Living in St. Petersburg, Florida: Sun, Surf, and the Arts in Sunshine City
Florida St. Petersburg FL
Whether you’re on the hunt for an artsy locale on the coast, vibrant nightlife, sugar-sand beaches, or a walkable city center — St. Petersburg, Florida, has it all. Sunshine City (as it's called) may be known for its mild winters and popularity with seniors retiring in Florida, but there's so much more to this Gulf Coast city. If you’re considering making the move and living in St. Petersburg, Florida, here are 10 things you need to know.
| Planning your move to St. Pete? Start by getting a free moving quote from PODS. |
Living in St. Petersburg, Florida — At a Glance
- St. Petersburg is part of the Tampa Bay area, a tri-city metro region on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in West Central Florida. The other two destinations: Clearwater (just north of St. Petersburg) and Tampa (across the bay). The city of St. Pete is about 62 square miles in size.
- The population of St. Petersburg is estimated at about 263,500 making it the fifth most populated city in Florida. About 80 percent of the city's residents are under 65 years old.
- The weather in St. Petersburg, FL, isn’t for the faint of heart. Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging between the mid 50s and low 70s. But summers are stormy, hot, and humid, with temperatures rising into the 90s. There’s also the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 to November 30.
Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, or in neighboring Clearwater means 35 miles of the best beaches in the country are within easy reach, giving you access to the soft, sugary sand this area is known for.
1. Easy Access To the Gulf
Between St. Petersburg and neighboring Clearwater, you’ll find 35 miles of coastline, with the soft, sugary sand this area is known for. It’s also home to beaches consistently ranked among the best in the world — including Clearwater Beach, named No. 6 in the nation by U.S. News Travel for 2025. Here’s a look at some of our favorite beaches around St. Petersburg, Florida:St. Pete Beach
Sunshine City’s popular St. Pete Beach is ranked No. 7 among Florida’s best by USA Today in 2025. But honors like that are nothing out of the ordinary: This beautiful destination is always making the rounds of best-of lists including TripAdvisor, Dr. Beach, and Condé Nast Traveler.
From the historic Don CeSar to the exciting TradeWinds Island Resorts, there’s no shortage of fun to be found here. St. Petersburg residents are never far from a beach, with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the east — but if you’re looking for a quiet weekend stay within a block of the sandy dunes, any number of the small inns or hotels along St. Pete Beach will work beautifully. There are also plenty of shops, attractions, and restaurants to explore.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach has been named America’s number one beach several times in recent years, and it’s no wonder. The sands are like sugar, and the water is the perfect temperature for swimming, skimboarding, or bodysurfing. Clearwater Beach is lined with amazing on-sand restaurants where you can listen to live music while chowing down on fresh-caught grouper while the sun sets over the Gulf. Dolphin sightings are also relatively common, and beach walks are a must — if you walk far enough north, you’ll actually find yourself at the next beach on our list.
Accessible only by boat, kayak, ferry, or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island is the perfect place to spend your day.
(Source: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater via Facebook)
Caladesi Island
This state park has landed on Dr. Beach’s Top 10 list many times (2024, 2022, 2021, 2019, and 2016) — but locals adore it every year. Accessible only by boat, kayak, ferry, or a long walk north from Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island is the perfect way to spend your day. Once you’re there, you can explore the paddling trail through an extensive mangrove forest, go for a hike, fish, search for shells, or simply enjoy the surf and sun. Visitors have access to on-island concession, along with public restrooms and outdoor showers to rinse off and get changed in once you finish up for the day.
Madeira
This 2.5-mile stretch of sand is a bustling beach, but it’s also home to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, a popular destination with over 100 shops and restaurants. If you’re not in the mood to shop, you can hang around and watch for dolphins off the dock or explore some of the art galleries.
The hustle-and-bustle of popular beaches isn’t for everyone, though. Here are a few quiet spots the locals love:
Indian Shores and Indian Rocks
If you want access to a quiet beach with plenty of food and drink options, Indian Shores and Indian Rocks are your best bets. With 27 beach access points (26 of those being in Indian Rocks), this barrier island coastline is perfect for a quiet day, a magical sunset, and a lively night out at a local restaurant or bar.
Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island is a state park located in Dunedin, just a little north of St. Petersburg. Here you’ll have easy access to more than four miles of beaches, a three-mile hiking trail, and ample fishing, shelling, and bird-watching opportunities. You can even bring the pup along to hang out on the island’s dog beach. Wanna mix it up? No problem! There’s a ferry in the park that’ll take you to nearby Caladesi Island.
Belleair Beach
With Belleair Beach’s 4,500 feet of secluded coastline, you’ll have no problem living it up like a local. You can park at the beach’s access points and follow the dune trails right out to the waves. This beach is also located along residential areas, so you’ll be able to catch a view of some of the nicest beach homes in Tampa Bay.
With a cost of living less than 3 percent above the national average, living in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a steal compared to other major cities.
2. Cost of Living in St. Petersburg, Florida
When it comes to living in the Tampa Bay region, affordability is pretty close to the national average. But there is some variance between the three cities, with St. Pete and Clearwater on just about the same level. The cost of living in St. Petersburg, Florida, is 1.4 percent lower than in Tampa, and it’s exactly the same as Clearwater. Housing, interestingly, is 5.4 percent more expensive in St. Petersburg than in Clearwater.
| Q: Why is Saint Petersburg so cheap? A: Saint Petersburg is one of the cheaper metro areas to live in Florida, with a cost of living only 2.8 percent above the nation’s average. By comparison, Miami’s cost of living is 18.9 percent higher than the national average. St. Pete enjoys the Florida-wide benefit of no state income tax, and with so many beautiful beaches and parks around the area, having fun doesn’t have to cost much! But if you’re asking whether it’s expensive to live in St. Petersburg, FL, you might keep in mind that the cost of living in St. Pete is increasing each year as more people move to the area. |
3. St. Pete’s Housing Market
Plenty of people are moving to Florida, but how is the real estate market? Here’s what you need to know about housing costs when living in St. Petersburg, Florida.
- The city’s average home value is around $359,300.
- That number marks an almost 5 percent increase in the average home value over the last year. Most homes go to pending status within around 26 days of being on the market.
| Q: Is St. Petersburg good for retirees? A: St. Petersburg is a great place for retirees. With just over 21 percent of the population age 65 and older, there’s a large community of retirement-age residents and myriad activities to keep you busy whatever your interests are. From beaches and water activities to state parks and live entertainment, St. Pete residents couldn’t have a bad time if they tried. And thanks to the warm weather and lack of a state income tax, Florida topped the list of best states to retire in 2025. |
4. The Rental Market in St. Pete
About 37 percent of St. Pete residents rent their homes. Despite the fact that the city has a lower cost of living than Tampa, apartments in St. Petersburg, FL, tend to cost a bit more on average. But apartment rents vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, so you’re likely to find something that fits whatever budget you’re working with. Here’s a quick look at the rental market in St. Petersburg, Florida:
- A one-bedroom apartment in St. Petersburg will cost around $2,075 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, on average.
- If you want to live downtown, the same sized apartment will average around $3,250, and in Crescent Lake, you’re looking at an average of around $3,075.
- Some of the most affordable neighborhoods in the city are Greater Pinellas Point and Disston Heights, where the average rent is about $1,500 in both communities.
| Q: What is living in St. Petersburg, Florida, like? A: Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, gives you easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and its beaches — along with all the comforts of city life. In just 10 minutes, locals can walk from the beach in Downtown’s Vinoy Park to the AMC movie theater on Beach Drive. The city is also home to amazing restaurants, performance venues, and world-renowned art museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dalí. Not to mention Tropicana Field, which was home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays until Hurricane Milton ripped the roof off in 2024 (catch the local boys of summer now at Tampa’s George M. Steinbrenner Field). |
If you’re considering where to live in St. Petersburg, FL, the inclusive community of Historic Kenwood is an artist’s haven and a great place to settle down.
(Source: Historic Kenwood Homes for Sale via Facebook)
5. St. Petersburg’s Great Neighborhoods
Before you start living in St. Petersburg, Florida, it’s important to know the neighborhood you’d like to live in. There are so many nice places to live in St. Pete that we couldn’t possibly cover them all, so we’re just going to focus on three of our favorites.Historic Old Northeast
Of St. Petersburg’s neighborhoods, the Old Northeast is one of the most sought-after. Nestled next to the water and within walking distance of downtown, this neighborhood is a treat no matter your age.
