A father's promise created a quaint suburb
Sidney Colen, a well-known developer in the 20th century, was the mastermind behind Kenneth City. Established in 1957 to escape what Colen to be "overbearing" regulations and taxes, the tax-free town was named after Colen's son because, as the proud father said of his children, "I would never do anything to disgrace their names.” Today, that promise is kept in the semi-tropical haven of midcentury homes sitting roughly halfway between scenic beaches and downtown St. Petersburg. The small city of 5,000 displays a variety of suburban hallmarks such as well-manicured lawns, convenient strip-mall shopping and high-ranking schools. "It's a really nice residential area, but it's not high-end," says Realtor Deborah Sundell of Century 21 Real Estate Champions. "It's not an area where there's walkability to cafes or things like that. It's just a quiet, little family community."
Midcentury ranchers and condos for low buy-in
Mainly developed in the 1970s, Kenneth City is rife with original midcentury ranchers and bungalows, many of which have been renovated to include modern fixtures and appliances. Several also sport lakefront views. Many of the homes are modest in size but grand in presentation, with eye-catching pastel exteriors, attached single-car garages and half-circle brick driveways shaded by palms. Prices for single-family homes typically range from $250,000 to $600,000. Condos offer a lower price point, most between $50,000 and $215,000, while townhouses often sell for $300,000 to $425,000. “People move there because of the home prices. It’s a mostly affordable area of St. Petersburg,” says Realtor Joe Snyder of Keller Williams.
Apple strudel from Mama G's
Most businesses in Kenneth City can be found along 54th Avenue or 66th Street, including locations for Winn-Dixie and Sprouts Farmers Market. However, some residents prefer to support locally owned Cedar Market, where they can find specialty Mediterranean items like grape leaves, bulgar wheat or Kashkaval. And area dining options are fairly diverse: Sizzling fajitas from Chinelo's Taqueria are served right next door to German apple strudel from Mama G's St. Pete.
Karaoke nights and Pickleball tournaments
The Town of Kenneth City and its businesses organize frequent activities throughout the year, including pickleball clinics and tournaments as well as an annual Fourth of July parade. At Cool Vibes Pub & Grub, karaoke customers convene on Wednesday nights for cocktails and appetizers while cheering on their songbird friends.
Florida's 25th-best arts High School
Students in Kenneth City begin at Blanton Elementary, which earns a Niche score of B. Students struggling academically can be voluntarily referred to Blanton's ALPHA Center program, which provides short-term intensive counseling and reduced class size. For grades 6-8, students split between two schools: Pinellas Park Middle, rated B-minus, and Tyrone Middle, rated C-plus. Once they reach high school, students reconvene at Dixie Hollins High, rated B-plus by Niche and ranked the 25th-best high school in Florida for the arts.
Splash pads and dog areas at James P. Ernst Park
James P. Ernst Park is the neighborhood's main community hub. The small park's most popular amenity is its splash pad, which is often alight with young children cooling off from the Florida sun. But the park is home to many other amenities as well, including courts for basketball, tennis and shuffleboard, as well as a fenced-in area for dogs and a shaded outdoor workout area with calisthenic equipment. Several small lakes also dot the area, perfect for catch-and-release fishing.
New and incoming sidewalks
Walkability is a core value in Kenneth City. Most east-to-west streets have a sidewalk, and the town is currently hearing proposals to create even more. A greenway alongside 46th Avenue offers improved safety and shade, as well as connections to cut-through paths branching out to adjacent blocks. For longer trips, several bus routes interlace the area. Meanwhile, car owners typically rely on Interstate 275, a little over 2 miles east of Kenneth City.
Things to consider
Most of Kenneth City is in a floodplain. Homes closest to the town's lakes are at greater risk of water damage during periods of high precipitation or when Saint Joes Creek is inundated.
Photography Contributed By
David Hall
