The Best Gated Communities in St. Petersburg FL

St. Petersburg, Florida is renowned for its sandy beaches, vibrant arts scene, and year-round sunshine. But behind the allure of its public attractions lies a hidden gem for those seeking privacy, security, and luxury—gated communities. Whether you're relocating or just curious about high-end living in this beautiful coastal city, we've curated a list of the best gated communities in St. Petersburg to help you find your dream home.

Bayway Isles

Bayway Isles isn't your average gated community. It's protected by an actual physical perimeter -- manned by security staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week – plus a natural one. Trespassers would need a boat to get within the vicinity of any house's backyard. The deep aqua-colored waters of Boca Ciega Bay provide peace of mind that just so happens to come with a postcard view. Construction on this two-island development began in the 1960s but phase two was only completed in the 1980s. Its properties are therefore quite mixed in terms of style, embracing both Spanish and European influences. Luckily, most of the roughly 200 have been renovated over the years, so every home is ready for the demands of modern living. With everything from a social club to open greenspace available within its secure gates, Bayway Isles doesn't give residents many reasons to leave. If and when that's necessary, however, getting around St. Petersburg is a breeze. The neighborhood is a matter of minutes from the I-275 and also within driving distance of the airport, several big beaches, and parks.

Paradise Pointe

Discover the pinnacle of privacy at Paradise Pointe. This peninsula-based development of single-family homes is bordered by both gates and gorgeous water. Most, if not all residents enjoy views of sparkling Tampa Bay from their own backyards. But that's just outside. Much of the appeal of living here becomes evident when you step into the actual living spaces. Over 9,000 square feet of that, to be more specific. The properties are large enough to be considered estates, offering upwards of five bedrooms across several floors of design excellence. Common interior features include soaring 25-foot ceilings, grand dining rooms, gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, oversized master suites, crown molding, solid wood cabinets, hardwood floors, stone countertops, and walk-in closets. Some houses even have home theaters, game rooms, and wine cellars. Paradise Point's location couldn't be any more ideal for boaters. It's just as easy to get out onto Tampa Bay's waters as it is to drive any of its roads.

Placido Bayou

Safe, clean, spacious – and most importantly of all, secure – Placido Bayou ticks off all the boxes for a dream gated community. Established in the 1970s, this neighborhood has had plenty of time to grow into its reputation as one of the most desirable places to live in St. Petersburg. 1,415 people now call it home, although the homes on offer can look very different from lot to lot. Options range from simple two-bedroom two-bathroom condos to full-blown multi-million dollar estates. Property prices rise in tandem with square footage and interior features. Regardless of the kind of property they live in, however, all residents enjoy a slew of shared perks. This includes pools, retention ponds, 26 acres of lakes, and a well-run homeowner's association with low monthly maintenance fees.

Dolphin Cay

Although the security of a gated perimeter is great, it's far from the only thing Dolphin Cay has to offer buyers. The community is home to 46 large single-family properties and seven six-story condo buildings along the Boca Ciega Bay waterfront. Spectacular views are complemented by acres of green space and amenities, plus plenty of walking trails, boardwalks, and beach sand. Indoor spaces like a billiard room and library serve as the perfect retreat from the sun when Florida's hot rays become too much. There's also the homes themselves, which have more than enough space – and air conditioning power – to accommodate afternoons in. Dolphin Cay is located southwest of St. Petersburg, near Cats Point and just northeast of Bayway Isles. That puts residents within minutes of countless beachfront restaurants, shopping plazas, and grocery stores.

Pasadena Point Estates

The fabulous Pasadena Point Estates gated community in St. Petersburg sits west of the city along the waters of the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve. The landlocked parts are protected by a 24/7 manned gatehouse and perimeter fencing, so residents can rest easy knowing their slice of paradise is well-protected. The estate-sized homes within the community are nothing short of spectacular. Most sit on oversized lots with mature landscaping. Expect to find high-end finishes and features throughout, like gourmet kitchens, luxurious master suites, outdoor living spaces, and private pools. Many also come with deep water docks and lifts for easy access to boating and fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Residents enjoy a host of resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, tennis courts, and a heated swimming pool and spa. The community is also home to the prestigious Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, which offers championship golf, fine dining, and social events throughout the year.