St Petersburg is a rapidly-growing city in the Tampa Bay area on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s long been a haven for retirees and young professionals looking to move to warmer climates and sunny days. However, what was once a relatively quiet, subdued area has expanded in the past decade into a haven for those wanting to enjoy the Florida lifestyle.
As with any metropolitan area, St. Petersburg has many neighborhoods to choose from. Some areas are perfectly-suited for retirees, while others make a great home for families with kids. So which neighborhoods are the best? Read on to learn all about them.
What’s It Like to Live in St. Petersburg, FL?
Known as the Sunshine State, Florida boasts more than 300 sunny days per year. With average daily temperatures in the 70s and 80s, St. Petersburg is one of the best Florida cities if you want to live near the beach and enjoy year-round warm weather.
St. Petersburg’s many neighborhoods are known for their sense of community. Neighbors rely on one another and foster true companionship. There’s also no shortage of things to do, places to eat, and sites to see.
Best Neighborhoods to live in St. Petersburg, FL
If you’re planning a move to the Sunshine State, St. Petersburg, aptly named the Sunshine City, has probably made it onto your list of must-see cities. It’s centrally located near the warm waters of the Gulf Coast, sandy beaches, and historic sites. What’s best is that there’s no shortage of perfect neighborhoods to choose from.
But how do you know which neighborhood to choose? Each community has its own amenities and attractions, and homes range from your basic condo to luxurious waterfront homes. So, whether you’re a retiree or a family looking to relocate, here are some of the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.
Downtown
The Downtown neighborhood in St. Petersburg is home to the St. Petersburg campus of the University Of Florida. It’s also a great neighborhood to be if you want to experience the arts, vibrant culture, and things to do in this sunny city. In other words, if you like city living, Downtown is for you.
Downtown is the perfect St. Petersburg neighborhood if you love the hustle and bustle of metropolitan living but in a smaller locale. The vast majority of homes in Downtown St. Petersburg are townhomes, apartments, and condos, making it the prime location if you want a home that requires little upkeep. It’s popular with many young professionals and college students.
Some of the best things to do in St. Petersburg are in the Downtown area, including
- The Salvador Dali Museum
- The Sunken Gardens
- Fort Desoto Park
- Jannus Live Concert Venue
Crescent Lake
When you’re looking for somewhere relaxing to live that isn’t completely isolated, you should check out Crescent Lake. The Crescent Lake neighborhood is a quiet area of St. Petersburg that sits on the grounds of a former citrus grove. The small population in this Pinellas County suburb is close-knit.
The neighborhood of Crescent Lake offers everything you could ask for in a city without the big-city feel. There are parks, restaurants, and local shops nearby, as well as the New York Yankees’ spring training facility. What’s best is that the entire area is a safe, friendly environment for people from all walks of life.
Most of the homes in Crescent Lake are single-family homes, so you won’t find much if you’re looking for condos or apartments. However, it’s one of the best neighborhoods if you want a house with a yard rather than something on the smaller side.
Historic Kenwood
One of the best things about St. Petersburg is its rich history. You’ll find historical places, architectural works of art, and exciting sites. If that’s the kind of environment you enjoy, you should look into the Historic Kenwood neighborhood.
Historic Kenwood is just west of Downtown St. Petersburg and encompasses the Grand Canal District. With more than 2,000 historic buildings and a wealth of Tudor and Craftsman homes, it’s an architecture lover’s dream. It’s also far more budget-friendly than Downtown and has an overall welcoming feel that makes everyone feel right at home.
The bulk of homes in Historic Kenwood are older single-family homes dating to the early-to-mid-20th century on quaint brick streets. The properties in this welcoming district are small, making it a good option if you don’t want a lot of acreage but still want your own backyard.
Historic Roser Park
Historic Roser Park is a 270-acre residential area in St. Petersburg. It’s close to the water, peaceful, and the perfect place for someone who wants to enjoy the benefits of St. Petersburg without the high pace of Downtown.
As a US Historic District, the Roser Park neighborhood offers monuments, parks with nature trails, and other sites that reflect its rich and interesting history. Its tree-lined streets are dotted with Craftsman-style bungalows, Colonial, and Mediterranean homes. So if you enjoy history and want a home that matches your tastes, Roser Park is the way to go.
There isn’t much in terms of shopping in Roser Park, but you’ll find a few restaurants and sites to visit. You can also take a stroll through the Outdoor Museum, which highlights the neighborhood’s history.
Historic Uptown
Historic Uptown is one of Florida’s most affordable beachside neighborhoods with the lowest median home prices. With a mix of early-20th century homes and new builds, you’ll be able to find a home with some history or something new to make your own.
North Shore Park is just a quick drive from Historic Uptown, giving you easy access to the beach. What’s best is that Historic Uptown is an active and social community. You won’t have trouble making new friends and finding a sense of home once you move in.
You’ll have no shortage of things to do in Historic Uptown. There are plenty of nearby parks to visit, restaurants to explore, and events throughout the year. It’s a diverse neighborhood that offers residents everything they could want in a new home.
Historic Old Northeast
The Historic Old Northeast neighborhood in St. Petersburg has a fascinating history, a calm atmosphere, and a family feel. The brick-lined streets and tree-lined sidewalks are picture-perfect, providing a beautiful backdrop to everyday life.
