St. Pete Beach / Pass-a-Grille

St. Pete Beach / Pass-a-Grille

St. Pete Beach Real Estate For Sale

If you are planning to live in a picture-perfect location, St. Pete Beach—a coastal city that has grown to be a popular tourist attraction and one of the best areas to live in Florida’s Pinellas County—might be what you are looking for.

Continue reading as we explain everything there is to know about St. Pete Beach, FL, from your local real estate options and essential lifestyle information.

WELCOME TO THE SUNSET CAPITAL OF FLORIDA

St. Pete Beach, which encompasses the entire barrier island called Long Key, can trace its origins to 1957 when the towns of Pass-a-Grille, St. Petersburg Beach, Don CeSar Place, and Belle Vista were united as one through a referendum. After the city was founded, its citizens decided to shorten its name to St. Pete Beach, setting it apart from the much larger St. Petersburg, which is situated east of the city.

Since its incorporation in 1957, St. Pete Beach has since become a highly sought-after destination for holidaymakers from across the country. To this day, the city’s calm, turquoise waters and immaculate white-sand beaches continue to be irresistible, solidifying its reputation as a top resort city in the Tampa Bay area.

St. Pete Beach is currently home to over 8,800 residents, all of whom get to enjoy the coastal city’s wealth of attractions and amenities, as well as the community’s laid-back and easygoing atmosphere. There are almost 7 sq. mi. to St. Pete Beach in terms of total area, more than half of which is water.

About Pass-a-Grille

One of St. Pete Beach’s key neighborhoods is Pass-a-Grille, a small beach town located at the city’s southernmost end.

Before it was a part of St. Pete Beach, the town served as a holiday destination for those living in Tampa and St. Petersburg. By the early 20th century, Pass-a-Grille already had its first hotel. But if you go back thousands of years, Pass-a-Grille was once inhabited by Native Americans. One of these nations were the Tocobagas, who lived in the area between 1,000 to 1,700 AD.

Pass-a-Grille was designated as a National Register Historic District in 1989. The eateries, inns, and mom-and-pop shops throughout Pass-a-Grille continue to retain its Old Florida aesthetic and vibe.

ST. PETE BEACH 101

• Location: St. Pete Beach is roughly 22 miles south of Clearwater Beach and just 10 miles away from the neighboring city of St. Petersburg. With St. Pete Beach located on a barrier island, the city is connected to the mainland by two bridges: the Pinellas Bayway in the south end and Corey Causeway, which is linked to South Pasadena. Additionally, Gulf Boulevard bridges St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island to the north.
• Accessibility: St. Pete Beach can be reached by first flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA), about 30 minutes northeast of the city. Aside from TPA, you can also choose to fly into St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, which are located around 14 miles and 35 miles away from St. Pete Beach, respectively.

  Pass-a-Grille, meanwhile, can be reached by using the Central Avenue Trolley (CAT) service. Operated by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), it’s designed to provide a streamlined, convenient, one-seat ride from the St. Petersburg Pier to Pass-a-Grille Beach. A trip from St. Petersburg Pier will likely take around 20 minutes, depending on the day’s traffic conditions.

• The climate – Given their location along the Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille both enjoy abundant sunshine for most of the year. Temperatures normally range from 57°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 47°F or rising above 92°F. This consistent pleasant weather makes the entire St. Pete Beach area especially conducive to warm-weather activities, especially from late February to early May and late October to mid-December.
• The schools – St. Pete Beach is served by Pinellas County Schools, among the largest school districts not only in Florida but in the country. The city is zoned to the following schools: Azalea Elementary School, Madeira Beach Middle School, and Boca Ciega High School. There are also a few private schools on the island, including St. John Vianney Catholic School and St. Alban’s Episcopal Day School.

What is life like in St. Pete Beach?

Unlike other resort cities, residents of St. Pete Beach are perfectly happy living a slow-paced lifestyle. That said, you can always count on the locals for fun and recreation. They’re always ready to point newcomers and visitors to the best swimming spots in the city, as well as its must-visit restaurants and shopping centers.

