Buying a Bungalow
I bought a totally renovated, 1940s bungalow in September and I love it! The neighborhood is coming along nice and the house has sooo much more character than the cookie-cutter homes they build today. As for your interest in the area, let me share with you what I've learned since moving in:
House: Are you looking for a hobby/project house or do you want one that's move-in ready? If you're looking for move-in ready then the big expense renovations to look for are: Electrical updated? Plumbing updates? Any previous termite damage? If so, does the house have an active warranty? Age of roof? Does the fireplace work?Any encroachments, either in the alley or nieghbor's property? If the answers to these major issues are positive, the house is a good prospect.
Address: There are several considerations when deciding which street to live on. Kenwood is located very close to 2 hospitals and a fire department, meaning ambulance noise and traffic on the major roads. If you want more quiet, pick a house away from 1st & 5th Ave. and 22nd, 28th, and 31st streets. Also remember the St. Pete High factor. The closer you are to it, the more you will here the noise from the night events at the school (mostly the few weeks in the fall that's football season). I've also noticed a big difference between the feel of the area south of 5th Ave. and north of it. Pick the one that best suits you! Good luck in your search; let me know how it turns out.