Your EZ Search Moving Guide to Clearwater, FL

Known for its beautiful beaches and sunny climate, Clearwater is more than just a spring break destination—it’s an oceanfront city full of opportunities for those seeking a new place to call home. Think about what it is you want in a place to live. Family-friendly? Check. A walkable downtown? Check. Access to the waterfront? Check! Near a thriving city? Double check!

Living in Clearwater definitely has its perks, whether you’re a young professional, family, or retiree, you’ll love to set residence is this Florida Gulf Coast gem. This guide will provide some needed information to make an informed decision about moving to Clearwater. We share what you should know about the cost of living, explore the local real estate market, healthcare facilities, job market, and more.

Where is Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater is a city (and county seat) in Pinellas County on Florida’s western coast. The borders stretch from the Gulf of Mexico to Tampa Bay, placing residents about 27 miles from downtown Tampa and 23 miles from Saint Petersburg. 

Clearwater includes a 3-mile barrier island with tranquil beaches featuring powdery white sand and brilliant blue waters — perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. But it also covers a highly developed inland urban landscape with grid-like streets and affordable homes. And it’s also bayfront, with a canal network and waterfront parks.

What makes Clearwater, FL, unique?

Suppose you’re looking for an affordable place to live in Florida without sacrificing the latest amenities like craft breweries, indoor parks, and a clever arts scene. In that case, Clearwater may be just the right home for you.

It’s favored by college kids because it’s the most accessible beach for universities in Tampa and Pinellas County. And for the out-of-towners, the hotels and short-term rentals tend to be more affordable than the colorful high rises of Miami and Daytona.

Because of all the visitors that have driven to Clearwater for its beach for decades, the city’s tourism industry has a deep roster of things to do surrounding the waterfront. We’re talking pirate boats, parasailing, jet boats, dolphin adventures, and kayaking. The commercial strips include beachwear shops, bars, and fast-casual seafood restaurants. Pier 60 is an iconic destination for those social media-perfect sunset photos.

But Clearwater isn’t all beach. Move away from the barrier inland to inland Clearwater, and you have a packed collection of family-friendly neighborhoods and affordable active adult living communities. Residents have a full array of local and national name brands for dining, shopping, and entertainment housed in shopping centers and malls. Kids play soccer and baseball at local parks and run off their energy at the local playgrounds. It’s suburban but not necessarily master-planned. 

Clearwater cost of living

Florida’s oceanfront isn’t exactly worth pennies, and on top of that, Clearwater is part of an extensive metro area. But there’s good news here. Clearwater’s overall cost of living is on par with the national average and slightly better than what you’d find statewide.

What are you looking at? Sperling’s Best Places Index scored it 99.1. While groceries, healthcare, and utilities ran above average, housing and transportation were below average. And since those are big expenditures in most budgets, that’s promising news for you.

Of course, how much you’ll actually spend will vary based on your particular lifestyle. And if you’re looking for a waterfront home, your housing costs will likely be higher. 

COST OF LIVING	Clearwater	Florida	USA
Overall	99.1	103.1	100
Grocery	105.1	102.8	100
Health	103.7	102.3	100
Housing	92.1	101.1	100
Median Home Cost	$338,400	$362,400	$338,100
Utilities	104.9	101.3	100
Transportation	98.8	112.6	100
Miscellaneous	107.2	87.6	100

 

Clearwater’s Real Estate Market

When contemplating a move to Clearwater, one of the key considerations is where you’ll live and what’s available at your price point. Since Clearwater spans from Gulf to Bay, its diverse real estate market caters to different needs and budgets. 

To give you a sense of where real estate stands, Clearwater’s market had 1,327 listings in July 2023. The median price of $400,000 was actually the same year-over-year. Housing prices ranged from $15,000 to $40 million.

Single-family homes are the most common types in Clearwater, are their style ranges from quaint bungalows to spacious waterfront properties. You’ll find sections of small homes built at 1,000-1,300 sq ft to cater to northerners vacationing here in the 1950s-1960s to opulent Mediterranean-styled estates at 5,000 sq ft and more. There are even well-kept mobile home parks for low-cost living.

Condominiums and townhomes offer a middle ground. They are an attractive alternative for those preferring a lower-maintenance lifestyle. You’ll find developments with stunning Gulf, bay, or Clearwater golf course views. In July 2023, 715 listings were condo or townhome properties, and the median home prices ranged from $78,500 to $6.875 million.

Popular Neighborhoods 

Most residences are within easy reach of amenities such as shopping centers, parks, and the beach. But each community layers on its own perks. Some popular places to look are:

Clearwater Beach is a world-famous and oft top-ranked beach in the nation for its shimmering white sands and sunsets. You’ll share island living with resorts and tourists.

Sand Key is a quieter barrier island just south of busy Clearwater Beach. Access it from a bridge over Clearwater Pass.

Island Estates is an island-based neighborhood in Clearwater Harbor close to the beach’s top attractions like the Aquarium and its restaurants.

