3 Hidden Gem Neighborhoods
Every city has its hidden corners that the locals whisper about but you rarely see on postcards. In St. Pete, those corners shine brightest in the Pink Streets, Roser Park, and Driftwood.
Each neighborhood is hidden in plain sight but tells a different story of the city’s soul: pastel-lined streets, man-made hills, and cottages tucked beneath canopies that feel like Old Florida itself.
They’re not the newest or the trendiest, but they’re undeniably, uniquely St. Pete. A reminder that the best parts of our city are often the ones quietly waiting to be discovered.
The Pink Streets
The Pink Streets area is a local favorite that feels like stepping back in time. Nestled in the city’s southernmost tip, this peaceful area is filled with winding roads, shaded by mature trees, and dotted with mid-century homes full of character. & yes, pink streets! The developer of this area back in the 1920's wanted the neighborhood to have a unique way to stand out while still feeling warm & inviting - the obvious answer was pink concrete for the streets. These streets are a point of pride in the area and have been protected by its residents ever since.
What’s more, this neighborhood has a timeless, laid-back feel making it a great option for those looking to plant roots on bigger lot sizes than many neighborhoods in St Pete. It feels like a peaceful retreat, without losing proximity to downtown or the beach.
Driftwood
Driftwood doesn’t just stand out, it feels like its own little world. This historic, tucked away gem is most St Pete locals aspirational neighborhood.
Tucked just south of downtown near the bay, this neighborhood has an enchanted, jungle-like feel. Winding roads, sprawling banyan trees, and early 20th-century architecture give it a character all its own. It’s the kind of place that feels like a discovery, something you wouldn’t expect to find in a growing city. Although we have never personally taken a thermometer to test this, it is said that it is always several degrees cooler in Driftwood because of the lush, thriving, & native canopy that creates the neighborhood. That’s a big sell for the summer heat!
Homes in Driftwood do not last long as this is a dream neighborhood for so many and is truly unique to the entire Tampa Bay area.
Roser Park
Tucked just south of downtown and perched on rare Florida hills, it’s a historic neighborhood that packs a lot of personality into every corner.
This historic beauty was developed in the 20's and the developer wanted to it to feel like the Swiss Alps.. in the middle of Florida. You feel this vision still today as you drive through the neighborhood where homes are built into the hills (made out of shell mounds) and a creek runs through the middle. All of this unique charm within close proximity for professionals working in or near the Innovation District or Bayfront Health. The homes here are filled with charm (and stories), and the winding, elevated streets create a setting that’s just different from anywhere else in the city.
It’s an area that values its roots while still being just steps from the action.
