BrandonSt. Pete is a top place to live. The Sunshine City continues to shine. From the comforts of home to the bustling city streets, St. Pete never ceases to amaze. Adding another feather to its cap, St. Pete has recently been crowned the best place to live in Florida among small to mid-sized cities. This distinction comes courtesy of Livability.com, a site that has a keen eye for spotlighting the best places to live across the U.S.
Focusing on cities that boast a population between 75,000 and 500,000, Livability.com collaborated with Applied Geographic Solutions, diving deep into data. St. Pete, sitting comfortably within this population range, emerged triumphant, outshining many contenders. You can read their report here. With an impressive score of 756 out of 1,000, it edged out close competitors like Alfaya and Fort Lauderdale, with Orlando also making the list.
Riviera Bay is a neighborhood located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Nestled between Weedon Island Preserve and Gandy Boulevard, Riviera Bay offers residents a unique blend of Florida living. Here’s a brief overview of the area:
St. Pete is a top place to live
- Location & Landscape: Riviera Bay is a waterfront community primarily characterized by its numerous canals and proximity to the open waters of Tampa Bay. This setup provides many of its residents with direct water access from their backyards, making it an ideal location for boating enthusiasts.
- Homes: The majority of the homes in Riviera Bay were built in the 1960s and 1970s. They range from modest single-story homes to more expansive two-story houses. Due to the waterfront nature of many of these properties, homes in the area can command higher prices compared to some other neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.
- Amenities: Riviera Bay boasts several parks and green spaces. One of the notable parks in the vicinity is the Rio Vista Park, which has a playground, tennis courts, and a boat ramp. The neighborhood also has its own homeowners’ association which works to maintain the community’s aesthetics and organize local events.
- Proximity to Attractions: The neighborhood’s close proximity to Weedon Island Preserve offers residents a chance to explore nature trails, kayak, and learn about the region’s history at the Cultural and Natural History Center. Additionally, its location near Gandy Boulevard provides easy access to both downtown St. Petersburg and Tampa.
- Community Spirit: Riviera Bay has a reputation for being a tight-knit community. Residents often engage in neighborhood activities, and there’s a sense of shared pride in the area’s natural beauty and serene environment. Neighborhood festivities includes golf cart parades, boat parades, food truck nights and more!
Like many neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, Riviera Bay offers a mix of tranquil waterfront living while still being close to the urban amenities and vibrant culture of the city. This is why St. Pete is a top place to live.
The criteria that makes St. Petersburg a top place to live? A melange of affordability, career prospects, overall happiness, and more. St. Pete’s standout features include an enviable work-life balance, affordable housing options, perfect inclusivity ratings, robust transportation links, and a booming business environment.
But what truly sets St. Pete apart? A myriad of special events and festivals! Residents and visitors alike revel in over 1,000 annual events, from the high-speed thrills of the Firestone Grand Prix to the vibrant energy of Florida’s largest Pride celebration and tributes to legends like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Not to be overlooked, St. Pete’s recreational spots are unparalleled. Fancy a game at the historic shuffleboard and lawn bowling complex? Or maybe a jog along the 45-mile Pinellas Trail? And if you’re a nature lover, the 244 miles of picturesque shoreline, from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, will leave you spellbound.
Dining and entertainment? St. Pete’s downtown waterfront is teeming with a myriad of eateries and bars. The cherry on top? A free Looper Trolley that zips you to the city’s prime attractions.
Art enthusiasts, too, find a haven in St. Pete. The city is a canvas painted with vibrant hues of culture, from the Second Saturday ArtWalks showcasing local talent to the surreal beauty of the Salvador Dalí Museum.
In conclusion, whether it’s the natural vistas, the cultural immersion, or the thriving urban life, St. Pete truly offers a slice of paradise for everyone. Another day in this city is indeed another day in paradise. This is why St. Pete is a top place to live.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in St. Petersburg, FL
What is the weather like in St. Petersburg?
St. Pete has a sunny disposition! The city has a humid, subtropical climate with hot, humid summers, mild, dry winters and plenty of sunshine. The average highs and lows are 90°F and 76°F (summer) and 71°F and 56°F (winter).
Does St. Petersburg get a lot of snow?
The average annual snowfall in St. Petersburg is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during the winter months, snowfall is extremely rare. This is why St. Pete is a top place to live.
Does St. Petersburg get a lot of rain?
The average annual rainfall in St. Petersburg is 51 inches, with the highest averages in July and August.
How many sunny days does St. Petersburg get?
St. Petersburg averages 361 sunny days a year.
What are some things to do outside in St. Petersburg?
Go birdwatching at Boca Ciega Millennium Park, home to at least 175 species, in addition to boardwalks and an observation tower.
Things To Do in St. Petersburg, FL
What makes St. Petersburg special? This is why St. Pete is a top place to live.
At the century-old Sunken Gardens, visitors are greeted by a white cockatoo that says, “Hey, baby!” The botanical gardens are teeming with more than 50,000 tropical plants and birds.
What are some fun things to do with kids in St. Petersburg?
Spend an afternoon having hands-on fun with little ones at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum. Then, make your way over to the Morean Arts Center to view the Chihuly Collection. Whimsical glass sculptures of flowers, fauna and funky-colored shapes will delight the entire family.
Where should you take a date in St. Petersburg?
If you’re feeling fancy, head to Flute & Dram, a caviar and champagne bar with live music. This is why St. Pete is a top place to live.
What is the best coffee shop in St. Petersburg?
Bandit Coffee Co. is a locally owned cafe and coffee roaster that sources many of its goods from local Florida farmers. There’s intentionally no wifi here, but it’s a chance to have a meet-cute or get to know your neighbors. This is why St. Pete is a top place to live.
The Local and State Economy in St. Petersburg, FL
What are the three largest industries in St. Petersburg?
Major growth industries in the St. Petersburg area include tourism and hospitality, financial services and technology. Raymond James Financial and the Home Shopping Network each have headquarters in St. Petersburg.
What is the sales tax rate in St. Petersburg?
In 2023, the sales tax rate in St. Petersburg is 7%.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No, Florida does not have a state income tax.
Who are the major health care providers in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg has several top health care providers that offer high-quality medical care to the community, including St. Anthony’s Hospital, Bayfront Health and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, which is nationally ranked in four specialties.
What colleges and universities are in St. Petersburg?
There are several colleges and universities in St. Petersburg, including the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg College and Eckerd College.
Quick Facts About St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to diverse amenities and a strong economy. It outranked other Florida cities on the list. Learn more about St. Petersburg and read our top reasons to move to Florida. One great way to learn about a city is to visit before you move there.
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