The Ultimate and Honest Guide To The Best Neighborhoods In St. Petersburg, FL

Photo by timJ

Originally Posted On: https://neighborhoodies.shop/blogs/news/best-st-petersburg-neighborhoods

St. Petersburg is one of the fastest-growing cities in America and we are here to breakdown all the neighborhoods in our Ultimate Guide To the Best St. Petersburg Neighborhoods.

Studies say that over 110 people are moving to St. Petersburg every single day and how can you blame them?! Almost every area of St. Petersburg is on the up and up, from downtown to the suburbs and everywhere in between.

With so many neighborhoods to choose from in St. Petersburg, it can quickly become overwhelming. Moving to a new city is stressful enough, so we at Neighborhoodies want to help breakdown the region with our honest guide to the best neighborhoods.

Before we get into the best neighborhood pros and cons, it’s important to give a brief background. After all, talking about neighborhoods is subjective; there are things we might like about an area that you might not and vice versa.

That’s why it’s important to quickly explain who I am. Maybe it’ll help you relate to some things I say and who knows, it might show you that some of my “cons” are actually your “pros.”

I’m a 30-year-old male who is engaged to an amazing woman (she’s also my partner in Neighborhoodies!) I lived it up in college and the years immediately following, but now I’m well on my way to adulting. We bought a house over a year ago and while there are no kids in the picture yet, they’re not too far out.

We live in a quieter part of town, where we’re at Home Depot at least once per weekend and our Friday nights tending to consist of Scrabble battles while sipping on local chocolate stouts. Don’t get me wrong, we still make it out to downtown every now and then, but by midnight I’m already 2 pizza slices deep with an Uber on the way.

The neighborhoods I find to be too rowdy now (but enjoyed 5 years ago) might be exactly what you’re looking for now.  And the areas I find just a little too suburbia might be right up your alley!

So take everything I say with a grain of salt and just know that the perfect St. Petersburg neighborhood is out there for everyone.  And of course, the perfect St. Petersburg neighborhood apparel to go along with your new abode.

We have 21 neighborhoods to go over, let’s get into it!

Allendale Terrace boasts unique houses, most with their own driveways, along tree-lined brick streets. The small, friendly population fosters a good sense of community with clean alleys and tidy gardens. The folks here go all out for holidays in a big way – the Halloween and Christmas festivities are really something to be seen! People from nearby make special trips each year just to enjoy the sight. It’s a great location, only 8 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from the nearest beach. Allendale Terrace is one of St. Pete’s top neighborhood, with above-average schools and a real family-oriented environment. If you find yourself calling Allendale Terrace home, make sure to rock your awesome Allendale Terrace apparel around town!

Residential Makeup: Families 

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• Groceries are never far away as it’s within walking distance to not one, but two, Publix stores.
• A picture-perfect neighborhood feel with old gorgeous oak trees and quaint houses.
• A 5 minute drive to downtown St. Pete and a 5 minute drive the other direction, towards the highway.

Cons:

• Two major roads, 38th Avenue & MLK Street, cut through the neighborhood bringing noisy cars close by.
• The price of living here is high relative to the size of the house and prestige of the neighborhood.
• While the brick paved streets add to the charm, they can be very bumpy to drive over.

Things To Do:

• Downtown Restaurants & Pubs
• Mazzaro’s Italian Market (the best Italian food + market around)
• Cross 4th street and kayak in Tampa Bay

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Crescent Lake
• North Kenwood
• Woodlawn

Central Oak Park straddles Central Avenue, in the heart of St Petersburg. The canopy of mature trees and brick streets really makes it feel like a park. Houses here illustrate a variety of architectural styles from the 1920s to present, with the sidewalks making it easy to get about locally without a car. This neighborhood is known for being ‘dog-friendly’ with he dog owners, on the whole, seeming to be responsible. Additionally the Gulf of Mexico is only 5 minutes away and ‘Old St. Pete’ is just down the road. It’s perfectly placed for beaches, culture, and shopping.

