Gulfport Florida Homes

Built primarily to facilitate commerce and carry citrus and other produce from the increasingly productive Pinellas County region to northern markets, the railroad terminated at St. Petersburg. Mr. Hamilton Disston, the town’s original namesake, had, in1884, invested considerable capital into a hotel, a dock, stores and some houses on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay. Mr. Disston believed the area’s beauty would attract tourists if they could travel there by rail. But like many a dream for riches from Florida’s bounty, Mr. Disston’s plans came to naught when the railroad terminated at St. Petersburg, and the town’s name was changed to Bonafacio.

The next name change came when Captain John F. Chase chose Gulfport as the site for a Civil War veterans’ retirement village and called it Veteran City. The town, however, proved to be such an attractive gateway to the Gulf, DeSoto Beach and the beautiful barrier islands, that a trolley line was built to connect Veteran City with St. Petersburg in 1905. The trolley line continued right to the pier in Veteran City and allowed vacationers and day trippers to embark on ferries connecting to the islands.

Finally this role as Gateway to the Gulf came to define the town and in 1910 it was incorporated as the city of Gulfport. Gulfport still retains much of the charm of these earlier times. In a way, it’s a town that never quite got over missing out on the railroad, but that’s the way the residents want it.

Buy Gulfport Florida Home

Some of Gulfport’s finest attractions center around the water. The Gulfport Beach Waterfront Complex features a beach on the shores of Boca Ciega Bay on St. Petersburg and a 251-foot fishing pier, as well as a children’s playground. Two yacht clubs, the Boca Ciega Yacht Club and the Pasedena Yacht and Country Club, provide excellent marinas for boaters and fishermen. And the historic Gulfport Casino built on the old pier, is a great place to visit for dancing and orchestras. You’ll not find any gambling there—only dancing, sports activities, political events, weddings and other events of community interest.

Gulfport moves to a different, more relaxed beat. Take a walk along the waterfront and visit one of Gulfport’s fine seafood restaurants. Try the “MACADAMIA NUT-CRUSTED FRESH CATCH” at the Backfin Blue restaurant for a meal you won’t forget in an atmosphere that’s typical of the town.

On a morning walk, you will enjoy seeing some of Florida’s colorful birdlike. But visitors never forget, and residents never tire, of seeing the glorious sunset from the new pier, as the bay reflects the flaming crimson and gold hues of the sky.

Residents love the community atmosphere here. Locals who are determined to preserve their history support the Gulfport Historical Society Museum, and the art walk through Gulfport’s galleries on the first Friday of each month is a favorite of all.

With median house prices at less than $160,000, there are still bargains to be had here in Gulfport. There are some delightful condominium developments with good views of Boca Ciega Bay, older and new single-family dwellings, townhouse developments and an increasing number of well-planned communities.

SELL YOUR GULFPORT FL HOME

St. Petersburg hospital and Downtown St. Petersburg, with all the sophistication and commercial structure of a major city, are only four miles from Gulfport.

Gulfport, and the entire Pinellas County area, has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. This region offers diverse opportunities in manufacturing, financial services and the professions, as well as in tourism and the service industries. There is also a strong demand in Pinellas County for skilled and unskilled labor, especially in the construction industry.

Gulfport is part of the Pinellas County school system, with a program that allows students, in consultation with parents and a new school Choice Program, to select a school from any in the county.

With 150,000 students, the Pinellas County School District is the 7th largest in the State of Florida and the 22nd largest in the country. With over 13,000 employees, Pinellas County Schools is also the largest employer in the County. There is a school near Gulfport where your child will thrive.

So if you are looking for a new home in the Central Florida region, contact Rigler Realty. It doesn’t matter if you are looking to retire, or you have a young family and are just starting out. Whether you’re a first homebuyer, a second homebuyer, an investor or are seeking a vacation home. We have the home for you.

It’s called Gulfport.

Let the Rigler team work with you to take all the stress out of buying and selling real estate.

We worry about every detail, so you don’t have to.