Developed in 1912, Historic Kenwood, like so many early 20th- century American neighborhoods, began a mid-century downward spiral that didn’t let up until the 1990s. That’s when pioneers like Bob Jeffrey moved here and bought homes for prices that today sound more like high credit card balances. He and others banded together and helped turn the neighborhood, once nearly 90 percent rental, back into mostly single-family homes. In the past 15 years, dedicated residents have reversed a three-decade trend that saw the enclosure of 240 porches by opening back up 185 of them—yet another reason to raise a glass to the Historic Kenwood porch.

Location: 2 miles west of downtown St. Petersburg (10 miles from beaches)

Map it: Seminole Park, Historic Kenwood

Number of homes: 1,100

What $300,000 will buy you: You’ll spend about $250,000 for an updated three-bedroom bungalow, among the nicest in the neighborhood.

Closest latte: Grinders Coffee and Art Bar, on Central Avenue

For more info: historickenwood.org

Homes: Historic Kenwood has one of the highest concentrations of 1920s Craftsman-style bungalows in Florida. Most are two- and three-bedroom homes lining brick streets with hexagon-block sidewalks. Mature trees tower above thick lawns and palm shrubs. Last year’s "best front yard landscape makeover" contest paid a top prize of $500.

People: This is a generous, fun-loving bunch, hosting regular potluck suppers and happy hour porch parties. "We spend more time socializing than doing neighborhood improvement," admits Bob Jeffrey. "There are not a lot of issues left, because we’ve worked so hard." Members of the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association have recently revived their own updated version of the Welcome Wagon, giving newcomers baskets filled with gifts from local merchants, such as coffee, dog biscuits, and plants.

Shops and Hangouts: Once they got the neighborhood back on its feet, residents tackled the commercial district, known as Grand Central, and have done wonders with it. A majority of local businesses are not only nonchain but owned by Kenwood residents. Two favorites: Grinders Coffee and Art Bar, and Roco Traders (home furnishings).

Greenspace: The one-block-square Seminole Park anchors the neighborhood. Resident volunteers designed and built the pavilion modeled on a nearby row of bungalows.

Cottage Twist: We mentioned fun-loving. How about puckish? An anonymous group calling themselves the Kenwood Elves now enforces an unwritten rule that residents must decorate for the holidays. Don’t decorate by December 15 and the sneaky elves may do it for you. on a nearby row of bungalows.