It was once thought of as "God's waiting room" due to the number of retirees who flocked here to live, but now St. Petersburg is considered one of the most wonderful places to live, and not just for retirees.

Robert McNulty, president of Partners for Livable Communities says in today's St. Petersburg Times, "St. Petersburg has traditionally been seen as a great community for senior Americans."

"It has now become a great community for all Americans."

With its own Major League Baseball team, cultural exhibits, such as museums, the pier, great restaurants, shopping, enthralling entertainment venues and night life, plus wonderful schools, a spectacular college and a great university, beautiful homes and friendly neighborhoods to live in, it's no wonder that St. Petersburg has earned such a ranking.

Partners for Livable Communities selects cities every 10 years or so for the honor. St. Petersburg will officially receive its award with other mentionable cities on April 20 of this year.

St. Petersburg joins Tampa, ranked No. 12 in most desirable cities to live in, and Largo, ranked No. 4 in best places to retire, in Tampa Bay area cities ranked as great places to live or retire in.

-John Mudd
"Mr. Real Estate"