Area Information
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida. St. Pete, as its fondly called by residents, sits on a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Gulf and the wide Tampa Bay. Thanks to year-round sunshine and warm weather, the city attracted a large population of retirees in the 1950s and 1960s. Seniors still live in St. Petersburg, but the revitalized downtown, active nightlife and developing art and cultural scene are proof that the city has succeeded in drawing a younger crowd. Once known for having the world's largest shuffleboard club, St. Pete now attracts kiteboarders, paddle boarders and craft beer-lovers.
St. Petersburg's new vibe is partially due to the The Dali Museum, which opened on the waterfront downtown in 2011 and features the work of artist Salvador Dali. The museum is known for its stunning, 75-foot-tall glass entryway with a spiral staircase. Other culture venues in town include several theaters, the Florida Holocaust Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
The city is also blessed with some of Florida's best beaches, including Fort DeSoto Park, which was named the best beach in America in 2005 by 'Dr. Beach,' Dr. Stephen Leatherman, Director of the Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University.
Bicycling is popular activity in St. Pete. One of the longest and best-rated bike paths in Florida begins in downtown and is often used by bike commuters. Called the Pinellas Trail, the path follows an old rail line for 38 miles north to Tarpon Springs.
Many people live in St. Pete and work in Tampa, which is about a 30-minute drive away using one of two roadways, Routes 92 or 93. Unfortunately, the region has a reputation for traffic-clogged streets, so rush-hour commutes can run 45-60 minutes from city to city.
Renting in St. Petersburg
Apartments for rent in St. Peterburg can be found in more than 100 diverse neighborhoods, including several historic districts. The average rental price in St. Pete is a bit lower than the national average and comparable to rents across the bay in Tampa.
St. Petersburg sports
- Tampa Bay Rays: Tampa's Major League Baseball team plays in Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
- Spring Training: Six Major League Baseball teams hold spring training camps in the area. The New York Yankees, a team popular with many St. Pete residents, practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The home base of Tampa's National Football League team is across the bay at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium.
- NHL Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa's National Hockey League team plays in the Amalie Arena in Tampa.
- The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: A major three-day racing event held every spring.
