While many think that Florida is for snowbirds and vacationing families, St.Petersburg is slowly becoming one of the America's most popular cities to live and visit.
Once considered God's Waiting Room with an aging population, the new generation of millenials is sticking around and there's a flood of young professionals moving to St.Petersburg. With an average of 361 days of sunshine each year, St.Petersburg is nicknamed the Sunshine City. The city is surrounded by water on three sides making it a great vacation for sailing, fishing or relaxing on the beach.
While St.Petersburg charms vacationers to come back year after year, many are choosing it as a permanent home. Here's why:
Vibrant Arts and Culture
There is no shortage of traditional exhibitions to visit with the glass sculptures at the Chihuly Collection, Salvador Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
However, art is also found on the street with a thriving street mural scene that sends a signal to visitors that St.Petersburg isn't like other cities in Florida. The city is so committed to its outdoor artwork that each September local volunteers host the Shine Festival, which celebrates local artists and welcomes outside artists to participate and engage with the community.
No State Tax
Florida is one of several states with no income tax, which attracts entrepreneurs from all over America. With strong growth and healthy employment opportunities, the younger generation is no longer leaving but staying to work, often in tourism.
Craft Beer
Considered to be one of the best cities in America for craft beer. There's an established craft beer trail with 27 breweries and proud locals are quick to choose their favorite local brew over a Budweiser.
A progressive city hall changed zoning limitations to allow craft breweries to open. Established breweries like Cycle Brewing are welcoming new entries, choosing community over competition, understanding that St.Petersburg could be recognized as one of the best destinations for craft beer.
LGBT Friendly Community
St.Petersburg actively promotes LGBT tourism and has one of the largest Pride Festivals in Florida. The city has a dedicated LGBT Welcome Centre, with a café for tourists as well as a space for LGBT youth to feel comfortable being themselves.
Emerging Food Scene
A new generation of restaurants have flourished in St.Petersburg offering up global street food options like Cuban sandwiches, and modern American cuisine. The food in St.Pete is so good it brings visitors from the neighboring beaches back into downtown simply to eat.
For More on St.Petersburg check out the best St.Petersburg restaurants.
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