Because of St. Pete Beach’s inherent beauty and tranquil lifestyle, it’s not surprising to learn that there is an uptick in the number of people looking to move to the city. According to studies, approximately 2% of homebuyers nationwide considered relocating to St. Pete Beach from other cities.

AT A GLANCE: ST. PETE BEACH, FL REAL ESTATE

St. Pete Beach has quite a robust and competitive real estate scene, with properties in the area commanding a median list price of $807,500 and a median home value of $846,242 as of the time of writing.

The majority of St. Pete Beach’s current housing stock consists of single-family homes, although condominiums have steadily grown in number in the area over the past few years. Single-family homes in St. Pete Beach come in a wide variety of architectural styles, with the primary influences being Mediterranean Revival, Prairie, Craftsmen, Mid-Century Modern, Folk Vernacular, and Colonial Revival.

Homes in St. Pete Beach typically boast features such as new, top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, spacious bedrooms, multi-car garages, and saltwater pools. Furthermore, these homes sit on large, expansive lots, allowing prospective owners to add to the property as they like. Waterfront real estate in St. Pete Beach, FL also often come with their boat slips and docks— ideal if you’re a fan of boating or want to spend as much time as possible on the water.

Condos in the area, meanwhile, come with several desirable features such as built-in storage, generous floor areas, large windows, and updated kitchens and bathrooms. These condos are also strategically near the beach, allowing their residents to enjoy gorgeous views of the city’s sunsets.

Notable neighborhoods in St. Pete Beach include Three Palms Point, Bahia Shores, Brightwater, Boca Ciega Isle, Belle Vista, Vina del Mar Island, and of course, Pass-a-Grille.

Real estate options in Pass-a-Grille

At present, homes in Pass-a-Grille sell for a median price of $1.6 million—the result of a somewhat competitive real estate scene. Properties go fast and sell within an average of 11 days. Some of the more luxurious homes in the area, however, can sell for about 1% above the list price and go pending in around 3 days.

In line with Pass-a-Grille’s Old Florida ambiance, you’ll find a highly coveted collection of well-preserved historic homes, some of which date back to the early 1920s and 1930s. These properties come in several architectural styles that have since become synonymous with Florida: Coastal Contemporary, Mediterranean Revival, Spanish, Victorian, and Ranch.

Homes in Pass-a-Grille—especially the waterfront ones—are well-regarded for their features. These include oversized windows and numerous French doors that let in bright sunshine and offer amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico. Pass-a-Grille real estate usually sit on large lots, have generously sized living spaces, and come equipped with modern kitchens and bathrooms.

LIVING IN ST. PETE BEACH

There are nearly 5,000 housing units in St. Pete Beach, and an overwhelming majority (76.5%) is owner-occupied. It’s easy to see why; life is even better in this relaxed resort city. Below, we listed several things you can look forward to once you settle down in Florida’s sunset capital.

Local restaurants to love

Whatever your dining preferences are, you will undoubtedly love St. Pete Beach’s dining scene. Here are some of the best restaurants and bars in the neighborhood:

• Castile Restaurant: Located on the second floor of The Hotel Zamora, Castile Restaurant is famous for its take on Modern American and Latin cuisine, which you can enjoy alongside amazing waterfront views. Castile Restaurant takes immense pride in its menu, which shines a spotlight on locally sourced ingredients.
• The Hurricane: A Pass-a-Grille landmark, The Hurricane is famous for its extensive seafood menu. Standing three stories tall and boasting five different dining rooms, The Hurricane is the perfect spot to catch glimpses of Pass-a-Grille’s famed sunsets as well as enjoy its Old Floridian feel.
• The Society Table at the Don CeSar: A beloved dining spot at the historic Don CeSar Hotel, The Society Table serves classic Florida Gulf fare in an upscale setting, complete with gorgeous views of the ocean and the surrounding city. Bestsellers in this iconic St. Pete Beach restaurant include seared scallops, cold-water oysters, and red snapper.