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• Centrally located to easily get to downtown, the beaches, and south over the Skyway Bridge.
• House prices are pretty affordable considering the distance to downtown.
• With the area getting cleaned up over the years, it could be a great place to invest.
• We have a pretty sweet Central Oak Park shirt to show off your neighborhood pride.

Cons:

• You’re surrounded by busy roads, especially Highway 19, which can mean traffic nearby.
• There are surrounding areas that are getting gentrified but still have a few more years to go.
• There isn’t a defined neighbor center or vibe; you can pass through it and not notice.

Things To Do:

• Walk to the Grand Central district for funky coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries
• Drive 5 minutes and explore Gulfport
• Pinellas Bike Trail

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Fossil Park
• Woodlawn
• Allendale Terrace

Coquina Key has earned the affectionate title of Friendly Island, which tells you a lot! There’s a real mix of housing styles here, but a central core of the 3,000 plus population being represented by the middle classes. Another dog-friendly neighborhood, it boasts two dog parks. Streets are fairly well lit and most people feel safe walking by themselves at night. Being surrounded entirely by water helps to give a vacation feel, with many of the residents spending a lot of time in their boats. Check out our collection of Coquina Key neighborhood apparel!

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• The neighborhood is an island giving it a very defined, coastal feel.
• There is a great mix of houses and apartments allowing anyone to find a spot to call home.
• While on a map it’s not centrally located, it’s still a quick 5 minute drive to downtown and I-275.

Cons:

• Coquina Key is directly on Tampa Bay making it prone to flooding.
• To get to Coquina Key, you have to drive through parts of St. Pete that aren’t the best.
• Besides a couple dive bars, there aren’t many dining options within walking or biking distance of the island.

Things To Do:

• Enjoy the park, jogging trail, and fields at the north end of the island
• Drive to the beach in 8 minutes!
• Relax at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Shore Acres
• Riviera Bay
• Old Southeast

Crescent Lake, with its population of just over 1,000, is named for the 54-acre park and lake at its heart. It’s an oasis for wildlife as well as a perfect place for recreation. With dog parks, playgrounds, walking trails, and tennis courts, not to mention the masses of wildlife, it really is a brilliant place for all to enjoy. If that wasn’t enough, the surrounding streets are packed with eclectic architecture including: Craftsman, Dutch Colonial, Spanish Eclectic, Tudor, and Ranch style homes. After visiting the park, you can refresh yourself at the bars, taverns, coffee shops, and restaurants. You might even see some locals wearing our Crescent Lake neighborhood apparel.

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• Crescent Lake is another centrally located neighborhood with a quick drive to downtown and the highway.
• The neighborhood butts up against 4th Street, which is lined with great restaurants and shops.
• The streets have a quaint historic feel with a perfect park as the neighborhood centerpiece.

Cons:

• You’ll have to share your neighborhood and park with many other residents from all around the city.
• Being close to downtown, the housing prices are quite expensive.
• Sometimes the park holds events and festivals making the streets very busy with cars and parking.

Things To Do:

• Walk, Bike, or Jog around gorgeous Crescent Lake
• Enjoy a huge burger at Three Birds Tavern
• Check out one of the festivals and events held around Crescent Lake

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Historic Uptown
• Allendale Terrace
• Historic Kenwood

Edge District is the place to be! If you’re after fun, excitement, culture, and great shopping in independent boutique stores, then this is where to head. This award-winning neighborhood is excellently run by a not-for-profit group that has worked wonders. Their aim is to preserve the historical character of the area while infusing it with life and a vibrant, bustling, sustainable culture that works for everyone. Strolling around the neighborhood itself is a treat, with the palms towering above you as you pass the fascinating variety of shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, and studios. The Edge District is an absolute gem. Show off your Edge District pride with an Edge District neighborhood shirt!

