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St. Petersburg is a vibrant coastal city on the Pinellas Peninsula in Tampa Bay, Florida, with a population of approximately 265,000. The city is home to several colleges and universities including St. Petersburg College across multiple campuses, Eckerd College, and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Known for its warm climate, walkable downtown waterfront, and a thriving arts scene anchored by the Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg has grown into one of Florida's most desirable mid-sized cities. The rental market is active and competitive, driven by a combination of student demand, young professionals, and relocating residents drawn to the area's quality of life.
Among the most popular areas, with walkability, nightlife, dining, and waterfront proximity, though the highest rents in the city.
Artsy, established neighborhoods with bungalow-style homes and growing cafe and restaurant scenes at more moderate prices.
Affordable rents with central access to multiple SPC campuses and city transit corridors.
A quieter, residential atmosphere within a short drive of downtown.
Farther north, with lower rents, convenient for SPC's northern and health education campuses.
Here's what you need to know about getting around St. Petersburg.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) operates the primary bus network serving St. Petersburg and the broader Pinellas County area. The SunRunner is a rapid bus transit line connecting downtown St. Petersburg to St. Pete Beach along Central Avenue, offering frequent service and a convenient spine for east-west travel. Bus coverage is reasonable in the core city but becomes sparser in suburban and northern Pinellas communities, so route-checking is important before choosing where to live.
St. Petersburg's flat terrain and warm weather make it one of Florida's most bikeable cities. The Pinellas Trail is a paved multi-use path running over 75 miles through the county, connecting many neighborhoods and campuses. Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods are highly walkable, with restaurants, shops, and transit stops within easy reach on foot.
Parking is widely available throughout most of St. Petersburg, including free street parking in many residential neighborhoods. Downtown and the Central Avenue corridor have metered street parking and several parking garages, with costs that are modest by urban standards. Students who live close to campus or transit lines often find they can manage without a car for daily errands, though having a vehicle expands access to the broader Pinellas County area considerably.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
St. Petersburg's rental market is active and moderately competitive, driven by student demand, young professionals, and a steady flow of new residents. Rents vary widely by neighborhood, with downtown commanding premium prices and inner suburban areas offering more affordable options. The market tends to tighten between March and June, so searching early is advisable.
Browse student housing near each St. Petersburg-area university.