St Petersburg OR Wilmington, NC ? (St. Petersburg, University: to rent, insurance, house)

[karenblakley]

My partner and I are looking for a small coastal city with a good hospitals (she's in the medical field) and a University so I can finish my studies. We are looking to rent for the first year or so, but want a house in a safe neighborhood. Has anyone lived in or visited either of these cities? What are pros and cons of each?

[Angel and The Dolphin]

Wilmington is beautiful, but much smaller than St. Petersburg. The weather is better in St. Pete (milder summers and winters) and you're in the middle of one of the largest MSAs in the country. Much more opportunity for you both. St. Pete is large (about 250,000 people) but pretty spread out so if you want to live in the middle of everything you can, or choose more of the suburban areas.

[Mrs. P]

Originally Posted by karenblakley

My partner and I are looking for a small coastal city with a good hospitals (she's in the medical field) and a University so I can finish my studies. We are looking to rent for the first year or so, but want a house in a safe neighborhood. Has anyone lived in or visited either of these cities? What are pros and cons of each?

Wilmington bad traffic.
Wilmington area seems to get hit with hurricanes pretty much as well.
NC State taxes
Personal property tax on your car every year

Wilmington good beaches
Wilmington diverse

[Sunnydee]

Wilmington - smaller city, colder falls, winters, and springs plus a state income tax

St. Pete - bigger city, more traffic, warmer falls, winters, and springs, higher insurance - last time I checked