Like many Americans across the country, my family and I celebrated the 4^th of July, a gloriously patriotic holiday replete with speeches, picnics, parades, fireworks and concerts.  The big difference, however, is that we were in Puerto Rico.  As you know Puerto Rico is not a state and is under Commonwealth status.  It observes all official US holidays, but with an island twist – and, as island celebrations go, the 4^th is a low-key event.   That was OK because it gave me and my family time to reflect.  It gave us time to remember the dream of a free and equal people that burned brightly in the hearts of our Founding Fathers.  Although we were far from home, home – America – was in our hearts.

What’s really amazing is that two hundred and thirty-seven years ago our forefathers also clearly understood that private property is the foundation of not only prosperity but of freedom itself and through the Constitution our property rights –  to freely acquire, use and dispose of property – are protected.

So….. Are you Red, White & Ready to exercise your “property rights”?  Is it time to buy or sell?  Let’s look at the following most recent Trulia statistics:

• The average price per square foot for Saint Petersburg FL was $147, an increase of 58.1% compared to the same period last year.
• The median sales price for homes in Saint Petersburg FL for Mar 13 to May 13 was $101,000 based on 1,905 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 18.8%, or $16,000, and the number of home sales increased 33.2%. 
• The average listing price for homes for sale in Saint Petersburg FL was $256,458 for the week ending Jun 19, which represents a decrease of 0.1%, or $190, compared to the prior week.
• Popular neighborhoods in Saint Petersburg include Disston Heights and Historic Old Northeast, with average listing prices of $116,885 and $498,040.

The Old Northeast, adjacent to downtown and situated along Tampa Bay, is one of the most sought after historic neighborhoods in St. Petersburg.   Visitors reflect on 82 years of local history as they travel along the nostalgic brick streets, avenues and alleys, and delight in the time honored majestic homes, each with its own unique style and character. The majority of the homes were built the thirty years between 1920 and 1950. Excellence in structure and design are the common architectural theme.  The neighborhood hosts approximately 9,000 residents in over 5,000 houses, apartments, and condominiums.  Here are a few homes and locations that have earned the Old Northeast Historic Landmark designation and are well worth taking the time to see.  Check out the St. Petersburg Preservation website for a list of all the City’s historic landmarks.

• Vinoy Park Hotel – 501 5^th Avenue, NE
• Robert West House (Pineapple House) – 101 6^th Avenue, NE
• Boyce Guest House – 205 6^th Avenue, NE
• Thomas Whitted House – 656 1^st Street, N
• Flori-de-Leon Apartments – 130 4^th Avenue, N

The Disston Heights Neighborhood, home to about 22,500 residents, covers an area of 4.4 square miles in north central St. Petersburg.  It features well-kept concrete block homes (building began in the mid and late 1950s), neatly manicured lawns and a smattering of lakes.  It has an active Civic Association – the largest neighborhood association in St. Petersburg – that represents over 5,000 homes.  Members enjoy a monthly newsletter, monthly meetings with interesting speakers and reports from local police officers, and special events like Easter Egg Hunts and Halloween Parties.  The Disston Heights neighborhood is an affordable and comfortable place to live.