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Highland Oaks

Highland Oaks

$267,119 Average Value
$194 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Historic neighborhood near the beach, downtown St. Pete and Tampa Bay

St. Petersburg’s Highland Oaks location is its most attractive attribute. Surrounded by outdoor recreation and to the east of Tampa Bay but 4 miles from downtown, nearly any amenity is at residents’ fingertips. “The fact that it’s right outside of downtown St. Petersburg makes it very attractive,” says Chau Nguyen, a Tampa Bay local and Source Real Estate Broker working in St. Pete. “You’re 10 to 15 minutes from the beach to the west, the pier to the east, and you’re sandwiched right in between. If you’re heading over the bridge to Tampa, that’s another 15 to 20 minutes.” The small community is directly west of Lake Maggiore, a hot spot for fishing and boating, and is within walking distance of the expansive Boyd Nature Preserve. This, coupled with its historic, charming homes, makes Highland Oaks feel a world away while sitting in the middle of the action. “The weather is always nice, and there’s so much to do,” says Nguyen. “It’s not a hidden gem or secret anymore, that’s for sure!”

Highland Oaks residents find many ways to be out enjoying the neighborhood.
Highland Oaks residents find many ways to be out enjoying the neighborhood.
Residents of Highland Oaks unwind along the paths at Dell Holmes Park.
Residents of Highland Oaks unwind along the paths at Dell Holmes Park.
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Surrounded by a lake, wildlife refuge and marinas

Dell Holmes Park is within walking distance for residents and sits on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. The park has a playground, hiking trails, a boat launch, a driving range and a splash pad. “Dell Holmes Park is the busiest park in St. Pete," says Adul Yates, Parks Operations Manager for St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation. "People are at the putting green from sun-up to close." The 360-acre lake is a popular spot for anglers and boaters, with boat launches all around it. The heavily shaded Lake Maggiore Park borders its eastern side and has a boat ramp, a playground and picnic shelters. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is also within walking distance of Highland Oaks. It stretches 245 around the lake’s southern edge. The wilderness refuge has camping sites, an environmental education center and miles of heavily forested hiking trails. St. Petersburg Country Club is 2 miles south, and members can enjoy its 18-hole golf course, tennis and racquetball courts, pool and fitness center. The private, 100-year-old club also has the Tiki Hut Bar & Grill, which offers Friday happy hour specials. O’Neill’s Marina is 3 miles south down Interstate 275. The popular family-owned spot has served the community for over 50 years and offers boat storage and short- and long-term rentals. Anglers can drop in at Big Bayou several miles east or drive 4 miles farther to St. Pete’s Pier, one of the most popular spots for casting a reel. A tourist and local attraction, the pier offers 26 acres of water sports and parks, along with outdoor concerts.

There are plenty of walking trails for exercise and taking the dog on a walk in Highland Oaks.
There are plenty of walking trails for exercise and taking the dog on a walk in Highland Oaks.
The pier at Dell Holmes Park is a nice spot to fish in Highland Oaks.
The pier at Dell Holmes Park is a nice spot to fish in Highland Oaks.
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Historic bungalows from the 1920s

While this quiet community may be quaint, it’s packed with historic charm. Many homes were built in the early 1950s, but most date back to the early ‘20s. Some have been completely renovated, while others have held onto their historic charm. “You’ll find a lot of craftsman bungalows and coastal cottages,” says Nguyen. “A lot of people are living on less. I see newcomers going for three beds and two baths, or even two and two.” There are also a few Mediterranean-inspired homes, and some brick and stone ranch-style houses sprinkled in. While homes can be hard to come by, it’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods in St. Petersburg. Niche ranked Highland Oaks the 16th-best neighborhood with the lowest cost of living in the city. Homebuyers will find two bedrooms over 1,000 square feet starting in the mid-$200,000s and renovated three- and four-bedrooms over 1,800 square feet in the mid-$400,000s. No two homes are the same – either in design or appearance. Units are packed with color and character, from pastel colors to stucco terracotta facades. Most lot sizes are around 8,000 square feet, shaded by large palms and mature oaks and adorned with tropical landscaping. Most homes have garages, driveways and sidewalks are spacious, and there’s plenty of street parking on the wide, paved roads. Residents are within walking distance of Dell Holmes Park and Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

