Considering Moving to St. Pete or the Tampa Bay Area? Here’s What You Need to Know!

So you're thinking about relocating to Florida, specifically the St. Pete area? Before you unpack your bags and book that flight, there are a few things you definitely need to know. Make sure to stick around until the end of this post for a critical aspect that many are curious about: is St. Pete safe?

The Allure of St. Pete

What makes St. Pete special? It’s got a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. From the vibrant art scene in the Grand Central District to the iconic St. Pete Pier, there's always something exciting happening in this city. You'll never run out of things to do, whether it's indoors in the AC or outdoors in the beautiful sunshine.

I moved to the Tampa Bay area from New Jersey about 11 years ago. I attended the University of Tampa, and I've lived around Tampa Bay ever since—from Tampa to Madeira Beach to St. Petersburg. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about the pros and cons of living in this area, and I’ve also built my real estate team, The No BS Group, based right here in Tampa Bay.

Weather in St. Pete

Let’s kick off with the Florida weather. Sure, vacationers love the Florida heat, and St. Pete is known for having the most days of sunshine in the country—361 days! But the summers here are no joke. We're talking sweltering heat and humidity that'll have you reaching for the nearest air conditioner. However, the sea breeze does keep things a little bit cooler compared to inland areas like Orlando.

One notable point: we haven’t had a direct hit from a Category 3 or higher hurricane since 1921. That’s over 100 years! It’s almost like there’s a protective shield around us. Regardless, it’s good to be over-prepared for hurricanes. Get your sandbags and non-perishables well in advance, and consider investing in a generator to keep your power running during storms.

Wildlife Encounters

Living in Florida means sharing your space with some interesting creatures. From cockroaches to alligators and those infamous mosquitoes, it’s all part of the package. The mosquito situation varies depending on your location, so choose properties that aren’t prone to flooding to minimize their nuisance.

We also have a diverse array of marine life, including dolphins, manatees, colorful fish, sea turtles, and yes, even sharks. While shark encounters are rare and typically non-threatening, always do the stingray shuffle and be mindful of jellyfish when enjoying the water.

Cost of Living and Real Estate

Florida used to be known for its low cost of living, but that has changed recently. The cost of living in Tampa Bay has risen, with inflation consistently higher than the national average. Real estate prices in St. Pete reflect this trend. For example, a decent three-bedroom, two-bathroom home (1,500 to 2,000 square feet) in a good area will cost between $600,000 and $750,000. Starter homes are around $400,000, and new construction or more luxurious homes can go well above a million dollars.

A major plus is that Florida doesn’t have a state income tax, which can be a significant financial benefit. However, home insurance has become a bit of a headache due to natural disasters. Ensuring your home is in good shape with a solid roof and windows will help you secure insurance without too much trouble.

Navigating Traffic and Transportation

Florida’s traffic can be frustrating. The region’s population has been growing rapidly, and this has contributed to more congestion on the roads. Florida drivers are notorious for their lack of patience and poor driving habits. Although there’s been a lot of construction to alleviate traffic, including new toll roads and express lanes, it’s still something to be mindful of.

Public transportation here isn’t like what you’d find in big cities like New York or Chicago. Downtown St. Pete is walkable, and there are plenty of Ubers, electric bikes, and scooters available. The Sunrunner, a revamped public bus system, loops from downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach, often bypassing traffic in its dedicated lane. However, those used to efficient subways and underground trains might find it lacking.

Safety in St. Pete

Is St. Pete safe? While over 90% of Florida communities have a lower crime rate than St. Pete, these numbers can be misleading. In tourist-heavy areas, petty theft is common. Use a crime app to compare crime rates between your current city and St. Pete for a more accurate understanding. From my personal experience living in Tampa, the beaches, and St. Pete, I’ve always felt safe.

Ready to Move?

If you’re thinking about making a move to St. Pete or the Tampa Bay area, and you want to explore and understand different neighborhoods, reach out to me and my team at Team@TheNoBSGroup.com. We'd love to be your local guides. Living in St. Pete offers an incredible quality of life and a healthier lifestyle that’s hard to beat.

If you found this post helpful and want to learn more, be sure to check out our YouTube channel @TheNoBSRealtor or follow us on IG & TikTok @NoBSRealtor