St. Petersburg, Florida, is named after the city in Russia, but they couldn’t be more different. For starters, Florida’s St. Petersburg is one of the best cities for beaches in all of the United States — and you can enjoy those beaches mostly year-round. Because of the warm climate, St. Petersburg has earned the nickname The Sunshine City. It makes sense that St. Petersburg is a destination for many retirees.
When you consider the lively art scene, an abundance of great dining, and an affordable cost of living, St. Petersburg is perfect for those who are looking to move into a phase of life where they can be more relaxed. Senior apartments are a great way to experience more relaxation: You’ll have less to do when it comes to in-home maintenance and plenty to do with built-in communities and activities. Senior apartments are for those who are ready to retire but do not require specialized medical care.
This guide will help you find the right senior apartment for your circumstances and needs. You’ll learn all about what St. Petersburg — encompassing a 10-mile radius area including communities like Sunset Beach and Pasadena — has to offer, plus how much you can expect to pay and how you can pay for it, as well as information about options for health care, transportation, and area activities.
Very helpful and caring staff. Very welcoming towards visitors. Picked because size of available apartment and because it offers a guarantee of lifetime care.
I have not had any interaction with the staff. As far as food, I know my mom has gone to when they do the soup night. And you bring your own mug or bowl. I do know that they have a food pantry to help with...
Going to be starting my third year here soon and could not be happier the staff here starting with [name removed] Who makes sure everything is done and maintained correctly then you have [name removed] at...
Very impressed with Toby Weinman Residence. They have knowledgeable and helpful Nursing staff around the clock. The facility is clean and beautifully updated. If you want an enriching lifestyle that...
I have lived here 5 years. I am not even tempted to leave this sweet little community. Of course it's not perfect! However, I still think it rates 5 stars. I am very pleased with all it has to offer,...
Coming back home to great place to live.
I was blessed to live there for over 6 years. The staff was so helpful and friendly. I loved my apartment which had the most awesome view of downtown Tampa. I developed a strong friendship with some of...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders St Petersburg community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
A Place For Mom’s proprietary data shows that the average monthly cost for a senior apartment in St. Petersburg, Florida, is $1,738. You can expect to pay as little as $989 and as much as $2,487.[01] The cost for a senior apartment will be heavily dependent on the floor plan, the location of the facility, the amenities offered by the living facility or community, and additional services.
Higher costs tend to signal a better location and more on-site amenities included in the rent price. Amenities and services may include:
The following figures represent baseline costs for St. Petersburg senior apartments; these may not necessarily account for any additional fees, such as entrance fees or pet rent.
Senior apartments do not include certain services such as personal care or meals, and they are not considered long-term care communities, but instead general housing.
For the most part, residents in senior apartments use their own personal funds to pay for the cost of living. However, there are housing assistance programs that can be useful to offset the cost of housing for low-income seniors and veterans. Veterans will also have access to benefits that could help them cover the cost of living in a senior apartment. Those who need in-home medical care can use benefits from Medicaid, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, or other long-term health care insurance programs.
This section will cover private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicaid and Medicare resources.
Private pay methods include any income that you may have earned throughout your life. This could be savings, investments, Social Security benefits, pensions, or any combination of the following:
Number of veterans who live in St. Petersburg
About 51% of St. Petersburg veterans are 65+
Veterans in St. Petersburg, Florida, will be able to utilize programs that offer valuable resources when it comes to financial assistance. Through various resource centers and local veterans services officers, veterans can get help gaining access to important benefits.
Pensions earned through the VA can be used to help cover the cost of senior apartment living in St. Petersburg. Veterans who require in-home medical care can apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit to help cover the cost of medical expenses. The Aid and Attendance benefit can be used for anything that will improve the quality of life for a veteran.
However, it should be noted that the application process for the Aid and Attendance benefit is notoriously tricky. This is where local resources like veterans services officers really come in handy.
Contacting the VA-vetted and -recognized veterans services officers is an excellent first step — whether you believe you qualify or not — to ensure you don’t miss out on any benefits. Knowledgeable staff are there to help veterans navigate the application process and gain access to important benefits.
