| St. Petersburg is responsible for the "Sun" in "Suncoast," the term often applied the Tampa Bay area and its beaches. The city by the Bay averages 361 days of sunshine per year making it one of the brightest areas in the state. St Petersburg is located in the southeastern portion of Pinellas County and remains one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the state. A mild climate, successful business community, access to quality schools, health care and colleges make St. Petersburg a highly desirable community in which to reside, work and play. Often referred to as the gateway to the beaches, St. Petersburg, long known for its reputation as a haven for retirees is shedding its image of yesteryear. Up until the eighties, locals referred to downtown St. Petersburg as the "city of the newly wed and walking dead," an obvious reference to the town's general population which consisted largely of couples on their honeymoons and vast numbers of elderly retirees. "God's waiting room" was also a popular local term often applied the area. The downtown area was a hub of activity during the day, a ghost town at night, reflective of the elderly population's early-to-bed, early-to-rise philosophy. Old but grand hotels constructed in the early part of the century catered to wealthy northerners spending their winters here. The few condominiums and private homes functioning as vacation rentals were often empty during summer months and occupied through the winter months. It was not uncommon for a single block to sport numerous hotels, apartment buildings and private rooms in homes for rent by the day, week or month. Shuffleboard dominated as the favorite pastime and such clubs were prevalent throughout the area. Octogenarians played checkers in Williams Park on a daily basis beginning at sunrise. The eighties changed all that as the city saw the last major downtown department store close its doors, creating a void. While the St. Petersburg Pier offered tourists and residents alike memorable fishing experiences, the area soon became a plight. It wasn't until the late eighties when the city experienced a reconstructive renaissance. Developers and investors began purchasing the old hotels, apartment buildings and homes, converting them into condominiums, vacation rentals and investment properties. The strategy worked. New businesses began to appear, attracting a younger clientele. Job growth spurred an influx of investors remodeling older real estate. The population increased and visitors and businesses alike took note. Today St. Petersburg is a hub of activity. The skyline is a mix of high-rise condominiums and business towers. Several of the condo towers provide for a most refined lifestyle, offering upscale accommodations and unmatched amenities such as valet parking, concierge services and private security. Many of the units double as vacation rentals and provide spectacular views overlooking both the city and Tampa Bay. The sophistication and affluence of the downtown area are not limited to its accommodations. Baywalk, a $40 million open-air entertainment complex serves as the anchor draw in St. Petersburg. The architectural delight features an impressive array of restaurants, upscale boutiques and unique businesses and services. It is here where one may purchase anything from designer clothing to million dollar yachts. Recreational activities and events are numerous. The city hosts the annual Festival of States and parade, the St. Petersburg Grand Prix and multiple outdoor concert series throughout the year. Major league baseball, six museums and a saltwater aquarium await visitors and are located within walking distance of downtown. Whether its culture, entertainment or a worry-free vacation one seeks, St. Petersburg can accommodate. The St. Petersburg-Clearwater airport is just minutes from downtown and with CondoCompany.com, the Internet's leading portal of information regarding condominiums, vacation rentals and investment properties, one can look forward to unmatched lifestyles and vacation memories that will last a lifetime. Regardless one's lifestyles, preference or budget, CondoCompany.com can locate your perfect accommodations or lodgings. |
