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Friday, January 13, 2023

What to Know About Living in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater, Florida

What to Know About Living in Clearwater, FL

If you’re looking for affordable beachfront living along the Florida Gulf Coast, you need to learn about Clearwater. Its top-rated luminous white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters have earned it honors as one of America’s top beach destinations. Best of all, it’s much cheaper than other Gulf destinations like Naples and Sarasota but still has excellent entertainment choices, arts, dining, and shopping.

Clearwater provides spacious homes and condos that are affordable when compared to the national average. And you’ll still enjoy all the classic Florida amenities like championship golf courses, fishing, kayaking, and sailing.

Learn some more about Clearwater, FL, in our community profile.

Where is Clearwater, FL, located?

Clearwater Florida map draft

Clearwater is in central Pinellas County on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s about 20 miles from Tampa and St. Petersburg, making it an ideal location for those who want to be near a major metropolitan center. Residents have two international airports within an hour’s drive, professional sports teams, and a lively arts scene.

The city limits stretch from the waters of Tampa Bay across the mainland all the way to the barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico, giving locals plenty of real estate options in the housing market.

What is the cost of living in Clearwater, FL?

Cost of living in Clearwater Florida

The cost of living in Clearwater is overall on par with the national average, based on Sperling’s Best Places Index. It was just 0.9% under the overall national score and 4% under the Florida average.

Housing was below the national average, as was transportation. However, be ready for healthcare, utilities, and grocery prices to be slightly higher.

Do remember you’ll benefit from no state income tax. The local sales tax is 7%, which combines the 6% Florida sales tax and a 1% Pinellas County sales tax.

What is the average price of a home in Clearwater, FL?

The housing market in Clearwater fluctuates. To give you a rough idea of pricing, the median home price was around $365,000 in January 2023, with 1,169 on the market. Your options include everything from mainland studio condos to oceanfront single-family homes. The beach area has a selection of high-rise condos with primary residences, vacation properties, and timeshares.

The most affordable listing at that time was $17,500 for a one-bathroom, one-bedroom mobile home unit. The most expensive existing real estate was a three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 4,280 sq ft penthouse beachfront condo attached to the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach resort for $5.25 million.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Clearwater, FL?

Buyers have many condos and townhomes available in Clearwater. The housing market consists of beachfront luxury condos in high-rise towers with units ranging from one to three bedrooms, all the way to affordable condo units on the mainland.

Townhomes in Clearwater Florida

January 2023 had 604 properties available in the townhome or condo category, over half of the current listings. The most affordable was $85,000 for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 605 sq ft studio. The most expensive was a three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom, 4,280 sq ft penthouse beachfront condo attached to the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach resort for $5.25 million.

What is the property tax rate for Clearwater, FL?

Florida has a more complicated property taxing structure than other states. All taxes are administered by the local counties and charged in mils, which amounts to $1 for every $1,000.

The real estate property tax rate in Clearwater was 5.885 mils in 2022. The county-wide rate for Pinellas County, including the city of Clearwater, was 4.8188. The 2022 school tax was 5.963 mils. Emergency medical services (EMS) levied 0.8775. Altogether, with the additional special taxing districts, Clearwater homeowners were charged about 19.3921 mils for property taxes.

property tax in Clearwater Florida

Florida real estate taxes are paid annually and are due on March 31 of each year, with penalties applied after April 1. Florida also offers discounts for paying early, with the discounted amount decreasing each month as the deadline approaches.

What county is Clearwater, FL, in?

Pinellas County has a population of 962,240 people and a total area of 608 square miles (1,578 sq km). It is a peninsula county, so it’s surrounded by water on three sides, with the Gulf front and beaches on the west and Tampa Bay to the east. This gives locals many options for waterfront living.

Notable cities in the county include Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Seminole, and Dunedin. Clearwater is the county seat.

Pinellas County is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, which has over four million residents, making the area one of Florida’s most populated. The county is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning wildlife preserves, and many parks like Coachman Park and Moccasin Lake Nature Park. It’s also home to several professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays, and Lightning. Tropicana Field, home of the MBA Tampa Bay Rays Stadium, is in St. Petersburg.

Is Clearwater, FL growing?

Yes, Clearwater is growing! According to the US Census Bureau, between 2010 and 2020, the population of Clearwater increased from 107,685 to 117,292 people. The population growth rate for that period was 8.1%.

Clearwater Florida population

The whole Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area is projected to grow by 61% from 2000 to 2040, with 15% of that growth happening between now and 2030. Pinellas County alone should exceed one million residents by 2025.