Veterans in St. Petersburg will have other ways to connect with resources, such as the VA Pension, as well. Pinellas County (which includes St. Petersburg) offers a veteran and military resource guide to help veterans access benefits. Other assistance can be found at one of the two local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) posts or at the following veterans services organizations, which are all located within the St. Petersburg Regional VA Office: Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Veterans (AmVets), Paralyzed Veterans of America, VFW, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Resources for St. Petersburg veterans
VA St. Petersburg Regional Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33744
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
VFW Post 39
2599 Central Ave. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone: 727-327-8109
Email: vfwpost39+ContactUs@gmail.com
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 4 p.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
VFW Post 4364
5773 62nd St. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Phone: 727-546-5525
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, noon – 9 p.m.
The Medicaid system in Florida is called State Medicaid Management Care (SMMC). This is a program for low-income seniors to help pay for medical expenses. SMMC does not cover the cost of senior housing in St. Petersburg, but it can help alleviate costs for any medical needs that a senior might have.
To seek SMMC coverage for medically necessary in-home health care services, which can take place in a senior apartment, seniors will need to apply for the Home and Community-Based Services waiver program (HBCS). The application process is not always easy, so seniors will want to utilize resources such as their local ombudsman, who can help determine eligibility, walk seniors through the process of applying, and help seniors gain access to benefits once the application process is complete. Florida offers a Medicaid guide to help seniors get started.
Seniors can also utilize the Area Agency on Aging. This is a state-run department that offers the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program. SHINE is a free program that offers one-on-one consultations to help Florida seniors with any questions they might have about gaining access to Medicaid benefits.
St. Petersburg resident Medicaid resources
Medicaid Office – St. Petersburg
525 Mirror Lake Drive N, Suite 510
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-552-1900 or 800-299-4844
Fax: 727-552-1216
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.
9549 Koger Blvd. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Phone: 727-570-9696
Helpline: 800-963-5337
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Toll-Free: 800-963-5337
TTD/TTY: 800-955-8770
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Toll-Free: 800-963-5337
TTD/TTY: 800-955-8770
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
While Medicaid is a state-run program, Medicare is a federal program for individuals 65 and older who need help covering the cost of medical care. Just like Medicaid, Medicare does not cover the cost of senior apartments in Florida. However, Medicare can be useful in alleviating some of the costs when it comes to in-home care or things like doctor’s appointments or dental care. There are several programs in Florida that seniors can use to help cover medical costs.
Floridians can apply for the Florida Medicare Savings Program — called the Medicare Buy-in Program in Florida — through the Florida ACCESS system or at the local Department of Children and Families Center.
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) is another program that can help seniors offset medical costs. This is Florida’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), meaning that while it is a Medicare program, it is run through the Medicaid department.
Suncoast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) offers medical and holistic care for specific conditions for those who would otherwise need nursing home care.
Floridians needing help with applications or other steps gaining access to these benefits will want to contact their local ombudsman, the local Social Security office, or the local Area Agency on Aging.
St. Petersburg resident Medicaid resources
Florida Department of Children and Families
2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 400
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-487-1111
Customer call center phone: 850-300-4323
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Area Agency On Aging of Pasco-Pinellas
9549 Koger Blvd.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
Helpline: 800-963-5337
Office phone: 727-570-9696
Email: info@aaapp.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SHINE
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-963-5337
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
St. Petersburg Social Security Office
30 Dr. MLK St. S
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Prescription Health Program
5501 Fourth St. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-327-0333
Hours: Appointment only; please call to schedule
Suncoast PACE (Pinellas County)
6774 102nd Ave.
N. Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Phone: 727-289-0062
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2323
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org
Florida Medicare Savings Program
North Pinellas Service Center (Pinellas County)
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 130
Largo, FL 33778
Phone: 866-762-2237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security benefits and housing assistance programs are often used to offset the cost of rent for low-income seniors. For those who qualify, these financial avenues can be a big help when it comes to being able to afford a senior apartment in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Those seeking assistance will want to look into the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Authority Program run by the St. Petersburg Housing Authority, which also runs other low-income housing programs for seniors. If eligible, low-income seniors will be able to utilize the Housing Choice Voucher Program, previously known as Section 8 housing. These vouchers can help to cover some of the rent due in a St. Petersburg senior apartment. However, seniors wanting to use these vouchers need to make sure that they are accepted by the apartment community they are considering. Seniors can apply for housing here.
