Best Places to Live in St. Petersburg, FL

Do you want to know where to live in St. Petersburg, FL? Check out these seven best neighborhoods!

Are you moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, and want to know which neighborhood is best for you? What was once a quiet destination for retirees has become one of Florida's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Nicknamed "The Sunshine City," enjoy warm weather and up to 361 days of sun during the year.

Surrounded by beaches, waterfront parks, nature trails, and prime fishing, there always seems to be something to do. Located on the Gulf Coast with a population of over 261,256, St. Petersburg is where young professionals and families flock. It's one of the best places to live in the state. Providing its residents with top dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences alongside a booming local economy, opportunities regarding business and recreation are never-ending. 

Compared to moving to Tampa, St. Petersburg has fantastic safety ratings and is considered a more favorable place to live due to its vibrant culture and waterfront views. No matter if you want to live luxuriously by the beach or steps away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, there is a neighborhood to appeal to any lifestyle.

From new construction to renovated single-family homes and apartments, finding your dream home in St. Petersburg could not be easier. So, if you are wondering where you should live and the best areas in St. Petersburg, you have come to the right place. Learn more about the seven Best Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Where To Find a Home in St Petersburg, FL

Downtown St. Petersburg

A historic district, Downtown St. Petersburg is prized for its lively and vibrant nightlife overlooking Tampa Bay. If you want to live in the heart of this bustling city, then look no further. Plus, living in Downtown St. Petersburg is a huge convenience if you work in the city. Experiencing an influx of residents and tourists over the past few years, young professionals are choosing to live in this city area for its hip and fun vibe. Not to mention, its availability of townhomes, apartments, and condominiums is a big draw to the area. 

Within walking distance to fabulous new restaurants, craft breweries, museums, festivals, local boutiques, and some of the best beaches in the country, everyone wants to live in Downtown St. Petersburg. Home to several popular attractions, including the Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Mahaffey Theater, the art scene is thriving. With a long list of historical and cultural sites, never run out of things to do. Known to be remarkably cheaper than other similar cities, living Downtown is affordable and worth considering.

Local Favorites: 

• Salvador Dali Museum: Admire the works of Spanish artist Salvador Dali, best known for "the melting clock" painting. While admission may be $25, you can also walk around the gardens for free. 
• The Sunken Gardens: For only $12 per person, experience this hidden oasis and botanical garden home to hundreds of exotic plant species, trees, and flamingos. 
• Fort De Soto Park: The largest park in Pinellas County. Featuring 7 miles of waterfront and white sand. 
• The Canopy Rooftop Bar: This rooftop bar offers the city's best views alongside a long list of refreshing cocktails and drinks. 
• St. Pete Brewing Company: If beer is your drink of choice, this brewing company and taproom serves up some of the best craft beer in the city. Featuring a nautical theme, try the Pale Ale or the Orange Wheat.

Historic Kenwood

Located west of Downtown St. Petersburg lies the quaint and quiet neighborhood of Historic Kenwood. More affordable than living Downtown, Historic Kenwood is a trendy place to live without the high price tag. This area is considered a United States Historic District with up to 2,203 historic buildings. With many homes dating back to the early 1920s, architectural styles range from Tudor Revival to Craftsman Bungalow.

Today, these beautiful historic homes have been renovated and are a part of the neighborhood's charm. While these homes may be smaller, the diversity and safety of the community are attracting many families. Plus, with a fantastic public school system in Pinellas County, families with school-aged children will love the area even more. 

Local Favorites: 

• Urban Brew and BBQ: Found off Central Avenue, dine-in barbecue, homemade sides, and desserts with your favorite craft beer. 
• Pedalpub St.Pete: This 16-person pedal-powered party bus is the best way to explore the craft beer and bar scene in St. Petersburg.  
• Right Around the Corner - Arcade Brewery & Craft Beer Bar: Want to drink beer and cocktails while playing arcade games? This brewpub is the perfect night out. 
• Hatchet Hangout - Axe Throwing St. Pete: A great night out with friends or family. The first and only axe-throwing venue in Tampa Bay. 
• Casita Taqueria: This Mexican restaurant serves classic favorites, including tacos, chips, salsa, and margaritas, in a casual setting.

