Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we’ve researched the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg for you, so you don’t have to (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop—your friendly St. Petersburg movers). We’ve examined what it’s like living in each of these highlighted neighborhoods and created in-depth guides with insider scoops on close-by, popular destinations. Soon, you’ll be living like a local. 

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A Little About St. Petersburg and its Neighborhoods

Settled along the coast between Tampa Bay and the beaches of the barrier islands, St. Petersburg, Florida beams with nearly 361 days of sunshine. This city is popular among residents and tourists, with features that appeal to both. Its revamped downtown, bursting art scene, local shops, restaurants, breweries, and clubs dazzle visitors. And its booming local economy, strong retail market, low cost of living, and quality health care make it a wonderful place for long-term residents.

This up-and-coming city is becoming the next fastest-growing metro area in the state. A nearly-open new development cost the city close to $80-million and has been in the works since 2004. This new structure, St. Pete’s Pier, is scheduled to have its grand opening in early 2020. The pier will be jam-packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars, a discovery center, grassy lawns, walking paths, and a marketplace.

St. Petersburg’s resurgence is also due to its vibrant social community. Neighborhoods in this burgeoning city have their own tight communities, with regular gatherings like porch parties and small, local events. Droves of established adults and retirees have been moving to St. Pete for its sunshine and city amenities. But in the past decade, younger professionals have started a migration of their own to this sunny city.

Despite a new and younger surge of residents, St. Pete maintains its charming historic character. Developed in 1875, St. Pete is clad with wide sidewalks, brick-lined streets, open grassy spaces, and Mediterranean architecture. The city is home to seven arts districts, several historic districts, and more than 80 individual landmarks built and maintained over the decades. 

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It’s been voted by CNBC, USA Today, WalletHub, and the like as the best place to own a home, start a business, and raise a family. Packed with waterfront properties and lined by beautiful shorelines, St. Pete has a number of incredible neighborhoods to call your next home. Join us in exploring the five best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

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Downtown

Downtown is home to the world-famous Dali Museum and several universities, like the University of Florida and the award-winning Eckerd College. This center of the city offers a bustling and fun environment. But many of its businesses have been built into converted houses, making Downtown’s walkable streets charming and approachable. 

The Downtown district is a one-square-mile area packed with shops, local eateries, markets, waterfront parks, breweries, businesses, and festivals. Downtown blends residential options with thriving amenities and nightlife hubs. There are many condos and single-family homes squeezed between corner cafes and family-owned shops. 

Lots of young professionals have moved to this city’s downtown. But many established adults have also bought homes on Beach Drive feature gorgeous views overlooking the water. The prices get high here. Many of these luxury condos list at close to $550,000. But as you move farther away from this popular street, you’ll find more affordable rates. And in the past few years, about 2,000 housing units have been added to this hot residential market. 

St. Pete’s Downtown has transformed in the past five years, but it still maintains a quaint community vibe and its balmy Floridian appeal. Locals enjoy living close to all of the city’s action while enjoying the serenity and security of their homes. And families stroll through Downtown’s massive waterfront park. 

For an upscale outing in Downtown, check out Tryst Gastro Lounge and The Canopy Rooftop Lounge. Both of these hot spots have a posh atmosphere, but they aren’t exclusive and don’t require a dress code. You’ll also find great fine dining restaurants like Sea Salt, which serves seafood dishes from their second-story spot. This restaurant also features a large patio and glass-walled wine cellar.

Many residents don’t feel the need to own their own cars. A short walk will get them to the grocery store, like the gourmet Locale Market. Close to the most popular residential areas, the streets are lined with fashion and jewelry stores. Residents lounge in outdoor seating at popular coffee shops, like Jenaro Cafe. And on weekends, locals gather for concerts and shows at Jannus Live. 

About a mile west of Downtown, the Grand Central District has started to develop and thrive and has added more hubs to the list, like the popular Dog Bar. On the Historic Central Avenue Block, you’ll find tons of dive bars, restaurants, cocktail lounges, sushi bars, and fast food stops. This section of downtown is home to a more diverse population and emits an energetic vibe. On each first Friday, this area’s streets shut down. And open container laws are forgotten during the block party, making it the most exciting choice on our guide to the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

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Historic Old Northeast

Sitting just north of Downtown, Old Northeast is one of the largest national historic neighborhoods in the state. Many of the homes in this area are built in the craftsman and Mediterannean revival styles. These beautiful and character-rich homes are what make Old Northeast such an appealing and charming neighborhood. The homes are large compared to the lots they sit on. But many have small front yards and gardens framed by white picket fences and decorative sidewalks. 

