PATRIOT SQUARE OVER 55 SENIOR CITIZENS CONDOMINIUMS (SW. St Petersburg)

Patriot Square is a mid sized over- 55 community (about 200 units) situated in the southwestern part of St Petersburg.  Located near t...

Patriot Square is a mid sized over- 55 community (about 200 units) situated in the southwestern part of St Petersburg.  Located near the boat docks of Maximo Moorings, it is  also convenient to the Bay Way and St Pete Beach on the Gulf.  Patriot Square is an easy three mile drive from the heart of Gulfport and about equally distant from the Historic Kenwood and the Grand Central districts of St. Petersburg.  Patriot Square is also just two blocks away from a major thoroughfare, 34th St. S. where there is convenient shopping and fast food outlets close by, including a large Wal Mart store.  34th St. S. is just now undergoing a much needed upgrading as part of what is called the Skyway Marina District (skywaymarinadistrict.org).  The City of St Petersburg with some state grants is putting in new landscaping and inducements for businesses in the area to renovate,  A good sized shopping center at the south end of the district at 54th Ave. S. is being renovated with a large new more upscale Publix supermarket soon to be opened..

The well-built two story red brick exterior buildings of Patriot Square certainly do not evoke subtropical Florida.  Rather they remind me of a Columbus, Ohio apartment house where I briefly once lived, also built in the early 1970's about the time Patriot Square was built.  In the case of Patriot Square the ample grounds with attractive, mature landscaping softens the traditional red brick exteriors.

Patriot Square units are in the 2 areas above bordered in red. Club house and swiming pool are located in bestween

All the residential buildings in Patriot Square have two floors.  The individual units range from one bedroom and two bedroom condominiums on one level to townhomes on two levels. In addition, there are some three and four bedroom units of up to 1600+ square feet.   Prices are beginning to rise significantly after years of slow movement following the housing crash.  In the summer of 2016 the asking prices run from just under $50-$100,000 depending on size and specific location.   Because there are no elevators in the two story buildings, a larger demand exists for first floor units which often sell quickly and at higher prices. Virtually all second floor units have screened in decks while the first floor units have screened in porches. The Clubhouse and principal swimming pool is the dividing line between the two principal sections (or Phases) of the community.   There is a calendar of social activities which are busiest during the winter and early spring when the many "snow bird" residents are present.

As with many other over-55 communities, HOA fees are based partly on the relative size of the individual unit.  They run from about $255 a month for one bedrooms in Phase One to $460 a month for four bedroom units.   HOA fees in Phase Two (the southern part of the complex) are higher primarily because Phase Two is located just over the line in an area that requires flood insurance for the buildings.  Monthly HOA fees currently average almost $40 a month more for the same size unit in Phase Two.      

Mature Landscaping at Patriot Square

A large fraction of Patriot Square's inhabitants are "snowbirds" year residents who typically come from the Northeastern states as well as Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.  There are a lot of social activities available for those who want to join in.

Advantages	Potential Concerns
Patriot Square is a well-established and well kept up community. Good sized heated pool and clubhouse. It is conveniently located for those who want easy access to St. Pete Beach, Fort Desoto Park, as well as urban St. Pete. Gated community with gates locked after 5pm. Ample parking (uncovered) for both residents and guests	There are no car ports or covered parking for residents. Phase 2 in flood zone can be subject to unknown HOA fee increases due to hikes in flood insurance rates. Many units need considerable interior updating. No elevators between the 1st and 2nd floors so that units on second floor only accessible by concrete stairs. No covered parking.

Contact

Tony Branch
Earnest Realty, Inc.
3136 3rd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33713
727-460-7887 direct line
727-323-1706 office
stpetetonybranch@gmail.com