Welcome to Downtown St. Petersburg
The perfect blend of urban and suburban amenities on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Downtown St. Petersburg was recently named one of the Top 10 Big Cities in the U.S., one of the “Best Street art Cities in the World,” and one of “America’s Hottest Cities to Live and Visit.” With accolades like that, it seems like a no-brainer to move right in. There are murals and museums, the lively St. Pete Pier, easily accessed boating and fishing, championship golf, watersports, and a great nightlife and dining scene. Plus, the beach is never far away.
St. Pete, as it’s affectionately known, is smaller than Tampa, so it’s a great choice for families and young professionals seeking a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Add an affordable cost of living and a thriving job market, and you have a delicious recipe for classy, artsy living. Lauded for its welcoming environment, green-friendly practices, natural beauty, and upscale ambiance, St. Pete offers the community feel of a small town with fantastic urban amenities right out your front door. Dog owners love St. Pete, one of the most pet-friendly cities in the United States! From off-leash dog parks to the full-service bar/doggy play area, this is one city that loves its pets.
If you find yourself needing something beyond what St. Pete offers (and that won’t be much!), you can easily hop on Interstate 75 or Interstate 275 to zip to other parts of the city and the rest of the Gulf Coast. For business travelers, the airport is conveniently close.
What to Love
- Small-town charm with big-city amenities
- The burgeoning gourmet food scene
- Countless outdoor activities
Local Lifestyle
The people of Downtown St. Petersburg love the outdoors, the arts, and the sense of community brought to this charming area. There’s a laid-back, though still fairly upscale, personality to the neighborhood. It’s common to see residents spending the day with the kids on the beach or indulging in a leisurely lunch with friends before some high-end shopping. The more historic areas of St. Pete are generally more accessible and less expensive than those in Tampa Bay, but it’s easy to find charming homes with spacious front porches and detached garages that appeal to varying income levels.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
St. Petersburg’s up-and-coming culinary scene is being recognized for its expertly prepared Gulf Coast seafood and internationally nuanced cuisine. Whether you’re craving a stylish brunch spot or award-winning street food, you’ll find it at the beach cafes, alfresco restaurants, and beach cafes throughout the city.
Local foodie favorites include Teak Restaurant and Doc Ford’s, both at St. Pete Pier. Teak boasts a nautically inspired menu created by the Tampa Bay area’s top chefs, complemented by stunning 360-degree waterfront views. Start with the fresh Teak house salad, followed by a platter of succulent Gulf oysters, cocktail shrimp, and scallop crudo. Savor the view and the lively ambiance of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill, and feast on authentic Floridian and Caribbean fare, washed down with a Doc Ford’s mojito.
For a classy night out, head to Parkshore Grill, the most-awarded restaurant on Beach Drive. The menu focuses on contemporary American classics and decadent dishes like the namesake meal of Filet Mignon and lobster tail cabernet demi-glace, lemon caper butter, buttermilk mashed potatoes, asparagus, and hollandaise.
Art lovers — whether first-time buyers or seasoned art collectors — will want to visit Guy Vincent and Jay Shaffer’s new Ocean Blue Galleries. Browse pieces from top-selling and most-collectible artists from around the world. Continue the browsing in Downtown St. Petersburg, brimming with specialty shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, antique shops, jewelry stores, and more.
Things to Do
The heart of St. Pete is its new namesake pier, a gleaming, 26-acre, waterfront attraction that combines outdoor play with shopping, dining, culture, and more. Join your neighbors at St. Pete Pier, and spend the day walking, strolling, dining, and swimming under the sun.
One of the most appealing qualities of Downtown St. Petersburg is its proximity to 35 miles of the best beaches in America. Three of those beaches are in St. Pete itself, so there is really no excuse not to treat yourself to an oceanside visit several times a week — even every day! The biggie, St. Pete Beach, is located on a barrier island just west of the city and offers not only swimming, but dining, boutique shopping, and the chance to learn to kayak or paddleboard in calm waters.
Head to Vinoy Park, where you can spend a day taking in scenic views from the waterfront, picnicking and playing on the vast lawns, and attending one of the many festivals, concerts, and sporting events held here. The Tampa Bay Blues Festival takes place here each spring, featuring such greats as JJ Grey & Mofro, Jimmie Vaughan, and Larkin Poe. Get inspiration for your home decor at the Mainsail Art Festival, also held at Vinoy Park and considered one of the top fine art and design shows in the country. Rev things up a bit when the Firestone Grand Prix comes to St. Petersburg, a week-long festival including the fastest racing series in the world, live entertainment, and interactive activities.
St. Petersburg residents tend to live an active, outdoor-centric lifestyle, enjoying the balmy temperatures and blue skies. There are more than 150 parks throughout the city, 40 miles of trails for biking, and miles of kayaking and paddleboarding trails through the water and mangroves. Favorites include Sawgrass Lake Park and its mile-long boardwalk from which you can spot alligators and storks, Pinellas Point Park on the waterfront, and the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, a 40-mile cycling trail through the local communities and nature preserves.Schools
Downtown St. Petersburg is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
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Plato Academy of St. Petersburg, K-7, a well-rated public charter elementary and middle school
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Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School, K-5, well-rated public elementary school
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St. Petersburg Catholic High School, 9-12, well-rated private high school
