Is Palmetto, Florida A Good Place To Live?

Gary Evans
by Gary Evans

Palmetto is a city bathed in the Florida sun, bordered by gorgeous waters, and steeped in history. It’s the kind of city that can be described as picturesque even while emphasizing different aspects of it.

The city of Palmetto certainly has no shortage of attractive locales, but is there more to it than that? Should you consider moving to the city if you’re looking for a long-term home? Well, there are certainly compelling reasons to make living in the city a permanent arrangement.

As noted above, Palmetto is a beautiful city with a rich history worth getting to know. Beyond that, the strong outlook for its economy and the low cost of living also make staying there an attractive proposition. However, the high crime rates that have plagued the city for a long time cannot be ignored.

Palmetto, Florida definitely deserves some serious consideration if you’re looking for a new hometown. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of living in Palmetto, Florida by reading on.

Do You Need to Hire Movers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

Why Is Palmetto a Good Place to Live?

Florida cities bring a lot to the table in terms of being fun places to live in. That holds true with Palmetto as well.

Here in this section, we’ll discuss the different reasons why living in Palmetto can turn out to be a fantastic decision. Check them out and see if your interest level will be piqued.

Water Recreation

For a lot of folks, nothing beats being out on or even just near the water. Whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, or taking part in any other activity close to the water, they just cannot get enough.

One thing’s for sure, you can get your fill of fun near the water if you decide to live in Palmetto. Swimming, surfing, and snorkeling are all great options to consider, but there are more activities to try.

You can also rent out a speedboat and take to the water that way. If you’re looking for something more relaxed, book a trip on a sailing yacht and see the coastline. Dolphin sighting is another fun activity that many folks in the city absolutely adore.

Living near the ocean is an experience unlike any other. Familiarize yourself with that experience by purchasing a new home in Palmetto, Florida.

Palmetto Historic District

Natural beauty is probably Palmetto’s biggest selling point, but you cannot ignore its historical significance as well. Palmetto has been a hub for business along the Florida coastline dating back to the 1800s. You can get a sense of how active the city was even as early as then by touring the historic district.

Palmetto’s historic district is full of beautifully designed established that have stood for numerous decades. Marvel at the architecture and peer at the style sensibilities of an era long past. Take a closer look at some of the buildings in the district and learn more about the city’s history.

You can also pay a visit to Palmetto Historical Park to find out more about the area. Spend an afternoon there and gain a greater appreciation for how the city has grown.

Strong Economy

Pay attention to the job market in any city you’re planning to move to because it’s a big deal. You can never be too cautious when it comes to your employment. If something goes wrong with your current job, it’s nice to know that there are other opportunities available in your city.

Right now, the outlook for Palmetto’s economy is looking very promising. That becomes evident as soon as you take a look at the unemployment rate.

The unemployment rate for the country is at 6 percent. In Palmetto, that drops down to 4.4 percent. It’s not just the current job market that is looking promising. Long-term prospects for the city’s economy are arguably even more exciting.

Projected job growth for the entire country over the next decade is 34 percent. Palmetto is projected to do way better than that at a little over 45 percent.

You can expect big things from the job market in Palmetto over the coming years. Those who work in the construction and accommodation industries are among the ones who figure to benefit greatly from the expansion. Consider moving to Palmetto if you have experience in those fields as well.

Low Cost of Living

One more positive aspect of becoming a Palmetto citizen is the generally low cost of living there. You may find that some of your bills there are more affordable especially if you’re moving from a different Florida locale.

We’ll get deeper into the cost of living expenses in Palmetto a bit later in the article. Just know that daily living expenses won’t stop you from moving to Palmetto.

What Are the Pitfalls of Living in Palmetto?

Of course, living in Palmetto is not just sunshine and rainbows – although you do get a lot of both. There are also some downsides to the city that must be recognized. Let’s go over what some of those downsides are in the section below.

High Crime Rates

Crime is a major concern for all Palmetto residents and there is simply no getting around that. You must be cognizant of that fact before deciding if moving there is what you want.

According to Neighborhood Scout, the city of Palmetto is safer than only 13 percent of U.S. cities. That’s a pretty low number and it speaks to the level of risk that accompanies living in the city. The property crime rate for Palmetto is at 25.68 per 1,000 residents, according to Neighborhood Scout. If you’re looking for the violent crime rate, that stands at 5.67 per 1,000 residents.

Should the crime rates discourage you from moving to Palmetto? That will be up to you to decide. Securing your home adequately must be a priority if you end up deciding to move there.

Inconsistent Quality of Public Schools

The quality of public schools in Palmetto is also worth talking about if we’re discussing the downsides of living there. The public schools in the city are not all bad.

You can actually find public schools in the area that have received rave reviews. The real problem is that those good schools are not present throughout the city. Sure, there are places served by well-regarded public schools, but you have to seek them out. Unless you were accounting for the schools right from the start, there’s no guarantee you’ll end up in a good district.

The lack of high-quality public schools throughout the city can be a deal-breaker for some parents. You should know about that as well if you’re planning to move there together with your children.

What Is the Cost of Living in Palmetto?

Cost of living is an important consideration for many families on the move. Not everyone may be able to afford buying a new home and taking on all the expenses in their new city.

Take the time to find out what the living expenses in Palmetto are. The bullet points below contain the details you will need:

  • Housing – The median cost of a new home in Palmetto is $222,000. That is a bit lower than the median cost for the rest of Florida, which stands at $237,000. You should be able to find a reasonably priced home while touring through the city.
  • Utilities – Utility bills are about 6 percent cheaper in Palmetto compared to the rest of the state. You will be able to save some money there. Going out more during the summer will help you keep your utility bills under control.
  • Groceries – Expect to pay a bit more for groceries in Palmetto relative to other locales in Florida. The price increase amounts to about 2 percent. That price increase can pile up in the long run so watch out for that.
  • Transportation – You may be surprised to learn that transportation-related expenses in Florida are on the high side. The good news is that Palmetto is an exception to that. Cut down even further on those transportation-related expenses by walking to your destination whenever possible.

Do You Need to Hire Movers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.


Related Questions

What Are the Major Florida Cities Located Close to Palmetto?

Palmetto is also a good place to live if you have a job in certain Florida cities. The cost of living in some major Florida cities could be too pricey for you. In that case, living in Palmetto can help you cut down on expenses while still holding down your job.Living in Palmetto is viable even if your job is based in Sarasota. The drive from Palmetto to Sarasota takes about 20 to 25 minutes assuming normal traffic. You should be able to handle that easily even if it’s your daily commute.If you’re driving from Palmetto to Tampa, that will take more time. You’re looking at about a 45-minute drive in that scenario. It’s still workable for a daily commute, but it is more taxing on the body.


What Are the Top Food Options in Palmetto?

As you’ve probably guessed, many of the top restaurants in Palmetto serve seafood. You should definitely try some chef’s recommendations while you’re spending a day along the riverfront.Dining out every now and then is highly recommended. Apart from the good food, you’ll also get the chance to indulge in the gorgeous scenery presented by Palmetto.

Related Articles

Gary Evans
Gary Evans

Gary Evans is passionate about home improvement. He loves finding out how to make improvements in the easiest, most practical, and most affordable ways. Upgrading his home kitchen is one of his ongoing hobbies. Gary is also a long-time content creator and enjoys spending his free time tending to his hydroponic vegetable garden.

More by Gary Evans

Next