For many people, the option of working remotely has opened the door to moving farther from their jobs (either seasonally or for good). Whether you’re ready to hang up your snow shovel permanently or you simply want a change of scenery, choose Largo, FL, as your new home or seasonal hideaway.
Located in Pinellas County, Largo offers the best of both urban and suburban lifestyles. From a wide variety of local restaurants and spacious parks to its proximity to the larger city of St. Petersburg, this town of approximately 84,000 residents is perfect for retirees and young professionals alike. Discover more about this Floridian gem with Safeguard Self Storage!
The History of Largo, FL
Originally inhabited by the Tocobaga tribe, the Largo area was settled and claimed by multiple countries throughout the course of several centuries before being incorporated as a town in 1905. Five years later, the community experienced a population boom of 500% between 1910 and 1930.
The town’s agricultural economy depended on citrus groves, hog farms, and cattle ranches. In fact, its time as a center for citrus packing, canning, and shipping earned Largo the nickname “Citrus City.”
The Largo of Today
Following World War II, Largo experienced an even larger population increase, transforming the agricultural community into a bustling suburban area with extensive neighborhoods and shopping centers. Now, more than a century after its incorporation, Largo has become a well-established bedroom community.
While many of its residents are retired, working members of the Largo community can enjoy an easy commute to the larger cities of Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The industries with the most job growth in Largo include healthcare, law enforcement, and retail. Learn more about Largo’s cost of living, neighborhoods, and more below.
Largo Cost of Living
With an overall cost of living index of 96 (with the highest score being 100, it’s no surprise Largo has been rated as one of the best places to retire in the United States. While Largo’s older population has contributed to a slightly higher cost of living index for healthcare, its low costs for housing and transportation make it a more affordable option than larger nearby cities. The median value of a Largo home is $263,992, and the average monthly cost of rent falls around $1,400.
Largo’s Neighborhoods
As a community with more than a century of history, Largo features a wide variety of dwelling styles, from modest mid-century modern homes to coastal contemporary condominiums. Some of the area’s most prominent neighborhoods include:
- Belle Oak Villas
- Fairway Village
- Palm Hill
- Paradise
- Walsingham Heights
- Water View Estates
- Town & Country
When choosing a future area in Largo to call home, you should take community amenities into consideration. Belle Oak Villas, for example, features two private pools for residents to enjoy. Additionally, the neighborhood is just down the road from several shops and services, including The Haus Coffee Shop, Bro’s Pizzeria & Bar, and more.
Alternatively, Fairway Village offers a private golf course for its residents. Even if golf isn’t your cup of tea, the community is a short drive to Belcher Soccer Complex.
Prefer being near the great outdoors? When you move to Walsingham Heights, you’ll enjoy being around the corner from the Florida Botanical Gardens and Walsingham Park. Unplug, unwind, and relax with a nature walk or picnic!
Depending on which community you live in, your home may fall under one of five Largo ZIP codes:
- 33770
- 33771
- 33773
- 33774
- 33778
Education
The Pinellas County Schools (PCS) district’s administrative headquarters is located in Largo. PCS serves more than 104,000 students in the Pinellas County area through 140 schools and centers. Largo is home to several of these schools, including:
- Fuguitt Elementary School
- Mildred Helms Elementary School
- Largo High School
- Pinellas Park High School
- Pinellas Preparatory Academy
- Plato Academy Largo
- Plato Academy Seminole
- Ridgecrest Elementary School
- Walsingham Elementary School
In addition to primary and secondary schools, Schiller International University’s campus is also located in Largo. The private, for-profit university was established in 1964 as a program designed for American students studying abroad in West Germany.
Transportation
While walking to convenience shops or nature trails is fairly easy in Largo, the town is still relatively car-dependent. You can also take advantage of Largo’s public transportation system, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Feel like getting a workout while you explore the community? There are extensive bike trails throughout the area you can enjoy.
Things to Do Around Largo
There’s never a shortage of things to do in or nearby Largo. Have some little ones who need to burn off energy? Take them out for a day of fun and sun at the Splash Harbour Water Park in neighboring Indian Rocks Beach, or bounce down to Clearwater’s Sky Zone trampoline park.
For some slower-paced activities, you can always stroll the paths around McGough Nature Park or comb through Largo Public Library’s endless treasure trove of books. You can also take a look at the library’s calendar for fun activities, classes, and more.
Want to connect with your neighbors? The Largo Community Center is brimming with opportunities to meet new friends through special events, programs, and chances to volunteer. Older residents can also enjoy social clubs, trips, and afternoon games of bingo.
Other things to enjoy in Largo, FL, include:
After burning off energy exploring the town, reward yourself with some local Largo fare. Grab a bite at Roosterfish Grill, go outside your comfort zone with some tastes of Thailand at Veggie Thai Cafe, or beat the heat with an ice cream cone from Twistee Treat Largo.
Make Space for Your New Life in Largo, FL, with Safeguard Self Storage
Whether you’re a longtime Largo resident downsizing for retirement or you need a secure place to store all your belongings while you finalize the sale of your old house, convenient storage can be hard to come by during any transition.
With Safeguard Self Storage on Walsingham Road in Largo, you can make your move easier with an affordable, accessible storage unit. Our state-of-the-art storage facility provides a wide variety of unit sizes for all kinds of needs, from a 5x5 unit to keep your golf gear tucked away to a 12x45 outdoor parking space for your car, boat, or RV.
Additionally, while you may enjoy Largo’s balmy weather, your wooden furniture, vinyl records, and other temperature- and humidity-sensitive items don’t. Minimize the chance of your belongings warping, cracking, or melting in the Florida heat with one of Safeguard’s climate-controlled units! Other convenient features we offer include:
Chat with our storage experts on Walsingham Road in person, or rent or reserve your unit online today to take advantage of web-only discounts and special offers!