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Safety Harbor, FL

Frequently asked questions

Safety Harbor, FL

Safety Harbor is a city on the west shore of Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It was settled in 1823 and incorporated in 1917. The population was 17,072 at the 2020 census.

The city is located on the west side of Safety Harbor, a waterway connected to Tampa Bay.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.1 square miles (13 km²), of which 4.9 square miles (13 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) (2.57%) is water.

The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age. In June 2008, a 6,000-year-old spearhead was found at Marshall Street Park. The inhabitants of the area at the time of Spanish exploration were the Tocobaga people, who lived in villages around Tampa Bay. The adaptation of this culture relied on wild resources. Safety Harbor sites have yielded pottery, and artifacts of copper, shell, and stone. The Tocobaga were known for constructing various ceremonial and communal mounds to bury the dead. Most of these mounds were destroyed in the early 1900s due to development. However, one of these ceremonial mounds is still visible in Safety Harbor's Phillippe Park (see photo). Shells found in these mounds were used to pave city streets.

In 1528 Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez landed in the area, followed by Hernando de Soto in 1539. Safety Harbor (formerly known as Worth's Harbor and Green Springs) was first homesteaded by Count Odet Philippe, a French nobleman who is credited with introducing the grapefruit to Florida in 1823. The name Safety Harbor originated in the early 18th century when pirates were a substantial influence in the area. Once ships reached this area of the bay, all threats from pirates were gone, and it was commonly referred to as a "Safe Harbor".

Health and wellness are integral to the lifestyle of Safety Harbor residents. The city offers a range of amenities and activities to support a healthy way of life. The Safety Harbor Spa and Resort, renowned for its spa treatments and wellness programs, stands as a testament to the city's dedication to promoting well-being. Safety Harbor, committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle, provides access to quality healthcare facilities. The city is home to the Mease Countryside Hospital, ensuring that residents have reliable medical services. LA Fitness offers a variety of fitness equipment, group fitness classes, personal training services, and amenities like pools and saunas. 24-Hour Fitness is providing a range of fitness equipment, group exercise classes, personal training options, and amenities such as steam rooms and whirlpools. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to its facilities, a variety of workout equipment, personal training services, and virtual classes. Planet Fitness is known for its affordable membership options and offering cardio and strength equipment, group fitness classes, and a judgment-free atmosphere.

Top Sites in Safety Harbor, FL: Syd Entel Galleries, Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Population: 18,016 (2021). Elevation: 10 feet. ZIP Code: 34695. Area Code: 727. Area: 5.1 square miles (13.2 km²).

FAQs

Is it safe to live in Safety Harbor, FL?

Property crimes are higher than violent crimes. Safety Harbor has a property crime rate of 12.36 incidents per 1,000 residents. The violent crime rate is 1.82 per 1,000 people. While Safety Harbor is not the most crime-free place to live in the U.S., it is safer than other towns.

What is the cost of living in Safety Harbor, FL?

The cost of living in this area is quite reasonable compared to many other areas in the United States, with housing costs being particularly low. According to data from the most recent BestPlaces, Safety Harbor has an average median price of $189,600 for homes—significantly lower than the national average of $231,200. As well as home prices, the overall cost of living in Safety Harbor is slightly lower than that of surrounding cities and more affordable than many places across the country. In addition to being economically friendly, Safety Harbor also offers its residents plenty of amenities and activities, making it a great place to live.

Is it ideal to retire in Safety Harbor, FL?

Florida is a friendly place when it comes to taxes and retirement. The state does not tax Social Security benefits or any other retirement income. When it comes to property taxes, the homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of a home by $50,000, so a residence that is worth $100,000 is only taxed on $50,000. Residents age 65 and older who meet certain income limits may receive an extra homestead exemption of up to $50,000. The average effective property tax rate (the annual tax payment as a percentage of median home value) in Safety Harbor is .90%. The annual taxes on a $500,000 home are approximately $4,500 without a homestead exemption. The combined sales tax rate is 7%.

Sources

City of Safety Harbor

Wikipedia

Great Retirement Sports

Bestplaces

Sinkholemaps

Mease Countryside Hospital

LA Fitness

24-Hour Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness

Syd Entel Galleries

Empower Adventures Tampa Bay

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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