Residential Makeup: Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• Smack dab in the middle of downtown, you’re never far from good food, drinks, and brews.
• There’s new construction popping up throughout, so it’s a good place to invest.
• The neighborhood has a great funky vibe with murals and artists, making it a great place to call home.

Cons:

• Most weekends have events, markets, baseball games, etc. going in the Edge District which can make parking and traffic tough at times.
• While there’s a lot of apartments to rent, there aren’t many houses or condos to buy.
• Some pockets to the north and south of the Edge District are a few years behind in the gentrification.

Things To Do:

• Brewery hop around the neighborhood
• Catch a Rays baseball game at Tropicana Field
• Rock Climb at St. Pete’s indoor rock climbing gym, Vertical Ventures

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Roser Park
• Old Northeast
• Historic Uptown

Fossil Park is a quiet, well-kept neighborhood in the north of St. Petersburg. The mix of urban and suburban housing holds a population of around 5,000, with an almost even split between owning and renting. Crime is recorded as being low, with reports that the police here are responsive – two facts that may be related. Close proximity to the interstate and good public transport links are two other factors that the residents are happy about. The streets are well lit, and, perhaps surprisingly for the location, it seems to be a haven for wildlife. Overall, a happy and friendly place. Check out our collection of Fossil Park neighborhood shirts and hats!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• It’s a beautiful, quiet neighborhood tucked back from the hustle and bustle of 4th Street.
• There is a great park in the neighborhood called Fossil park that has everything: jogging trail, tennis courts, baseball fields, pickleball courts, skate park, and more.
• It’s a great central location to be in Tampa Bay: You can be in downtown St. Pete in 8-10 minutes, and you’re across the bay to Tampa in 12-15 minutes.

Cons:

• While a lot of the older houses have had investors come and fix them up over the years, there’s still a small handful that need work.
• The neighborhood is boxed in with 3 major roads to the West, East, and South making extended walks and bike rides tough to cross streets.
• You’re on the very edge of the flood zone, so while there’s no real threat of flooding, you’ll still have to pay annual flood insurance.

Things To Do:

• The neighborhood park
• Play a round at Mangrove Bay Golf Course, 5 minutes across 4th Street
• Hop on the North Pinellas Trail & bike to downtown

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Allendale Terrace
• Gateway
• Woodlawn

Gateway – the keyword for this neighborhood is connection. With two international airports, six major roads, four bridges, and three seaports close to hand, it is ideally located for transport. This has led to it becoming a major center for industry, with many leading companies setting up here. It is seen as a fairly friendly place that is reasonably well kept. Restaurants and grocery stores are within easy walking distance, but some feel that a car is necessary (parking is pretty easy). All in all, it is a good, family-friendly place that feels safe for all.

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• This is as close as you can live to Tampa while still being in St. Pete, making it ideal for cross-bay commuters.
• There are tons of apartment complexes in this area, so an easy part of town to rent in.
• There are several places to pull over and launch your boat or sit along the bay and enjoy the outdoors.

Cons:

• There isn’t much of a neighborhood feel here, it’s more so just an area of town.
• Multiple busy roads crossing through with major stoplights on almost every corner.
• There are some chain restaurants here and there but not too much of a draw in terms of restaurants and pubs.

Things To Do:

• Park on the beach, in a mangrove, and enjoy the bay
• Hop on the highway and go explore downtown Tampa
• Swing for the fences at TopGolf St. Pete (coming soon!)

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Fossil Park
• Riviera Bay
• Pinellas Point

This neighborhood has had its share of problems in the past. However, all this is changing as crime hotspots have recently been targeted for demolition and development. That’s great news for this beautiful heritage location, set 50 ft above sea level with its 2,000 or more historic homes, with brick roads and sidewalks. The oaks, pines, palms, and jacaranda trees provide shade from the glorious sunshine as well as adding character. Overall, the population of about 3,500 are friendly with plenty of community activities. Set immediately to the west of Downtown, it can be describe as an ‘arts’ neighborhood.

