In addition to being located in the Sunshine State, St. Petersburg is also a top city for higher education. Schools in the city include Eckerd College, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, and Stetson University College of Law. Thousands of graduates stay in the area after graduation. The city's high educational level and reputation make it a desirable place to live, work, and start a business.
After World War II, St. Petersburg became a retirement town for retirees. Hundreds of families flooded the area and built a residential hotel downtown. These new developments included a municipal marina, a main library, and a waterfront arena, known as the Bayfront Center. The Museum of Fine Arts has also remained in the city. In addition to housing for retirees, the city is home to many African Americans, including members of the military and their families.
The city is located in Pinellas County, Florida. The metropolitan statistical area is the second largest in Florida. The most comfortable months to live in St. Petersburg are April, March, and November. The most uncomfortably hot months are July and August. The weather in St. Petersburg can be hot, humid, and windy at times. Residents enjoy outdoor activities in beautiful weather and enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment venues.
The city extends a warm welcome to the LGBTQ+ community. It is home to the largest collection of Salvador Dali's work outside of Spain. The Chihuly Collection is another popular attraction in St. Pete, and it showcases mind-boggling glasswork. While downtown St. Pete may be bustling, it has plenty of room to grow. With over 265,000 residents and 100 distinct neighborhoods, St. Pete is the fastest growing city in the country and continues to attract new residents and businesses.