Del Oro Groves is an affluent neighborhood with stunning Tampa Bay views and easy access to performing arts at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

Northwood Estates has a family-friendly reputation because it’s zoned for Clearwater’s top public schools. The more modest homes are close to your essential shops.

This is a small sampling of what the city has for places to live. Learn even more about Clearwater’s top neighborhoods in our guide.

Clearwater Education

The Pinellas County School District oversees education in Clearwater, known for its good schools. Several neighborhoods are highly sought after because they are zoned for top-rated schools like Countryside High School and Plato Academy charter school.

Clearwater also has highly regarded private schools, like the Berkeley Preparatory School, the no. 6 private school in Florida on Niche.com.

As far as higher education, Clearwater has a branch of the University of South Florida and St. Petersburg College, both of which run programs awarding associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. St. Petersburg College is quite large for a former two-year college, with over 29,000 students and 18 courses of study primarily in associate’s degrees.

The city has four additional colleges within an hour’s drive, including the USF main campus in Tampa and the private Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.

Health care in Clearwater 

Morton Plant Hospital, one of America’s 100 Top Hospitals® according to IBM Watson Health™, serves Clearwater residents. It is one of the largest hospitals in Pinellas County and the only one to offer open-heart surgery. It also has a Level II trauma center, a stroke center, a heart center, and even an orthopedic trauma specialist. 

Morton Plant is part of the BayCare Health System network, which includes 15 hospitals throughout Tampa Bay, including Mease Countryside in northern Clearwater. You’ll also find over 80 urgent care centers in Clearwater and its surrounding cities. Locals have an abundance of medical specialists and health care centers covering all your health care needs. 

Clearwater job market

Clearwater’s job market is often lumped into the Tampa-St. Pete metroplex. The good news is this part of Florida has a growing economy. The metro’s unemployment rate was under 2.7% for the six months from December 2022 to May 2023!

Pinellas County has the state’s third-largest manufacturing base and six main industry clusters: financial services, health care, retail trade, technology, aerospace and aviation, and hospitality. Employment options vary widely, from Raymond James Financial to Raytheon Technologies to Publix.

Clearwater, in particular, has a strong hospitality industry, but you’ll also find robust employment opportunities in health care, financial services, and retail. 

Clearwater Bucket List

You’re not going to be unpacking forever. Once you’re settled in, you’ll want to get out and explore your new hometown. 

From its beaches to its museums, Clearwater has plenty of outdoor activities and attractions to keep you busy. 

Here are a few of the top must-dos in Clearwater:

• Clearwater Beach. You can’t move here without taking a day to soak in the sunshine and people-watching at Clearwater Beach. Catch a breathtaking sunset from Pier 60 Park overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This marine science center is dedicated to animals like dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and sharks. It was the home of the dolphin Winter, featured in the movie “Winter’s Tale.” A visit can easily be wrapped into your day at the beach.
• Sand Key Park. Pack a picnic and spend the day on one of Florida’s best beaches fishing. It’s less crowded than Clearwater Beach and perfect for leisurely walking on the white sand.
• Ruth Eckerd Hall is the destination for off-Broadway touring shows, concerts, musical performance, dance performances, and more.
• The Florida Botanical Gardens. The gardens in Largo offer a serene oasis with lush tropical plants and winding trails. 
• Countryside Mall is unique in Florida as it has an ice-skating rink. Yes, you can go ice skating in Florida! And, of course, the massive retail complex also has name-brand fashion, chain restaurants, and more entertainment.

Getting around Clearwater

So here is a big downside to Clearwater living: it’s a major commuter city. With thousands coming and going from the beach and crossing the bridges into the City of Tampa, it doesn’t take much for roads to back up for miles. 

The problem is that Courtney Campbell Causeway (highway 60) links the city east-west from the beach to Tampa. That makes it a main artery for vehicle travel. Meanwhile, US 19 is the main north-south route. Clearwater doesn’t have an interstate to encourage fast travel.

Public transportation comprises the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), which runs buses, trolleys, and a ferry from Clearwater to St Petersburg. And, of course, you can always take an Uber, Lyft, or cab. Lastly, you can always take the scenic route and explore Clearwater from the water on a charter boat! 

Setting up your home

The City of Clearwater is in charge of supplying water and gas to residents. Homeowners must contact the city to activate either service. As for your electricity, your home will either be serviced by Duke Energy or TECO (Tampa Electric Company) based on your zip code. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Clearwater, FL

Is Clearwater, Florida, safe?

If you’re considering a move to Clearwater, Florida, you’ll be happy to know that it generally boasts a positive safety record. Located in the vibrant Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Area, Clearwater’s crime rate is relatively manageable. According to recent data, Clearwater has a violent crime rate of 3.95 per 1,000 residents, which is comparable to the national average of 4 per 1,000 residents.

This means that incidents like assault and robbery are fairly infrequent, making Clearwater a reassuring choice for families, retirees, and young professionals. The property crime rate in Clearwater is 18.89 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 21.1 per 1,000 residents. 

