Is St Petersburg Florida Safe? Everything To Know Before Visiting!

Are you planning a Florida vacation and wondering, if St. Petersburg, Florida safe?

Safety is an important consideration when planning your vacations, so this is a great thing to wonder about when traveling to Florida!

The Sunshine City is located on a peninsula of Pinellas County just off the coast of Tampa and is home to some of the most popular beaches around.

Because there are so many travelers that visit the area, safety can sometimes be a concern among locals and tourists.  Because of its prime location, it remains popular and well-traveled.

I was just in St. Petersburg for a friend’s wedding with a large group of people and kids, and safety wasn’t a concern for anyone during our trip.

In this post, we’re going to share with you everything that you need to know about the safety of St. Petersburg and some tips for keeping yourself safe.

Is St Petersburg, Florida Safe For Visitors?

St. Petersburg has become one of the most popular places in the state of Florida to take a beach vacation, thanks to its stunning white sand beaches.

That being said, many visitors are concerned about the safety of the area and whether or not it’s a good idea to travel there.

The good news is that in general, St. Petersburg, Florida is a safe place for visitors.

Although the crime rate in the city is higher than in other Florida cities, most of these crimes take place in confined areas that you are able to avoid.

Most of the crimes here are also property crimes, so you don’t have to worry as much about violent crimes.

Types of crimes include petty theft, robbery, and motor vehicle theft.

Sticking to well-trafficked areas like the beach and downtown makes it easier to stay out of harm’s way while visiting.

Another thing that visitors do need to consider is natural disasters since Florida has a lot of hurricanes and they often hit the Tampa Bay area.

Planning your visit around hurricane season is ideal!

Just like with most other big cities, it comes with its problems, but it also has many great features that make St. Pete a great place to visit.

Is St. Petersburg Safe For Families?

If you’re looking for the perfect place to take your family for a beach vacation, St. Petersburg can be just that for you!

While there are most definitely places that young families should avoid, most of the city is excellent and you don’t need to worry about crime.

And with a great family-friendly community and activities like the beach, state parks, and more in nearby Clearwater, it’s a great place for people of all ages.

Is It Safe For Solo Travelers?

Solo travel always comes with more risks than traveling with friends and family does, and that goes for traveling solo to St. Petersburg, Florida too.

One great thing to note is that crime has been going down in recent years, and although the crime rate is higher, it’s continually decreasing.

Solo travelers can definitely enjoy time in the St. Pete area by taking the same precautions that you would in any other large city.

This includes being aware of your surroundings, avoiding walking around at night, be cautious using public transportation, and don’t let people know you’re solo.

What Part Of St Petersburg Is The Riskiest Or Most Dangerous?

As with every big city, St. Petersburg has a few areas where crime seems to be found the most often.

These places should be avoided by visitors if possible. Here are those places.

Jordan Park

This St. Petersburg neighborhood has been known as one of the most dangerous parts of town for many years, although it has started to improve in the past decade.

You’ll often find quite a bit of crime here, which, unfortunately, deters people from the area. 

Bartlett Park

Here’s another area found in South St. Petersburg that is just a short drive from Jordan Park which tends to have a lot of crime throughout the year.

Because of how close these two neighborhoods are to each other, it makes it fairly easy to avoid them both.  Childs Park is another nearby to avoid.

What Part Is The Safest?

While there are some areas that have the most crime, there are also different places that have the least amount of crime.

These are the safest neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.

Downtown St. Petersburg

This trendy area of the city is one of the best places for tourists and for those asking if St. Petersburg is safe, this is a safe place to go.

It’s full of boutique shops, restaurants, breweries, bars, art galleries, and so many more great places within walking distance of many hotels.

Here you’ll also find companies that offer dolphin cruises, water sports, and access to the St. Pete Pier.

Historic Kenwood

This historic neighborhood is charming and filled with beautiful homes.

The streets are lined with tall trees and it feels worlds apart from Downtown St. Pete.

There are several great coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and more to check out here.

Snell Isle

Located on a peninsula of the Gulf of Mexico, Snell Isle is another great, safe place in St. Petersburg to check out.

It’s home to a few parks and a famous golf course, as well as lots of residential areas.

For living, it’s a more expensive part of the city, but many of the homes are built with beautiful architecture.

Is St. Petersburg, Florida’s Crime Rate High?