Most growth has been evenly distributed, although one data report projected zip code 33764, which is in Clearwater, to be a high-growth area. This region is near the intersection of US 19 and State Road 60, major transportation arteries for the Clearwater area.

What neighborhoods are in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater has over 18 recognized neighborhoods, giving you plenty of real estate opportunities. We won’t cover them all here but selected a sampling to provide an idea of what you can find for real estate.

For beachfront living, Clearwater Beach is the place. It’s a top vacation destination with its two-mile stretch of sand. The strip is packed with tourist activities and resorts, but residents also get dining, shopping, and of course, beachfront access whenever they want. However, be prepared to deal with spring breakers and snowbird traffic during the spring months.

Sand Key is another waterfront community, but its real estate is more private and residential. You’ve got to drive over the Gulf Bridge at Clearwater Pass to get there. The area has a classic Florida beach vacation vibe with modern real estate options. Find lots of condos and timeshares here, but amenities are a further drive away.

Old Clearwater Bay offers the best of both worlds: living near the bay with easy access to beaches and to downtown. It surrounds the Clearwater Harbor, giving residents waterfront living options. The real estate market features luxury homes and waterfront condos in various styles.

Island Estates is a planned real estate development on the bayside of Clearwater Beach, about 15 minutes from downtown Clearwater over the Memorial Causeway. The linked islands and canals mix condos with single-family homes and townhomes. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium sits at the entrance to the neighborhood. Once you’re away from the tourist traffic, it’s a quiet neighborhood.

Northwood Estates is a great option on the mainland closer to the Bayside of Clearwater. Convenience is what makes it attractive. Residents have shopping options at Northwood Plaza, including a local Publix for groceries. The neighborhood is zoned for Countryside High, one of the top-rated in Clearwater. Golf courses, parks, and lakes are also nearby.

Del Oro Groves is a quiet neighborhood on a peninsula in eastern Clearwater, close to Safety Harbor and Cooper Bayou. Homes here are tucked behind Clearwater’s prized Ruth Eckerd Hall Performing Arts Center. Some border Del Oro or Cooper’s Bayou Park.

A local real estate agent can help you explore more Clearwater neighborhoods.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Clearwater, FL?

Waterfront properties in Clearwater Florida

Part of the attraction of living in Clearwater is its waterfront real estate. There are many luxury and upscale properties that boast stunning views of Tampa Bay, Intracoastal Waterway, Clearwater Harbor, or the Gulf beaches. Plus, there are access canals, lakes, and reservoirs dotting the mainland landscape. In fact, in January 2023, 409 listings of the over 1,000 listings came with some form of waterfront!

How is golf in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater offers some of the highest-rated and oldest golf courses in Florida. Beautiful real estate options border these public and private courses, which feature lush green fairways with native Florida landscaping.

Clearwater Country Club, for example, is a semi-private golf club designed in the 1920s by Herman Strong. It includes a driving range and practice facilities, complemented by a dining room and patio lounge area.

golf course in Clearwater Florida

Countryside Country Club is a private club designed by Gary Player. Its 27 holes of championship golf are complemented by cutting-edge draining technology. Members gain access to dining and fitness amenities.

Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club is a public par-69 course with Bermuda grass greens, 70 sand traps, and 12 water hazards. Uniquely, it’s run by a foundation that operates a nontraditional youth academy. A portion of all golfing fees benefits the academy.

The Landings of Clearwater is a public course featuring 18 holes behind the Clearwater Airpark. Ron Garl designed the course in the 1970s.

Other acclaimed courses are near the Clearwater city limits, like the Belleair Country Club, Florida’s first golf course dating to 1897. The On Top of World community discussed next, has two golf courses for play.

Are there golf course communities in Clearwater, FL?

On Top of the World is a 55+ golf community with two play options free for residents, an 18-hole and a 9-hole short course. The courses stay open from daylight to dusk, pending any weather conditions. Inside the gated community are condos, villas, townhomes, and single-family residences.

Eagle Estates is a gated community in northern Clearwater with residences between Countryside Golf Course and the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club. The executive-style homes were primarily developed in the 1980s and 1990s. The neighborhood is zoned for some of the city’s top public and private schools.

What areas are near Clearwater, FL?

Being part of the Tampa Bay metro, Clearwater residents live near some of Florida’s best attractions, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL team, Busch Gardens theme park, and the Florida Aquarium.

The waterfront attractions and sandy beaches of downtown Clearwater Beach draw visitors from all over for its shopping, dining, beach life, sunset festivals, and Thursday night fireworks displays.

For a real adventure, hop aboard the Clearwater Ferry from downtown Clearwater to Caladesi Island State Park. Or, explore the nature trails of Honeymoon Island State Park.