Historic Old Northeast

Just minutes from Downtown, Historic Old Northeast has become a sought-after place. This tranquil neighborhood features paved brick streets, tree-lined sidewalks, hidden murals, and beautiful historic homes. Surrounded by lush landscaping and greenery, admire the gorgeous palm trees, magnolias, and oaks. With nearly 3,000 historic buildings within the community, appreciate old Mediterranean and Craftsman Bungalow architectural styles.

Found in a prime location but notorious for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere, this neighborhood is perfect for families or retirees. Surrounded by waterfront greenspaces, parks, walking and biking trails, and swimming places, residents are known to embrace the outdoors. With an active and social community, get to know your neighbors and attend the many annual events and block parties that the neighborhood hosts, including the 4th of July Parade or frequent porch parties.

Local Favorites:

• North Shore Park St. Pete: This waterfront park includes a white sand beach, playground, dog park, and picnic shelter.  
• Coffee Pot Bayou Park: Offering beautiful bay views and great fishing. Look out for the resident manatees!  
• The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum: Walk around this park and arboretum featuring palm trees worldwide. 
• The Palladium Theater St. Petersburg: Since 1925, this performing arts theater has presented films, plays, and performances. 
• Old Northeast Tavern: A neighborhood bar and restaurant serving fantastic beer, stone-roasted pizza, salads, sandwiches, and other favorites.

Jungle Prada

Nicknamed "The Jungle," living in this residential tropical oasis lives up to its name. Home to its own family of 70 peacocks that roam the streets, who wouldn't want to live here? Beloved for its green spaces, brick-lined streets, and natural beauty, the neighborhood of Jungle Prada is only 15 minutes from Downtown and is only a short drive from the St. Pete beaches.

Full of character and charm, the home values in this area have increased by 14% within the past year. Whether you are looking for a waterfront property or a renovated bungalow, Jungle Prada offers its residents various home styles. Before buying a home, consider the best property type for you and your family. For those with school-aged children, top schools in the area include Azalea Elementary School, Azalea Middle School, and St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. 

Local Favorites: 

• Jungle Prada Tavern: Dine on seafood, pizza, sandwiches, and burgers at this bar and grill. Try the Scallops or the Tavern Salmon.
• Jungle Prada Park - Narvaez/Anderson Mound: This architectural site is the location of the historical Narvaez expedition site that came to the area in 1528. Featuring prehistoric Indian mounds of the Indigenous Tocobaga people, this well-preserved site can be visited today. 
• Admiral Farragut Academy: This prestigious college prep private school serving grades K-12 was once the former Jungle Prada hotel hosting famous guests such as Babe Routh and Al Capone.

Crescent Lake

Land once used for farming and citrus groves in the 1800s has since become one of the best places to live in St. Petersburg. This northern suburb of Pinellas County has a relatively small population of 2,000 people. Providing its residents with a dense suburban feel of living, the neighborhood of Crescent Lake is surrounded by parks, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and local boutiques. Known to be an active community, this is the perfect place for outdoor lovers and for those who want a sense of adventure. Hike, walk the dog, bike, or jog around the many open green spaces. 

Attracting many young professionals, students, and families, this area is clean, safe, and friendly. Prized for its majestic lake and array of mid-twentieth-century architecture, have your choice of renovated historic single-family homes. Now, the location of the New York Yankee's Spring Training Facility, Crescent Lake, is a welcoming community that continues to grow year after year.

Local Favorites:

• Three Birds Tavern: This tavern and pub, located in a farmhouse setting, serves comfort food with a modern twist. Sit outside on the dog-friendly wraparound porch!
• The Left Bank Bistro: A beautiful Parisian bistro honoring the art and literary scene of the 1920s. Enjoy live Jazz music and classic French dishes in a wonderfully decorated atmosphere. 
• Crescent Lake Park: This 56-acre park has Banyan trees a dog park, tennis courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds.
• Hook’s On 9th: Get your fix of sushi and Thai flavors at this cafe with great prices.
• Dairy Inn: For the past 63 years, this St. Pete landmark has been an old-school soft-serve ice cream joint.

