Purpose: Why This Blog about Retirement Living in St Petersburg and Pinellas County, Florida? I want to explain--with specific...
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.
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| 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. 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.
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| 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