Seniors with disabilities will want to consult local disability advocates to help them gain access to benefits. For St. Petersburg residents, the Pinellas County Health Care Services Division can help with adult Social Security claims. Other useful resources are the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Disability Rights Florida.
Social Security benefits can also be used to help cover the cost of rent. There are several types of Social Security benefits available, with different eligibility requirements for each one. Here is a brief rundown of different Social Security benefits available to seniors:
To apply for any of the above benefits, use this link or visit the local Social Security Administration office.
St. Petersburg resident public assistance resources
St. Petersburg Housing Authority
2001 Gandy Blvd. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Phone: 727-323-3171
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Social Security Office
30 Dr MLK St. S
St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701
Phone: 866-613-3965
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pinellas County Health Care Services Division
647 First Ave. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-464-4200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
4040 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2000
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Disability Rights Florida
2473 Care Drive, Suite 200
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone number: 800-342-0823
Because Florida senior apartments do not provide in-home medical care, they are not required to be regularly inspected like senior living facilities such as nursing homes. However, they are still subject to the same laws as any other rental facility in Florida.
All senior apartments must abide by Florida law, including the Fair Housing Act. This law ensures that landlords cannot refuse housing to a person or persons based on race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.[02] All Florida properties must also follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of the regulations have crossover with other laws; for example, a landlord cannot refuse housing or raise rent specifically because someone has a support animal. Landlords also must let tenants make reasonable modifications to their housing if those modifications are necessary to the tenant. Other protections afforded by the Fair Housing act include:
While inspections are not common for senior apartments, tenants are allowed to request them if they feel they are necessary. As of May 26, 2022, any building that is more than three stories tall, within three miles of the beach, or past their milestone must be inspected every 10 years. Tenants can also file complaints, which will then be looked into by the Office of Human Rights.
There are requirements for a place to be considered a senior community. The main requirement is that 80% (or more) of a building must be occupied by individuals 55 or older. No one in the building can be under 45 years old. For more information, click here to read about St. Petersburg renters’ rights.
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are currently no regulations for COVID-19 in the state of Florida or in St. Petersburg; however, the city recommends following these Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Vaccinations are recommended for all Florida residents.
Anyone feeling ill should avoid contact with others. It is recommended that you cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Masks are not required.
Senior apartments are designed specifically to offer a more convenient way for seniors to live. You won’t find a dedicated medical staff at a senior apartment, but you will find accessibility options that make senior apartments a great place for retirees.
In St. Petersburg, senior apartment offerings range from studios to one- or two-bedroom options; many are situated close to the water, enabling residents quick access to the beach or the pool and clubhouse amenities.
Located on St. Petersburg’s waterfront area, the senior apartments in the area provide easy access to St. Petersburg‘s pristine beaches and the downtown area of Gulfport, which includes both businesses and cultural events. Their balconies offer a view of the bay, and many offer cabanas near their pools to truly reinforce the feeling of being at a beach retreat. From internet cafés to sundeck lounges to boat docks, St. Petersburg’s senior apartments offer on-site features to help residents feel at home. These are amenities you can expect from a senior apartment in the surrounding area of St. Petersburg:
Many apartment communities offer planned social activities, and St. Petersburg itself has a wide range of services and programs designed to help seniors stay active and engaged in the community, including senior centers. The area’s warm, sunny climate makes outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and walking possible on a regular basis.
Many apartment complexes in the St. Petersburg area offer 24-hour emergency maintenance service, giving residents peace of mind. Some also offer guest apartments so residents can have visitors nearby. Common safety features in these communities can make seniors feel more comfortable as they age; many units are often designed with senior-friendly features for accessibility, such as elevators and wide doorways.
