Best 8 Neighborhoods to Live in St. Petersburg, Florida

Is the sunshine calling to you? Why not move to St. Petersburg, Florida, the Sunshine State’s so-called “Sunshine City!” Residents love the vibrant art districts, amazing museums, access to waterfront recreation, and some of the best job opportunities.

St. Petersburg sits on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Over 250,000 people live inside the city limits, and it’s the largest city inside the urbanized Pinellas County. It is part of the greater Tampa Bay metro and is a sister city to Tampa, located 23 miles away.

The historic town began to develop in the 1920s. Many neighborhoods have a distinct character dating back to this period, with brick streets, hexagonal pavers, granite curbs, and craftsman-style architecture.

If you’re looking to move to St. Petersburg, you’ll be happy to know that the city has a variety of great neighborhoods to choose from. To help your home search, here’s a look at eight of the best:

Downtown

Like art and trendy urban districts? You’ve got it in the revitalized Downtown St. Petersburg area.

Some consider University Park-South Downtown one of Saint Petersburg’s greatest singles and young professional neighborhoods. The 600 block of Central Avenue is marketed as “the coolest block in Saint Petersburg” because it is bursting with public arts, art galleries, craft beer breweries, boutique stores, nightclubs, and live music. The Central Arts District and Waterfront Arts District are enormous draws for locals and tourists alike. Few cities have the same rainbow of galleries, murals, museums, restaurants, and shopping centers as Saint Petersburg’s downtown area.

Not only are these huge attractions, but even more amenities are walkable from the district. Those include the world-famous Dali Museum (known for its extensive collection of works by the legendary surrealist artist Salvador Dalí), University of South Florida-St. Petersburg campus, The Mall at Sundial, St. Pete Pier, and professional sports venues like Tropicana Field.

In between all these vibrant and repurposed industrial areas are historic single-family homes, townhomes, and new high-rise condos. October 2022 had 102 homes for sale with a median list price of $850,000.

Historic Kenwood

This charming historic neighborhood is only seven minutes from Downtown. It received national attention in 2020 when Neighborhoods, USA, called it the “Neighborhood of the Year.” In particular, it won in the “Revitalization/Beautification” category. Kenwood is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. Its public art initiative, seen in its creative street signs, park benches, and neighborhood events, is part of why it garnered attention.

Centrally located, Kenwood is also home to several small businesses, including coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, and more along 5th Avenue. This Saint Petersburg community is known for being gay-friendly, with an active LGBTQ association and the Metro LGBTQ Welcome Center. Locals get outside at one of the many parks, including Woodlawn Park and Grandview Park.

The historic homes in this Pinellas County area were built in the early 1900s and feature a variety of architectural styles, including bungalows, Craftsman homes, and Mediterranean Revival-style houses. The brick streets add to the historic character of the area.

Homes in Historic Kenwood had a median list price of $605,000 in October 2022. There were 33 homes for sale from $275,000 to $975,000. For more information about the area reach out to one of the local real estate agents.

Snell Isle

You can’t miss waterfront living in Florida, and this charming neighborhood is among the most coveted in Saint Petersburg and Pinellas County. Situated less that three miles or nine minutes from downtown, It features a maze of canals and waterfront views on the city’s northeastern side facing Tampa Bay.

Snell Isle is also home to the famous Vinoy Resort and Golf Club and is close to three parks: Brightwaters Boulevard Park, Vinoy Park, and Bay Vista Park. Vinoy Park is very iconic in the area. Located along a scenic two-mile stretch of waterfront in downtown St. Pete, offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and the picturesque waterfront. This park is an ideal spot for afternoon reads under a tree or enjoying the expansive green spaces. Vinoy Park is also a well-known events’ destination in town, which makes it an entertainment hub throughout the year.

The area was developed in the 1920s by H. Walter Fuller, who originally intended for it to be a retirement community. The Snell Isle neighborhood features a mix of architectural styles, including Mediterranean Revival, Prairie Style, and Mission Revival. The canals were created for boating access to Tampa Bay, and many homes have private deepwater docks.

In October 2022, there were 33 homes for sale in Snell Isle with a median list price of $2.2M. Homes ranged from $699,000 to $10M.

Boca Ciega

Boca Ciega Bay is an affluent community developed as a retirement community for those 55+. Today it is known for its beautiful waterfront homes located within a half-mile of Saint Petersburg’s Gulf beautiful beaches.

Living here, residents feel like they’re on vacation all year round. The Gulf Beach Recreation Center is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, picnicking, and playing tennis. It features a number of parks and recreation areas along the water.

Real estate in Boca Ciega had a median home price of $349,000 in October 2022. There were 38 houses for sale here ranging from $210,000 to $725,000.

Old Southeast

This quiet, residential neighborhood south of the Saint Petersburg Innovation District rests beside Tampa Bay and it’s well known for its proximity to downtown and strong sense of community. It features a mix of historic homes and new construction. The area was developed in the 1920s-1950s as a streetcar suburb, and many of the houses are Craftsman-style bungalows.

Lassing Park, located in the eastern part of the neighborhood, provides easy access to the beach for residents who love to swim. The park is also popular with kiteboarders in Sunshine City.

Next door, on the west side, awaits Bartlett Park and the Saint Petersburg Tennis Center. The University of South Florida-Saint Petersburg campus is just north across Bayboro Harbor, giving students and faculty easy access. Residents live a mile from the Central Avenue District in downtown.

