Purpose: Why This Blog about Retirement Living in St Petersburg and Pinellas County, Florida? I want to explain--with specific examp...
Purpose: Why This Blog about Retirement Living in St Petersburg and Pinellas County, Florida?
I want to explain--with specific examples of existing condominium communities--why the greater St. Petersburg area of Pinellas County, Florida is an outstanding choice for retirees. My own decision to move here nine years ago was made after considering dozens of locales in the U. S. However, this blog is not mean to be a travel pitch for the St. Petersburg area. Any cursory search on the internet will find that there’s something here to engage every kind of interest whether boating and fishing in our warm and sparkling waters, cultural and artistic activities, or just being a “beach bum” on some of the finest beaches in the country. Those not familiar with the greater St. Petersburg area may well begin by visiting the following website: http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com
During the last nine years I’ve enjoyed a second career as a professional Realtor focusing on other mature folks as clients. My initial period as a realtor from 2008 through 2012 happened to coincide with the great real estate meltdown. It certainly taught me a lot about the real world—the ups, downs, and potential pitfalls—of Florida residential real estate. I also came to realize what a great choice for active retirees the already existing highly diverse condominium and town home communities in this area offer. Critically important is the fact that most are modestly priced, certainly in comparison to other parts of the country.
Archibald Park at Madeira Beach |
My purpose is to present some important information and personal impressions (based on years of selling them) that might help the reader in reviewing different communities. Already established communities generally are not publicized or even advertised as an entity. Typically when a realtor takes a listing from a resident seeking to sell their unit, the listing concentrates on the individual condominium not the community. The hundreds of over-55 communities in Pinellas County Florida vary widely in price, location, architectural style, age, rules and regulations, and amenities. My purpose is to explore those differences to help a prospective buyer make the right decision. However, this blog is not sponsored by nor is it meant to be a sales pitch for any one community.
Condominiums in general--and especially over-55 communities-- aren’t necessarily the right choice for every retiree. Some people, for example, don't want the age segregation implicit in over 55 communities. I'll suggest some potential pitfalls as well as advantages to consider in community living. If this blog give you an idea of what questions to ask before you buy, I'll consider it a success. While I'll do my best to present accurate information, do keep in mind that real estate conditions can rapidly change. I make no representation as to the absolute or current accuracy of the information or my observations. This bears repeating continuously: If you are considering a purchase, it is absolutely critical that you do your own due diligence as a buyer.
Condomium Towers in downtown St Petersburg |
Finally, I have not tried to include every or even most of the communities in the greater St. Petersburg area or southern Pinellas County. In Pinellas County as a whole there are at least 600 over-55 communities registered with the State of Florida in addition to possibly several hundred additional non age restricted communities. They range from developments in suburban areas to urban high rises to fancy resort-like waterfront buildings. I’m only selecting (at least to begin with) a few dozen of the larger communities and/or those that have come to my attention as offering something unique.
As a realtor, I’d obviously be happy to help you find the right seasonal or full-time residence. So, please feel free to contact me. If you already have your own favorite local agent, by all means use him or her. I do hope this blog will provide some useful information or at least help you to ask the right questions before making your ultimate decision.
Tony Branch
Earnest Realty, Inc
stpetetonybranch@gmail.com