Moving to Florida and looking for a laid-back, artsy waterfront town with real charm? Consider living in Gulfport FL, a quirky community situated along the shores of Boca Ciega Bay, just minutes from St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. Known for its welcoming residents, colorful cottages, and walkable downtown, Gulfport is a small town with a big personality.
Once a fishing village, Gulfport has been known throughout the years to be a haven for artists, boaters, and anyone simply drawn to its creative vibe. Today, Gulfport offers both Florida charm and modern flair, with a strong sense of community, a year-round calendar of events, and easy access to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches.
So, is Gulfport a good place to live? Yes! Between the waterfront views, weekly markets with fresh produce, an active arts scene, and proximity to both urban St. Pete and beachy escapes, life in Gulfport strikes a rare balance. In this guide, we’ll explore why moving to Gulfport is a fantastic choice and what makes this corner of Florida such a great place to call home.
Table of Contents
Is Gulfport a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Gulfport is a good place to live. Residents living in Gulfport FL can enjoy a strong sense of community, oceanfront views, and easy access to both the beach and downtown St. Petersburg.
Where Is Gulfport Florida?
Gulfport Florida is in Pinellas County and is nestled along the Boca Ciega Bay. When living in Gulfport FL, you’ll enjoy easy access to the bordering communities of St. Petersburg and South Pasadena, both offering big-city amenities.
After moving to Gulfport, the best way to get around is by car, but you can also take advantage of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, which provides fixed-route buses throughout the county. Major roadways in the area include Beach Boulevard, Gulfport Boulevard, and Shore Boulevard.
If living in Gulfport FL sounds great to you, then give our Gulfport moving company a call. Our Gulfport movers will get you settled into your new home in no time.
Gulfport Population & Demographics
View this post on Instagram
The population of Gulfport, Florida is 11,783, which is actually a 2% decrease over the past decade. Many residents living in Gulfport FL are enjoying their retirement years, and the median age is 58.2. With a laid-back beachfront lifestyle and easy access to the big city, this should come as no surprise!
Additional Gulfport Demographics:
- Sex ratio: 56% female, 44% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 88% White (7% non-Hispanic), 5% Black or African American, 4% two or more races, 3% Asian, 1% other race
- Educational attainment: 95.4% high school degree (or higher), 39.8% bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Foreign-born population: 8.9%
- Median household income: $68,617 (compared to Florida average of $71,711)
Is living in Gulfport FL safe? Here’s a breakdown of the Gulfport crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,606 crimes per 100,000 people (36% higher than the state average and 14% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 214 crimes per 100,000 people (30% lower than the state average and 41% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 2,392 crimes per 100,000 people (44% higher than the state average and 25% higher than the national average)
Overall, living in Gulfport FL is very safe. As you can see, most of the crime in the city is property crime, which, although frustrating, is not typically a threat to your safety. The Gulfport Police Department helps to manage crime in the city, with four Sergeants and 16 officers on the force.
Gulfport Cost of Living
What is the cost of living in Gulfport FL? Like many other cities in FL, Gulfport has relatively affordable living costs, especially for a beachfront town. The Gulfport Cost of Living Index is 102.8, making it 2.8% more expensive than the national average.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Gulfport FL would need to earn $109,651 per year to live comfortably in the city. This comes out to $9,138 per month.
Typical Gulfport Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $19.00
- Regular cappuccino: $4.77
- Gallon of milk: $4.40
- Loaf of bread: $3.28
- Pound of cheese: $4.65
- Carton of eggs: $4.47
- Gallon of gas: $3.23
- Average Gulfport utilities per month: $259.16
Source: Numbeo*
*These figures are for St. Petersburg, but you can expect similar figures when living in Gulfport FL.
Are you thinking about diving into the housing market when living in Gulfport FL? The Gulfport FL real estate market is abundant, and there’s an option for everyone, whether you’re a Florida first time home buyer or a retiree looking to downsize. According to Redfin, the median home value in Gulfport is $409,500, which is lower than the national average of $440,910.
View this post on Instagram
If you’d rather rent in Gulfport, then you’ll have a few options to choose from, mostly in the form of houses. If you’re looking for large apartment complexes, nearby St. Pete may be a better option. According to Apartments.com, the average rent in Gulfport is $723 a month for a 466-square-foot space.
Neighborhoods in Gulfport FL | Where to Live in Gulfport
Before moving to Gulfport, you’ll want to find the perfect place to settle down. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Gulfport.
Downtown Gulfport | Peaceful Beachfront Neighborhood
Downtown Gulfport is one of the best neighborhoods in the city and is known for its proximity to the Gulfport Beach Recreation Area. Residents living in this area are within walking distance of the beach, fantastic restaurants, and plenty of fun things to do.
Arts District | Trendy Area Great for Young Professionals
If you’re searching for nice neighborhoods when living in Gulfport FL, then the Arts District is a fantastic choice. This area features the Gulfport Art Walk, which showcases dozens of local artists in the area. Here, you’ll find cozy condos, apartments above storefronts, and even a few cozy homes.