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• The neighborhood has undergone a lot of gentrification in the last decade making it one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
• Historic Kenwood is directly next to Grand Central for an easy walk to dozens of funky restaurants and breweries.
• You can feel the history as you drive the streets with the giant oak trees, brick streets, and eclectic houses.
• We have a great collection of Historic Kenwood apparel to show off your neighborhood pride.

Cons:

• With the recent gentrification, some of the funkiness and original charm has been developed over.
• Like all beautiful brick roads, they can make for a bumpy ride to and from your home every day.
• Parts of the neighborhood are set back on quiet streets, but there is a major road the parallels the neighborhood and another that cuts right through it.

Things To Do:

• Explore the many different breweries around the neighborhood
• Go to Art Walk on the 2nd Saturday of the month and check out the local artist studios
• Hop on the Pinellas Trail and go for a bike ride

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Old Northeast
• North Kenwood
• Old Southeast

Often described as ‘vibrant’, Historic Uptown has an eclectic mix of houses that are home to a diverse range of residents. There’s a real feeling of community here, where splashes of colorful artwork mingle with the historic homes, some of which are over a century old! The residents love the fact that they can walk to most places easily through the leafy streets. Porch parties, Mardi Gras, and New Year’s Eve celebrations add to the welcoming, holiday atmosphere. Its close proximity to Downtown and ‘no flood’ zone district adds to its appeal. You might even see some locals rocking our Historic Uptown T-shirts around the neighborhood.

Residential Makeup: Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• This neighborhood is about as close as you can get to downtown while still experiencing a neighborhood atmosphere.
• There is a small block of coffee shops and restaurants, almost giving Historic Uptown a cool little main street.
• Historic Uptown is the perfect mix of historic, artsy, and eclectic.

Cons:

• The south end of the neighborhood parallels highway overpasses, leading to some nearby homeless.
• The neighborhood is historic, but it isn’t quite as polished and manicured as some of the other historic neighborhoods nearby.
• The nearby highway, while convenient for commuting, can mean noisy cars at night.

Things To Do:

• Get your Friday night shuffle on at the historic St. Pete Shuffleboard Club!
• Walk to downtown to enjoy great drinks and tasty eats
• Catch a flick at the nearby, newly, renovated AMC theater at the Sundial

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Old Northeast
• Crescent Lake
• Roser Park

A great area for families, this is a quiet neighborhood with a good choice of schools. The homes and yards are generally well kept and it has a clean and tidy feel. Most people here own their homes and the statistics show that this is a ‘low crime’ area where the police are active within the community. Holiday Park is conveniently close to the Tyrone Square shopping center, as well as other outlets, and a range of eating places. Although it’s some way to the west of Downtown, it has good links to major roads so doesn’t feel too cut off from other neighborhoods. Show off your Holiday Park pride with Holiday Park neighborhood gear!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• It’s a small, quaint neighborhood with a school in the middle of it, making it a great family area.
• It’s in the heart of the Tyrone Mall shopping area, giving you a wide selection of restaurants and dining options.
• While there are no highways close to Holiday Park, it is centrally located seeing that you’re still only 10-15 minutes away from the beaches and downtown in the other direction.

Cons:

• Being further from downtown, the shopping and restaurant options are typical chain restaurants.
• The area can get busy with traffic being so close to the mall.
• Being boxed in by major roads, if you’re looking to go for a long walk or bike ride it could be difficult to cross some of the streets.

