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Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach

If warm, year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, a carefree lifestyle, and a strong sense of community appeal to you, the city of Clearwater, FL just might be the perfect place to find your next home.

Perched on the western edge of the Pinellas Peninsula, Clearwater is best known for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, cultural diversity, and numerous employment opportunities. It encompasses Clearwater Beach, a popular beach destination located on a barrier island just across the Intracoastal Waterway. All these make Clearwater one of the most desirable places to live in the highly sought-after North Beaches area.

Thinking of making this wonderful seaside community your new home? Here’s everything you need to know.

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Clearwater, FL: An Overview

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater got its name from the English translation of the Native American “Pocotopaug”, meaning “clear water” — a reference to the abundant freshwater springs that were once found along its shores.

Since its settlement in the 1840s, Clearwater had undergone several changes that have contributed to its development as a highly sought after resort community. These include the creation of its first hospital in 1914, the construction of its very first library and beachside bridge in 1916, and the opening of the historic Capitol Theatre in 1921.

Clearwater offers a high quality of life that combines a laidback waterfront lifestyle with urban conveniences. It’s not surprising that many famous personalities and A-listers have called the city home at one point or another, including Spanx founder Sara Blakely, Grammy-winning jazz pianist Chick Corea, Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, and professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.” I wonder if the following interesting side note should be included here or elsewhere – the Rolling Stones wrote their first worldwide hit “Satisfaction” in a small Clearwater Beach hotel

What is Clearwater like today?

While Clearwater today is one of the top tourism destinations in Florida, it is also known as a great place to live where approximately 115,600 residents enjoy high level amenities and services.

Clearwater offers a high quality of life that combines a laidback waterfront lifestyle with urban conveniences. It’s not surprising that many famous personalities and A-listers have called the city home at one point or another, including Spanx founder Sara Blakely, Grammy-winning jazz pianist Chick Corea, Hollywood icon Tom Cruise, and professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.

Clearwater Beach

Residents enjoy these benefits that come with living in Clearwater.

  • Highly accessible

    Clearwater is very accessible, making traveling to and from the city nothing short of a breeze. The nearest airport, the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (PIE), is less than 20 minutes away, while Tampa International Airport is only around a 25 minute drive. Court Street connects the city to Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, which leads to Tampa to the east. Court Street is also linked to US Route 19, which leads to St. Petersburg on the eastern edge of Pinellas Peninsula.

  • Relatively lower cost of living

    Despite its reputation as a high-end beach community, the cost of living in Clearwater is very manageable. According to PayScale, the cost of living here is 1% lower than the national average.

    As of 2023, housing costs are 9% lower than the national average, with the prices of standard single-family homes ranging from $200,000 to around $800,000. Luxury homes in the area, on the other hand, can fetch prices of more than $ 30 million, depending on the homes’ size, amenities, and location.

    Healthcare too, is relatively cheaper in Clearwater, with overall costs being 8% lower than the national average. Utility rates, meanwhile, are 3% less than the national average.

    Another benefit that comes with living in Clearwater is the absence of a state income tax —a boon for anyone looking to put their roots down in this beautiful coastal community.

  • Highly rated schools

    Clearwater provides access to top-notch education. Served by Pinellas County Schools, a good number of the city’s public schools are noted for their exemplary curriculum, academic programs, and teaching methods, all of which have led to the production of outstanding graduates. The top rated schools in the area include Clearwater Fundamental Middle School, Plato Academy Clearwater, and Leila Davis Elementary School

    Some of the city’s private schools have also been lauded for producing excellent graduates, with the most high-ranking among them being St. Paul’s School, Calvary Christian High School, and Allendale Academy Private School.

What are the top neighborhoods in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater, FL is home to coveted neighborhoods, some of which consistently rank in lists of the best places to live in Florida and the country.

The top neighborhoods in the city include:

  • Clearwater Beach

    Considered the jewel of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach primarily features resort-style residences. This high-end community gives residents easy access to the downtown Clearwater Beach shopping district and pier, allowing residents to enjoy the best of Florida without traveling too far from their homes.

    Real estate in the area is incredibly diverse. You’ll find standard single-family homes for sale sharing space with high-end waterfront homes, private estates, luxury townhouses, and premium condos.

    Condos dominate the housing market. Your choices range from studios to waterfront luxury properties with three to four bedrooms. Prices range from just under $3 million to over $7 million.

