St. Pete’s population has surged by 17% in the last five years—one of the fastest growth rates in the South—largely driven by an influx of remote workers and young families relocating from high-cost metros such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. According to new research, 42% of incoming residents are arriving from out-of-state, and major relocation patterns show peaks in late spring and late summer/early fall, timed with lease cycles, job transfers, and school enrollment deadlines.
Insights compiled from
LocalMovers.com reveals that this wave of newcomers has tightened the local rental market, dropping vacancy rates to just 3% and pushing median rents up 14% since 2021. Movers in the region report a 28% rise in requests for home-office relocations and specialized packing for electronics, books, and other high-value items. Weekend and Friday traffic has also climbed 18% near St. Pete’s rental hotspots, increasing coordination challenges for moving crews and local infrastructure alike.
How Cary’s Moving Co. Designs Solutions for a Growing Community
As St. Pete’s welcomes so many new neighbors, Cary’s Moving has tailored its approach to address both the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid growth. The company prioritizes seamless, stress-free service for both in-state and interstate moves. For newcomers, they offer free personalized consultations that align move dates with lease turnovers, traffic forecasts, and school enrollment windows — a service the company reports reduces last-minute stress by up to 41%. Cary’s Moving uses real-time mapping to avoid weekend bottlenecks and identify quiet staging zones for loading and unloading, helping ensure moves do not add to neighborhood congestion. For customers moving into apartments or multi-family buildings, certified crews coordinate directly with property managers for elevator reservations, COI compliance, and reserved dock access — measures that significantly reduce move-in delays.Raising the Standard for Safe, Friendly Moves in St. Pete’s
The company believes moving should be welcoming, safe, and efficient. That philosophy drives complimentary packing materials for first-time St. Pete’s arrivals and extra care for specialty items belonging to remote workers and families. Customer reviews consistently call out punctuality, transparent pricing, and above-and-beyond support during peak seasons. In 2025, Cary’s Moving reports a 99.2% on-time arrival rate and a 4.95 average Google rating, reinforcing its reputation as a community-focused mover. “We want families and professionals alike to feel at home from day one,” says founder Peter Gilchriest. By aligning operations with St. Pete’s suburban growth trends, Cary’s Moving aims to make every relocation a positive experience—for both new arrivals and longtime residents.