St. Pete Beach, Florida
Touristy and Laid Back, St. Pete Beach Boasts Resort Hotels and Beautiful White Sand Beaches with Unspoiled Dunes
This touristy, laid back barrier island community, located along Florida’s central Gulf Coast, became St. Pete Beach in 1994 when it voted to distinguish itself from its mainland neighbor, St. Petersburg, which is just four miles to the east. It markets itself as the Sunset Capital of Florida, and it is known for its miles of dazzling white beaches, unspoiled sand dunes and resort hotels.
The town has four distinct districts, but downtown’s palm-lined Corey Avenue is the most popular with its fresh food markets, spas, cupcake shops, restaurants and monthly sunset celebrations.
The grand, historic Don CeSar Hotel, also known as the “Pink Palace,” faces the Gulf and is an eye-catching landmark. There are white-washed, beachfront condominiums, Mediterranean-style, canal-front homes and inland residences, as well.
The Suntan Arts Center sponsors a waterfront fine arts festival and a community mosaic project. The St. Pete Beach Family Aquatic Center is a year-round heated/chilled facility. The town’s Egan Park has a boat ramp and fishing pier, and Upham Park, which has beach access, is popular with skim boarders.
Population: 9,000
Median Home Price: $610,000
Climate: Summer temperatures are in the 80s and 90s with high humidity levels and frequent rainstorms. Winter temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. On average, the area receives 52 inches of rain per year.
Crime Rate: Meets the national average
Age 45 or Better:Â 64%
Hospital: HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital
Public Transit:Â Yes
Political Leanings: Liberal
Is Florida Retirement Tax-Friendly: Yes
Drawbacks: Hurricane Irma in September, 2017 brought some flooding and wind damage. Another hurricane may strike in the future.