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“Were I sent abroad to search for a haven for tired men, where new life would come with every sun, and slumber full of sleep with every moon”

William Chase found his heaven in Pinellas Point (part of St.Petersburg) Later his writings influenced a report issued by the American Medical Association in 1885, declaring Pinellas Point as the healthiest point in the United States. St. Petersburg continues to be a heaven for retirees and tourists but also has become a popular relocation destination. Today only 17% of the population of St. Petersburg is 65 years or older.

St. Petersburg is located on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico and it is part of Clearwater -St. Petersburg-Tampa metropolitan area. The city is connected to Bradenton/Sarasota by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the south and to Tampa by causeways and bridges to the east.

Founded by John Williams and Peter Demens, St Petersburg was named after Peter old birthplace in Russia. The city went through a land boom in the 20s, economic slump during the Great Depression and was saved by the military, which turned all empty hotels into army quarters during WWII. After the war many of the soldiers came back to live or retire in St. Petersburg. From the 1940 to 1950 the population grew to 96, 738, an increase of 988%. Of course, the invention of air-conditioning was a contributing factor as well.

Homes in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg has over hundred unique neighborhoods. Some of the neighborhoods are as small as 200 homes and each neighborhood has specific characteristics. It is not very easy to determine the price of a home in St. Petersburg if you are not familiar with the neighborhoods. Prices range is from $80,000 to 10 million.

If you prefer urban lifestyle a one bedroom one bath condo in downtown can be had for $179,900 or you could move into a 3BR/3BA 3600 sq.ft. condo on the 12th floor of the Vinoy Place Residence for a little over 3 million. Most of the condos downtown are new, but there are few condo conversions.

One of the most popular neighborhoods is Snell Isle, where you can buy a 5bedrooms, 5baths, and 7300 sq.ft. waterfront mansion for a 7 million or a 2bedroom, 1bath, 1-car carport, 968 sq.ft. cottage for $325,000.

Next to Snell Isle is the Old Northeast Historic District. Well maintained colonials, craftsmans and mediteranean homes coexist peacefully on the tree lined brick street. Expect to pay around $570000 for 5BR/3BA craftsman bungalow. For a waterfront 3BR/2BA Colonial on the Coffee Pot Bayou the price tag is 1.2 million.

For bungalow lovers Historic Kenwood provides charm and character. Kenwood was named one of the top 10 places to live by Cottage Living magazine in 2006. Of course, you have to keep in mind that living in Kenwood comes with some quirky traditions. You might get a visit from the mischievous elves for Christmas. Nobody has seen the elves at work but if you don’t decorate you r home for the holidays the elves will do it for you, only instead of the usual lights and garlands the elves use recycled material. Kenwoodians are a friendly bunch, once a month the neighbors hold happy hour porch parties and once a year the neighborhood organizes Bungalow Fest. You will spend $250000 for an updated 3 bedroom, 2bath bungalow.

Searching for a waterfront home on Tampa Bay for less look into these neighborhoods: Shore Acres and Riviera North. Shore Acres tends to floods whenever the tide is a few feet above normal, especially if there is some rain.

One of the best non waterfront neighborhoods is Allendale Terrace. The neighborhood is close to Snell Isle and became popular after the 1920s hurricane. The enthusiasm for waterfront property waned and the developer Cade B. Allen purchased 160 acres of high and dry land. The first homeowners association in St. Petersburg was formed in Allendale Terrace. You could have bought a 3BR/1BA home for $80000 in 2001; today the same home will cost you $279000. Location! Location! Location!

Roser Park neighborhood is next to Bayfront Medical Center and Downtown St. Petersburg. The homes are build around the meandering Booker Creek and Roser Park. The landscape is mix that works in Roser park - stately oak trees are mixed with royal palms and lush tropical plants. The architectural styles are as diverse as the plants, Colonial Revival, Prairie Style, Mediterranean and Spanish to various styles of bungalows.

On the western side of St.Petersburg, there is one neighborhood worth noting. The Jungle Terrace neighborhood is located west of 66 and east to Boca Ciega Bay south 22nd Ave. north 40th Ave. Most of the homes in Jungle Terrace were built in the 50s during the largest influx of people to St.Petersburg. Prices range from $80000 for a small 2BR, 1BA cottage to 1 million dollar homes on the western edge of the neighborhood. Jungle Terrace has rich history that includes such notables as Duke Ellington who played in Gangplnk, the first St. Peterburg night club, Babe Ruth who got married in Jungle Prada Club, and Al Capone who is said to have been part owner of Jungle Prada Club. Jungle Prada is the site of archeological digs-Indian mounds were discovered there dating back more than 2000 years.

St Petersburg Schools

St. Petersburg is served by the Pinellas County School System. Most of the elementary schools are A and B rated, with only four elementary schools rated C. Middle schools are rated A, B and C. Bay Point Middle (located in the south of St. Petersburg) is the only middle school rated A for 2006-07. Thurgood Marshall John Hopkins Middle(both central St. Petersburg) are rated B and the rest of the middle schools are C rated. The only A rated for 2006-07 high school in St.Petersburg is St.Petersburg Colligiate High. St.Petersburg High School is rated C and the rest are D rated. St. Petersburg is home of St. Petersburg College, Eckerd College, College of Marine Science and The Poynter Institute (school for journalism).

Shopping and Dining in St Petersburg

St. Petersburg is full of vibrant life and flavor. There is no shortage of great dinning and shopping opportunities. In Downtown St. Petersburg, Bay Walk is an open open-air complex in Mediterranean style. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, Bay Walk is called by the soul of St. Pete. Bay Walk is home of IMAX Muvico theatre, several upscale restaurants and stores like Ann Taylor, Chico’s and the White Market.

Just a stroll down from Bay walk is the Pier, which is a local landmark and anchor for downtown St. Petersburg . The pier is an inverted glass pyramid with an observation deck, aquarium, couple of restaurants and shops inside.

On Central Avenue you can find concentration of galleries, arts centers and restaurants like the Kitchen, which critics called “experimental and gutsy”. If you have time to visit only one restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, make it the Z-grill. Here you have to try the buttery melt in your mouth rib-eye steak or the absolutely delightful fish tacos. If you happen to be in downtown on Saturday morning don't miss the largest fresh market in the state, which is aptly called the Saturday Morning Market. It happens between Central Avenue and 2nd street between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In addition to all the downtown shopping and dining opportunities, there are many neighborhood restaurants and shopping centers. Close to the Jungle Terrace community is located Tyron Square Mall, which features more than 170 shops and stores.

Leisure and Play in Brandon

It is difficult to choose what to do in St. Petersburg, because in addition of being close to the best beeches on the Gulf of Mexico, St. Petersburg is home to a lot of Attractions, Museums and Galleries like the Dali Museum, Florida International Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and more. There is plenty to do for the sports fans. Tropicana Field, a major league park and home of the Devil Rays, is located in downtown St. Petersburg.