A possible job transfer to St Pete has me thinking of switching florida coasts. It's either that or retire. Kinda need to keep working a couple more years so. Talk me into it or out of it. Whats it like on the west coast of Fl? Recomend areas to live. About me, its just the queen and i now. Kids are grown and on their own. I like to track my s with Nasa and PBOC. I would really miss having the speedway in town.

 

Well, i've only been here for about a year (in Tampa), but St. Pete is where we go to the nice beaches. The water is usually very warm and not many waves. Not too crowded either at most beaches. I wish i could be of more help but all i know of St. Pete is from the trips to the beach.

 

Thanks for the reply. The beach is what i am most interested in. I live ocean front in Ponce inlet now. Sounds like I am going to miss the surfing.
I put in for the transfer to st pete. I should know in two weeks if i am moving.

 

There are several beach's in this area, Desoto PArks beach's are nice, Clearwater, Anna Maria(in Bradenton) Treasure Island etc. Seveal of these have been in the Top 10 beaches several times also.

 

Do not rule out surfing totaly here...there are times where the surfng is really good. its sparse but it does happen. There are alot of surf shops up and down gulf blvd. Contact them to get in touch with the local community. Mostly in winter, early spring and late fall is where it picks up. But also remember the east coast really is not that far away...as for the areas..id say stay away from clearwater beach to live...its really crowded in spring to late summer. Do your research up and down gulf blvd and st pete. It really depends on your needs and what you want to put up with.

 

*crawls out of woodwork*

I'll be honest... St Pete has a few nice things going for it but overall it's crap. Lot of ghetto areas, housing market is horrible, job market the same... I wouldn't recommend

 

true..but counterpoint...the beaches and DT St Pete are very nice. DT St Pete is very progressive/artsy now and definitely the place to be in St. Pete. Actually, its the only place where the housing market is good.

Also, a note on the surfing...definitely won't be the quality of Ponce Inlet for quality and quantity of waves. Expect to surf only during tropical weather fronts and winter storms.

 

St Pete resident here. I love st pete! Beautiful beaches, great nightlife, culture....this city is great. There are ghettos in every major city..that's just life. St Pete has alot to offer!