Palm Harbor, Florida is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Pinellas County on the west coast of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and known for its blend of suburban comfort, historic charm, and access to outdoor recreation.
Location: Northwest of St. Petersburg and Tampa, just north of Dunedin and west of Lake Tarpon.
Population: Approximately 60,000 people (as of recent estimates).
Status: Not officially incorporated as a city, though it operates with many city-like amenities.
ZIP Codes: Primarily 34683, 34684, and 34685.
Vibe: Family-friendly, suburban with a touch of small-town charm.
Housing: A mix of planned communities, older neighborhoods, and waterfront homes. Prices tend to be mid-range to upper-mid-range.
Schools: Served by the Pinellas County School District, with schools like Palm Harbor University High School being well-rated.
Demographics: A mix of families, retirees, and professionals.
Downtown Palm Harbor: Historic and walkable, with shops, restaurants, and local festivals.
Honeymoon Island State Park: Just west, offering beaches, nature trails, and wildlife.
Pinellas Trail: A 47-mile-long biking and walking trail that runs through Palm Harbor.
Innisbrook Resort: A luxury golf resort famous for hosting the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship.
Local Festivals: Palm Harbor hosts several events, such as the Palm Harbor Citrus Festival and First Friday Celebrations.
Climate: Humid subtropical.
Summers: Hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms.
Winters: Mild and dry—one of the big draws for snowbirds and retirees.
Main Roads: US Highway 19 runs through the area, providing quick access to Tampa and Clearwater.
Public Transport: Limited, mainly provided by PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority).
Airports Nearby:
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – ~30-40 minutes away.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) – ~25 minutes away.
Several nearby hospitals and urgent care centers, including AdventHealth North Pinellas and facilities in nearby Clearwater and Tarpon Springs.
Close to Gulf beaches and parks
Excellent schools
Family- and retiree-friendly
Safe and clean neighborhoods
Traffic congestion, especially on US-19
Hot, humid summers
Limited nightlife compared to larger nearby cities
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