    Single-family homes for sale in Clearwater Beach range in price from the mid $300,000s to over $5 million, and come in various traditional and contemporary architectural styles, making them appealing to a wide range of homebuyers.

  • Harbor Oaks

    A U.S. historic district, Harbor Oaks is one of the most popular places to live in Clearwater, mostly because of its proximity to the community’s top attractions. Single-family luxury homes make up a huge chunk of the district’s housing inventory, followed by historic homes built in the 1920s and 1930s.

    True to the area’s historic background, homes for sale in this part of Clearwater come in mostly traditional styles such as Colonial Revival, Tudor, Cape Cod, and Bungalow, as well as more contemporary styles such as Mid-Century Modern. Listing prices in Harbor Oaks start at around $499,000, with luxury estates fetching as much as $39.9 million.

  • Del Oro Groves

    Sandwiched between Cooper’s Bayou and Alligator Lake, Del Oro Groves is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Clearwater. Highly sought-after by homeowners and investors, Del Oro Groves has no shortage of local attractions such as parks and high-class shopping centers.

    Single-family homes and small to medium-sized apartment complexes built from the 1940s to the late 1990s make up a large portion of Del Oro Groves’s housing stock, making it perfect for those looking to purchase homes with a bit of history in them. Moreover, Del Oro Groves is a quiet and safe neighborhood—a major factor behind its attractiveness to retirees and families alike.

  • Northwood Estates

    Nestled at the very heart of Clearwater, Northwood Estates boasts some of Pinellas County’s most-prized homes. First developed in the 1970s, this beautiful, wooded neighborhood primarily offers gorgeous single-family homes, many of which are situated on oversized lots with ample space for amenities such as swimming pools and outdoor living and dining areas.

    Aside from offering top-quality real estate, Northwood Estates is also valued by investors for its friendly neighborhood charm and proximity to some of the best schools, shopping centers, and restaurants in Pinellas County. Not only that, but Northwood Estates is also conveniently located between McMullen Booth Rd and US19, which means its residents have easy access to the rest of Clearwater, as well as nearby St. Petersburg and Tampa.

What is it like to live in Clearwater, FL?

Fine Dining

Clearwater strikes the perfect balance between a carefree beach town and a well-developed city, making it extremely appealing to those looking for a calming scenery and atmosphere while still having access to urban amenities.

As expected, the top activity in Clearwater is frolicking in the crystal-clear waters and powdery sands of its beaches. Clearwater Beach is the go-to destination for many spring breakers or snowbirds, making homes for sale here ideal rental investments. But other beaches in the area are just as enthralling. Belleair Beach is a quiet and relaxing spot that’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. Caladesi Island State Park boasts a combination of beaches and mangrove trails that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and hiking.

Away from the water, you can expect a myriad of other activities and attractions including:

  • World-class shopping

    Clearwater offers plenty of opportunities for retail therapy, all thanks to its impressive selection of markets and shopping centers. These include Countryside Mall, which is one of the largest and most popular shopping centers in the Pinellas Peninsula.

    Located northeast of the city center on US Route 19, Countryside Mall covers over one million square feet of retail space and counts Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, and Whole Foods Market among its anchors. Aside from its selection of boutiques and shops, the mall is also home to a 12-screen cinema, a full-sized ice-skating rink, and numerous restaurants.

    Locals also head to Clearwater Mall for their shopping needs. Located near the coast of Old Tampa Bay, this open air mall covers almost 75 acres and is home to big box stores such as Target, Lowe’s, PetSmart, and Costco. There’s also a Skechers Warehouse Outlet, a Michaels art supply store, and popular restaurants like Smokey Bones Bar and Grill and Saki Endless Sushi.

  • Fantastic dining

    Those looking to enjoy good food will find Clearwater a haven, given the abundance of top-notch dining spots—whether casual or formal—within the city.

    Local favorites include Jimmy’s on The Edge. Located on the 10th floor of The Edge Hotel, Jimmy’s on The Edge takes pride in its 2,500-square-foot rooftop dining space where diners can enjoy great tropical-themed rice bowls, tacos, and sandwiches while taking in amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico.

