I moved to the West Coast of Florida, specifically St. Petersburg, in 2004 – 21 years ago! I actually grew up on the East Coast, in Palm Beach County, and am a Native Floridian. This gives me a unique perspective to answer questions from people considering buying on either coast about the pros and cons of each area. Thinking of moving to St. Pete in 2025? Here are my Top 6 things you should know.
1. Embrace the summer. The first one is going to feel extra hot. I think it’s true, the old cliche that your blood will thin out down here. St Pete Summers are HOT – but this is the case on either coast, in fact, I found the East Coast to feel hotter (because it’s a little further south). However the rest of the year makes up for it. Mild winters and incredible Fall and Spring temperatures are why so many people are flocking to Florida. And when you go back up north, that thin blood will hit you harder too and you’ll understand why Floridians wear parkas when it dips below 60 degrees!
2. If you want to live on or near the beach, you want Pinellas County NOT Hillsborough County. Contrary to what many northerners seem to think, Tampa does not have beaches. Head to St. Pete and Clearwater for that beach life you seek! Tampa IS on the bay and has some lovely waterfront homes if you’re into the boating life, but minus the sand.
3. You’ll love St Pete if you love historic homes vs. cookie cutter new construction. That’s the biggest difference I see in St. Pete compared to where I grew up in Palm Beach County. Everything here is old and historic and has that artsy charm vs. being 1970’s and newer on the other coast. Now, that’s not to say you won’t find new construction here, people do tear down and build new but we don’t have the grandiose entrances to new construction subdivisions you may find on the East Coast.
4. Yeah, okay we do get hurricanes. Up until the last few years, it was part of my speech to potential buyers on the West Coast that we hadn’t had a major storm in over 30 years. Can’t say that anymore – but the good news it that lowers our statistical changes of another one happening again soon. (My lips to God’s ears, right?) There are natural disasters everywhere and the best thing is to be prepared and insured, just in case. And know your flood zone – every home is in a flood zone but some are at a much higher elevation with much lower risk than others.
5. We are SUPER dog friendly – named one of the most dog friendly cities in America, you can take your dog to so many places in St. Pete. Definitely check out The Dog Bar!
6. We don’t get sea lice! OK – google it. I swear I’m not making this up. Growing up on the East Coast, we had to worry about sea lice, which look and feel like itchy chicken pox on your skin after a day at the beach. They are actually jelly fish larvae that burrow in your skin (GROSS!) and they are rampant on the East Coast. IDK why, but we just don’t seem to get them here. I think I was a mermaid in a past life who loves the water so I’m thankful for that one! I hated those darn things growing up and would be itchy for WEEKS after a beach day. Not to mention, I think we also have calmer swimming water here in the Gulf vs. the East Coast which tends to have a lot more seaweed and big waves on the Atlantic.
Thinking about moving here? Give me a shout!
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