Seven Reasons to Own a Snowbird Home in Pinellas County

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When I purchased my condo in Pinellas County, Florida last January, I intended to be a snowbird. I planned to the spend spring, summer, and fall in Pennsylvania and the winter in Florida.

Needless to say, I fell in love with Pinellas County and decided to move here full time. But for nearly one million other Florida snowbirds, the Sunshine State is the perfect place to escape the cold winter months.

We asked Century 21 Beggins Enterprises Realtor, Heather Stotts, why snowbirds flock to Pinellas County. She shared with us these top seven reasons:

1. Accessible Beaches

Between Cleawater Beach, St Pete Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, Gulfport, and Dunedin’s Honeymoon Island, there are no shortage of beaches in Pinellas County. Most beaches offer free parking with public access points. Nearly all of these beaches are located near shopping centers and eateries and walkable to home.

2. Unlimited Outdoor Activities

Put away those coats and shovels, put on your bathing suit, and soak up that Vitamin D (just remember to use sunscreen)! Pinellas County offers endless outdoor activities. Favorites include jet skiing, boating, parasailing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, sailing, biking, running, walking around the adorable shopping towns. Restaurants and bars also have outdoor seating options year round.

3. Entertainment and Attractions

Pinellas County offers year-round festivals, parades, and community events. There is never a weekend that isn’t jam-packed with fun things to do. There is a weekly farmer’s in nearly every downtown district (ex: Dunedin, Gulfport, St Pete Beach) and once or twice per month, these towns also host art walks. As for festivals, there are too many to count – sculpting, Christmas boat parades, French fry festivals, sweet potato fry festivals, Jewish festivals, Italian festivals, Greek Festivals, and many many more! The annual LGBT festival schedule includes St Pete Pride, Come Out St Pete, and the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF), which is more often than not located in downtown St. Petersburg. Snowbirds can also enjoy weekly burlesque shows, music, art classes at the Morean Arts Institute, and monthly art gallery openings.

4. Low cost of living

Pinellas County has some of the least expensive beaches in Florida, making it an affordable snowbird destination. With the exception of gas, groceries, and car insurance, nearly every other Florida living expense is reasonably inexpensive. When compared to the cost of living in Massachusetts, Washington, DC., Canada, and New York, rent is cheaper, homes are cheaper, dining out is cheaper, drinks are cheaper, and vehicles are cheaper. Not to mention that there are thrift stores on nearly every corner of Pinellas County filled to the brim with like-new items at dirt-cheap prices.

5. Sports Teams

If you like sports, look no further than Pinellas County and the greater Tampa region! We are home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightening, Phillies Training Camps in Clearwater, Tampa Bay Rays, and even a handful of LGBT sports leagues, including softball and kickball.

6. No state tax!

If you hate paying more than your share of taxes, then you are in luck! Florida doesn’t charge state taxes. So save those pennies, and invest them in Florida property!

7. LGBT friendly community

Pinellas County is one of the most LGBT-inclusive communities around the country. The county boasts one of the largest LGBT populations in the state and is home to several large LGBT organizations, like METRO Wellness Community Centers, EPIC, and TIGLFF. Gulfport, Florida – a Pinellas County hidden gem – is known as the “Provincetown of the South” due to it’s LGBT-focused community. The quaint artsy town is nationally known for its LGBT Resource Center at the Gulfport Library. The library has won several awards for it’s outreach work in the community and the LGBT-focused activities and events they host. Pinellas County is also one of 40 Florida counties to have LGBTQ non-discrimination protections.

Ready to invest in a snowbird property? Contact Heather Stotts today!

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Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

View All Post By Rachel Covello