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St. Petersburg

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Table of Contents

  1. Welcome to St. Petersburg, FL!
  2. Homes for Sale in St. Petersburg, FL
  3. Living in St. Petersburg, Florida
  4. Beaches
  5. Dining
  6. Shopping
  7. Arts Culture
  8. Own Your Slice of Paradise in St. Petersburg, FL
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Homes for Sale in St. Petersburg, FL

While anywhere in Florida is great for sunny weather, St. Petersburg takes it to another level. Known as the “Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg enjoys 361 days of sunshine each year, making it one of the sunniest spots in the entire state.
 
On top of that, St. Petersburg draws in both visitors and new residents thanks to its eclectic art scene, vibrant community, and diverse housing options that range from gorgeous waterfronts to secluded suburban homes. Whether you’re looking for a colorful place to work, play, or live a fulfilling life, there’s something for you in St. Petersburg.
 

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WELCOME TO ST. PETERSBURG, FL!

St. Petersburg, located in Pinellas County on Florida’s west coast, covers 135 square miles and has a population of over 258,000 (U.S. Census Bureau).
 
Tampa Bay surrounds the city on three sides. Clearwater is just a short 16-mile drive away, and Tampa is 19 miles away. Additionally, St. Petersburg forms part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, the second-largest in Florida.
 

What St. Petersburg is known for

Apart from its gorgeous climate year-round, St. Petersburg – fondly called St. Pete – is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Millions of visitors flock to St. Pete and nearby Clearwater annually, making Pinellas County a top choice for beachgoers across the country.

A brief history of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg’s history began long before Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, as indigenous tribes originally inhabited the Tampa Bay area. The city’s development gained momentum in the late 19th century when John C. Williams of Detroit purchased 2,500 acres and, with Peter Demens, extended the Orange Belt Railroad to the area.
 
Incorporated as a town in 1892 and as a city in 1903, St. Pete grew rapidly. The 1920s real estate boom and public works projects during the Great Depression shaped the city’s infrastructure, while today, arts, culture, and innovation drive its evolution.

HOMES FOR SALE IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

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SOLD for $1.8 million: A four-bedroom, four-bathroom house in St. Petersburg
 
The St. Petersburg market offers a wide variety of property types to accommodate diverse preferences and needs. The majority of available properties are single-family homes, but there’s also a strong presence of beachfront condos and waterfront homes. Many of these properties are equipped with luxurious amenities such as pools, fitness centers, and even private boat slips, providing a resort-like living experience.
 
For those seeking an urban lifestyle, downtown apartments offer modern living spaces within easy reach of the city’s dynamic cultural and social scene. Additionally, new construction properties are becoming increasingly available, offering contemporary design and amenities for those seeking a modern home.

Property age and architecture

A significant portion (nearly 43%) of the housing stock in St. Petersburg was built during the 1940s through 1960s. More than a third of homes here were established between 1970 and 1999. Newer properties are less common, but still make up about 12% of all properties in the city. As for architecture, many well-established residences boast Craftsman, Mediterranean Revival, and Colonial Revival features, adding character to the neighborhood.

Popular neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, FL

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Finding the perfect home in St. Petersburg goes beyond the house itself. Before committing to a purchase, make sure the neighborhood fits your lifestyle.
 
Some highly rated neighborhoods in St. Petersburg are:

Historic Kenwood – As the name suggests, Historic Kenwood is a well-established district with plenty of older homes dating back to the 1920s. Lying west of Downtown St. Pete, Historic Kenwood provides a more tranquil living environment while remaining close to the center of activity.

Downtown St. Petersburg – Trendy and vibrant, Downtown is the heart of St. Petersburg. Apartments, condos, and townhomes make up the bulk of the housing stock here, and proximity to the best shopping, dining, and entertainment make it a huge draw.

Historic Old Northeast – Historic Old Northeast is a picturesque neighborhood known for its lush, leafy streets and beautiful historic buildings. Here, you’re never far from parks, green spaces, and walking trails.

Coquina Key – Coquina Key is an upscale waterfront neighborhood with stunning views of Tampa Bay. If you’re looking for a private environment or a high-end waterfront home, this is an excellent neighborhood to start your house hunt.

