Photo courtesy of City of St. Petersburg
Gay Friendly Neighborhoods
One of the beautiful aspects of the St. Petersburg area is the diversity of many of its neighborhoods. While there is no “gay ghetto”, there are many neighborhoods that are Gay & Lesbian friendly. St. Petersburg’s proximity to the Gulf Beaches, expanding culture with World-class museums, affordable housing prices, effective transportation network, diverse economy, and increasing job opportunities all beckon for potential residents to take another look.
CENTRAL OAK PARK
The only neighborhood that crosses Central Avenue, this diverse area is one of the most convenient. Minutes to the beaches, downtown and I-275 insure a quick commute to your destination. Brick streets and housing built in the 20’s and 40’s contribute to the charm. Hardwood Floors abound. Houses range from small fixer-uppers to larger homes along the western edge. The area has the highest elevations in the city.
GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT
This unique mixed use neighborhood offers residential living above commercial space outside of the downtown area. Quickly becoming a predominately gay or gay friendly business district, Grand Central has many galleries, antique stores, unique retail stores and an assortment of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.
OLD SOUTHEAST
Just south of downtown, this neighborhood was established in the late 1800’s. Many fine homes from this era still exist with a wide variety of sizes and styles to choose from. Brick streets and large waterfront Lassing Park add to the character of the neighborhood.
HISTORIC ROSER PARK
Adjacent to Bayfront & All Children’s Hospitals, and USF, Roser Park is truly one of the most unique neighborhoods. Take a stroll along Roser Park Drive and Booker Creek to see why. Listed on the National Historic Register, New construction along Ingleside Drive are helping to increase interest in the entire area.
HISTORIC ROUND LAKE
Also known as Uptown – Just North of Downtown, Uptown offers several architectural styles from which to choose. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the City, there is great history & pride to the area. Brick streets, mature oak trees, and a variety of housing add to the character. Round Lake, just off 4th Street offers a peaceful respite in an urban area.
Established Neighborhoods
Established Neighborhoods are typically more consistent street to street and house to house. Established neighborhoods in St Petersburg are:
CRESCENT HEIGHTS & CRESCENT LAKE
These neighborhoods overlook 56-acre Crescent Lake Park. Bordered by 4th & ML King Streets just north of Uptown, these areas were developed in the 20’s and 40’s. Stately oaks and brick streets add to the charm. A wide variety of houses exist.
DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG
The renaissance of the ‘burg has been remarkable, in that just 15 years ago, little was happening downtown. There is new construction throughout downtown with apartments, condos, townhomes and commercial being built on any available vacant land. Movies, restaurants, museums & galleries and almost weekly events on the waterfront make you ready to sell the car. Downtown St Petersburg is very pedestrian friendly and vibrant. From the historic Mirror Lake Condominiums, built as the first high school in 1915, to conversions of older hotels and, there are many choices.
EUCLID ST PAUL
This area, west of Crescent Lake has many larger homes that compare with the North Shore area, but not quite as expensive. There has been lots of renovation here in the past years.
HISTORIC KENWOOD
This neighborhood located just west of I-275 and north of Central Avenue is known for its very active association. Wrought iron decorative street signs mark the entrances. The housing is primarily bungalows from the 1920’s with hardwood floors and large front porches (the site of many “Porch Parties”) A gazebo in Seminole Park serves for many get-togethers.
HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST
This neighborhood was the first developed in St. Petersburg. Many of those fine homes still stand today and provide a deep sense of history and pride for the area. Just north of downtown and adjacent to Tampa Bay, North Shore enjoys wonderful public waterfront parks, including a heated pool, tennis courts and a Palm Arboretum.
PINELLAS POINT
The Southern tip of St. Petersburg was originally settled by Indians. Several Indian Mounds still exist today. The housing was primarily built in the 1960’s and 1970’s with very large homes along the water overlooking the Skyway Bridge. The “Pink Streets” area is unique in that pink tinted concrete was utilized for the streets.
GREATER WOODLAWN
This neighborhood is north of downtown and west of Crescent heights. Built in the 1920’s, Woodlawn has a unique circular block and large restored entrance pillars with landscaping.
Waterfront Communities
There are many neighborhoods with waterfront or water views, offering varying levels of water access for sailing or power boats.
BROADWATERS & MAXIMO MOORINGS
These neighborhoods are located west of Pinellas Point overlooking Boca Ciega Bay.(near the Flamingo Resort) With some of the quickest access to the Gulf of Mexico, they offer great waterfront values. They mostly consist of ranch style homes built in the late 50’s & 60’s, many if which have been updated.
COQUINA KEY
This island community in the southeastern part of the city offers great value and terrific access to Tampa Bay. Amenities such as beautiful sunrises and large park make a great neighborhood.
TROPICAL SHORES
This “hidden” neighborhood just off Old Southeast is truly a treasure. Well-maintained properties built during the 60’s in a wide variety of sizes. This is the closest waterfront neighborhood to downtown, and lots of renovations.
The Gulf Beaches
SUNSET BEACH
Sunset Beach is the “Gay Beach” at the southern tip (especially on Sundays). Located South of Treasure Island with many beach cottages, stilt homes, & condos.
MADEIRA BEACH
Often called “Mad Beach” this community is very diverse. Gays, lesbians, old Florida, tourists, and rednecks all mixed together with a wide variety of homes, condos, and rentals.
PASS-A-GRILLE
Key West charm, great sunsets, and real characters. Typical of island living, located south of the Don Cesar Resort on St. Pete Beach.
GULFPORT
Located on Boca Ciega Bay, deserves its own listing because of the rapid renaissance of the area. Stroll down the beaches overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Gulfport has become a haven for artists because of the laid-back atmosphere. The first Friday of every month is Gallery Walk along Beach Boulevard.
DUNEDIN
This charming small city located just north of Clearwater and on the intercoastal waterway is small town at it’s best. A Main Street that is very pedestrian friendly, has many small shops and galleries. The neighborhood just south of Main Street is considered the friendliest.