Today Neighborhood Times introduces Neighbor to Neighbor, a feature to give readers a better sense of the places where they live. This week, Joanne Walker takes you to Disston Heights, a big section in north St. Petersburg. Disston Heights This neighborhood resembles a small city. Consider: POPULATION: It has 20,787, or nearly a tenth of St. Petersburg's residents. The most recent census shows that more than 8,000 residents are 55 years and older; 6,029 fall between 25-44; 2,446 between 5-17. BOUNDARIES: From Central Avenue to 40th Avenue N between 34th and 58th streets, with the exception of a square between Central and 13th avenues N from 34th to 49th Street that belongs to the North Central neighborhood. Disston Heights has lots of trees, 15 little lakes and ponds and a smattering of sidewalks. HOUSING: Most homes were built after World War II. They're called ranch homes, long and low. Most have two bedrooms, one or two baths and one-car garages. Houses tend to be bunched on 50-foot lots because walking was more popular than riding when they were built. According to Realtors, the average-size home of 1,100-1,200 square feet sells between $40,000 and $70,000. At least seven large apartment complexes in the neighborhood advertise vacancies. Rents range from $420 for a one-bedroom unit to $650 for three bedrooms and two baths. HISTORY: Whether Disston Heights neighborhood is named for a ridge or a person seems to be in question. The ridge runs along 49th Street N and is the highest point in St. Petersburg. It is also reported as the neighborhood's busiest street. In 1878, Hamilton Disston of Philadelphia inherited a saw manufacturing plant from his father. He came to Florida searching for tarpon. At that time, the state was almost bankrupt from overextending its railroad construction. Disston, together with a British syndicate, deposited $1-million in the state treasury in exchange for 4-million acres of Florida land. He became the largest landowner in the United States and dreamed of building a city. In 1885, his Disston City (now Gulfport) had 103 stores, a post office and a 26-room Waldorf Hotel, according to Ray Arsenault's St. Petersburg and the Florida Dream. Sheffield Lake, 23rd Avenue N and 49th Street, is the most familiar historical landmark. It's a natural lake once part of property owned by Sheffield family members in the 1880s. It is a central point in the neighborhood and has been adopted by the association. The Disston Heights Civic Association organized in 1955 and is the oldest such group in St. Petersburg. BUSINESS: In a recent survey, residents listed nearby shopping as one of the things they liked best. Small businesses prevail in Disston Heights. While Disston borders the busy Tyrone area, the neighborhood has no malls. Disston Plaza, 38th Avenue N and 49th Street, is the hub of shopping activity. One business offers 10-cent walk-in bingo. There are three supermarkets (two Publix, one Albertsons), three Walgreen Drug Stores and at least three motels in the neighborhood. The area has numerous churches, doctors, lawyers, accountants and child-care centers. There are two post offices, several banks and a funeral home. A hospital is in an adjacent neighborhood. RECREATION: Gladden and Lealman parks both fall within Disston Heights boundaries. Gladden Community Center, 3901 30th Ave. N, boasts the city's first air-conditioned gymnasium. As many as 80 seniors are attracted weekly to the center's Monday Tea Dance. The $3 dances run 1-3 p.m., with live music by the Bruce Ralg Band. The fitness program, horseshoes and shuffleboard are also big draws. SCHOOLS: The four neighborhood elementary schools are Mount Vernon, Clearview Avenue, Northwest and Lealman. There are no high schools in the boundaries, but Dixie Hollins, Gibbs and St. Petersburg high schools are nearby. DINING: Disston Heights also offers a multicultural selection of restaurants. A hasty tour revealed Nick's Family Restaurant (Greek), Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, Little Italy Pizza, Ben Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant and the Western Sizzler. There's also an Irish Pub called Ould Dublin, 5747 38th Ave. N. A corned beef and cabbage plate is $5.95. Beware of the sign in the front window: "No children after 7 p.m." _ JOANNE WALKER