Outdoor activities to enjoy

With great weather all year round and easy access to nature, you might find yourself running out of excuses to stay indoors in St. Pete Beach. Some of the popular outdoor activities in the area include:

• Fishing: Snook, tarpon, snapper, and other marine game are abundant in the waters of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico—a boon for local anglers as well as those who are new to the hobby. Make the most out of this by visiting and casting lines at some of the most well-known fishing locations in St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille: Gulf Pier, Weedon Island Preserve, and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. Before setting out on a fishing trip, however, make sure to get a valid Florida fishing license to keep your trip as smooth sailing as possible.
• Biking: One of the best ways to enjoy the warm sunshine and fresh sea breeze in St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille is by going on bike rides. One of the most recommended routes is Pass-a-Grille Way, which has a 1.1-mile bicycle path that features fantastic views of the area’s serene waterways. There is also easy access to the neighborhood’s yacht club, restaurants, and shops.
• Water sports: The waters near St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille are shallow and calm on most days, making them perfect for recreational activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Some of the best spots for water sports in and around the area include the Pinellas County Blueways paddling trail, Weedon Island Preserve, Caladesi Island State Park, and Madeira Beach.

Essential attractions to visit

An amazing selection of important educational destinations call St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille home. Learn more about the coastal city by visiting these local attractions:

• Shell Key Preserve: Located along the mouth of Tampa Bay, Shell Key Preserve is an 1,828-acre facility that protects sensitive marine habitats such as mangrove islands and seagrass beds, as well as one of the county’s largest undeveloped barrier islands. Given its importance in preserving Florida’s biodiversity, there are no permanent facilities on the island; visitors are advised to keep the area as unspoiled as possible.
• Gulf Beaches Historical Museum: An important community resource for St. Pete Beach and its surrounding areas, the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum is located on the grounds of Pass-a-Grille Community Church, the first church of the local barrier islands. It is home to an extensive collection of important artifacts, which you can view year-round as they’re part of the museum’s permanent exhibits. One of the highlights is the World War II exhibit, as well as a special display dedicated to the historic Don CeSar Hotel.
• Sunken Gardens: The Sunken Gardens, located in St. Petersburg, is the oldest living museum in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area. Started in 1911 by a plumber named George Turner, Sr., this 100-year-old roadside attraction boasts an extensive living collection of more than 50,000 tropical species—one of the largest in the state.

Local shopping destinations to explore

St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille are both home to a wide variety of retailers, ranging from big-name chains to family-run specialty shops and independent boutiques. Don’t skip these places as you indulge in some local retail therapy:

• Corey Area Shopping District: A favorite shopping and lifestyle destination for locals and visitors alike, the Corey Area Shopping District also hosts events such as wine tastings, arts and crafts festivals, and a seasonal Sunday Morning Market.
• Historic 8th Avenue – Don’t let its small-town vibe fool you: Pass-a-Grille is home to an exciting shopping district of its own. Listed as the shortest main street in America, the Pass-A-Grille Historic 8th Avenue Business District is made up of specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants, most of which are housed in the oldest dwellings on the Gulf Coast.

DANIA PERRY IS YOUR GUIDE TO ST. PETE BEACH, FL REAL ESTATE

I’m Dania Perry, a full-time REALTOR® and broker with Century 21 Jim White and Associates. I’m excited to show you around St. Pete Beach, FL real estate and, if you’d like, help you explore the entirety of your housing options in the Tampa Bay area.

I have sold more than $1.5 billion in luxury and waterfront residential real estate in Tampa Bay, leading the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals to recognize me as one of Florida’s 10 Best Real Estate Agents. You can trust my experience, attention to detail, and my Fortune 500-level negotiating and closing skills to help you close a real estate deal of a lifetime.

Ready to explore Pass-a-grille and other St. Pete Beach neighborhoods? Give me a call at 727.215.2045 or send me an email to schedule a meeting.