Crossroads Area - Saint Petersburg, FL

Founded in the 1870s by John C. Williams, St Petersburg played an important part in bringing the railroads into the area. In 1914, the St Louis Browns baseball team moved their spring training to the city. By the 1920s, St Petersburg was a major tourist area. The area continued to grow in the 1960s and '70s, and in 2013, the city had over 249,000 residents.

Along with an interesting history, Crossroads has an eclectic cultural arena for its residents. The Pinellas County Science Center lies to the east on 22nd Avenue. The center provides a hands-on experience for children to help stimulate innovative thinking. The Center also has summer camps for school-age kids.

Each spring St Petersburg hosts the Mainsail Art Festival in Vinoy Park near downtown. The festival features art, music and food.

Whether you seek a romantic international café for a special occasion or you simply want a quick trip through the drive-thru at a fast food joint, Crossroads and St Petersburg has something for every mood. The majority of the restaurants in the area can be found centrally located along 66th Street.

For excellent Italian cuisine, CD Roma provides a family-friendly atmosphere with European décor and excellent customer service. This locally owned establishment has take-out and delivery and can also cater your next special event. Popular menu items include the baked ziti and homemade lasagna, and you can order pizza any way you like it. The restaurant also provides a large selection of craft beer.

You can't live in the south without at least sampling a classic order of barbecue, and Rib City remains the place to go for the best barbecue in the area. The restaurant provides large servings for the adults and children can choose items from a special kids menu. The locally renowned ribs are tender enough that the meat falls off the bone. Top them with your favorite sauce. You should also sample one of the freshly made desserts, including the chocolate cake or the cheesecake. Fill out a survey about your experience for a free appetizer.

You don't have to look too far to find something to do on the weekends or after work. The Blue Martini bar serves up a variety of martinis, champagne and a global tapas menu. Enjoy the live music each night, and dress up to take part in one of the bar's theme nights.

The majority of the residents who live in the Crossroads area rely on automobile transportation for commuting and getting around the city. Public parking remains readily available and cheap. In downtown, St Petersburg residents typically pay a monthly fee of around $50 for garage parking. Metered parking on the streets can be used, but these spaces can be expensive if you park in the city often. The neighborhood also lies convenient to 66th Street, Tyrone Boulevard and Interstate 275, which makes travel easy.

The Uber can be accessed from an app on your smartphone to provide a convenient and safe ride to and from and event, and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has bus stops throughout the area that provides rides into downtown. You can also call a local cab company to schedule a pickup. Bike and pedestrian paths provide an excellent way to travel around the area for those who enjoy the exercise.

Area parks provide plenty of exercise for those who live in the Crossroads neighborhood. The Walter Fuller Park provides a perfect place for those with pets. The park features a dog run that remains free for use and you will find a sports field and a lake.

Crescent Lake Park has beautiful views with paved paths for jogging and walking, a playground for children, tennis courts, a baseball field and picnic pavilions that can be reserved for a small fee.

Ft. Desoto Park hosts the Florida Beach Halfathon and 5K Race. This flat course provides beautiful views of the Gulf. Those who finish can enjoy hot dogs, prizes, fruit, pasta and live entertainment.

Living in the crossroads area of St Petersburg can be quite affordable with the cost of living around the same as downtown and approximately four percent less than the state average. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $700 a month, and you can expect to pay at least $5 for a glass of beer at a local pub.

Commuting by bus remains affordable for those who work in the city with a single fare hovering around $2. Drivers can expect to pay approximately one percent lower than the national average for a gallon of gas.

For those who enjoy shopping, Crossroads has several options. The Tyrone Square Mall has a variety of major chains, including Best Buy, Sear's, H&M, LOFT, and Hot Topic. You can also find major discount stores for the savvy shopper.

If you want to reinvent your wardrobe, Cozette's Boutique provides a large selection of modern fashions and accessories. The shop sells jewelry, recycled clothing and handcrafted gauges. Located in the same spot it has been in since it opened its doors in the '70s, this shop lies in an area that features other artsy small businesses and galleries.

For a great selection and excellent prices, Donna's Consignment Boutique sells gently used clothing items, beautiful furniture and accessories. The owner can help you find exactly what you need, and the shop has its own Facebook page to provide information about specials and upcoming events.

Publix remains the most popular chain in the region for those who need to shop for groceries. Other options include the Walmart Supercenter and Save-A-Lot. If you want locally grown fruits and vegetables and hard-to-find spices and flowers, the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market opens year round with seasonal produce.