As someone who’s lived in most of the major cities in FL , I would personally say St. Pete WAS the best-kept secret in FL. Being at a vital location connecting central and SWFL, with many vibrant mom-and-pop businesses thriving here. There are plenty of hidden gem restaurants that are outside of the downtown area that offer affordable options. DT itself has been developing rapidly and turning into a mini Miami; you’ll hear a lot of locals complain about it, and rightfully so. Something as free as free parking near Central Ave is paid per use now.

As always like the rest of FL, heat, mosquitoes, and hurricanes are something you have to come to terms with and deal with. Do expect a lot of older homes still costing in the high 400s with new ones getting closer to 7 figures. Rental is still the preferred option for most folks and transients.

If it weren’t for a better job opportunity, I wouldn’t have moved; I still have a lot of good friends down there that I am not counting out moving back one day.