What is St. Petersburg like? (Miami, Tampa: renting, condominiums, townhouse)

[MisnSoFL]

I have lived in the West Palm-Ft. Lauderdale area for 8 years. I have been living in the Richmond, VA area (due to job) for the past 2 years and I hate it here. Husband and I plan on moving back to FL as soon as we can.

South Florida, while our first love, seems too pricey and overcrowded now. I would like to check out the St. Petersburg area. We are in our 30s, no kids yet. Seems like there is a lot to do in St. Pete. How similar is St. Pete compared to SE FL? What is diversity and race relations like in comparison? We enjoy different cultures (I am multiethnic and like many races, not just black/white like here in Richmond). Would you say that it is similar in things to do (such as cultural activities, museums, parks, beach activities, nightlife, dancing, sporting events, etc.)?

Thanks!

[INeedAChange]

From my observations, it's a bit more walkable in some parts that SE FL. A lot of the housing is old, and some areas are poorly lit. Much (or most?) of the black community seems to be south of Central Ave., north of that is mainly white with some Asians and other minorities as well. Tampa seems more diverse overall.

Originally Posted by MisnSoFL

I have lived in the West Palm-Ft. Lauderdale area for 8 years. I have been living in the Richmond, VA area (due to job) for the past 2 years and I hate it here. Husband and I plan on moving back to FL as soon as we can.

South Florida, while our first love, seems too pricey and overcrowded now. I would like to check out the St. Petersburg area. We are in our 30s, no kids yet. Seems like there is a lot to do in St. Pete. How similar is St. Pete compared to SE FL? What is diversity and race relations like in comparison? We enjoy different cultures. Would you say that it is similar in things to do (such as cultural activities, museums, parks, beach activities, nightlife, sporting events, etc.)?

Thanks!

[spainbrit]

St Pete is a lovely place to live, its perfect for museums, new ones being built too, including one for that famous glass artist, whose name escapes me just now
I love the area, it's got waterfronts, parks, farmers markets, open gallery nights, first friday events, concerts and shakespeare in the park events, antiques alleys, so much
Plus gracious southern style homes in the Old North east, all of which is walkable to downtown under shady walkways.
I'd go for it if you have the choice and if you have the $$s to buy in those two last places, then you can afford St Pete. Let me know if I can help.

[Eastern Roamer]

I live in St. Pete now. I like it much more than Tampa and the Tampa Bay area is less seasonal than SE Florida. Sure, we have snow-birds too, but more people live here year-round the Ft. Laudeeda and Miami.

I was actually considering moving to Richmond (among other ideas). Old NE St. Pete looks much like The Fan district there but is more diverse. 30 something with no kids... you'll fit right in, there's plenty of stuff to do. Why do you dislike Richmond so much?

[MisnSoFL]

Thanks to those who have posted so far... St Pete is just sounding more and more desireable...I look forward to visting there very soon!

To Eastern Roamer- There are so many reasons why I dislike Richmond. I could go on forever. There is a long thread by "Patsfan" in the Richmond forum. He is amazing...he has literally said throughout his posts everything that I dislike about the place. If you would like to check out the thread, here is the link: http://www.city-data.com/forum/richm...t-my-mind.html Also, here is a post from someone who recently moved to Richmond from south FL:
http://www.city-data.com/forum/richm...-richmond.html

Richmond is just so different. The people are so different. Very conservative, not very friendly at all. Very cliquish- it is like so many of them have never moved from the area so they stay with who they know and do not warmly welcome strangers into their circle. I usually can make friends pretty easily, but not here. I joined a women's group in the area to meet others and the group is made up of women experiencing the same thing as I am...and none of them are from Richmond!

Richmond is not a very progressive city and there is very little to do! If you are a history/Civil War buff then you may be happy. It is just so different from south FL, and what it sounds like, St Pete. I just cannot make this place my home no matter how hard I try. But you never know...maybe you will like it.

[Alphaman]

St Pete is a very nice city, lots to do, walkable downtown, beaches and barrier islands close by, what more can you ask for.

And you even have Tampa close by for a double whammy of things to do.

[INeedAChange]

for what reasons, if you don't mind my asking

Originally Posted by Eastern Roamer

I live in St. Pete now. I like it much more than Tampa

[SunKrist]

It sounds like you will like St. Petersburg a lot. It's very diverse culturally. People from all over the country and world live here. Nightlife is decent (for those who are into that). Very artsy, as well. More family-friendly than a lot of other cities near Tampa Bay, though. Many historic areas with older homes. I was born and raised here. The downtown area has improved greatly in the past 10 years, if you don't mind the condominiums they're putting up. Much more walkable, as I think someone else mentioned, than Tampa or Clearwater. I feel much safer.

[GOWENS]

I am currently living in Wilmington North Carolina and I cannot stand it here. I relocated from Jupiter Florida 2 years ago next month and it has been the worst move of my entire life. I have been reserching the Tampa St. Pete area and it appears very livable. If anyone wants to advise I would like to hear your remarks.

[ejamilosa]

Originally Posted by MisnSoFL

I have lived in the West Palm-Ft. Lauderdale area for 8 years. I have been living in the Richmond, VA area (due to job) for the past 2 years and I hate it here. Husband and I plan on moving back to FL as soon as we can.

South Florida, while our first love, seems too pricey and overcrowded now. I would like to check out the St. Petersburg area. We are in our 30s, no kids yet. Seems like there is a lot to do in St. Pete. How similar is St. Pete compared to SE FL? What is diversity and race relations like in comparison? We enjoy different cultures (I am multiethnic and like many races, not just black/white like here in Richmond). Would you say that it is similar in things to do (such as cultural activities, museums, parks, beach activities, nightlife, dancing, sporting events, etc.)?

Thanks!

HI . I think you will love St. Petersburg. more laid back, plenty to offer
quaint downtown, farmer's market, great beaches, Ft. Desoto,
Rays Baseball, Bayfront Cultural, Dali , the PIer and more.
less traffic and congestion. very multi cultural. we are also renting our townhouse available July 1. very near oriental strip ( good food and shopping). good hospitals nearby.
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Evelyn