The area is quiet, cozy, and home to nearby coffee shops like Black Crow, and just a short distance away, you’ll find downtown and all it has to offer — easy access to Vinoy Park, St. Pete Pier, entertainment and restaurants galore.
Historic Kenwood
If you’re seeking a suburban vibe, Historic Kenwood is one of the best neighborhoods in the city. With an active lifestyle boasting plenty of events, easy access to parks, and a diverse, inclusive community, it’s an artist’s haven and a great place to settle down with your family. And in addition to being a historic neighborhood with beautiful restored and renovated homes, Kenwood is only 2.5 miles from downtown.
Grand Central District
With easy access to the city’s bustling downtown area, this artsy neighborhood is full of life and close to the action, making it a great place for students and young professionals alike. There are even some 55+ communities sprinkled in the area for retirees.
Grand Central District is known as St. Pete’s LGBTQ+ haven. This neighborhood alone has over 450 locally owned, independent businesses, merchants, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and more — including over 150 small LGBTQ+ owned, operated, and ally businesses. The community enjoys daily, weekly, and annual happenings throughout the year. With murals lining the streets and dog-friendly restaurants between them, this vibrant and inclusive community is a great place for anyone to explore.
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Want to explore more neighborhoods in the Tampa Bay area? Check out these posts from the PODS Blog.
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Sunshine City has become one of the top places in the country for workforce recruitment, attracting new residents interested in moving to St. Petersburg, FL.
6. St. Pete’s Job Market
St. Petersburg (along with Tampa) was named one of the best cities for job seekers in 2025. With Fortune 500 companies like Raymond James, HSN, and Jabil nearby, along with a growing list of startups, St. Petersburg has become an important hotspot for workforce recruitment.
The city is also home to Eckerd College, St. Petersburg College, and a satellite campus of the University of South Florida, providing abundant opportunities for jobs in education, but also opportunities upon graduation. Those in the medical field can transition to the workforce via St. Anthony’s Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
| Q: What salary do you need to live comfortably in St. Petersburg, Florida? A: According to the MIT Living Wage calculator, to meet basic needs in St. Petersburg, a family of four with one working adult needs to earn about $86,000 annually before taxes, and a single person without kids needs to make around $50,000 annually before taxes. Start with the 50/30/20 budget rule: 50 percent of your salary should go to your needs like housing and transportation; 30 percent to “wants” like entertainment and hobbies; and 20 percent toward paying off debt, building your savings, or investing. So to live comfortably, a family of four in St. Pete should make about $172,000 annually, and a single person about $100,000. |
7. Transportation and Commuting
Having a car is your best bet in St. Petersburg, but you can get by without one — with some patience. PSTA buses run throughout the city, and the Downtown Looper Trolley is the best option for tooling around downtown. Getting to the beaches and back is also easy with the city’s SunRunner Bus Rapid Transit.
If you don’t live in or near downtown, though, St. Pete is car-reliant. Parking is relatively inexpensive and easy to find throughout the city. The roads also run on a grid system with two major highways (I-75 and I-275) connecting the surrounding areas, so navigation is simple and efficient.
8. Fun Things To Do in St. Petersburg, FL
Why is St. Pete so popular? From catching a beer at Ferg’s to exploring the surreal works at the world-renowned Dalí Museum, there’s never a shortage of fun. Here are a few of our picks for the best things to do in St. Petersburg.
Sports
If you’re a sports fan, you’ve got some fun options. The city is home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, the area’s first professional sports franchise. They play at Al Lang Stadium, a gorgeous waterfront spot that’s perfect for an evening of watching soccer. If you’d rather catch the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium or the Lightning at Amalie Arena, both are just across the bay in Tampa.
And if you’re in the mood to settle in and watch a big game from the comfort of a bar or restaurant, elbow-to-elbow with like-minded fans, take your pick! We like Ferg’s and Engine No. 9.
The best things about living in St. Petersburg, Florida, include Vinoy Park (pictured), a popular spot for activities on land and in the water.
(Source: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater via Facebook)
Outdoors
You know about the beaches, but do you know about all the parks and trails in St. Petersburg and nearby? Here are a few of the most popular ones to visit.
