Is Broadwater safe?
St. Petersburg, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Broadwater as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Broadwater
“Go. Broadwater is a peaceful, waterfront residential neighborhood that offers a safe and quiet environment for visitors and residents alike. While there is little commercial activity inside the subdivision itself, walking or driving through the area presents minimal safety concerns beyond basic situational awareness.”
Neighborhood residents have recently focused on recovery and infrastructure rebuilding following coastal storm surge from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
About the area
Broadwater is a well-established waterfront community in southern St. Petersburg known for its canal access, boating lifestyle, and mid-century single-family homes. It offers a tranquil residential enclave bordering Boca Ciega Bay, situated just minutes from both Gulf beaches and downtown St. Petersburg.
- Waterfront / Coastal
- Quiet Residential
- Boating Community
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Broadwater
Walk score: 28/100 · Bike score: 52/100
While dedicated bike lanes do not run through the neighborhood streets, slow residential speeds make cycling safe, and the paved Pinellas Trail is easily accessible a short distance to the north.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Low violent crime rate compared to broader St. Petersburg city averages
- High median household incomes and a high rate of owner-occupied single-family homes
- Calm, low-traffic residential streets bordered by water
- Close proximity to coastal parks, marinas, and boating access
Cons
- Isolated incidents of opportunistic property crime and vehicle break-ins
- Strictly car-dependent layout with minimal retail or dining within the residential interior
- Vulnerability to severe weather and coastal tidal flooding during storms
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a factor within the interior residential streets of Broadwater, though occasional unhoused individuals and panhandlers can be seen along the commercial 34th Street South corridor.
What Broadwater is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and peaceful, with residents walking dogs and joggers taking advantage of the quiet, low-traffic streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and secure, with light neighborhood traffic and occasional boat activity on the canals.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Relaxed and dimly lit along internal roads, remaining generally safe for evening strolls.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet with minimal activity; safety risk is very low, though standard property vigilance is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), with Route 34 running along 34th Street South (US-19) on the eastern boundary; there is no rail or BRT service directly serving the interior.
Parking is abundant, consisting primarily of private driveways and free curbside street parking throughout the neighborhood with no parking meters or garages.
Things to do in Broadwater
- Kayak or paddleboard through the protected canal waterways connecting to Boca Ciega Bay
- Take a scenic walk or jog along the quiet waterfront streets admiring mid-century coastal homes
- Visit nearby Maximo Park and Marina for coastal trails, disc golf, and bayfront picnic areas
Local favorites
- Skyway Jacks Restaurant · Diner · 4.6★ (3200)Quirky, long-running Southern breakfast institution known for hearty portions and eclectic roadside decor.
- Tiki Docks Skyway Bar + Grill · Seafood Restaurant · 4.3★ (2850)Lively waterfront eatery serving seafood, tropical cocktails, and dockside views at neighboring Maximo Marina.
- Alesia Restaurant · Vietnamese Restaurant · 4.6★ (680)Charming nearby bistro offering authentic pho, banh mi, and French-influenced Vietnamese dishes.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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