Isle of Palms Mobile Home Park in St. Petersburg, FL

Pros

• The park is well maintained and very clean, with grounds that residents take pride in.
• Neighbors are friendly and there is a warm, small-town feel.
• Management is described as excellent, attentive, and proactive in enforcing rules.
• The clubhouse offers a variety of activities and serves as a social hub for residents.
• Lot rent is very reasonable and includes water, sewer, and trash.
• Isle of Palms is a family-owned park with caring staff and welcoming residents.
• The community hosts regular events like Euchre tournaments, Bingo Night, and other activities.
• Many residents have long, positive experiences and feel at home at Isle of Palms.

Cons

• Residents are upset about a $300 lot rent increase, especially since there is no swimming pool.
• The new management is accused of spending nothing on park maintenance and providing no security.
• Rents were raised by 15 percent in 2024 and again in 2025, with claims that management could care less about residents.
• The park is described as going downhill, prompting some to look elsewhere.
• There is no on-site property manager, and residents must pay extra for water and lawn care.
• Long-term tenants were chased out by the new wealthy management, making it unaffordable to stay.
• Some residents say the management are jerks.
• The park is described as dirty and slumming.
• Residents believe big-money investors are driving up costs in Florida's parks.

Review

Isle of Palms is best suited for seniors and couples who want a tight-knit, well-kept 55-plus mobile home community in St. Petersburg, where daily life centers on neighbors, routine, and a predictable, affordable footprint. The park appeals to residents who value a quiet, clean environment, a sense of ownership by a family-run operation, and a clubhouse-filled calendar of social activities. It works well for those who prize clear rules that keep grounds pristine, safety, and a friendly, low-stress atmosphere more than flashy amenities. For households that want modern amenities, abundant on-site services, or a consistently stable price trajectory, Isle of Palms can still deliver - provided these expectations align with the current management stance and future rent outlook.

That said, several readers should consider alternatives before committing. Families seeking long-term budget certainty may be wary of repeated rent escalations and shifting ownership signals - reports of double-digit increases and a change in management over the years create a real concern about future affordability. Those who require robust on-site management with immediate responsiveness, or who want programs and perks beyond a small community center, may find the park's offerings limited. Potential residents who dislike guest-background policies or additional charges for water or lawn care will want to compare carefully with other parks that frame such costs differently. The decision hinges on stability and the balance between charm and cost discipline.

The core positives are tangible and substantial: meticulous grounds, clean, well-kept homes, and a palpable sense of community. Residents frequently praise the park's appearance, the welcoming atmosphere, and the active social life - from club activities to holiday gatherings - supported by a small, approachable staff. A strong family-owned vibe emerges in conversations about management's role in keeping the park orderly, with several accounts of long-time staff who are accessible and responsive. For families prioritizing social connection and a tidy, safe setting, these advantages can be meaningful enough to offset the monthly outlay - when rents stay predictable and the on-site presence remains consistent.

Yet the negatives are not simple caveats; they strike at the heart of long-term affordability and peace of mind. The most consequential concern is the rent trajectory: reports of annual increases - significant enough to alter budgets - have unsettled some residents, especially after management changes. Coupled with gaps in on-site management, this creates a sense of drift: higher expenses, fewer immediate assurances, and a perception that the park's direction is more profit-driven than resident-first. Add in optional but sometimes intrusive cost items - water surcharges, lawn care charges, and guest background checks - and the appeal for prospective buyers who need steady, predictable costs narrows considerably. A few reviews also hint at operational tensions and value trade-offs with newer ownership.

From a management perspective, Isle of Palms presents a double-edged experience. When caretaking and community-building are led by engaged staff - people like Kat and Maureen - owners are seen as attentive, the park stays orderly, and residents feel heard. The positive voices emphasize the security of a family-owned environment, the sense that rules keep everyone safe, and the rewarding feeling of belonging to a place that genuinely looks after its residents. Conversely, other accounts describe a shift toward asset management priorities, with reduced on-site presence and a willingness to raise costs. The contrast suggests that the resident experience at Isle of Palms hinges on who's in charge and how those decisions are executed.

For families weighing a move, the practical path is clear: evaluate current rent terms, confirm who is managing on-site, and interview current residents about responsiveness and plan stability. If the goal is a peaceful, social, well-maintained community with low disruption and a reasonable, all-inclusive base cost, Isle of Palms remains compelling - but only if the price remains predictable and the management approach remains resident-focused. If long-range affordability, transparent pricing, and steady on-site support are non-negotiable, it is prudent to compare alternatives where rent growth is slower, management continuity is clearer, and amenities extend beyond a compact clubhouse. Isle of Palms can be a strong fit for the right buyer, provided due diligence confirms long-term value aligns with the community's current trajectory.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, this area offers a range of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With multiple pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS nearby, accessing medication is easy. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians such as Bay Area Medical and well-known hospitals like All Children's Obgyn Specialists within a short distance. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy dining options such as Chili's Grill & Bar and Portillo's Hot Dogs, or relax at parks like Azalea Park and Treasure Island Beach. Places of worship like Christ The Cornerstone provide spiritual support, while cafes like Starbucks offer a cozy spot to socialize. Additionally, entertainment options include theaters like SMG Seminole for a night out. Overall, this part of St. Petersburg provides a well-rounded community for seniors seeking a vibrant yet serene lifestyle.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)

Physicians

• Bay Area Medical (1.1 miles)
• Wellspring Cancer Center (1.6 miles)
• Pediatric Health Care Alliance (2 miles)
• Pasadena Eye Center (2.9 miles)
• Skin Wellness Center (3 miles)
• Allergy Associates (3 miles)
• Bay Area Family Practice (3.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Portillo's Hot Dogs (1.6 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1.6 miles)
• Chuck E. Cheese's (2.6 miles)
• Dead Bob's (2.9 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)
• Burger King (3.3 miles)
• Caddy's Madeira Beach (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Azalea Park (1.9 miles)
• Northwest Park (2.1 miles)
• Treasure Island Beach (3.3 miles)
• Freedom Lake Park (4.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ The Cornerstone (2.3 miles)
• Allendale United Methodist Church (5.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Kristina's Cafe (3.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (4 miles)
• Mazzaro's Italian Market (4.4 miles)
• Bula Kafe (5.1 miles)
• Bandit Coffee Co. (5.3 miles)

Hospitals

• All Children's Obgyn Specialists (3.2 miles)
• St Anthony's Hospital (6 miles)

Theaters

• SMG Seminole (3.8 miles)
• Regal Park Place & RPX (3.8 miles)