Coquina Key

It is an affluent and safe neighborhood; if you want a quiet place with virtually no crime, consider living in Coquina Key. Thought to be one of the nicest areas in the city, this suburban neighborhood is currently home to 4,315 residents. Found right on the water, the real estate can be quite pricey. With an older demographic, many retirees like to call Coquina Key home, while families and young professionals tend to rent properties during the tourist season.

Considered to be a diverse neighborhood and a great place to raise a family, it is no surprise that residents love living here. For those moving with school-aged children, the top public schools that serve the area include Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, and Osceola Fundamental High School.

Search for homes for sale in Coquina Key. 

Local Favorites:

• Coquina Key Park: A cool place to bring the family. It comprises green spaces, tennis courts, football fields, basketball courts, a dog park, playgrounds, and picnic shelters. 
• Southside Coffee Brew Bar: If you are craving espresso, look no further. This cozy coffee shop has everything from delicious coffee to cinnamon coffee cake. This brew bar also serves alcohol. 
• The Chattaway: Featured on Diners, Drive In's, and Dives! Serving American fare since 1951. It is famous for its burgers and Old Florida tropical atmosphere.
• Munch's Restaurant and Sundries: Southern comfort food at its finest. Serving breakfast and lunch at this old-time diner and soda fountain.
• Don's Irish Pub: A small local Irish pub with tons of beer, a pool table, and lots of fun.

Historic Roser Park

The small and quiet residential area of Historic Roser Park near the water features beautiful tree-lined streets. Recognized as a United States Historic District, the neighborhood has been experiencing massive growth over the past year. Close to recreation, hospitals, entertainment, and public transportation, this area has become its own business center within St. Petersburg, with beautiful homes for sale. 

It is a relaxing location that is steps away from the ocean and part of a trendy and charming community. When walking through the neighborhood, find a mixture of Craftsman Bungalows, Colonial Revival, and Prarie architectural styles. With a rich historical background, find monuments dedicated to Civil War soldiers and graves of early pioneers who once lived there. In our opinion — Historic Roser Park is one of the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

Local Favorites:

• Roser Park: The best way to spend time outdoors. Walk alongside the palm trees and water. 
• The German Knoodle: A great place to enjoy authentic German food. There are even vegan options on the menu. 
• The Tavern at Bayboro: This tavern and bar dishes craft beer and locally caught fish sandwiches.

FAQs 

What is the best place to live in St. Petersburg, FL? 

Home to many sought-after neighborhoods, one of the best places to live in St. Petersburg is the neighborhood of Coquina Key for its quiet, tree-lined streets and access to the bay. 

What are the safest neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, FL? 

If you are looking for a safe neighborhood in St. Petersburg, consider living in Downtown St. Petersburg, Historic Kenwood, and Old Northeast. 

What is the most walkable area of St. Petersburg, FL? 

Downtown St. Petersburg is well-known as one of the most walkable areas in the city since top-rated restaurants, parks, and attractions surround it. 

The Best Neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, FL - The Bottom Line

Beloved for its warm weather and fantastic waterfront views, St. Petersburg is a Florida gem. Even celebrities such as Hulk Hogan and Derek Jeter are known to live and visit the city frequently. If you are living in Florida, it's likely you love the St. Petersburg area as well. Containing big city amenities while still offering a small-town Old Florida feel, St. Petersburg has a lot to offer its residents. Not to mention, with affordable prices and housing, find your dream home on any budget.

Before moving to St. Petersburg, make sure to contact our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to aid and support you through the home buying process. With the help of our team, find out where you should and should not live in St. Petersburg based on what you want and desire in a home and neighborhood. Whether you are looking for a more affordable or expensive property in St. Petersburg, our agents will assist you in your search.

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