    Another must-visit dining spot is Rumba Island Bar & Grill, a seafood-forward restaurant that focuses on Jamaican-inspired cuisine. Located in Downtown Clearwater, Rumba Island Bar & Grill uses only top-quality ingredients for its mouthwatering selection of food—including fresh fish and other seafood caught with the restaurant’s fleet of boats. Some of the must-try dishes in this beloved Clearwater spot include jumbo coconut shrimp, classic Jamaican jerk chicken, and Caribbean pulled pork.

    Want to enjoy a more high-end dining experience? Book a table at SeaGuini. Offering a more upscale take on seafood, SeaGuini has a seasonal menu, which means you get to enjoy different dining experiences when you visit at different times of the year. Pro-tip: order their handcrafted penne ala vodka, diver scallops, roasted rack of lamb, and pan-seared local snapper. You won’t regret it.

    If you’re in the mood for a pint (or two) of top-shelf beer, make it a point to visit Southern Lights Brewing Company. Located on Sunnydale Boulevard, Southern Lights is a small-batch craft brewery that focuses on handcrafting experimental brews, all of which complement the great food and beachy vibes that Clearwater has to offer.

  • Outdoor attractions and recreation

    Away from the beach, you’ll find a host of outdoor attractions that will keep you active, whether you’re into thrilling adventures or more laidback pursuits. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose just one from the dozen activities that Clearwater and the surrounding area have to offer.

    Chief among these is the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. Built on the site of an old train line, this 45-mile-long trail stretches from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, making it a favorite among long-distance bikers and hikers.

    Those who want to enjoy a shorter, more leisurely hike meanwhile, can opt for the Ream Wilson Trail. Stretching from Safety Harbor to Clearwater Beach, this fairly recent development (only 4 miles of the proposed 11.5-mile trail is open to the public so far) comes equipped with all the standard amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, and benches, making it a good spot for casual hikers.

    If you’re going for something luxurious, try chartering a helicopter tour, which offers 20 to 45 minutes of unobstructed aerial views of the city and must-see places like Tarpon Springs, the Anclote River, and Caladesi Island.

    For those who want to see adrenaline-pumping action firsthand, spending a Saturday night at Showtime Speedway—Clearwater’s hottest tracks for drag racing events—just might be for you. Boasting a seating capacity of 4,000, Showtime Speedway is the perfect spot for those who want to see professional racecar drivers put the pedal to the metal as they engage in high engine revs, high-octane twists and turns, and other exciting stunts.

    Want to have a similar experience on the asphalt? Take your family to Tampa Bay Grand Prix! Located right between Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Grand Prix is a popular indoor go-kart track, where you can channel your inner Formula 1 racer and reach speeds of up to 50 mph!

    If you want a chill activity that you can quickly squeeze in as part of your afternoon walk, a visit to Pier 60 just might be in order. Located right on Clearwater Beach at the western end of Causeway Boulevard, Pier 60 hosts a nightly sunset celebration, making it one of Clearwater’s most popular hangout spots.

    Aside from these nightly events, the fishing pier is also a popular spot for the city’s many dolphin tours and boat cruises. As a bonus, the pier is also home to several boutiques and restaurants, making it a good destination for those who want to enjoy a unique shopping and dining experience.

  • Cultural destinations

    Clearwater is a city that’s steeped in culture, with the Nancy and David Billheimer Capitol Theater as the centerpiece. One of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks, the Nancy and David Billheimer Capitol Theater dates back to 1921 and is built in the stunning Art Deco style. Now in its 102nd year, the theater regularly features shows from world-class and award-winning musicians—including the likes of Pat Metheny, Bruce Hornsby, and Kenny Loggins.

Explore homes for sale in Clearwater with Dania Perry

Find the perfect home along the highly desirable north beach of Pinellas County with Dania Perry. Named one of Florida’s 10 Best Real Estate Agents by the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals, Dania is known for her dedication to providing top-quality and exceptional service to sellers and buyers from all areas of the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia.

Dania takes great pride in her exceptional work ethic, in-depth knowledge of Tampa’s luxury and waterfront real estate market, her unique marketing perspective, and her service oriented approach to luxury real estate, all of which have resulted in more than $1.8 billion in Luxury and Waterfront Real Estate sales in Tampa Bay.

Let Dania guide you in searching homes for sale in Clearwater Beach and other fantastic neighborhoods in Clearwater, FL. Give her a call today at 727.215.2045 or send her an email here to get started.


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