15 Pros and Cons of Living in Apollo Beach, FL

Situated on the western coast of Florida, Apollo Beach is a gorgeous waterfront community that offers a unique blend of coastal living and modern amenities.

The decision to relocate is never an easy one, and when considering a move to a place like Apollo Beach, FL, weighing the pros and cons becomes essential.

Let’s talk about the 15 pros and cons of living in Apollo Beach, FL!

Pros

1. Breathtaking waterfront views

Apollo Beach is renowned for its stunning waterfront vistas, with many homes and properties providing direct access to the water. With its pristine coastline along Tampa Bay, this stunning location offers breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors. 

Notable spots like the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve and Circles Waterfront Restaurant provide excellent vantage points to appreciate the beauty of the water merging with the sky.

2. Enjoy water activities at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

With easy access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll find a paradise in Apollo Beach if you’re a water enthusiast.

The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve is a popular spot in Apollo Beach where you can participate in various water activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The area’s rich marine life and serene surroundings make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxing day by the water.

3. Strong sense of community amongst residents

Residents of this city enjoy a strong sense of belonging, and neighbors often come together for various events and gatherings. From local farmers’ markets to community festivals, there are ample opportunities to connect with fellow residents.

The shared appreciation for the area’s natural beauty and waterfront lifestyle fosters a friendly and welcoming environment that makes Apollo Beach feel more than just a location; it’s a true community, and you’ll feel at home here.

4. Proximity to Tampa

Apollo Beach enjoys convenient proximity to Tampa, situated approximately 20 miles to the north. This short distance to Tampa opens up a world of possibilities for Apollo Beach residents. You can easily commute to work or explore Tampa’s vibrant cultural scene, diverse dining options, and exciting entertainment venues.

Also, the proximity to Tampa International Airport makes traveling a breeze for both residents and visitors. This strategic location enhances the appeal of Apollo Beach, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

5. Explore nature and wildlife at Apollo Beach Nature Preserve

Apollo Beach is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. The area’s diverse ecosystems, from serene shorelines to saltwater marshes, provide a rich habitat for various species of birds, marine life, and indigenous plants.

The Apollo Beach Nature Preserve spans 90 acres and offers a serene environment for nature enthusiasts. Diverse habitats, including mangroves and tidal flats, provide a haven for wildlife such as herons and bald eagles. If you want a unique connection with Florida’s natural world, you’d enjoy visiting this nature preserve.

6. Enjoy delicious delicacies at Circles Waterfront Restaurant

Despite its small size, Apollo Beach boasts a dynamic dining scene that satisfies various preferences. One popular culinary destination is Circles Waterfront Restaurant, where delicious dishes meet stunning waterfront views. With a menu that blends fresh seafood, savory steaks, and creative cocktails, Circles offers a delightful culinary journey.

The restaurant’s inviting environment and attentive service enhance the dining experience, making it an ideal spot for special occasions and casual gatherings. Whether you’re savoring a sunset dinner or enjoying a leisurely lunch, Circles Waterfront Restaurant offers a great dining experience.

7. Apollo Beach has a mild climate

Like much of Florida, Apollo Beach benefits from a mild climate, making it a desirable location for those who enjoy warm weather throughout the year.

Winters offer mild temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s. Springs bring warmer days in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Summers offer upper 80s to low 90s °F with bay breezes. Falls cool down to mid-70s to low 80s °F.

This temperate climate ensures a comfortable and enjoyable environment for outdoor activities across all seasons.

8. Enjoy recreational activities at Apollo Beach Recreation Center

Beyond the serene confines of the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve, the Apollo Beach Recreation Center serves as a bustling hub for recreational and social activities.

With sports fields, a playground, and event spaces, it caters to a variety of interests. Fitness classes and organized sports leagues foster a sense of unity among residents and visitors. 

This center embodies the spirit of Apollo Beach’s vibrant community life, offering a space for you and your family to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities.

9. Crime rates are lower than the national average by 42%

Apollo Beach’s overall crime rate is less than the national average by 42%. The violent and property crime rates are also lower than the national average by 37% and 43%, respectively. Hence, Apollo Beach is a safe place to live, safer than 59% of U.S. neighborhoods.

However, this does not mean crime is absent in this city, so you should adhere to safety and security precautions.

Cons

1. High hurricane risk

Apollo Beach experiences the risk of hurricanes due to its coastal location.

These powerful storms can bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, potentially causing flooding and damage to the area. While modern construction techniques have improved the resilience of buildings, the potential for hurricane-related disruptions remains a concern.

If you move to this city, you need to be prepared with evacuation plans and supplies during hurricane seasons to ensure safety.

2. Humid summers

Apollo Beach has high humidity levels, which can contrast with its otherwise mild climate. While the area enjoys comfortable temperatures throughout the year, the elevated humidity can make the weather feel warmer.

The highest humidity levels typically occur during the summer, from June to August.

 3. Traffic congestion

The proximity of this city to Tampa leads to heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Traffic also intensifies during peak tourism periods or special events, such as holidays or local festivals. Although the area’s well-designed road infrastructure usually manages traffic well, occasional congestion might occur on key routes, particularly near tourist attractions and commercial areas.

However, Apollo Beach’s overall traffic situation remains more manageable and less overwhelming than larger cities.

4. Influx of tourists

Being an attractive coastal area, Apollo Beach experiences an influx of tourists, especially during peak vacation seasons. This can lead to crowded beaches and higher demand for local services.

This influx of tourists leads to busier public areas, crowded beaches, and more traffic congestion. These periods might temporarily disrupt the serene and relaxed ambiance that residents typically enjoy.

5. Limited job opportunities

Although job growth has been positive in this city, job opportunities are limited. This is due to limited job industries.

The thriving industries in this region include tourism and hospitality, healthcare, education, retail, real estate, marine and boating, remote work, and telecommuting. However, you can benefit from its proximity to larger cities like Tampa and the broader Hillsborough County area and secure a good job.

6. The cost of living is 11% higher than the national average

The cost of living in Apollo Beach is higher than the national average by 11%. The city has a median home price of $481,843, higher than the national average by 16%.

Groceries are also higher than the national average by 8%. A loaf of bread costs $4.19, and a hamburger costs $5.54. Utilities are, however, less than the national average by 3%. Be sure to consider the cost of living here before moving here.

To Sum It All Up

Living in Apollo Beach, FL, comes with a mix of pros and cons. The breathtaking waterfront views, water activities, community atmosphere, and proximity to Tampa are certainly appealing aspects of this charming coastal town. 

However, the potential for hurricanes, high humidity, traffic congestion, a high cost of living, and limited job opportunities are factors you should carefully consider before relocating to Apollo Beach, FL!