Historic Roser Park – Located near the waterfront, Historic Roser Park is a quiet neighborhood with a rich past. Single-family homes in this area tend to have interesting architecture, with influences from Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Prairie styles.

LIVING IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

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Quality of life

St. Petersburg offers an exceptional quality of life, thanks to its sunny weather and prime coastal location.
 
Living near the coast has proven health benefits, including reduced stress, better air quality, and opportunities for outdoor activities like walking, swimming, and boating. The city’s strong sense of community further enhances residents’ well-being, providing a supportive environment that contributes to both mental and physical health.

Cost of living

In terms of cost of living, St. Petersburg is currently about, making it an affordable place to live. Housing costs are particularly attractive, with prices around 11% lower than the U.S. average. Utility costs are in line with national figures, while groceries are only slightly more expensive by about 1%. Healthcare here is 8% cheaper than the national average, adding to the city’s overall appeal and affordability.

Education

More than a vacation destination, St. Pete is a wonderful place to raise a family, thanks to its proximity to many reputable schools Pinellas County offers more than 140 schools and education centers, including several within St. Petersburg’s city limits:

Families who prefer private education also have multiple options, including Shorecrest Preparatory School, Admiral Farragut Academy, and Canterbury School of Florida.

With a variety of institutions catering to diverse academic interests and career goals, students seeking higher education have numerous opportunities to find the perfect fit for their aspirations.

The University of South Florida – St. Petersburg, part of the University of South Florida system, enrolls more than 6,500 students and offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Eckerd College is a private liberal arts institution offering programs that range from American studies to biochemistry and interdisciplinary arts.

St. Petersburg College is a public institution for higher education and part of the Florida College System. The college offers both in-person and online programs in multiple disciplines, including arts, humanities, business, and engineering.

Beaches

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With year-round summery weather and miles of coastline, St. Petersburg is a true beachgoer’s paradise. As a peninsular city, it offers easy access to the intracoastal waterways, Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and Boca Ciega Bay.
 
The beauty and diversity of St. Pete’s beaches and waters are unmatched, whether you’re seeking a day of family fun or a sun-soaked retreat.

St. Pete Beach – Known for its emerald-green waters and sugary sands, St. Pete Beach offers the best of both worlds. It’s a popular tourist spot with plenty of things to see and do, but it’s not too overwhelming if you’re the type to just roll out a beach towel and lounge. Establishments in this area are a mix of family-owned local businesses and upscale resorts.

Upham Beach Park – For those looking for a beach that’s a bit more secluded, Upham Beach Park on the northern end of St. Pete Beach is perfect. It’s also an excellent surfing spot when the conditions are favorable.

Fort Desoto Beach & Park – Nestled in the southern end of St. Petersburg, Fort Desoto is a 900-acre beach and county park. It boasts a boat launch and 2.25 miles of canoeing trails, in addition to hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic pavilions.

Clearwater Beach – Social, active, and bursting with energy, Clearwater Beach has never seen a dull moment. Situated about 30 to 45 minutes from the St. Petersburg city proper, this bustling beach is famous for its powdery white sands and nightly sunset celebrations on Pier 60.

Madeira Beach – West of St. Pete in Madeira City, part of Pinellas County, Madeira Beach exudes an “Old Florida” charm. The iconic John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, just across from the beach, adds to its nostalgic appeal. Whether you want to fish, munch on fresh seafood, or book a sunset cruise, “Mad Beach” will capture your heart.

Dining

St. Pete’s eclectic dining scene has captivated foodies everywhere, with options ranging from laid-back to upscale and local cuisine to international fare.
 
For a cozy café experience, head to Bandit Coffee Co., a trendy spot known for its expertly crafted coffee, creative lattes, and locally sourced pastries. Another great option is Kahwa Coffee, a beloved local chain offering strong brews. If you’re in the mood for drinks, The Ale and the Witch is a downtown favorite with a wide selection of craft beers and live music. For something more upscale, The Canopy rooftop lounge at The Birchwood provides stunning waterfront views.
 
