Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason. St. Petersburg actually holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine at 768 days straight back in the late 1960s. That said, our summers are hot and humid. Average temperatures are around 90°F, but with high humidity, it often feels much hotter. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest likelihood of storms from August to October. Winters are mild compared to the rest of the country and you can expect temperatures in the 60s and 70s most days, but don't be fooled, we do get cold fronts. Tampa Bay sees chilly mornings in the 40s and 50s during winter months, so if you're relocating from up north, you'll probably still think it's paradise, but pack a light jacket for those cooler evenings.

Though they're just a bridge apart, Tampa and St. Pete have very different personalities. Tampa has more of a big-city vibe. It's a major business hub with a fast-paced, urban feel. It's home to professional sports teams, a diverse economy, and lots of suburban options for families. If you want that metropolitan energy with more job opportunities, Tampa's your pick.

St. Pete has more of a laid-back, beachy vibe. It's known for its arts scene, walkable downtown, and coastal lifestyle. Because it sits right on the Gulf of Mexico, it's the better choice if living close to the beach is a top priority. If you picture yourself grabbing coffee, walking to a farmers market, and hitting the beach on a Tuesday afternoon, St. Pete might be more your speed.

Both options have their advantages depending on what matters most to you.

With new construction, everything is brand new—roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, appliances—so you're not inheriting anyone else's deferred maintenance. You'll typically get modern layouts, energy-efficient features, and builder warranties. The trade-off? New construction communities are often still developing, so you may be living around active construction for a few years while the neighborhood fills in and infrastructure like shops, restaurants, and schools catch up.

Resale homes tend to have more character and are usually located in established neighborhoods with mature landscaping, developed amenities, and a real sense of community from day one. The key is doing your homework. You'll want to verify the age and condition of the big-ticket items: roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical panel. These systems have limited lifespans, and replacing them can get expensive fast. A thorough home inspection is non-negotiable.

Bottom line: new construction offers peace of mind on systems but requires patience as the area develops. Resale offers charm and established communities but requires due diligence on what's been maintained..

Homeowners insurance in Florida works a little differently than most states, and it’s one of those things that’s way easier when you understand it upfront. Insurance companies here care less about the house itself and more about risk factors. The big ones are roof age and type, location, wind exposure, flood zone, and how well the home is built to handle storms. Two houses with the same price can have wildly different insurance costs based on those details alone.