Largo

Harbor Bluffs offers a classic waterfront experience where residents have sunbathing opportunities and surf and turf dining at their fingertips. “I have lived in Harbor Bluffs for 30 years and we raised our son there, it couldn’t be a better neighborhood!” says Julie Folden, a local Realtor with Coastal Properties, CHRISTIES International and 16 years of experience. “It has not only the proximity to the beaches and intercoastal for boating and sunning, but it has a small, friendly neighborhood feeling and that to me is imperative when you’re looking for a neighborhood to live in.” On sunny days, locals love the walk over the Belleair Causeway Bridge to the beaches. “It’s a fabulous, really popular walk with amazing views,” Folden says. For those who prefer a lakeside picnic instead of sandy beaches, John S. Taylor Park is another popular destination where visitors can explore the playground, disc golf course, walking trail and endless boating opportunities. “Our weather is so nice, people are always out walking their dogs. You can let your dog run in the park. It’s a great neighborhood feel,” Folden says. “The park is also a community gathering place where people bring blankets and sit in the shade of the oak trees to listen to musical performances together.” This small neighborhood atmosphere has persisted despite development along the coast, with more rentals and Airbnb-type options popping up every day. “You’ve lost a little of that small-town feeling near the beaches,” Folden says. “But that hasn’t touched us. It’s nice that we’re not experiencing that where we are. We maintain that small community feeling.” Homes in Harbor Bluffs range from about $400,000 for a simple two-bedroom home, to multimillion-dollar waterfront properties with large lots that can be up to an acre in size. Homes are typically one-story ranch style, especially those from the 1950s and 1960s. Some newer construction homes have a more coastal influence and contemporary feel. There are also a few townhouse and condo options for between $100,000 and $350,000. “The market is stable. Inventory remains low and the average days on the market have increased. We aren’t having multiple offer situations like we did in the last year or two,” Folden says. “Over the last 30 years, through all our different markets and ups and downs, Harbor Bluffs has always maintained its value.” Locals with an appetite can stop by Seaweed Steaks, Seafood & Sushi restaurant. They have an all-day happy hour and offer signature handcrafted cocktails like their Elderflower White Cosmo & Blueberry Lemon Drop. Try the grilled octopus with lemon or their famous black pearl chicken. Or give E&E Steakout Grill a go, where visitors can sample pan-seared deep sea scallops or shrimp and lobster bisque paired with one of their carefully handpicked fine wines. Along with its collection of restaurants, the primarily residential area of Harbor Bluffs also boasts a few boutique shops and great walkability to explore them all. Harbor Bluffs has multiple public and private school options. The local elementary school is Mildred Helms Elementary, an IB school in the Pinellas County Public School System that received a B rating from Niche. Mildred was a teacher at the school in 1952 when it first opened and later became its principal. Largo Middle School received a B-minus rating from Niche and Largo High School received an A-minus rating from Niche. Harbor Bluffs residents have easy access to Highway 19 and Highway 688, which can take them north to Clearwater, about 5 miles away, southeast to St. Petersburg, about 20 miles away, and east to Tampa, about 25 miles away.