Brighton Bay - Saint Petersburg, FL Area Guide

Built between 1960 and 1970, the Bay Crest Park community features a network of three different neighborhoods. A good deal of the residents own waterfront property that overlooks Old Tampa Bay. The neighborhood association of Bay Crest consists of a group of volunteers who work to preserve the peace and tranquility of the area, and to protect the value of the homes. Bay Crest lies just to the north of St Petersburg, which has a total population of around 250,000 residents.

Culture plays an important part of life for the people of Bay Crest. The Florida Holocaust Museum can be found close by with a variety of displays and information, and the St. Petersberg Museum holds a variety of events throughout the year. The museum also hosts weddings and other special occasions for those who live in the area.

Dining in the Bay Crest Park and Saint Petersburg neighborhood features an eclectic blend of can't-miss stops with traditional national brands and a variety of well-known local establishments. Whether looking for International cuisine or a delicious home-cooked meal, the Bay Crest Park location provides something for even the pickiest palette. Most restaurants in the Saint Petersburg location can be found centrally located near First Avenue downtown. For a cozy and family-friendly, cafe-style meal, Trip's Diner serves a large menu selection with something for everyone. Try the scrumptious strata, or choose the local favorite: the Burrito Buster. For those in the mood for a sandwich, Trip's triple club should be top on your list of items to try.

If you prefer something a little spicier, Gateway to India encompasses a variety of regional dishes native to India. Allow one of the friendly wait staff to help you choose something to your liking, or try one of the local favorites, including the banarasi samosa, chicken jalfrezi or the lamb vindaloo. A premier destination of food lovers, Gateway provides fine dining in an ambiance made to leave an everlasting impression.

Gratzzi Italian Grille remains the place to go when searching for authentic Italian cuisine in a classic atmosphere. The beef carpaccio provides the perfect starter to your meal with thinly sliced beef set in a marinated bean salad. The Insalata caprese constitutes the perfect meal for those looking for something light, and the whole-wheat penne Mediterranean fills you up with the generous portions and heavenly sauce.

Local music and lively hangouts can be found in abundance in the Bay Crest Park area. When looking for a classic neighborhood tavern, the Fat Cat Tavern fits the bill. The bar serves food and drinks throughout the day and hosts a range of events and specials, including late night food deals to complement your drinks. Other nightclubs in the area include the Back Bar and 2 Dog Night.

Automobiles provide the most common method of travel in the area due to easy access to Interstate 275 and the major roads, including Highway 9, 4th Street and Gandy Boulevard. Public parking can be a challenge to locate and usually runs around $40 a month for a designated space. The neighborhood can be accessed by walking or riding a bike, but no bikes lanes exist.

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (OSTA) also provides bus routes throughout the city and into downtown Tampa. The city of St Petersburg has a variety of taxi services that provide rides with just a phone call, and instead of hailing a cab, it's much easier to pick up the phone and schedule a pickup.

Bay Crest Park lies just inside the Uber service area, which provides a safe and efficient method to travel throughout the cities of Tampa and St Petersburg.

Because the city has a major focus on health and exercise, you can find a variation of parks and leisure activities to choose from.

The Boca Ciega Millennium Park lies on the beach and features a variety of trails for jogging or walking your dog. You can also choose from the Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park with a water park and playground for children, and a pier for fishing. Pets can visit the park on a leash.

Every year, residents can find an assortment of activities to enjoy outside. March of every year sees the PGA golf tournaments, and every year the city sponsors a Run Wild 5K for those who enjoy jogging.

Surprisingly, the cost of living in the Bay Crest Park remains slightly lower than the city and national average. With housing plentiful, a one-bedroom apartment only costs around $920 per month, and it only costs $2 to get from the neighborhood to downtown Tampa on the public bus system, which makes it incredibly affordable to work in downtown. Gas prices also hover around 3 to 4 percent less than the national average.

If you enjoy meeting friends regularly for drinks and conversation, the average cost of a beer at a local pub runs between $3 and $4.

Discover the beauty of shopping near Bay Crest Park in downtown St Petersburg. From high-end boutiques to gift shops and malls, this neighborhood has a variety of venues to please everyone on your list.

Francesca's stocks a varied selection of womenswear and accessories. This affordable boutique provides an inventory of jewelry, outerware, dresses and shoes all available at discount prices. When too busy to stop in, you can also order products online and have them delivered straight to your door.

The Paradise Island Boutique features designer clothing and a modern style. The boutique has been featured in a variety of fashion magazines including Allure, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. When residents of Bay Crest shop for groceries, they usually turn to big chains including Wal-Mart, Publix and Winn Dixie. For fresh fruits and vegetables, you can't go wrong with the Saturday morning market located in downtown.