- Vinoy Park
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Weedon Island Preserve
- Sawgrass Lake Park
- Skyway Fishing Pier
- Boca Ciega Millennium State Park
- Poynter Park
If you’d like a bike trail to explore, you can also check out the Pinellas Trail that runs from Tarpon Springs in the north to St. Pete in the south.
| Q: Should I live in Tampa or St. Petersburg? A: That depends on what you’re looking for. Both these cities have bustling food and arts scenes, but if you want easy access to the Gulf Coast beaches, then St. Petersburg is the ticket. If you’d rather explore the hustle and bustle of Channelside and Ybor City, then Tampa is the place to be. Keep in mind that the crime rates are lower in Tampa while the cost of living is lower in St. Pete. So is Tampa or St. Petersburg better? TL;DR: They each come with pros and cons, and it’s essential to weigh them against your personal preferences before making your final decision. |
9. Dining and Restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL
The Tampa Bay area is foodie heaven — and it’s not just about seafood. If you’re willing to drive a bit for luxury, Tampa snagged its first Michelin stars about two years ago, and all three of the honored restaurants are within 30 minutes of downtown St. Pete.But you don’t have to leave St. Pete for amazing cuisine. Dine al fresco at Parkshore Grill, a longtime Beach Drive favorite overlooking Vinoy Park and the Bay (everything’s superb but don’t miss the mussels!). Need a quick bite but don’t want to sacrifice deliciousness? Check out Jay Luigi, a fast-casual downtown destination for tasty Italian dishes.
St. Pete actually takes its food news very seriously, so it’s pretty easy to keep up with the latest. Local publications like Creative Loafing Tampa Bay and I Love The Burg are constantly on the lookout for restaurant openings and events, while St. Pete Foodies offers abundant reviews of local eateries.
And of course, since living in St. Petersburg means sports, long-time beloved haunts like Ferg’s are there to combine tasty treats with your cheers for the local champs. It’s hard to find a better place in St. Pete to catch Lightning, Rays, or Bucs playoff games.
If exploring street art murals and visiting top museums (like The Dalí pictured above) is your jam, moving to St. Petersburg, FL, should be your next step.
(Source: The Dalí Museum via Facebook)
10. The Arts and Culture in St. Petersburg, FL
Whether you want to explore street art murals, visit top museums, or enjoy stellar music and theater, St. Pete is a true destination for the arts. Particularly in the winter months, national bands, Broadway tours, and top-notch comedians make their way to Sunshine City’s many venues, including the Mahaffey Theater, The Palladium, and Jannus Live (standing room only, so be prepared).Local museums are of national caliber — and one of the hallmarks of St. Petersburg. Here are a few local museums that should be on your list:=
- The Dalí Museum
- The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
- The James Museum
- Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement
- The Florida Holocaust Museum (reopening in September 2025 after renovations)
You’ll also find dozens of art galleries — including the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center, The Studio@620, The Factory, and more in this thriving arts scene. And just 15 minutes from downtown, the charming little town of Gulfport hosts local works at the lively Gulfport Art Walk, held the first Friday and third Saturday of every month.
| Q: Is Saint Petersburg, Florida, a good place to live? A: With its proximity to art museums, sports arenas, and concert venues all right next to the Gulf Coast, St. Petersburg is a great place to live. There are plenty of things to do outdoors, and a lot of ways to cool off during the summer months once it starts warming up. |
PODS can make your move to St. Petersburg a flexible one.
Making Your Move To the Sunshine City
Making the decision to move to St. Petersburg is the easy part — getting there is the trick. Luckily, you can make your move flexible with PODS portable moving containers.
Rent a container and have it delivered to your driveway, ready for you to load at your own pace. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered right to your new St. Petersburg home, or you can keep it in a PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it — one month’s storage is included in the cost of every move. Get a custom free local moving quote online or call 877-350-7637 if you’re moving long-distance to Sunshine City.
The Sunshine City is calling your name. Check out the rest of the PODS Blog for more tips on how to get there.
Kat Piccolo is a St. Petersburg-based freelance writer whose only roommate is their cat. A frequent PODS Blog contributor, Kat loves finding ways to make moving into new spaces simple and stress-free. Between yearly apartment hopping, you can find them on the waterfront or experimenting with new ways to make coffee.
Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.
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