The neighborhood welcomes all ages and is filled up with many retirees and families. The greenery in this neighborhood is abundant and includes large oak trees, beachy palm trees, and flowering magnolias. The median home price in Old Northeast is $692,000. Because of its prime location, immense character, and gorgeous homes, living in this neighborhood will rack up quite a hefty housing bill. But those who can afford it find it well worth the price tag.

Old Northeast residents get the best of both worlds, with a beautiful, character-rich neighborhood and close-by exciting vibes of St. Pete’s center-city. This neighborhood is close to shopping spots, dining options, parks, and city landmarks. It has also been featured in The Great Homes and Destinations section of the New York Times.  

The community that lives in Old Northeast is active and social. Residents enjoy each others’ company on their front porches, host block parties, and community events, and celebrate the holidays together. Old Northeast is certainly one of the most liked and admired neighborhoods in this city. This fantastic community, located around the highly desirable area of Downtown, close to the coast, and full of wonderful amenities is an excellent place to call home on our guide to the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

Old Southeast

More affordable than Old Northeast, this neighborhood still boasts of beautiful historic homes, quiet residential streets, and proximity to the center city. But Old Southeast doesn’t carry quite as big of a price tag. Just 1.7 miles south of Downtown, Old Southeast residents feel like they’ve found the perfect oasis in the middle of St. Pete. They can commute Downtown for work or to go out for dinner and be back in their greenery-rich, waterside neighborhood in five minutes. 

This area is quirky and proud of it and the perfect spot for someone who doesn’t like the cookie-cutter look. One of the first things noticeable about Old Southeast is its wide, brick streets. Each of Old Southeast’s homes displays its own character. The population is diverse and involved. Regular community events during the holidays and locally-started rituals like a weekly plant swap keep residents entertained and close-knit, making it a very quaint choice on our guide to the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

Historic Kenwood

Centrally located, Kenwood sits less than two miles west of Downtown, two miles from Tampa Bay, and five miles from the Treasure Island and Gulf beaches. Residents love the fact that they can be in the center of the city in a few minutes, or turn around and hit some of the most beautiful beaches in the state in a few more. This historic neighborhood boasts of having one of the highest concentrations of Craftsman-style Bungalow homes in the state. And they celebrate this regularly with their recurring Bungalowfest, which opens up the neighborhood for tours of these historic houses. 

Homes in Kenwood are gorgeous with roomy front porches and Spanish-moss-laden trees in the front yards. And the neighborhood’s brick roads are lined with flowering magnolias and hexagon block sidewalks. Kenwood offers an incredibly warm and welcoming group of diverse residents. It features a strong sense of community, and residents get together regularly for social events. 

The neighborhood is also home to the St. Petersburg Senior High School which still operates out of its original 1926-built schoolhouse and has been rated among the top 100 schools in the nation. Besides families, creatives have flocked to the area. The Artist Enclave, which was seven years in the works, now allows artists to legally work from their homes, making it the most unique choice on our guide to the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

Snell Isle

Nestled on its own 275-acre island, Snell Isle is a beautiful and sophisticated neighborhood. It offers its residents luxury living at just a few miles northeast of Downtown. In this upper-class suburbia, Snell Isle is home to some of the most expensive and extravagant houses in the area. And rather than featuring old, cobblestone streets like many of the neighborhoods mentioned before, Snell Isle is attired with manicured lawns and large mansions that overlook the bayou. 

Snell Isle does, however, offer a bit of history of its own. Founded in 1925, this neighborhood is home to the Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club and Resort, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Quite pricey, Snell Isle is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city and is very popular among families. The neighborhood offers bike-friendly streets and wide sidewalks. And Snell Isle residents have open bay or deep-water access to Tampa Bay, making it a very scenic choice on our guide to the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

There you have it: the 5 best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg!

We hope this guide to the best neighborhoods in St. Petersburg was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long-distance moving services in St. Petersburg, and we would love to help.

Harrison Stevens