Things To Do:

• Get your shopping on at Tyrone Square Mall
• Catch some rays at Madeira beach 10 minutes away
• Hangout in nature at the nearby Veterans Memorial Park

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Jungle Terrace
• Fossil Park
• Central Oak Park

Another clean and tidy neighborhood with a reputation for being ‘dog-friendly’! Jungle Terrace sits on the western edge of St. Pete, sandwiched top and bottom between 40th Avenue North and 22nd Avenue North, bounded by Boca Ciega Bay on the west and 66th Street North to the east. Although there is a fair amount of industry here, this is balanced out by several parks, lakes, and ponds, as well as the mass of trees surrounding the homes. People feel generally safe here with most people citing the walks, nature trails, wildlife, and recreation opportunities as being the best features. We just designed Jungle Terrace neighborhood apparel to wear around town, check it out!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• There’s a wide range of homes to pick from including big houses on the water to smaller homes which are set more inland.
• Close to the water and beaches.
• There is a huge park in the middle of the neighborhood with all sorts of activities to partake in.

Cons:

• A major road cuts right through the neighborhood, making it feel like the area is 2 different neighborhoods.
• You’re far away from the main interstate, making it a long stoplight-ridden drive to get most places.
• While the West side of the neighborhood borders the intercoastal waterway, there are hardly any views of it unless you live directly on the water.

Things To Do:

• Let the family run around and play sports at Walter Fuller Park
• Launch your kayaks on the intercoastal and go for a ride
• Take your pick of the best beaches 10 minutes away

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Riviera Bay
• Holiday Park
• Coquina Key

Historic Old Northeast has a family-oriented feel despite its close proximity to the beating heart of the city. From the eastern boundary, overlooking Tampa Bay and Coffeepot Bayou, to the western edge defined by 4th Street North, you are minutes from all kinds of arts, eateries, and entertainment. There are parks, beaches, theaters, museums, and an enviable array of eating places. The tree-lined streets boast a wealth of architectural styles including: 1920s Craftsman bungalow, ‘Cracker’ houses, waterfront mansions, and Mediterranean revival. In 2003 this neighborhood was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Check out our collection of Old Northeast shirts, hats, stickers, and more!

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$$

Pros: 

• Hands down one of the coolest historic neighborhoods in St. Pete in terms of eclectic houses, quaint streets, safety at night.
• Right on the bay giving you direct access to the parks, bike paths, and downtown’s mini-beach.
• Being next to downtown, you can enjoy the fun of city life but retreat into your quiet neighborhood at night.

Cons:

• Lots of street parking in this neighborhood, turning most of the streets into unofficial one-way streets.
• The parks along the water host a lot of festivals and concerts filling the neighborhood with extra cars and traveling noise.
• This is some of the most expensive real estate in St. Petersburg.

Things To Do:

• Enjoy the views of North Shore Park, Coffee Pot Bayou, and Vinoy park
• Get your pump on at North Shore Park’s outdoor gym
• Walk the neighborhood in awe and enjoy the gorgeous historic homes

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Historic Kenwood
• Roser Park
• Snell Isle

Described by the residents as ‘an oasis in the city’ and a ‘little sea-side village’, Old Southeast is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Within minutes, you can escape the bustle and excitement of Downtown and be back among the quiet streets with their impressive range of unique homes. Lassing Park stretches along the eastern boundary overlooking Tampa Bay. This 14-acre park is popular with the locals but never seems to be too crowded. Residents here love their green spaces! Community Garden is another great part where local ‘plant swaps’ take place for people to meet and exchange blooms and gardening tips. When wandering around the neighborhood, you might even find some residents wearing Old Southeast shirts!

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• This part of downtown has improved a lot in the last decade and is on the right track.
• It has a very charming neighborhood with most streets looking out at the gorgeous views of the bay.
• It’s the closest neighborhood to the south of downtown making it accessible by bike.

Cons:

• While the neighborhood itself has cleaned up, the surrounding areas still need a good amount of work.
• Unlike other neighborhoods near downtown, Old Southeast isn’t bordered by immediate restaurants and bars.
• In general, the houses are charming but there are still a handful of old run-down houses that can bring down the appeal + home value of particular streets.

