St. Petersburg Neighborhoods With Access to SunRunner Service: Easy Transit To The Beaches

St. Petersburg is known across the country for its ideal combination of beach access and upbeat urban life. With the introduction of the SunRunner, a rapid transit bus that makes a quick, 35-minute loop from the ’burg to the beach, enjoying all that St. Petersburg has to offer has never been easier. Here are some of the top neighborhoods with easy access to SunRunner service so that you can head from the city to the beach (and back!) in no time. 

Central Arts District 

Tucked away between the 300 and 700 blocks of Central Avenue, St. Petersburg’s Central Arts District boasts a close-knit community of artists, studios, galleries, and more. The area is well-known for its many exhibits and museums, including the blown glass masterpieces in the Chihuly Collection and the countless breathtaking Native American sculptures and paintings you will find at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art. Apart from the art itself, the Central Arts District is chock full of exciting amenities and conveniences, including casual bars, restaurants, and live music all just outside your doorstep. If you want to kick back with a beer and enjoy some live bluegrass, this is the place to do it. The popular dining options here range from hip sushi spots to vegan cafés and cozy pubs with classic American fare. And best of all this area is easily accessible through St. Petersburg’s rapid bus transit system, the SunRunner. The Central Arts District is largely populated by renters rather than owners. Property for sale in this area is largely condos and apartments rather than single-family homes. Recent condo listings have hovered around $1.2M. 

Grand Central District 

One of St. Petersburg’s most popular arts and entertainment sectors, Grand Central is situated about two miles west of the downtown area and is located within the Kenwood Historic District. Many new small businesses have opened in the area, making it an ideal place for shopping, dining, and relaxing while supporting the local economy and soaking up the district’s bohemian flair. Grand Central is also renowned for its LGBTQ+ friendly culture, including nightlife, pride events, and more. When the sun goes down, many residents enjoy live music and outdoor fun that takes advantage of Florida’s warm climate. While bars are often open into the wee hours of the night, the residential enclaves in Grand Central remain quiet and offer plenty of green space with proximity to Mirror Lake and Williams Park. For those looking to make a trek over to or from Grand Central, the good news is that the SunRunner stops here. The SunRunner’s circular route can take you from popular St. Petersburg neighborhoods like Grand Central to the beaches in just 35 short minutes – in other words, you do not necessarily need a car to make the most of Grand Central. Recent listings for townhouses and condos in the area start around $740,000 and go up from there. 

Historic Kenwood

The home of the Grand Central District, Historic Kenwood is a diverse and artistic community known for its mature oak trees that line its picturesque brick streets. It is also home to a high concentration of striking Craftsman-style bungalows that embody the best of Florida living. Two busy thoroughfares – Central Avenue and 34th Street North – cut through the neighborhood, and with them come numerous boutiques, shops, and LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife options. The overall atmosphere of the neighborhood is eclectic and casual, and there are countless spots to grab a coffee or a beer, shop for vintage clothing, or peruse unusual art galleries. The community largely consists of one-story and two-story single-family homes in the Craftsman style, although securing a residence here can be challenging, as this neighborhood is highly in demand. Historic Kenwood is also located on a plateau that sits about 50 feet above sea level, making it stand out from the rest of the city, and residents enjoy high granite curbs, hexagonal pavers, and remnants of the old streetcar system as clues to the neighborhood’s historic character. Historic Kenwood is also one of the many stops on St. Pete’s rapid transit SunRunner bus, which makes a large loop through the city’s hottest neighborhoods. Purchasing a home in Historic Kenwood will typically cost about $613,000. 

Waterfront Arts District 

St. Petersburg’s Waterfront Arts District is one of the many stops on the rapid transit SunRunner bus route. It is located in the area between Beach Drive and 3rd Street and between 7th Avenue N and 7th Avenue South. In this beautiful district, you will find world-class art museums such as the Dalí Museum, Florida’s Museum of Fine Arts, and the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Additionally, there are many large sculptural art installations that make walking through this area quite compelling even if you do not stop into one of the aforementioned museums. Many buildings here have a classic Floridian art-deco character, with colorful stucco and intricate detailing. These classic architectural statements are mixed in with modern glass structures and hard lines. In addition to the art scene here, this district houses waterfront galleries, shopping, fine dining, theaters, nightlife, and more – plus, there is a line of lush, green parks that highlight Florida’s tropical plant life. Many properties here are condos, which start around $550,000. Luxury condos on high floors may sell for as high as $6.2M. 

Pasadena On The Gulf 

With local restaurants, easy beach access, and numerous public parks, Pasadena On The Gulf is an ideal spot for commuters to settle down away from the hustle and bustle of downtown St. Petersburg. With the introduction of St. Pete’s rapid transit SunRunner bus, however, it is easier than ever to commute from Pasadena On The Gulf to the downtown scene. The neighborhood is just seven miles from all kinds of urban amenities, and offers a beachside paradise that is perfect for soaking up the Florida sun. With water views to the south and plenty of green space to the north, Pasadena On The Gulf truly has it all. People often walk along the beachside paths, engage in lighthearted competition at public tennis and pickleball courts, and enjoy the casual eateries and coffee shops in this brightly colored town. Looking to make Pasadena On The Gulf your St. Petersburg area home? The medium price of a single-family home here is around $550,000.