The active neighborhood association promotes the interest of the community. It runs social events like golf cart parades and yard sales.

Old Southeast has around 500 homes, predominantly single-family one- and two-story residences with historic character. It has distinct hexagonal brick sidewalks and brick roadways. Homes were typically two-bedroom or three-bedroom, with over 2,000 sq ft, with historic architecture. In October 2022, there were three homes for sale in Old Southeast, Saint Petersburg with a median home price of $1.3 million.

Crescent Lake

Want to live near the thriving downtown but in a quieter day-to-day atmosphere? Try Crescent Lake, a centrally located neighborhood home to the 50-acre Crescent Lake Park, a popular spot for walking, running, and picnicking. The park also has a playground, tennis, and basketball courts.

Restaurants and retailers border the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, making it easy to shop and dine but come home to a quiet area. Nearby Sunken Gardens is the city’s oldest living museum; wander the pathways bordered with indigenous tropical plants.

Like many Saint Petersburg neighborhoods, the area was developed in the early 1920s. Many of the houses are Craftsman-style bungalows. Other architectural styles in the area include Victorian, Tudor Revival, and Mediterranean Revival.

In October 2022, two homes were for sale in Crescent Lake, priced between $675,000 and $1,040,000.

Coquina Key

This island community on Saint Petersburg’s southeastern side features canals and waterfront views across Tampa Bay. Coquina Key is also home to the Coquina Key Park, which has a playground, picnic pavilions, a fishing dock, and a walking trail.

Coquina Key was originally a peninsula until a developer cut a channel from Big Bayou to Little Bayou. Modern development took off in the 1950s and featured a mix of mid-century modern and ranch-style homes. Today is a quiet, primarily residential community close to St. Pete’s other amenities and known for its excellent schools, vibrant arts scene, and quality of life.

Residents have a local association to promote the island residents’ interests. In October 2022, there were 51 homes for sale in Coquina Key with a median list price of $390,000. In this Sunshine City neighborhood the median home price ranged from $40,000 to $8.5M for luxurious homes.

Historic Roser Park

Considered St. Pete’s first neighborhood, Historic Roser Park is south of downtown and home to a large collection of Victorian-style beautiful homes and plenty of natural beauty. It also boast a strong sense of community The area was developed in the early 1920s as a streetcar suburb on the downtown trolley line.

Development was inspired by the “city beautiful” movement, which advocated for the inclusion of parks and green spaces. Many of the original design features remain in the district, including rusticated block retaining walls, brick streets, and hexagon sidewalk pavers.

Roser Park follows Booker Creek along the northern border of the Historic District. Residents live south of Bayfront Health and Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital. It is adjacent to Bayboro Harbor, which provides access to the waterfront. Roser Park also has some restaurants and retailers along its border.

The homes in the recognized historic district are the largest collection of architectural styles and types, including Frame Vernacular, Bungalow, Prairie, Foursquare, Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical, and Tudor Revival. Historic Roser Park had two homes for sale in October 2022. Real estate had a median home price of $349,000, ranging from $325,000 to $569,000.

Frequently Asked Questions Best Neighborhoods in Saint Petersburg, FL

How far is St. Petersburg from the ocean?

Looking for some fun in the sun near the coastal city of St. Petersburg? Driving from downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach typically takes about 15-20 minutes, covering approximately 10 miles. This proximity offers easy access to the ocean and the Gulf of Mexico for residents and visitors alike​. Now, if you look to explore other beaches in the Tampa Bay area, St. Petersburg is a great starting point. See below a list of great beaches and the distance from St. Pete:

• Fort De Soto Park – 12.5 miles from Downtown Saint-Petersburg
• Treasure Island Beach – 9.4 miles from Downtown Saint-Petersburg
• Clearwater Beach – 25.7 miles from Downtown Saint-Petersburg
• Pass-a-Grille Beach – 10.1 miles from Downtown Saint-Petersburg

What is the average household income in St. Petersburg, Florida?

The average household income in St. Petersburg, FL, is approximately $101,809 per year, while the median is around $70,333 annually. These figures reflect the economic diversity within the city, where income levels vary significantly depending on factors such as age, household type, and occupation.

What salary do you need to live in St. Petersburg, FL?

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, to live comfortably in St. Petersburg, FL, a single adult needs to earn approximately $47,215 per year before taxes. This estimate accounts for basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and other necessities.

The required annual income for a single adult with one child increases to about $77,850 before taxes. The living wage needed for a family with two working adults and one child is around $86,709 per adult annually.

The cost of living index in St. Petersburg is 102.8. This means living in Sunshine City is 2.8% higher than everywhere else in the US but 0.3% lower than the rest of Florida.

What is the difference between St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg?

St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg, though close in proximity, offer different experiences. St. Pete Beach is a barrier island city known for its white sandy beaches and tourist attractions, making it a popular vacation spot. In contrast, St. Petersburg is a larger city on the mainland, offering a diverse cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters alongside a bustling downtown area. While St. Pete Beach focuses on leisure and beachside activities, St. Petersburg provides a more urban lifestyle with a mix of residential and commercial areas.​

St. Petersburg’s Best Neighborhoods

These are just a few of the best neighborhoods St. Petersburg offers! If you’re looking for a vibrant downtown, try Historic Kenwood or Downtown. If you want to be close to the water, check out Snell Isle or Coquina Key. And if you’re looking for a historic district with character, Roser Park is the place for you. No matter what you’re looking for, St. Petersburg has a neighborhood that’s right for you.