A historic St. Petersburg community with a storied past and preserved architecture
Celebrated locally as St. Petersburg’s first neighborhood, Historic Roser Park offers its residents convenience to amenities, old-school charm and a chance to savor the area’s rich past with each step down its brick-paved streets lined with homes dating back to 1910. The 270-acre community was designated a historic district in 1998 and was the first established subdivision outside the downtown business district. It’s grown from an early streetcar suburb along the downtown trolley to a revitalized, vibrant community. Residents are within walking distance of downtown, top-ranked hospitals, dining and entertainment while living in a neighborhood with an identity and character all its own. “There’s no neighborhood like this in the area. It’s a hidden gem of St. Pete,” says Domenico Pontoriero, President of the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association. “There is a quirky character here. People here love the history, and once they find their home and realize how tight-knit the community is, they don’t want to leave.” Pontoriero has lived in the neighborhood for four years and served as president since March 2024. Pontoriero moved to St. Pete 16 years ago from New Port Ritchey and, after the pandemic, seized on the chance to snap up a home in the neighborhood when it became available. “This is my forever home. I’ve always loved Roser Park,” he says. “One of the driving motivations for moving here is the proximity to downtown. I haven’t had a car since I moved back. I wanted to live in a neighborhood that’s walkable. “In a 15-minute walk, I can get groceries and go to bars and restaurants.” History buffs, especially those with a sweet tooth, will enjoy Historic Roser Park’s storied past. Charles Roser, inventor of the Fig Newton and major developer during the Florida land boom in the early 20th Century, came to St. Petersburg in 1910 after recognizing its potential to turn the overgrown citrus groves and wilderness into one of the first residential developments. “When he bought this, people called it a mud pit; there was nothing,” Pontoriero says. Beyond its unique past, the neighborhood's unique landscape and architecture are two of the most appealing factors for locals and newcomers. “When you walk into it, it feels like you’re walking into a storybook because it’s very unique in its topography, which is unusual for Florida. St. Pete is pretty flat, but this has hills, cliffs and a deep ravine where Booker Creek passes through,” Pontoriero says. “The first homes all had different architectural styles, and that’s a legacy that Charles Roser initiated. He wanted it to be very eclectic, which set the stage.” Construction of the Bayfront Medical Center in the late 1970s and the recession took the community through ups and downs, but today, it’s experiencing a renaissance. The neighborhood association is more active now than ever, homes are in demand and even hard to come by, and the tradition of historic home tours has been restored.
Neighborhood streets are paved with brick pavers which adds a touch of the classics.
Homes in Roser Park are perched high on hills which is rare in the state of Florida.
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An architectural checkboard of homes dating back to 1910
Brick-lined streets are shaded with mature oaks, banyans and palms, and the neighborhood is walkable and bikeable. “That’s part of the community spirit – walking down the streets, taking in the views, all while chatting with your neighbors,” says Toni Russell, Broker and Founder of Russel Property Group. “It’s very diverse; it attracts people from all over the state.” An architectural checkerboard, the neighborhood offers Prairie homes, Florida and Craftsman-style bungalows, Foursquares, Mediterranean Revivals, Colonial Revivals and Neoclassicals. Of its 173 homes, 146 are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many have won awards and are listed on historic registers. Some homes have won awards from the Historic Preservation. The neighborhood is filled with homes dating back to 1910. While properties are hard to come by in this sought-after neighborhood, prices for homes sold within the last year range from $300,000 for a three-bedroom home over 1,000 square feet to the low $900,000s for a four-bedroom over 2,000 square feet. “The turnover in the neighborhood is really low,” Pontoriero says. “I never thought I’d be able to get a house here. Once people move in, they don’t leave. There’s been some activity in the last few months, but there’s only a few for sale each year at most.” Historic homes have kept many unique ornate details, such as stately columns, but most have been renovated from new walkways to garages and roofs. Lot sizes average around 8,000 square feet. Homes have large front porches, fenced-in yards with well-kept lawns, quaint gardens and tropical landscaping. Many homes have views of the downtown skyline or Booker Creek. And despite bordering downtown, it doesn’t get any of the noise. “It’s really quiet. A lot of it has to do with the greenery behind us,” Pontoriero says.