Seniors looking beyond the 10-mile radius of downtown St. Petersburg will find even more senior apartment options. Expanding the radius to within 25 miles of St. Petersburg surfaces four A Place for Mom partner facilities; three of these are standalone senior apartments, while one offers a combination of assisted living, independent living, and senior apartments. This care combination is frequently sought-after, as it allows residents to receive the care they need throughout different stages of their lives.
There are 12 independent living partner facilities located within 10 miles of downtown St. Petersburg. Interested seniors may want to determine whether these facilities are a better fit for their needs.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in St. Petersburg
Median annual income for St. Petersburg seniors 65 and older
Founded in 1931, St Anthony’s prides itself on mixing the latest in medical technology with a wide range of exceptional health care services.
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
Bayfront Health has been around for more than 100 years and has made a name for itself as one of America’s 100 best hospitals for spinal surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report.
HCA Florida Northside Hospital
Offering a comprehensive stroke center and an advanced radiology department, HCA Florida Northside Hospital specializes in taking care of the whole family. This is a 288-bed hospital with a 24/7 ER that offers everything from heart care to generalized surgery.
Those who live in St. Petersburg will find it necessary to have their own transportation. While there are areas that are friendly for walking or biking, it is not a city that is entirely connected. While St. Petersburg only has a walk score of 43 (out of 100, meaning you will need a car), it also boasts a bike score of 59, which means there is some bike infrastructure.[06] The score is calculated by taking in many factors including walking routes, biking routes, and public density. The most walkable areas in St. Petersburg are downtown, Allendale-Five Points, and Crescent Heights.
There are a few options when it comes to public transportation. Seniors needing public transportation can use the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). The PSTA offers discounts for seniors over the age of 65 and has accessible bussing options. There is a Disabled Special Citizen Program that allows people with disabilities to ride at a discount.
With plenty of sun all year, you are going to want to be out and about in St. Petersburg, Florida. The good news is that there is plenty to do! If you want to go on a beautiful nighttime walk, why not check out the gorgeous Island Sunset and Skywalk Light Show? Cruises are available for those who prefer the waterway; the area is known for dolphin sightings. After sunset, enjoy a big-budget light show at the Skyway Bridge that is said to rival Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World.
Of course, there is plenty to do out in nature during daytime as well. The Shell Key Preserve offers gorgeous kayak tours, where you’ll be able to see into the clear and shallow waters beneath you. You can even take a dip at Shell Key Shoal Beach before kayaking to the preserve!
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve offers a wide range of habitats to experience and is perfect for a night out camping. If you want to get a bit closer to local wildlife and see one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast, check out Sawgrass Lake Park. Bird lovers will be especially thrilled to visit!
When you need to take a break in the shade, St. Petersburg has plenty of museums and other activities for those who are seeking a more artistic experience. The Duncan McClellan Gallery is one of the best museums for glasswork that you’ll find anywhere. Those looking for a more contemporary flare will want to check out the Morean Arts Center. Lovers of Salvador Dalí will be thrilled to spend time in the Dalí Museum, which features artwork that spans his entire lifetime. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful garden and a delicious café.
When you want to make the art yourself, Charlie Parker Pottery offers a space to meet new people, learn new skills, and lean into your artistic side.
Those seeking to expand their social circle can do so at the Sunshine Center, a senior center hosted by St. Petersburg’s Parks & Recreation Department. The Sunshine Center offers multiple inclusive services, including educational classes, wellness programs, recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and support groups.
Westminster Manor, a CCRC, The Landings of St Andrew and Plant City Towers are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near St Petersburg, FL. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in St Petersburg is $2,317 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Pinellas County. (March 2023). Fair Housing Discrimination. Pinellas.gov
Disability Rights Florida. (March 2023). Disability Topics | Owners & Renters. Disabilityrightsflorida.org
Florida Health. (March 2023). What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida. Floridahealthcovid19.gov
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in St. Petersburg.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Pinellas County. (March 2023). Fair Housing Discrimination. Pinellas.gov
Disability Rights Florida. (March 2023). Disability Topics | Owners & Renters. Disabilityrightsflorida.org
Florida Health. (March 2023). What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida. Floridahealthcovid19.gov
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in St. Petersburg.