend markets. There is ALWAYS something to do.

Waterfront Living AND City Conveniences

Situated on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the city offers quick access to boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and some of America’s best beaches. The  white sands of Fort De Soto Park and a number of award-winning beaches are close by.

But unlike many beach towns, St. Petersburg also offers major hospitals, shopping, higher education, professional sports, and a thriving business community.

A Strong Sense of Neighborhood

Although St. Pete is one of Florida’s larger cities, it feels more like a collection of individual neighborhoods:

• Historic Old Northeast features tree-lined brick streets and beautiful early twentieth-century homes.
• Kenwood is known for its arts community and historic bungalows.
• Snell Isle offers luxury waterfront living, while neighborhoods farther north provide newer homes, condominiums, and active adult communities.

Most of the people who move here are able to find a neighborhood that fits both their lifestyle and their budget.

An Excellent Choice for Retirees

Many retirees are drawn to St. Petersburg because it offers far more than warm weather. It has outstanding medical facilities, an active calendar of community events, continuing education opportunities, golf courses, marinas, parks, volunteer organizations, and countless clubs where newcomers can make friends.

Its walkability and year-round outdoor lifestyle make it easy to stay active.

Easy Access to Everything Tampa Bay Offers

Living in St. Petersburg also means enjoying the many other advantages that Tampa Bay region offers:

• Downtown Tampa is a short drive across the bay.
• Tampa International Airport is consistently ranked among America’s best airports.
• Professional football, hockey, baseball, world-class healthcare, universities, and major cultural events are all within easy reach.

Is St. Petersburg Right for You?

St. Petersburg isn’t the least expensive community in the Tampa Bay area, and some neighborhoods command premium prices. But many buyers believe the combination of lifestyle, waterfront beauty, culture, and amenities makes it one of Florida’s best values.

Searching for a place where you can enjoy warm weather, stay active, experience a rich cultural life, and still wake up every morning surrounded by water? St. Petersburg deserves a serious look.