Come live in this hidden gem that is Roser Park.
Houses in Roser Park typically range from $250,000 to $600,000 with many modern luxury's.
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Surrounded by shopping, dining and entertainment
While downtown restaurants and shopping are a short walk, bike ride or drive away, Historic Roser Park has its own beloved establishments. Big C’s Chopped BBQ on Dr. MLK Jr. Street South is a local favorite for its $5 chopped smoked chicken, ribs and banana pudding. “It’s a walk-up window,” he says. “It’s good; down-to-earth southern BBQ.” The no-frills joint Crab House is not far from here, popular for its garlic wings, cooked blue crab and snow crab. “I hear they have the best wings in St. Pete,” he says. “I haven’t been, but I usually see a line of people there.” Downtown proper offers diverse options, primarily along Central Avenue, known as the Grand Central District. The Library, an American restaurant inspired by the founder of George Peabody Library and Johns Hopkins, is a staple. The modern upscale eatery inside the hospital offers brunch, a coffee bar, lunch and dinner, where the French toast and truffle fries are standouts. Voted People’s Choice Best Restaurant in 2023, Social Roost serves a globally inspired menu, fusing multiple cuisines in one dish. The best place to get a slice downtown is Oak & Stone, and for waterfront dining on St. Pete Pier, Frescos Waterfront Bistro, and Teak are the go-to spots. For nightlife, Five Bucks Drinkery, Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill and The Scott are popular bars with different vibes. Family Dollar on Dr. MLK Jr. Street South provides essentials, and downtown’s University Village provides Publix and other retailers. For shopping, Grand Central District is primarily home to specialty stores and locally owned small businesses. “Nicko’s Pizza is a local favorite; it’s right on the border,” Pontoriero says. “They’re always working with us to do stuff. Nueva Cantina is a fun Mexican restaurant that’s walkable, too.”
Social Roost is a restuarant that neighbors of Historic Roser Park love to eat at.
Bars can be found near Downtown St. Pete for a quick drink.
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A Historic Outdoor Museum and 200-year-old landmark tree
The gem of the community is its eponymous park, but because of the neighborhood’s unique topography, there are two others, Dunn Trinity Park and Woodbrook Park, close to each other at different elevations. “Technically, it’s three different parks,” says Pontoriero. “Dunn Trinity is higher in elevation than Woodbrook, which is below it. “Roser Park Drive is off a steep cliff, so it’s a little hard to walk between them. There’s a barrier, so to speak.” Despite the challenging terrain, Dunn Trinity Park is seen as the face of the neighborhood, as newcomers see it as they enter the neighborhood off the main road. Roser Park stretches for miles along Boggy Creek and is home to the beloved Historic Outdoor Museum, which winds around the neighborhood. Installed in 1999, it has 28 historical markers detailing the neighborhood’s attributes and past. “It’s in the process of getting a makeover,” Pontoriero says. “We’re working with the St. Pete Museum of History to update the placards. It should be installed by next year, and beyond being the outdoor museum, it will have an interactive component where you can tap your phone to get additional information.” The 200-year-old Roser Tree arches over the creek and is a landmark point of reference for locals. “We call him Charles the tree,” Pontoriero says. “He’s kind of like a character; he’s a staple of the neighborhood. We all reference him, and we’ll say, ‘Meet me by Charles.’” There are plenty of shaded spaces to picnic in the park, and its brick-lined paths with vintage streetlamps are popular for strolling and biking. Campbell Park has St. Pete Skatepark, a playground, ballfields, basketball courts and the Campbell Park Recreation Center. Harborage Marina is directly east, a popular spot for yacht and other boat owners. St. Pete Pier is less than 2 miles north and offers 26 acres of waterfront parks, live music and is a hot spot for fishers, boaters and sunbathers. St. Pete Beach is 9 miles west for more outdoor recreation.
The Historic Roser tree arches over Booker Creek in Roser Park and is over a century old.
