Tierra Verde offers a laid-back, waterside lifestyle
“Once you cross the bridge, you just start to feel relaxed,” says Karen Gonlin, Realtor with Re/Max Metro Office and decades-long resident of Tierra Verde. Located just off the coast of St. Petersburg, and connected by the Pinellas Bayway, this island community is filled with scenic water vistas, local eateries and proximity to both natural and city amenities. “I love the nature all around you and the views. I love that you can see a manatee at any time around the cove. It’s just very scenic,” Gonlin adds.
Waterfront homes range from townhouses to gated estates
The community is bursting with properties for sale and rent, ranging from townhomes with water views that can be priced anywhere between $470,000 to $975,000 for homes on spacious multi-acre lots. Many homes throughout the community are priced in the multi-million dollar range. You can find a waterfront estate in the Green Land Preserve gated subdivision for $3.4 million, providing residents with undisturbed views and a dock slip for boat owners. “You get the small-town community feeling while living here. It’s more of a residential community than a resort community, so you have a lot of people here all year,” Gonlin adds.
Fort De Soto Park offers beaches, trails and boating areas
Take a short drive down the Pinellas Bayway to reach the expansive 1,136-acre Fort De Soto Park. The park is a hub for outdoor activities, with several miles of sandy shores, camping areas and trails if you want a peaceful nature walk. There are boating areas if you want to spend the day on the water, along with a 2-mile recreational canoe trail. Dog parents can take their pup here to make some new friends or take a dip in the ocean in the fenced-in dog park area. For a quick afternoon outing, parents can take their children to the Tierra Verde Community Park, which has a playground and baseball diamond perfect for batting practice.
Public schools offer STEM and tech-focused programs
School-aged children will likely attend public schools in the Pinellas County Schools district, starting out at Gulfport Montessori Elementary School, which has an overall C-plus grade on Niche, before moving on to Bay Point Middle School. Bay Point has a B-plus Niche grade, offering two Makerspaces where students can learn the ins and outs of different types of technology, including 3D printers and more. Lakewood High has an overall B-plus Niche grade, with a Center for Advanced Technologies STEM program that was recognized as one of the top 20 programs in the country.
Seafood spots and casual dining close to home
Though the community is just a few miles from St. Petersburg, there are plenty of options nearby for a bite to eat or for any daily essentials. Of course, there are several options in the area if you’re in the mood for seafood, whether it’s on the patio of Sea Worthy Fish Bar or while you’re watching your favorite team play at the bar of Billy’s Stone Crab.
Annual events foster a strong sense of local connection
The community hosts events throughout the year. “You have the fall festival, a Christmas tree lighting event, and a car show in April,” Gonlin says. “There’s so many events that bring people together.”
Main bayway offers quick access to Interstate 275 and city life
The Pinellas Bayway is the main thoroughfare in and out of the community, which can connect to Interstate 275 and take you right to downtown St. Petersburg, which is less than 10 miles away.
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Written By
Robert Breckenridge
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Photography Contributed By
Raif Fluker
