Carillon - Saint Petersburg, FL

Located in in the city of Clearwater, the neighborhood of Carillon was established around 1842 when the Federal Armed Occupation Act offered land to anyone who would cultivate it. With a population of around 380 people, early settlers farmed large tracts of land in the area and named the city after the large clear water harbor. Today the area has over 100,000 residents and remains a popular tourist destination.

Residents can always find some sort of activity to do in the Carillon area. Steinbrenner Field hosts the New York Yankees' spring training and nightly games in the spring can't be missed. The Armed Forces Military Museum has an extensive collection of military artifacts from the region, and Heritage Village features an indoor and outdoor museum with exhibits on the local history. The museum frequently holds live re-enactments with activities and food offered at a nominal cost.

From Tampa to St. Petersburg, and in the Carillon neighborhood, find an eclectic mix of dining opportunities. Try several fast food chains, fine dining, ethnic cuisine, and American eateries.

If you crave something spicy and unusual, the Grand Siam Restaurant serves up authentic Thai food in a casual and romantic atmosphere. The decor remains a highlight of the dining experience, while fast and friendly servers combine with good prices to make the Grand Siam an excellent place for family dinners. Sample the steamed dumplings, or try the lobster and seafood in a special panang sauce. The restaurant also has an extensive sushi menu.

Courtside Grille features steaks, pasta, sandwichs and seafood served with a fusion of flavors including Italian, French and American tastes. Caribbean glazed salmon arrives at your table with mango kiwi salsa, wild grain rise and seasoned vegetables. Indulge in the grouper sandwich served on a bun either blackened or fried.

For live music and fun at night, Back Bar Martini and Sports Bar sits near the beach on a great location. Entertainment includes an eclectic blend of local artists with happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Fat Cat Tavern also provides a place to meet, enjoy good food and listen to music. The bar also features satellite TV with an array of sports packages so you can watch your favorite team on a big screen.

Clearwater provides various transportation options for both visitors and residents of the area. Automobiles remain the most popular method of travel, with close proximity to Interstate 275 and the main roads of Ulmerton Road and Roosevelt Boulevard. Free public parking can easily be found.

Pedestrians and cyclists also have an easy time getting around the city. Nearby St. Petersburg has been bike-friendly since 2006, providing more than 35 miles of bike trails and 75 miles of on-street bike lanes.

Hailing a cab usually requires calling a cab for pickup. Uber is not an option in the area.

The Clearwater Jolley trolley has routes around the most popular tourist attractions, and if you plan to take a trip to St. Petersburg or Tampa, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides daily bus routes.

The Sawgrass Lake Park in St. Petersburg has a beautiful boardwalk available for walking and jogging through the swamps, and the John Chesnut Senior Park in Palm Harbor has a playground and an enclosed area to take your pets. Both parks are free. Annual events include the Clearwater Beach Uncorked Festival with live music, wine sampling and tons of food.

Busch Gardens gives the residents near Carillon something to do when looking for thrills and excitement. The theme park provides a home to a variety of animals, including cheetahs, hyenas, lemurs and meerkats. You can also find a variety of rides for all ages. This park requires an entrance fee.

Area residents have a cost of living approximately 3 percent lower than the city of Tampa, but still have access to a luxurious lifestyle.

For those looking to settle in the Carillon area, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,100 per month on average. The flat rate for getting to St. Petersburg or Tampa by bus costs $2, and gas prices average about 6 percent lower than the national average. A glass of domestic beer will cost you around $5.

If you love to shop, Carillon has a variety of shopping malls and retail locations, including high-end boutiques and discount chains.

Try on a new outfit at The Shop, and complete the look with jewelry and shoes. Voted one of the best shops on the Bay, this boutique has everything from the newest fashions to classic ensembles for work. If you want excellent prices and specialty items, Ladies First Choice has a relaxed atmosphere with helpful staff.

For groceries, residents in Carillon choose Publix, Winn-Dixie or the Walmart Supercenter. You can also visit the Sanwa Farmers' Market for fresh fruits and vegetables and hard-to-find international items. The St. Petersburg Saturday morning market also remains a popular spot for fresh foods.