 What are the best neighborhoods in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater, Florida, offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you’re seeking a waterfront paradise, a family-friendly environment, or a vibrant downtown scene, Clearwater has something for everyone. Here are some of the best neighborhoods to consider when moving to Clearwater:

• Island Estates
• Countryside
• Downtown Clearwater
• Sand Key
• Harbor Oaks
• Morningside/Meadows
• Clearwater Beach
• Bay Aristocrat Village
• Feather Sound
• Greenbriar

 How far is Clearwater from Tarpon Springs?

Clearwater is approximately 12 miles south of Tarpon Springs. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive between the two cities typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. This short distance makes it convenient for residents and visitors to explore both areas and enjoy each city’s unique attractions.

How many parks are there in Clearwater?

Parks in Clearwater range from small neighborhood green spaces to larger regional parks with extensive amenities. Among these, Coachman Park stands out as one of the most popular. Located along the waterfront in downtown Clearwater, Coachman Park is a central hub for social and cultural activities in the city. The park’s picturesque setting along the Intracoastal Waterway provides stunning views and ample opportunities for picnicking, walking, and enjoying the outdoors.

Another great option is Moccasin Lake Nature Park, a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat into nature. This 51-acre preserve features walking trails, a butterfly garden, and a variety of wildlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

 How much do you need to make to live comfortably in Clearwater, Florida?

To live comfortably in Clearwater, Florida, an individual needs to earn a living wage that can cover basic expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single adult in the Tampa-St. The Petersburg-Clearwater metro area must make approximately $22.70 per hour, equating to an annual income of about $47,215 before taxes. For a family with two working adults and two children, each adult would need to earn around $25.18 per hour or a combined annual income of approximately $104,765 before taxes.

How many parks are there in Clearwater, FL?

If you’re an outdoorsy type, you will be entirely happy moving to Clearwater, Florida. The Clearwater Parks & Recreation Department is in charge of 1,774 acres of parkland, including 109 parks, over 50 athletic facilities, and six miles of sandy beaches.

Is Clearwater a good place to retire?

Clearwater, Florida, is an excellent place to retire. It offers a blend of warm weather, a beach town vibe, recreational activities, and quality healthcare services and social assistance. The city is also equipped with high-quality healthcare facilities, including the renowned Morton Plant Hospital, part of the BayCare Health System. This ensures that retirees have access to comprehensive medical services.

The average cost of living in Clearwater is relatively moderate compared to other coastal cities in Florida, making it an affordable option for many retirees. Furthermore, Clearwater has a vibrant retiree community, with many neighborhoods designed for 55+ residents.

Clearwater is also a tax-friendly destination for retirees, offering no state income tax, which means Social Security benefits, pensions, and retirement income are not taxed at the state level. Additionally, there is no estate or inheritance tax, and homeowners benefit from significant property tax exemptions through the homestead exemption, making it an attractive place for retirees to maximize their income.

Is Clearwater prone to hurricanes?

Clearwater, located on Florida’s picturesque west coast, is a tropical paradise known for its warm weather and stunning beaches. While the city does experience hurricane season from June 1 to November 30, it is well-prepared to handle such events. The community and local authorities have established comprehensive protocols, including efficient evacuation plans and readily available emergency shelters, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.

Why is Clearwater so popular?

Clearwater’s popularity has significantly grown in recent years due to its calm and family-friendly atmosphere, strong sense of community, beautiful weather, and proximity to the ocean. Here are some additional factors that can explain why the area has Florida’s homebuyers favor:

• Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S., boasts soft, white sand and clear Gulf waters, attracting millions of visitors each year. According to the Pinellas County Tourist Development Council, Clearwater Beach saw over 6 million visitors in 2019 alone.
• The city enjoys an average of 361 days of sunshine per year, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach outings.
• Family-friendly attractions include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which was home to Winter the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale until its passing in 2021.
• The Clearwater downtown area offers cultural venues such as the Capitol Theatre and annual events like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, which draw large crowds.
• Clearwater’s proximity to Tampa, just a 30-minute drive away, provides easy access to additional amenities and job opportunities, enhancing residents’ overall quality of life.

Does Clearwater, Florida, flood often?

Clearwater does experience occasional flooding, particularly during heavy rains and storm surges associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. The city has several areas designated as flood zones by FEMA, especially those near the coast and along waterways.

For example, neighborhoods like Clearwater Beach and Sand Key are more susceptible due to their proximity to the water. Historical data shows that significant weather events, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, have caused notable storm surges and flooding in the area, highlighting the importance of understanding flood risks for potential homebuyers.

Despite these risks, Clearwater has made substantial investments in flood mitigation and infrastructure improvements to minimize the impact of flooding. The city has upgraded its stormwater systems, constructed sea walls, and implemented community awareness programs to educate residents about flood risks and preparedness. 

 Bottom line on moving to Clearwater

Clearwater’s advantage is the convenience of city living with ample waterfront options and a lower cost of living. Residents can choose to be anywhere from the bustling beach to the quiet bay nights to set up their perfect lifestyle. This slice of Florida paradise has something for everyone. Learn more about living in Clearwater from a local real estate agent.