Things To Do:

• Wander down to Lassing Park for one of the best views of the bay
• Walk to the Dali Museum for the 2nd largest collection of Salvador Dali’s work
• Relax in nature at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Coquina Key
• Shore Acres
• Jungle Terrace

A good, central position to the northwest of Downtown, North Kenwood is close to the interstate and US-19 for easy access to other parts of St. Petersburg and further afield. A great range of shops, restaurants, and cafes are scattered around the northern and western edge of the neighborhood. There’s a sense amongst the residents that this quiet, friendly, suburban setting is improving over time, especially in terms of the architecture. It’s a well-kept area where people feel safe, and though it is possible to walk to the nearby shops and restaurants, a car would be best for getting around. Show off your neighborhood pride with a North Kenwood hat!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$

Pros: 

• Being one neighborhood north of Historic Kenwood, you can get a similar vibe with cheaper housing.
• It’s directly off I-275 making it easy to get anywhere quick.
• Not only are prices appealing for home investment, but is having both Lowe’s and Home Depot across the street from each other – efficient for home projects!

Cons:

• Bordered on three sides by major roads, you’re never too far from noisy traffic.
• While there are plenty of restaurants on the perimeter of the neighborhood, they are going to be almost all chains.
• The park on the south side of the neighborhood, Booker Creek Park, tends to attract a steady homeless population at all hours of the day.

Things To Do:

• Make the best Italian feast from fresh ingredients from Mazarro’s Italian Market
• Check out a Friday night Roller Derby match at Slayground with a cold drink in your hand
• Hop on the highway and be on the beach in 10 minutes

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Historic Kenwood
• Crescent Lake
• Woodlawn

Situated at the southernmost tip of St. Pete, close by the spectacular Sunshine Skyway Bridge that soars across the mouth of Tampa Bay, Pinellas Point is home to a population of around 16,000 people. There’s a general sense of friendliness and diversity, and the residents take good care of their homes/curb appeal for the most part. In addition to being convenient for retails shops, churches, schools, and grocery stores, this area boasts eight parks (totaling 140 acres in size), several recreation centers and sports facilities, and nine boat ramps. This is definitely an ‘up and coming’ neighborhood that just keeps getting better!

Residential Makeup: Families, Elderly

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• Pinellas Point has some of the most gorgeous views of Tampa Bay and the Skyway Bridge.
• The neighborhood is charming and quaint, both with the houses and the famous pink streets.
• Some areas of south St. Pete aren’t the best, Pinellas Point is literally as far south as you can go, making it a great, safe neighborhood.
• We have some pretty sweet Pinellas Point gear to show off your neighborhood pride!

Cons:

• Being that close to Tampa Bay, the threat of flooding during a storm is always there.
• Besides boating and the beaches, there isn’t much to do directly around Pinellas Point.
•  To the west you are getting very close to the touristy area of St. Pete which can lead to traffic and congestion at certain times of the year.

Things To Do:

• Drive over the famous Skyway bridge and explore Sarasota or further south
• Disc golf at Maximo Park
• Kayak through the mangroves at Calm Bayou

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Gateway
• Treasure Island
• Coquina Key

This small community of around 300 people is set within a roughly triangular-shaped parcel of land that hugs Booker Creek, a little way to the west of Albert Whitted Airport. Bearing the full name of ‘Historic’ Roser Park, it was the first neighborhood in St. Petersburg to earn the label and there is a strong sense of diversity and community pride. This is illustrated through the Open Air Museum plaques that are scattered throughout the area. You can follow the trail through the hilly, tree-lined streets, and learn all about the history and heritage of this fascinating, award-winning neighborhood. We just designed some Roser Park shirts, hats, and stickers, check them out!

Residential Makeup: Families, Young Adults

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$$

Pros: 

• This neighborhood looks like no other neighborhood in Florida. (The first time I saw a photo of it, I couldn’t believe it was in downtown St. Pete!)
• A small creek wanders through the neighborhood and hills (yes hills in Florida!) go up from there, with houses built right into the side of them.
• The neighborhood has two entrance points, one from the northwest and another to the east. They both connect to great parts of downtown.