Old Northeast is the type of neighborhood where everyone knows your name. Social events and block parties are the norms. With a plethora of indoor and outdoor activity options, you’ll never be bored.
Established in the early 20th century, this neighborhood is home to some of St. Petersburg’s most historic buildings, including the Vinoy Renaissance Hotel and the Palladium Theater. It’s also where you’ll find the beautiful Vinoy Park, the perfect place to spend a sunny day on the water.
Jungle Prada
Also known as the Jungle, the Jungle Prada neighborhood thrives on nature and community. It’s a bit off the beaten path, about 15 minutes from Downtown St. Petersburg. Still, its tropical atmosphere, swaying palm trees, and peacocks roaming the streets will make you feel transported to another world.
Home values have been rising in this brick-lined neighborhood, so a purchase there will likely see an increase in value over time. You’ll find waterfront properties mixed with renovated bungalows in the Jungle, which means there’s something there for everyone.
One of the jewels of the Jungle in Jungle Prada and DeNarvaez Park. It’s one of St. Petersburg’s most beautiful waterfront parks and gives you easy access to the warm Gulf waters and boat ramps
Coquina Key
When you’re looking for a safe, affluent neighborhood, Coquina Key is the way to go. It has a low population, quiet streets, and a near-nonexistent crime rate. And with an active neighborhood association, the community is constantly growing.
Coquina Key is known for being diverse, family-friendly, and nature-loving. Outdoor sports are popular among residents, as most simply enjoy being outside. It’s right on the water, so if fishing, boating, and swimming are your idea of fun, you’ll be right at home.
The demographic in Coquina Key is slightly older because it’s a popular place for retirees. Since it’s considered the nicest area in St. Petersburg, home prices can be pretty high. However, it’s a great neighborhood if you want safety and luxury.
Old Southeast
Located in south St. Petersburg close to Tampa Bay, Old Southeast is a quiet, safe neighborhood popular with water-lovers. Most of the homes in Old Southeast are single-family homes with few condos or apartments. It’s popular with young families and retirees, alike.
You’ll find beach access to the neighborhood’s east through Lassing Park. This 14-acre park is one of St. Petersburg’s largest green spaces. Not only can you go to the beach, but you can also go fishing, boating, or simply lounge on the grass.
Things to do in Old Southeast include visiting art studios, playing outdoor sports, or contributing to the community garden. It’s the best neighborhood for simple living for outdoor lovers. If you want something a bit closer to downtown Tampa, this is the best neighborhood.
Boca Ciega Point
On the outskirts of the wealthy Gulfport community, you’ll find Boca Ciega Pointe, a 55+ community designed with boating in mind. The leisurely vibe and quiet, serene atmosphere make it the perfect place for someone looking to settle down in peace.
As a waterfront community, Boca Ciega Pointe is an excellent option if you want to retire to the Gulf Coast and have easy access to Boca Ciega Bay. You’ll find a mix of condos, duplexes, and single-family homes right on the St. Petersburg water. So, if you want a waterfront property, check out Boca Ciega Pointe.
The main thing to remember about Boca Ciega is that it’s a boating community. If you want to join a community where everyone has a shared interest, this is the place to be. There are also other opportunities for socializing in the neighborhood, so it won’t take long for you to feel right at home.
Choosing a Neighborhood in St. Petersburg, FL
If you’re not native to the St. Petersburg or Tampa Bay region of Florida, in general, it can be tough to determine which neighborhood is for you. So, here are a few things to consider when choosing a community.
Population
The population is an essential factor to consider when purchasing a home. Smaller populations tend to have lower crime rates, while higher populations usually offer more amenities.
Neighborhoods with lower populations also tend to be more close-knit and more community-oriented. However, there’s something to be said for the array of things to do in densely populated areas.
Amenities
St. Petersburg is filled with tons of restaurants, historic sites, and activities to occupy your days. Everything you could possibly want is within the city limits, so you won’t have to make out-of-town trips for basic things like groceries or entertainment. You also have access to the beach, watersports, and boating.
Home Types
Certain areas of St. Petersburg are filled with condos, apartments, and duplexes. These homes are perfect if you want low maintenance and don’t mind sharing walls with neighbors. Other neighborhoods boast single-family homes with yards and fences. So, when choosing your neighborhood, carefully consider what type of home you want.
Community Style
Do you like interacting with your neighbors daily, or do you prefer being left alone? When you start looking at St. Petersburg neighborhoods, you’ll notice many have active community associations. These associations often layout guidelines for neighborhood etiquette, home appearance, and other aspects that may or may not be burdensome for you.
Pros and Cons of Living in St. Petersburg
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of moving to Florida’s Sunshine City.
Pros
- On the Gulf Coast
- Warm weather
- Wide variety of homes
- Lots to do
- Historic neighborhoods and homes
- Active communities
Cons
- Community associations might not be ideal
- The median home price is somewhat high
- Most of the popular activities are outdoors
Living in St. Petersburg – Final Thoughts
So, what are the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg? The answer depends on what type of home you want, the amenities you seek, and the kind of community you want to join. St. Petersburg neighborhoods are active, social, and friendly, so you won’t have any problem finding one that suits you.
This list will set you on the right path to finding a home in the Tampa Bay area that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Check out our website if you’re interested in learning more about living in Florida.