Highland Oaks has several small bungalow type homes.
Highland Oaks has several small bungalow type homes.
Colorful cottages line some of the streets of Highland Oaks.
Colorful cottages line some of the streets of Highland Oaks.
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Two miles from a vibrant shopping and dining district

The closest shopping and dining options are clustered around 18th Avenue. The neighborhood’s Krispy Krab is a locally owned spot loved for its seafood boils, snow crab and homemade garlic sauce. Bernie’s Place is the go-to spot for heaping portions of comfort food like Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes, smoked turkey wings and fried chicken. Dollar General on 18th Avenue provides essentials. For more shopping, Midtown Supermarket is 1 mile east, and ALDI is less than 2 miles west in the 34th Street Crossing Shopping Center. Blue Nile is a hidden gem to all but the locals in the neighboring Fruitful Heights community. An unassuming convenience store, it’s known for its smoked ribs, oxtail stew and sausage gumbo. Downtown’s vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment strip, Grand Central District, is 2 miles away and is filled with mom-and-pop eateries, coffeehouses, breweries and specialty shops.

Highland Oaks locals line up at Bernie's southern soul food classics.
Highland Oaks locals line up at Bernie's southern soul food classics.
Krispy Krab has earned its' reputation for great seafood in Highland Oaks.
Krispy Krab has earned its' reputation for great seafood in Highland Oaks.
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Home to the top school district in Tampa

Pinellas County School District serves the area and is ranked the top school district in Tampa, according to Niche. Students attend James B. Sanderlin PK-8 School through the eighth grade and finish their education at Gibbs High School. Sanderlin, which offers cross-country teams for middle schoolers and a broadcast news program for elementary school students, earned an A-minus on Niche. Earning a B on Niche, Gibbs High is ranked the 11th-best high school for the arts in Florida and provides a four-year program for students prepping for careers in dance, visual arts and theatre. Private school options include the Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg, which offers need-based scholarships to local middle schoolers and boasts rigorous academics and post-grad support.

Students can start out at James B. Sanderlin PK-8.
Students can start out at James B. Sanderlin PK-8.
High school students can attend Gibbs High School in the Palmetto Park neighborhood.
High school students can attend Gibbs High School in the Palmetto Park neighborhood.
Academy Prep Center Of St. Petersburg is a private school option for middle schoolers.
Academy Prep Center Of St. Petersburg is a private school option for middle schoolers.
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Four miles from downtown St. Petersburg

Interstate 275 borders the community’s western edge, providing easy access to the rest of the area. Downtown St. Petersburg is 4 miles away, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is 14 miles away and Tampa is a 25-mile drive. Public transportation is convenient via Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, and bus stops are within walking distance along 22nd Avenue South. Kindred Hospital Bay Area – St. Petersburg is the nearest hospital, less than 3 miles away. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital is less than 4 miles northwest.

Amy David
Written By
Amy David
Raif Fluker
Photography Contributed By
Raif Fluker
Mark Barakat
Video By
Mark Barakat

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 John Hoffman, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

St Pete-Clearwater International

26 min drive

Bus

22nd Ave S & 22nd St S

Bus

22nd Ave S & 31st St S

Bus

22nd Ave S & Walton St S

Bus

22nd Ave S & 29th St S

Bus

18th Ave S & Walton St S

Bus

22nd Ave S & 30th St S

Bus

22nd Ave S & 27th St S

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Highland Oaks US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Highland Oaks Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$406,000
Median Sale Price
$271,443
Median Single Family Sale Price
$240,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$425,044
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$204,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
45
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-49%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$194

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
512
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1952
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,508
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,009

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to John Hoffman, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,230
Median Age
40
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,929
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,650

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.4%
College Graduates
25.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.8%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
56°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

39 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

30 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Highland Oaks