Cons:

• The neighborhood itself is very safe, but directly to the south are the areas of St. Pete that need to be cleaned up.
• Because of the historic appeal to this neighborhood, housing prices are very expensive here.
• Depending on where your house is positioned, your view may just be of the hospital directly to the north.

Things To Do:

• Walk the historic streets and immerse yourself in the history of where St. Pete first began
• Watch a Rays game at Tropicana Field
• Launch your boat at one of the many marinas nearby and get out on the bay

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Old Northeast
• Historic Uptown
• Historic Kenwood

Waterfront living at its best – that’s Riviera Bay! It has excellent links for commuting (including Gandy Boulevard), is within easy reach of Downtown, and is only 15 minutes from two major airports. But the real beauty of Riviera Bay lies in its waterside location. Weedon Island Preserve is a haven for wildlife, as are the waterways that flow throughout the neighborhood from the bay itself. The sense of community is seriously strong here. Neighbors are always willing to help each other out. If you’re into water sports, community events, and wildlife, then this is the place for you! Show off how much you love your neighborhood with Riviera Bay neighborhood gear!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• A perfect neighborhood for boaters with a large percentage of houses having waterfront access.
• In addition to the water, you also have Weedon Island Preserve in your neighborhood, one of the best places to kayak and hike in all of Tampa Bay.
• Riviera Bay is right along Gandy Boulevard, which all the locals know is the best bridge to get over to Tampa with minimal traffic.

Cons:

• Being surrounded by water, there is a threat of flooding and lands you in a flood zone for insurance purposes.
• The Gandy Bridge is a popular spot for street racers on weekend nights which you can hear from miles away.
• There are some restaurants within walking distance but they’re all pretty standard chains and fast food options.

Things To Do:

• Hike, kayak, and explore Weedon Island Preserve
• Enjoy the beach at Gandy without having to drive to the gulf
• Pull up at a sandbar and enjoy some White Claws on a Saturday

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Pinellas Point
• Gateway
• Shore Acres

Shore Acres is a fascinating neighborhood! Essentially, it is a series of streets that snake their way through the winding waterways. For that reason, a car or a bike is pretty essential for getting around, but there are express bus routes close by to transport you to the main shopping areas. People here feel really safe and the streets are well-lit at night. There’s a friendly vibe within the community. It’s a quiet neighborhood – kids feel safe to play outside, and there is plenty of wildlife around. You might even find some of the locals biking around the neighborhood in their Shore Acres apparel.

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• Shore Acres is another great neighborhood for boaters with a large number of houses having water access in the back.
• It’s set back off any large roads, making it easy to get in and out to jog, walk, or bike.
• Shore Acres has a very defined neighborhood feel; the second you cross over the bridge you know you’re in the neighborhood.

Cons:

• This neighborhood is known for some of the worst flooding in St. Petersburg.
• Shore Acres is not centrally located and depending on your house, you could be 15+ minutes from the interstate.
• For a pretty large neighborhood, there are only 3 ways to get in and out of Shore Acres.

Things To Do:

• Book a tee time and get out on the links at Mangrove Bay Golf Course
• Enjoy Tampa Bay from one of the several entry points
• Easily bike to downtown through gorgeous Snell Isle

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Coquina Key
• Riviera Bay
• Pinellas Point

Named for C. Perry Snell, the developer who bought the land in 1900, this neighborhood is more of a peninsula than a true island, surrounded on three sides by bays and bayous. Snell transformed this damp, mangrove swamp into an exclusive neighborhood, with a large golf course (the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club and Resort) that takes up a significant part of the island. Many of the old, Spanish style homes are being replaced by expensive modern styles. Some of these new homes are worth up to $2.4 million, which gives an indication of the ‘exclusive’ nature of Snell Isle. Check out our Snell Isle collection of neighborhood apparel!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$$

Pros: 

• Snell Isle is home to some of the nicest homes in all of St. Petersburg.
• It’s perfectly situated, only 5 minutes from downtown, yet far enough away to feel like you’re in your own little bubble.
• Right next to some incredible parks and bike paths like Coffee Pot Bayou and North Shore Park.