When comparing the overall crime rates of St. Petersburg to other cities in Florida around the nation, we can see that it is higher than the average.

According to Neighborhood Scout, the crime statistics show that the rate in the city is around 32 per 1,000 residents.

This is higher than the Florida average, which is approximately 21 per 1,000 residents.

Most of these are property crimes, with nearly 26 of those 32 being property crimes including things like burglary and theft.

St. Petersburg, Florida Safety Tips

There are many precautions that you can take that will help keep you safe as you travel through the state of Florida.

Here are a few of the top things to remember during your visit.

1. Stick In Groups

While this is hard to do for solo travelers, it’s best to stick in groups while traveling in new areas.  This makes it harder for thieves or predators to target you.

Make up a meeting spot if you were to get separated, and always keep a close eye on children.

2. Leave Valuables At Home Or The Hotel

Having a bunch of valuables with you makes you more of a target for thieves and predators, so it’s best to leave those things at home or in your hotel.

Carry with you the things that you absolutely need and then plan to leave everything else behind.

3. Share Your Itinerary With A Trusted Friend

It’s always a good idea to share your itinerary with someone you trust, whether that be a family member or a friend.  

This way, someone knows where you’ll be and when they should expect to hear from you next.

This is especially important if you’re traveling solo, but it’s a good idea even if you’re traveling in a group.  It makes it easier to locate you if something were to happen.

4. Stay In Well-Lit Areas

One way to prevent becoming the victim of a property or violent crime is to stay in well-lit and well-trafficked areas. 

If you find yourself in a dark area, revert to somewhere that has street lights and more people, since these areas are less likely to have predators or thieves.

5. Know When Hurricane Season Is

Something that some people might not think of is when hurricane season is in Florida.

This season falls between June and November. During this time, the area is more susceptible to experiencing hurricanes.

If you’re visiting during this time, be sure to know what to do if there is a hurricane during your visit.

1. The Inn On Third

⭐️ Rating: 9.1/10     📌 Location: 342 3 Avenue North, St Petersburg   Check Rates Here

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay without sacrificing comfort and a good location, then The Inn On Third is your best option.

This historic inn features a unique and old-fashioned design and offers complimentary continental breakfast in the lobby.

2. Avalon Hotel Downtown St. Petersburg

⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10     📌 Location: 443 4th Avenue North   Check Rates Here

The Avalon Hotel Downtown St. Petersburg is a uniquely designed boutique hotel located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg.

This hotel features beautiful Art Deco interiors and complete amenities for all guests.

It is also located just a few miles away from different attractions around St. Petersburg including the Dali’ Museum.

3. Prestige Collection Boutique Hotel

⭐️ Rating: 9.1/10     📌 Location: 115 5th Avenue Northeast   Check Rates Here

If you’re looking for an elegant and comfortable stay in St. Petersburg, the Prestige Collection Boutique Hotel is an ideal choice.

This hotel is just 2 blocks away at the waterfront and is near to the city’s attractions and nightlife.

The Prestige also features an outdoor swimming pool and complete amenities in every room.

Is St Petersburg Safe – FAQs

Is St. Petersburg Safer Than Tampa?

Both Tampa and St. Petersburg have similar safety ratings.  But Tampa does have a lower overall crime rate if you’re looking at crime statistics.

Is St. Petersburg A Good Place To Live In Florida?

With lots of job opportunities, great things to do, and plenty of housing, St. Petersburg, FL is a great place to live for prospective residents.

Especially if you love the beach, it’s a great city to consider!

Is Downtown St. Pete, FL Safe?

Yes, while St. Pete’s downtown area might have a bad reputation, it’s known to be pretty safe and has a lot for visitors to do.

Is it Safe to Go to St. Pete Beach?

Yes, of all of the places in St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach is one of the safest places to go because it is so well-trafficked.

This makes it less likely for you to become the victim of a crime.

Wrap-Up: Is St. Petersburg, Florida Safe?

If you’re traveling to Florida and wondering is St. Petersburg safe, you’re in the right place. There are many things to think about before visiting the city.

Overall, while the city does have a higher crime rate and there are areas that are more dangerous than others, St. Petersburg is a relatively safe city and is a great place for tourists.

So if you’re looking for somewhere to relax on the beach and enjoy the sunshine, this is the perfect place for you!