To the south, Safety Harbor offers boutique shopping, galleries, and an exciting food scene. The beaches at Indian Rocks are known for their powdery white sand and natural beauty.

Explore more of Pinellas County’s cities, from the Scottish-themed Dunedin to the Greek culture of Tarpon Springs to the picturesque waterfront from Redington Beach and St. Pete Beach. The Gulf Coast beaches are ideal for snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing—even parasailing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Clearwater, Florida

What’s the average household income in Clearwater?

The average household income in Clearwater is $88,197 annually, with the median household income at $59,358 per year.

What is the best area to live in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater, FL, offers several great neighborhoods and coastal communities, each with its own unique appeal and amenities. Here are some of the top areas to consider when looking for a perfect spot to move to:

  1. Clearwater Beach: Known for its pristine beach, one of the top-ranked ones in the U.S., Clearwater Beach offers a safe and vibrant community with a variety of activities for all tastes and ages. Median housing costs here are around $872,500, and the crime rate is 60% lower than the city average, making it ideal for families and beach lovers.
  2. Island Estates: This large waterfront community is perfect for those seeking beautiful views and a serene environment. With homes having an average cost of $578,800, It features low crime rates and is close to attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and local yacht clubs.
  3. Northwood Estates: A great neighborhood for families, Northwood Estates offers excellent public schools and convenient shopping options. The median home price is about $582,000, and the community is family-friendly, with many residents under 18 years old.
  4. Del Oro Groves: This comfortable, family-focused neighborhood offers an affordable and relaxed lifestyle with the cost of housing coming at a median of $619,000. It’s located along Old Tampa Bay and provides access to parks and performing arts centers, making it a pleasant and well-rounded place to live.
  5. Sand Key: A lovely beachfront community known for its stunning Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor views. The Sand Key Park, a notable feature, offers various amenities, including picnic areas, shelters, cabana rentals, and beach access. The median price for a home here is $875,000.

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

To live comfortably in Clearwater, FL, a single adult must earn at least $22.70 per hour, which translates to an annual income of around $47,215 before taxes. This makes it a fairly affordable city for Florida. For a family of four with two working adults, each adult should earn about $25.18 per hour, totaling approximately $104,765 annually for the household. These figures account for essential expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and transportation.

What’s the employment rate and housing market in Clearwater?

Clearwater is part of the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan region and has an unemployment rate of approximately 3.0%. This shows a stable job market​ with opportunities in food services, hospitality, retail trade, healthcare, and social assistance. Residents actively looking for a job can also find opportunities in neighboring Tampa and Saint Petersburg.

Is it cheaper to live in Clearwater or Tampa?

Clearwater often offers a more affordable overall living experience than Tampa. Clearwater’s cost of living index is 102.8, which is 2.8% higher than the US average but 0.3% lower than Florida’s average, while Tampa has a cost of living index of 104.2, above both the state and the country’s average.

If you’re a potential homebuyer in the Tampa Bay area, consider comparing property taxes, utility costs, and insurance rates between Clearwater and Tampa before deciding. Visiting both cities to experience the local amenities, community atmosphere, and overall lifestyle firsthand can also help you make an informed choice.

Does Clearwater, Florida, get hit by hurricanes?

With around 360 days of sunshine every year, you can keep your winter jackets and snow boots in storage and dedicate to enjoying Clearwater’s beautiful weather. Luckily, there’s a wide range of outdoor activities you can practice.

However, if you plan to move to Clearwater, consider that the city (like other popular spots on Florida’s West Coast) gets hit by hurricanes, although direct hits are relatively rare. The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak activity between mid-August and late October potentially bringing severe weather.

Is Clearwater prone to flooding?

Clearwater, Florida, offers beautiful warm weather and a vibrant coastal lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for potential homebuyers. However, the area has some flood risk. According to data from the Climate Risk Report and the City of Clearwater, approximately 36% of the buildings are at high risk of flooding.

Flood zones in Clearwater are marked by FEMA, with many areas having a 1% or higher chance of flooding each year. These high-risk zones, called Special Flood Hazard Areas, have specific building and insurance rules. Coastal flooding can also increase due to storm surges and rising sea levels, which are becoming more common with climate change.

Are you ready to live in Clearwater, FL?

average home price in Clearwater Florida

Clearwater offers a unique opportunity for retirees, young professionals, and families to experience Florida living affordably. The varied real estate market and lower cost of living give buyers at all price points the ability to live at or near the waterfront.

If you’re looking to live in Clearwater, FL, a local real estate agent is the best resource to explore the many neighborhoods. Let’s work to find the right neighborhood for you!

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Preston Guyton