Veteran City | Popular Among Families Living in Gulfport FL
Veteran City is a popular choice for families living in Gulfport FL, and features historic homes built from the early 1900s to the early 2000s. The homes in this area are large, single-family homes with spacious yards, many of which sell for over $1 million.
Gulfport FL Weather & Climate
View this post on Instagram
The beautiful weather is one of the best parts about living in Gulfport FL. The Gulfport climate is characterized as humid subtropical, which means the area has long, hot summers and cool to mild winters. Let’s take a look at a few important Gulfport climate statistics.
- Average annual rainfall: 52 inches
- Average Gulfport temperature: 56ºF to 89ºF
- Average sunny days: 245
When living in Gulfport FL, you will be at risk of severe weather, including hurricanes. In 2024, both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton struck the Gulfport area. Prior to this, however, the last time a hurricane directly struck the area was in 1946.
Things to Do in Gulfport FL
When living in Gulfport FL, you’ll find plenty of great things to do. From the shops lining Beach Boulevard to live music on Williams Pier to events like the Gulfport Art Walk on the first Friday and third Saturday of the month, Gulfport offers plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. And on rainy days, you can head out of town and explore indoor activities like all of the fantastic St. Petersburg museums.
These are the best things to do in Gulfport.
Clam Bayou Nature Park
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Gulfport with kids, then check out the Clam Bayou Nature Park. Here, you’ll find nature paths, waterfront views, and an abundance of wildlife.
29th Ave S & Miriam St S, Gulfport, FL 33711, (727) 893-7441
Gulfport Beach
When living in Gulfport FL, visiting Gulfport Beach is a must. This waterfront locale offers a sandy beach, picnic tables, and sand sports, making it one of the best spots in the city.
Gulfport History Museum
Learn more about the history of your new city when living in Gulfport FL, and head to this small-but-mighty museum.
5301 28th Ave S, Gulfport, FL 33707, (727) 201-8687
Additional Gulfport Attractions
Still aren’t sure what to do in Gulfport FL? Check out the city event calendar to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and activities.
Gulfport Restaurants
Residents living in Gulfport FL enjoy easy access to some of the best food in the region. Being so close to the water, it’s no surprise that the area serves up some fantastic seafood. But you’ll also find an array of other types of cuisine, such as Italian, Mediterranean, and Mexican. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Gulfport.
O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille
If you’re craving seafood with a waterfront view, then head to O’Maddy’s, one of the best restaurants in Gulfport.
5405 Shore Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, (727) 323-8643
The Wine House + BBQ
View this post on Instagram
When living in Gulfport FL, you can’t skip out on The Wine House + BBQ. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of incredible wines as well as soups, sandwiches, and smoked meats.
2913 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, (727) 256-0228
Pia’s Trattoria
If you’re craving Italian, then stop by Pia’s Trattoria for antipasti, salads, pasta, and more.
3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, FL 33707, (727) 327-2190
Gulfport Jobs
Will you be exploring the job market when living in Gulfport FL? There are plenty of job opportunities in Gulfport, mostly in the tourism and hospitality industries. The Law School of Stetson University is also located in Gulfport and is a major employer in the area.
If you are interested in commuting, then the top employers in Pinellas County include:
- Publix: 7,641 employees
- Walmart: 4,809 employees
- Raymond James & Associates: 4,541 employees
- All Children’s Health Systems: 3,767 employees
- Morton F Plant Hospital: 3,196 employees
According to Payscale, the average salary in the St. Pete/Gulfport area is $73,000.
If you’ll be searching for jobs when living in Gulfport, then check out the city job board or search for ‘Gulfport jobs’ on Indeed.
Schools in Gulfport Florida
Families living in Gulfport FL, with children are lucky to enjoy high-quality education options. Public education for students in the area is provided by Pinellas County Schools. This Gulfport school district includes two schools within the city: Boca Ciega High School and Gulfport Elementary School. Gulfport Elementary was the first Montessori school in Pinellas County.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re in search of private schools when moving to Gulfport, there are a few options to choose from. While there are no private schools in Gulfport, nearby options include Cathedral School of St. Jude and Elim Junior Academy.
For higher education, St. Petersburg College has multiple campuses around the county.
Gulfport Statistics & Information
- County: Pinellas County
- Gulfport area: 3.87 square miles
- Gulfport zip code: 33707, 33711, 33737
- Gulfport area code: 727
- Gulfport elevation: 16 feet
- Gulfport time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Gulfport: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), 15.9 miles away
Map of Gulfport FL
Is Moving to Gulfport Right for You?
Is living in Gulfport FL right for you? Gulfport offers something for everyone, from gorgeous beaches to a lively art scene to luxury shopping. If moving to Gulfport is in your future, then give the Gulfport FL movers at 2 College Brothers a call! To get started with a free quote, call (813) 922-1528 today.
