“The neighborhood unit shall be the basic building block for social equity and shared enjoyment of St. Petersburg’s unique quality of life…each neighborhood shall have a voice and be protected and enhanced as the city continues to evolve.” (Vision 2020)

St. Petersburg has a strong sense of place and its diverse and lively neighborhoods give the city its historic identity and manageable scale. St. Petersburg’s goal of a seamless city, in which every neighborhood is desirable and stable, is being realized through a variety of city programs and initiatives.

Founded in 1888, St. Petersburg has a vast collection of historic resources dating back to the late 19th century. Among these are four historic residential neighborhoods and the downtown historic district with nearly 8,000 historic homes and buildings within them.  In all, there are 113 organized and active neighborhood associations – more than at any time in the city’s history.

To protect its historic resources and to encourage renovation in these areas, the city has adopted a historical preservation ordinance that offers incentives for owners of historic homes to improve these properties while observing historic building styles and sensibilities. The result is that entire neighborhoods are being restored and revitalized as an increasing number of young families are moving back into these once forgotten areas.

Family-oriented, affordable and vibrant residential neighborhoods are located near to activity centers making it easy to walk, ride a bike or take mass transit to employment, businesses and recreational activities. And St. Petersburg’s Neighborhood Transportation Plans actively promote safety by reducing traffic and speeds on residential streets throughout the city, providing lighted crosswalk warning systems, and developing “CityTrails,” the largest off-road pedestrian and bike trail system in the southeast.

Another innovative Mayor Rick Baker's goal of having a park within one half mile of every home is close to realization. Much of these playgrounds are being developed through the mayor’s “Play ‘n’ Close to Home” program which was a unique partnership between the school board and the city. The city is building ADA-accessible, state-of-the-art programs at neighborhood schools, which after school and on weekends, that are opened for all the in the community to play.