HOUSE HUNT: Peek at 5 Old Northeast Homes on the Market

Whether you plan to buy or you just like to dream, here are five homes for sale in the Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg. The city's earliest-established neighborhood boasts a variety of carefully restored houses dating to the 1920s and turn of the 20th Century. Although the Florida real estate market has been harder hit than many other places, well-maintained Old Northeast homes are still considered a sound investment, with many retaining their value. The neighborhood is near the city's waterfront, Coffee Pot Bayou and newly updated downtown.

1.) 236 19th Ave. NE: This 1920s home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The wood floors have been refurbished. The eat-in kitchen has new stainless steel appliances. Unlike many older homes, this 2,000-square-foot wood frame house has tall ceilings and a loft bedroom upstairs. There are two downstairs bedrooms. A den can be converted into another bedroom. Asking price: $449,000. Listing agent: ReMax Metro's Linda Brown, 727-896-1800.

2.) 406 19th Ave. NE: This three-bedroom, three 1/2 bath home has a custom pool, spa, 16-foot-high ceilings, carriage-style garage and new kitchen appliances. The kitchen has a cherry-wood island that opens to the family room. The carriage-style garage has an unfinished second floor that may be converted to a guest room or home theater. Asking price: $599,000. For sale by owner, 813-334-0804.

3.) 1920 Cherry St.: This 1920s Mediterranean-style home is two stories, with an outdoor terrace on the home's second floor. It has herring bone-inlaid hardwood floors, fireplace, formal dining room and kitchen with a professional-style gas stove. It has three bedrooms plus three baths. A stucco wall around the back of the property gives the homeowner a private courtyard. Open house is Sunday . Asking price is $599,000. Listing agent: ReMax Metro, Linda Brown, 727-896-1800.

4.) 506 20th Ave. NE: Built in 1925, this Mediterranean-style home has three bedrooms and three full baths. It has a fourth bedroom and bath on a second floor over the garage. The home boasts a white brick fireplace, butler's pantry, formal dining room, breakfast room, gourmet kitchen with Jenn-Aire stove, and 16-foot-long sun porch. The hardwood floors are newly refinished, and there is a brick courtyard out back. Asking price is $819,000. Listing agent is Keller Williams' Patricia Kuhn, 813-875-3700.

5.) 636 19th Ave. NE: Shaded by tall oaks, this one-story sprawling brick home has 3,700 square feet and is a short walk to Coffee Pot Bayou and the downtown waterfront. It has four bedrooms and five bathrooms. The kitchen has granite countertops. There is a bonus room that may be used as an office, playroom or home theater. The master bedroom has a terrace. Each of the bedrooms has adjoining bathrooms. This 1950 home also has a pool with a spa. Asking price: $899,000. Listing agent: Smith & Associates, 855-292-6556.