Historic Roser Park is know for its greenspace and creek that runs through the neighborhood.
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Home to the top school district in Tampa
Pinellas County Schools serves the area and is the top school district in Tampa, according to Niche. Students attend Campbell Park Elementary, Johns Hopkins Middle and Gibbs High School. Campbell Park, which has a news program for students, earned a C-minus on Niche, and John Hopkins earned a C. Earning a B on Niche, Gibbs High is ranked the 11th-best high school for the arts in Florida and offers a four-year program with individualized instruction in theatre, dance and visual arts. College-bound students who want to stay close to home are within walking distance or a 1-mile bike ride to the University of South Florida- St. Petersburg campus. The four-year institution received an A-minus from Niche and is ranked the eighth-best college in the state.
Campbell Park Elementary School building and signage.
High school students can attend Gibbs High School in the Palmetto Park neighborhood.
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Celebrating and preserving the community
Established in 1995, the Historic Roser Park Neighborhood Association is the heartbeat of the community. “We all know each other and know what’s going on,” Pontoriero says. “You’re going to make friends and find your place here.” The group hosts yard sales, an annual Halloween block party, holiday celebrations, historic home tours and movie nights in the park. “Last year was our third Halloween block party, and we had almost 1,000 people,” he says. “We close off the road that hugs the creek, fill it with a little market and have ghost tours.” Community porch parties are also a popular event in the spring. “We have them from April until about July. We host them at a different house each month, and everyone brings over snacks and drinks.” The all-volunteer group has a $20 membership fee that’s been the same since the ‘80s to help fund events and projects. The historic home tours are the association’s biggest fundraiser. “Recently, we had 500 people do the tour,” he says. “There are half a dozen houses that guests can walk through and learn about the house and the history.”
Enjoy the beautifully landscaped homes of Roser Park.
Many homes in Roser Park c
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Within walking distance of downtown St. Pete
Historic Roser Park residents are within walking distance of downtown. Interstates 175 and 275 are 2 miles east, providing easy access to the rest of the area. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is 14 miles away, and Tampa is 24 miles east. Public transportation is convenient via Pinellas Suncoast Transportation Authority, and bus stops are up and down Dr. MLK Jr. St. South and 6th Avenue. SunRunner and Central Avenue Trolley, free PTSA services, are also accessible, with the Grand Central station a few blocks away. The routes also provide transportation to St. Pete Beach. The nearest hospital is Roser Park Medical Center, in the heart of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is less than 2 miles from top medical institutions like Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital.
With downtown St. Pete just a short drive away, the local nightlife of the city is never far.
Located just outside of Roser Park Campbell Park is filled with tons of amenities for all.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terry Costello,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Williams Park
Trails
Amphitheater
Pioneer Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Poynter Park
Albert Whitted Park
Play Lot #3
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Bartlett Park
Basketball
Fishing
Football
Transit
Airport
St Pete-Clearwater International
25 min drive
Bus
Dr Martin Luther King Jr St S & 11th Ave S
Bus
Dr Martin Luther King Jr St S & 9th Ave S
Bus
4th St S & 8th Ave S
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Historic Roser Park
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Historic Roser Park, Saint Petersburg sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Historic Roser Park, Saint Petersburg over the last 12 months is $581,666, up 33% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Exceptional new land offering and prime development opportunity! Featuring five consecutive lots in Roser Park, measuring 240-by-130-feet. This prime parcel of land is fully prepared for a thriving development project, with a planned site plan for 18 units ready for construction. Vacant land highlights include elevation on an x500 elevation site, with no flood risk, according to the owner. Prime
Luxury 3-Bedroom, 2-Bathroom Home for Rent in Roser ParkWelcome to your dream rental! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the highly desirable Roser Park neighborhood offers a combination of modern luxury, convenience, and comfort. With high-end finishes throughout and a prime location, this home is perfect for anyone looking for the perfect blend of style and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terry Costello,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
335
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$78,947
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$119,422
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.5%
College Graduates
41%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
56°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
70/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
66/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
50/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
