I might just move to St. Petersburg!

Jessica P.

@JESSPONOklahoma City, Oklahoma, États-Unis

I might just move to St. Petersburg!

I'd never heard of St. Petersburg, but 2 nights ago I had a dream and woke up to this name. I've been reading all the information I can since. I would pack up and move this week, but I am an elementary school teacher and already signed my contract in Oklahoma. I don't want to abandon the kids. This move would be next summer. It would be me and my wife. My questions are: is it pretty easy to find work? I am a teacher (I teach English as a Second Language) my wife would do anything. We are both bilingual if that helps. Also is St. Petersburg car dependant? We don't really have one so would need to buy one...or two? I was thinking about buying a cheap van and living in a camping, but looking online lots seem to be for people 55 and over. Any advice on affordable living or living in a van at an rv park? Thank you so much!

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Stuart Flores

@xXxSoNiCxXxSt. Petersburg, Florida, United States

You don't need a car in St Pete, if you in the Downtown area, or just St Pete honestly. I might have an idea, but just pm me n we can chat

Lauren W.

@SWNG1GRLPinellas Park, Florida, United States

Depends where you live if you'd need a car, and even then there is public transit (not great but if you are willing to make it work, it will work). Usually plenty of work for teachers but pay is horrible and school systems suck in general. Florida is what.... Like 47 in the nation?

burton S.

@BURTON.SLOTNICKTampa, Floride, États-Unis

I don't agree about the car: I think you need a car if you live anywhere in the Bay area or, for that matter, anywhere in Florida except perhaps Miami. I think that St. Pete has more to offer than does Tampa (tho I live in Tampa) and housing prices there run the gamet depending on how far from the shore line you live. I understand that teacher's pay is low but living costs here are significantly lower than, say, the DC, Philly, or NY areas .. and the weather is better!

Drew Fez M.

@FEZ.MIESTERBradenton, Florida, United States

I I think people generally want a car when it's raining 1/2 theyear in FL. .. or HOT The real question do u likeOklahoma?... It's more sllightly more cosmopolitan cuz it's much more a mix of peoe from n. And s. E. And whatever lol... Good thing.. Lots for a RV generally start around 600 if I frind 1 for rent and that is just a lot.

( S. Side of thebay).... Ur used to much cheeperhoudsing there .. houses sell 1/2 or1/3 the price ..

Idk.... But I miss being able to swim...

Jessica P.

@JESSPONOklahoma City, Oklahoma, États-Unis

I love all this information! Thank you! Oklahoma ranks 50th in teacher pay, so I am use to low pay.... I'm finishing up prereqs to start nursing school. I like the program at University of South Florida in St. Petersburg, but resident tuition is 12,000 and non resident is 34,000. I'm debating taking a loan out and getting started asap or working for 1 year to establish residency... I think I will try to come visit in Dec. That's a great idea and I'm sure would help us understand where we might want to live and how efficient (or inefficient) public transport is. I do like Oklahoma. I lived overseas 10 years (3 different continents) so I love Oklahoma as the place I was raised, but I have been back nearly 4 years and am ready for a new adventure. My wife is from Madrid, Spain and she moved to Oklahoma to meet my family but she doesn't like it. So we will be moving next year for sure.

Dale B.

@dale-boggsDunedin, Floride, États-Unis

As someone from Oklahoma I understand leaving, proud to be “from” Oklahoma. The Bay Area is very expensive compared to Oklahoma. In my small town entry level “affordable” new construction starts at 1/2 million. They rear town affordable and build new condos. St Pete is a great place and no longer for old people. There are laws that affect buyouts of mobile home parks keeping the price low. Your best bet for cheap housing.

Carl P.

@SUNRISE305St. Petersburg, Florida, United States

Tough not having a care here. And it is brutally hot in the summer. Living downtown is nice and maybe somewhat ok without a car but not at all ideal and may not be cheap. No idea about how easy it is to get a job but here are the listings for Pinellas County: https://ats3.searchsoft.net/ats/job_board?APPLICANT_TYPE_ID=00000001&COMPANY_ID=OA002067

Stefanie B.

@4pawsandabicycleSt. Petersburg, Florida, United States

It's positively no problem to live car-free in St. Pete; I have been doing it for about 10 years. Just look for a centrally located home and get a decent bicycle. (Also, get a more-than-decent bicycle lock; St. Pete is super bike-friendly, but the bike thieves know that, therefore bike theft is rampant.) Also, there are a couple of car rental stations in St. Pete; so if you ever find yourself in a situation that requires short-term use of a car, just rent one.

I can't speak to the public transportation system, because in all my years in St. Pete I have never used public transportation with the exception of the seasonal cross-bay ferry service.

Pete rocks, especially if you're arts-minded and/or liberal-minded. It's probably not the best place to be for die-hard GOP supporters (St. Pete is blue), but a great place to be for creatives. The arts community is diverse, multi-faceted, and vibrant.

Joi J.

@JOYRDNTampa, Floride, États-Unis

All good advice given and all good points to consider. Everyone's experience is going to be different. Wherever you go its what you make of it. If you feel strongly I say come here check it out like you intend and then make your decision. It's about being flexible and adaptable and you sound like you and your wife are both. Good luck!

Linda W.

@linda-wohlThe Meadows, Floride, États-Unis

I just stopped working for Pinellas County Schools after 12 years as a school psychologist. The teachers are over worked with lots of paperwork and teaching to the test. Especially in elementary schools. It’s not as bad in the upper levels. It depends if you are in South County schools or not. Or in fundamental schools-discipline problems are less. I live in Sarasota but St. Pete is a hip little town.