The target of a years-long redevelopment project, East Lealman is a part commercial, part residential area of Pinellas County that sprawls across the land between Pinellas Park and the northern parts of St. Petersburg. Even though the area is distinct from another similarly named region of St. Petersburg that sits just a few miles west of it, "We locals just call it Lealman," says Realtor and manager of Benoot Realty Matthieu Benoot. Although the area is still in the early stages of planning and implementing improvements to its housing, parks, infrastructure and commercial activity, East Lealman is already showing signs of a transition. Newer breweries and chain restaurants, plus park improvements, have already begun to evolve the culture and verve of this mostly working-class community.
A variety of styles, prices and conditions
As the area continues to transition, housing options and prices have widened. A few new builds have entered the market, often sporting a modern Mediterranean-style. These sell for between $700,000 and $800,000, forming the high end of an otherwise lower buy-in market. While some new traditional townhomes priced between $300,000 and $475,000 were built around the early 2000s, most homes in East Lealman were built between 1950 and 1980. These include ranchers, bungalows, and metal roofed Cracker cottages selling for a wide range of prices depending on their condition. Many of the older homes need repairs, and these tend to sell for between $70,000 and $250,000. Meanwhile, move-in ready homes from the 20th century start at $250,000 and max out around $625,000. East Lealman is also home to several manufactured and condominium communities for retirement-age buyers. The manufactured options tend to cost between $12,000 and $90,000 while condo units are priced between $75,000 and $150,000.
Connections to downtown St. Petersburg
34th Street (also U.S. Highway 19) serves as the main commercial artery for East Lealman. But because of its concentration of businesses and intersections with CSX railroad tracks, traffic can move slowly. Interstate 275 also abuts most of East Lealman, offering a faster connection to downtown. Those who do not own a car typically rely on the many bus routes that pass through East Lealman for connections across the city.
Dim sum, Latin markets and longstanding bars
Many of the newer restaurants, including breweries and national chains, stand in stark contrast to older Asian and Latin establishments that still serve the community. Longstanding businesses can be found all throughout the neighborhood, including Bar Mastiff, a popular neighborhood watering hole that has been open for more than 50 years even after changing names a few times. The densest concentration of locally owned businesses can be found around the intersection of 62nd Avenue and 34th Street. Locals head to this centrally located commercial area to procure specialty pantry items from international markets like United Oriental Food or Abuela Meat Market. On weekends, getting a table for dim sum at Ha Long Bay can be competitive, but several other options are close by, including Vietnamese sandwiches from Thuy Cafe. For full pantry restocks, Benoot says residents "are ten minutes from groceries," in Pinellas Park, or a Save A Lot on 62nd Avenue.
New sports complex coming to Youth Park
Park improvements are included in the community redevelopment plan for East Lealman. This includes a $23.5 million youth sports complex that will take over what is today the site of Youth Park by the summer of 2025. Previously, the area's young athletes flocked there for a whole host of team sports, including rec leagues for soccer, baseball and roller hockey. Other parks hope to receive upgrades in the next 5 to 10 years as well, such as connections with the 48-mile-long Pinellas Trail. Although parks are spread out between developed areas, East Lealman does contain some places for outdoor experiences. Raymond H. Neri Community Park is where locals like to go for brief woodland walks around the bird sanctuary's central lake. For longer walks, Sawgrass Lake Park's 400 acres of preserved marshland are spanned by trails and boardwalks well-suited for photogenic escapes into nature.
Lao food festivals and live music at breweries
Community connections run deep in East Lealman and take many forms. Some are culturally based, such as the various organizations for ethnic groups that organize weekend food festivals in East Lealman, like the Lao Art and Cultural Foundation. Other connections are made through recreational activities, such as adult pick-up soccer games at BT Sports Academy. Local businesses also help bring people together over leisurely activities, such as trivia nights and live music at Pee-Pa's Garage Craft Brewery. But the true heart of the community is the Lealman Exchange Community Center, which always has events going on, including drop-in pickleball games and Friday Family Nights.
Florida's oldest IB program at St. Petersburg High
Students in East Lealman typically begin school at one of five elementary schools in their area. Most begin at Lealman Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche. For grades 6-8, students are split between Meadowlawn Middle School and Tyrone Middle School, which both earn C-plus Niche scores. Once they reach high school, students are split between three schools, including Northeast High and Dixie Hollins High, which both have B-plus Niche scores. Some students are zoned for St. Petersburg High School, an A-rated institution that is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers Florida's oldest International Baccalaureate program.
Things to consider
East Lealman's CAP Index score is one point above the national average due to marginally higher rates of violent and non-violent crime.
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lealman
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Lealman Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lealman, Saint Petersburg sell after 75 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lealman, Saint Petersburg over the last 12 months is $295,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Charming & Move-In Ready Condo in Desirable 55+ Community!Welcome to this delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom second-floor condo, now featuring new sparkling white granite countertops in the kitchen and modern ceiling fans, lighting, and fixtures throughout! Located in the well-maintained and highly sought-after 55+ community of Town Apartments, this cozy and affordable home is perfect for
This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in the highly sought-after Fairview Estates neighborhood of St. Petersburg offers comfort and character with a bright, functional layout. The large bonus Florida room provides flexible space for a home office, reading nook, or hobby room.Recent updates and features include a fully remodeled bathroom (2021); custom built-in closets in both
This 52 X102 lot is ready for your new home. On a quiet dead end street with mature trees at the edges, you will have plenty of space to build your dream home. There are multiple newly constructed homes nearby. Electric and sewer hookups are available on the lot. High and dry, this is in evacuation area D, and X flood zone.
Motivated Seller! Seller is offering 6 months of paid HOA fees for the buyer. Discover comfort and convenience in this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium offering 910 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. Located in the heart of St. Petersburg, this charming home features a spacious living area with natural light, a functional kitchen equipped with appliances and
Welcome to your perfect slice of St. Petersburg! This delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers comfort, convenience, and room to grow. Nestled on a quiet dead-end street, you'll enjoy peace and privacy with minimal traffic—ideal for relaxing or entertaining.Inside, the open floor plan creates a bright and airy living space, perfect for modern living. Updated windows and french doors
Millbrooke Ranch is a welcoming community located next to Lurie Park. The townhome offers 3 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage and an eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. The living room has sliders to the lanai which overlooks the pool and tranquil pond with fountain. The Master Bedroom has a walk-in closet and private bath, it also has beautiful views of the pond. All bedrooms are
Say hello to Calais Park Apartments’ newly renovated one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the sun-soaked city of St. Petersburg, Florida. We offer the vibrant suburban lifestyle you’ve been searching for with elevated, in-home comforts, stellar community perks, and gorgeous landscapes. Calais Park Apartments will quickly become your refuge from the daily grind. And when it comes time to
An updated garage apartment with an inside utility closet for a washer and dryer. Central heat and air. One carport space for tenant. Covered stairway up to unit. Refinished hardwood floors along with tiled kitchen and bath. Granit tile counter tops, Water and Ice refrigerator, dishwasher, Self clean oven and an over the range microwave. Insulated windows. No pets. Garage and one carport
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
24,320
Median Age
46
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.3%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,197
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,769
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.5%
College Graduates
17.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
56°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
68/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
66/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 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.