Be sure to check out these other notable dining destinations in St. Pete!

Fine dining

Birch & Vine – Located in the heart of downtown, this upscale, chef-driven restaurant offers a sophisticated menu featuring modern American cuisine with a creative spin. Enjoy al fresco dining on their gorgeous patio for an elevated experience.

Rococo Steak – Known for its luxurious, romantic setting, Rococo Steak offers a contemporary take on the classic steakhouse experience. Their menu features prime cuts of beef and an extensive wine list, all served in a baroque atmosphere.
 

International cuisine

La V Vietnamese Fusion – This Vietnamese fusion restaurant in downtown St. Pete is known and loved for its fresh, flavorful dishes, including pho, banh mi, and spring rolls, but also refreshing bubble tea.

Baba – Combining Middle Eastern and Greek flavors, Baba offers a unique dining experience with dishes like kebabs, mezze platters, and freshly baked pita bread. The restaurant’s cozy, modern decor adds to the charm of this family-run eatery.
 

Seafood spots

Sea Salt St. Pete – Sea Salt offers an extensive seafood menu featuring fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its raw bar, featuring oysters, clams, and other delicacies, as well as its impressive wine selection.

Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro – Enjoy prime views of the bay alongside delicious seafood at Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro, a casual restaurant serving tacos, ceviche, and margaritas.

Shopping

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Downtown St. Petersburg is a shopper’s haven. Central Avenue, an open-air shopping district, offers antiques, handmade items, independent vendors, and unique finds. One can spend hours browsing art galleries, home décor stores, and clothing boutiques.

Arts culture

St. Petersburg is a hub for arts and culture, with an impressive lineup of museums, galleries, and striking street murals that reflect the city’s unique character. Whether you’re exploring renowned collections or discovering hidden gems, creativity is woven into the very fabric of St. Pete.

The Dalí Museum
 
The Dalí Museum proudly houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s pieces in the world, second only to the Dalí Theater-Museum in Spain. It was founded in 1982 and currently has over 2,400 works by the renowned surrealist, from oil paintings to sketches and book illustrations. Its recent exhibits include Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Degas & More, Where Ideas Come From: Dalí’s Drawings, and Talent Within: The Dalí Staff Art Show.
 
The museum also has a Center for the Avant-garde, a useful resource for anyone interested in learning more deeply about Dalí, Surrealism, and the Avant-garde. Additionally, the museum shop sells a variety of Dalí-inspired clothes, household items, and accessories.

Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
 
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), the first art museum in St. Petersburg, houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years. It’s beautifully located by the waterfront on Beach Drive.
 
The MFA houses works of traditional and modern art across various mediums, centuries, and even continents, with pieces from ancient Greece and Rome, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Berthe Morisot are only a few of the distinguished artists featured here. The museum also has its own artisanal cafe and bakery as well as a gift shop.
 
To get the most out of your visit, consider stopping by on a Saturday or Sunday at 2:00 p.m., when docent-led public tours are held.

The Morean Arts Center
 
The Morean Arts Center on Central Avenue is a free and open-to-the-public contemporary art gallery that showcases a diverse array of exhibits centered on modern works of art. Its current and past displays encompass everything from clay paintings and sculptures to traditional paintings, photographs, and mixed media works, offering something for every art enthusiast.
 
Additionally, the Morean Arts Center provides a variety of classes and workshops, including drawing, painting, jewelry-making, clay, metal sculpture, and photography.

FloridaRAMA
 
Florida’s zany spirit is best captured in FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete), an immersive, playful museum featuring works by more than 75 artists. This popular entertainment destination also doubles as an events venue with its own onsite bar and cafe.

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OWN YOUR SLICE OF PARADISE IN ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Ready to explore homes for sale in St. Petersburg, FL? Let Len Lipply be your guide. With over 13 years of experience in luxury homes, new builds, and the unique communities of Tampa Bay, Len offers expert knowledge and a personalized approach to finding your dream property. Start your home-buying journey with a trusted expert—reach out to Len Lipply today! Call us at 727.514.0952 or contact us here.

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