Cons:

• While there are some incredible houses, a lot of the big mansions are ‘new money’. Old Northeast is where you can find the old-money mansions
• It is some of the most expensive real estate in the city

Things To Do:

• Launch your kayak at Crisp Park or Coffee Pot Park
• Go for one of the prettiest walks of your like around Coffee Pot Bayou
• Go house gazing through the Isle and nearby Old Northeast

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Old Northeast
• Shore Acres
• Crescent Lake

Situated on a ‘barrier island’ on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this adventurous-sounding neighborhood has a lot going for it. Most areas are clean, bright, and well-presented, with brightly painted homes and tidy green yards. Residents describe it as a ‘small, but happy community’. Most of their needs can be met without leaving the island, as there are plenty of convenience stores, restaurants, and bars, although connections to the mainland are easily accessible if needed. Of course, the main draw here is the beach! In fact, there are three distinct beach areas, each with their own community feel.

Residential Makeup: Young Adults, Elderly

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• It’s a diverse area of residents attracting both retirees and young adults looking to enjoy the beach.
• No matter what end of Treasure Island you’re in, your street will have a laid back, beach town vibe.
• In addition to the obvious perk of the beach, there’s still a bunch of small mom and pop restaurants and a tiny main street giving it a quaint small-town feel.

Cons:

• While Treasure Island isn’t the most touristy beach of St. Pete, there’ll still be a good amount of tourists coming through.
• Like most beach towns, the old-time charm is present so a lot of the condos and houses are a bit dated.
• There are no east-west highways in Pinellas County so if you’re going anywhere besides the beaches, you’ll have a long drive across the county.

Things To Do:

• Soak up the sun at one of the best beaches in the world
• Try your shot at foot golf (golf with soccer balls!) at Treasure Island Golf Club
• Drive up to Johns Pass to rent a jetski and grab lunch

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Pinellas Point
• Gateway
• Riviera Bay

“A perfect neighborhood” – This description, given by a resident, captures the family-friendly atmosphere of Greater Woodlawn and is echoed by others who live here. There are reports of family groups and dogwalkers enjoying an evening stroll in the shaded streets, or kids playing safely in the nearby park. Families and older people make up the majority of the population, which tends to lean more towards the conservative side. It has a safe feel and benefits from great links to Downtown and other neighborhoods. The strong sense of community and holiday spirit keeps residents living here for years!

Residential Makeup: Families

Cost To Live (Out of 4): $$$

Pros: 

• While Woodlawn is located between the interstate and 4th Street, it doesn’t feel like you’re between 2 busy areas of town.
• It’s not an official historic neighborhood, it still has a historic vibe driving through with the old oak trees, brick streets, and charming houses.
• The east side of the neighborhood borders MLK Street with a bunch of cafes, stores, and restaurants.
• You can easily show off where you call home with some of our Woodlawn neighborhood apparel.

Cons:

• Prices in this neighborhood can be pretty high, especially compared to some neighborhoods right next door.
• The neighborhood is built into a grid system with many main roads bordering and cutting through the neighborhood.

Things To Do:

• Clubs Sports for adults – kickball and more, at one of the many leagues at Woodlawn Park
• Enjoy some tasty brews at Flying Boat Brewery
• Bike over to Crescent Lake for a great Saturday morning ride

Similar Neighborhoods:

• Allendale Terrace
• North Kenwood
• Fossil Park

That’s it folks! Our ultimate list of the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

As you can see, there are all sorts of neighborhoods accommodating to all sorts of people in all different stages of their life. We hope you found our ultimate guide useful and remember it is completely subjective. Things I might count as a pro, might be a con to you, and that’s totally fine!

We love interaction! Let us know in the comments which St. Petersburg neighborhoods are your favorite and why. If you have any questions, post them and we’ll get back to you!