Clearwater

Discover the Community

Welcome to Clearwater

Clearwater is one of Tampa Bay's most iconic destinations — a city of approximately 117,000 residents that seamlessly blends world-famous beach life with a thriving mainland community. Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States, draws visitors from around the world, but the city's appeal runs far deeper than its stunning shoreline.

The mainland side of Clearwater offers established neighborhoods like Belleair, Countryside, and the charming downtown district along Cleveland Street. A growing arts and entertainment scene, excellent healthcare facilities (Morton Plant Hospital), and proximity to both Tampa and St. Petersburg make Clearwater an ideal home base for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

From the sugar-white sands of Sand Key to the upscale waterfront homes of Island Estates, from the family-friendly neighborhoods near Countryside Mall to the exclusive enclaves of Belleair — Clearwater offers a diverse range of living options united by year-round sunshine, Gulf breezes, and a genuine coastal quality of life.

~117K Population

$350K Median Home Price

#1 Beach in America

25 min To Tampa Int'l

Real Estate Market

Housing & Market Trends

Clearwater's real estate market is anchored by its beach and waterfront properties. The luxury segment on Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Island Estates features Gulf-front condominiums and waterfront estates ranging from $800K to well over $3 million, with premium units commanding stunning views and direct beach access.

The mainland market ($300K–$550K) offers excellent value in established neighborhoods like Countryside, Harbor Oaks, and the Belleair corridor, where buyers find single-family homes with pools, mature landscaping, and easy access to both the beach and major employment centers.

Clearwater benefits from consistent demand driven by vacationers who fall in love and become residents, retirees seeking the beach lifestyle, and families attracted to the area's schools and suburban amenities. The beach condo market in particular sees strong activity from both primary residents and vacation/investment buyers.

Popular home styles include:

Gulf-front luxury condominiums
Waterfront homes on Island Estates
Pool homes in Countryside and Belleair
Historic cottages near downtown
Gated community townhomes

$300K–$550K Mid-Range

$800K–$3M+ Luxury Segment

High Buyer Demand

Strong Appreciation

Living in Clearwater

Lifestyle & Culture

World-Famous Beach

Clearwater Beach has been named America's #1 beach multiple times by TripAdvisor. Sugar-white sand, calm turquoise Gulf waters, and spectacular sunsets make it a daily destination — not just a vacation spot.

Marine Life & Eco-Tourism

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium — home of Winter the dolphin from "Dolphin Tale" — is a world-renowned marine rescue center. Dolphin-watching cruises, kayak eco-tours, and snorkeling trips depart daily from the marina.

Dining & Nightlife

From fresh-off-the-boat seafood at waterfront restaurants to upscale dining on the beach, Clearwater's food scene punches above its weight. The nightly Pier 60 Sunset Festival brings live music, street performers, and artisan vendors to the beach.

Island Living

Island Estates and Sand Key offer true island living with waterfront homes, private docks, and a resort-style atmosphere. Wake up to bay views, kayak from your backyard, and walk to the beach — all within minutes of mainland conveniences.

Healthcare Hub

Morton Plant Hospital is one of Tampa Bay's top-rated medical facilities, and the city's concentration of healthcare providers makes Clearwater particularly attractive for retirees and families seeking excellent medical access.

Year-Round Events

The Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Celebrates America, and the annual boat parade keep the community calendar full. The nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60 is a beloved daily tradition.

Nature & Recreation

Outdoors & Waterfront

Clearwater Beach stretches for 2.5 miles of pristine white sand along the Gulf of Mexico. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families, while the beach's southern end near Sand Key offers a quieter, more secluded feel. Pier 60 anchors the beach experience with fishing, sunset celebrations, and panoramic Gulf views.

Sand Key Park, located at the southern tip of Clearwater Beach, combines beautiful Gulf-side beaches with a bayside nature trail, playground, and picnic areas. It's a local favorite that feels worlds away from the busier tourist areas to the north.

Moccasin Lake Nature Park provides 51 acres of boardwalk trails, native wildlife exhibits, and environmental education programs. It's a hidden gem offering a peaceful nature experience within the city limits.

The Clearwater Marina is the launch point for deep-sea fishing charters, dolphin cruises, parasailing, and jet ski rentals. For paddlers, the calm waters of Clearwater Harbor and the Intracoastal Waterway offer protected kayaking and paddleboarding with frequent dolphin and manatee sightings.

Clearwater Beach

2.5 miles of #1-rated white sand. Pier 60, sunset celebrations, and calm Gulf waters perfect for swimming.

Sand Key Park

Beautiful beach plus bayside nature trail. A local favorite with playground, picnic areas, and serene Gulf views.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

World-famous marine rescue center. Home of Winter the dolphin. Interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages.

Clearwater Marina

Fishing charters, dolphin cruises, parasailing, and jet ski rentals. Gateway to Gulf adventures.

Education

Schools in the Area

Clearwater is served by Pinellas County Schools with strong public and private options. The area is particularly known for its well-regarded high schools and growing magnet programs.

School	Grades	Type	Rating
Clearwater High School	9–12	Public	★★★★☆
Countryside High School	9–12	Public	★★★★☆
Clearwater Central Catholic	6–12	Private	★★★★★
Belleair Elementary	PK–5	Public	★★★★★
Safety Harbor Middle School	6–8	Public	★★★★☆
Indian Rocks Christian School	PK–12	Private	★★★★☆

Ratings are approximate and based on publicly available data. Contact me for detailed school information specific to any neighborhood.

Local Favorites

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Restaurants

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

The iconic Clearwater Beach institution. Grouper sandwiches, cold beer, and toes-in-the-sand dining with Gulf views.

Island Way Grill

Upscale waterfront seafood on Island Estates. Arrive by boat, dine on fresh Gulf catches, and watch the sunset over the Intracoastal.

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber

A Clearwater Beach landmark since 1948. Classic American cuisine, signature back-of-the-house fried chicken, and old-Florida charm.

Clear Sky Café

Farm-to-table brunch and dinner right on the beach. Creative cocktails, fresh flavors, and a laid-back rooftop vibe.

Salt Cracker Fish Camp

Casual waterfront seafood with marina views. Fresh catches, craft beers, and a relaxed dock-side atmosphere.

Caretta on the Gulf

Fine dining at the Sandpearl Resort. Elegant Gulf-front setting, seasonal menus, and impeccable service.

Cafés & Bars

Kaleisia Tea Lounge

Award-winning tea house with over 80 loose-leaf teas. A serene escape from the beach bustle.

Big Storm Brewing

Clearwater's craft brewery anchor. Award-winning beers, a spacious taproom, and regular live music events.

Brown Boxer

Local gastro-pub with craft cocktails, elevated bar food, and a lively downtown Clearwater atmosphere.

Shopping

Clearwater Beach Walk

The beachfront promenade with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Perfect for an evening stroll after sunset.

Downtown Clearwater

Cleveland Street corridor with local boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Growing arts district with monthly events.

Westfield Countryside

Major retail destination with 150+ stores. Macy's, Dillard's, dining options, and entertainment all under one roof.

Getting Around

Commute & Accessibility

Tampa Int'l Airport

25 minutes via the Courtney Campbell Causeway. St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) is just 10 minutes south for budget carriers.

Downtown Tampa

25–30 minutes via the Courtney Campbell Causeway. A scenic cross-bay drive to Tampa's major employment centers.

Dunedin

10 minutes north. Craft breweries, walkable downtown, and Honeymoon Island are practically next door.

St. Petersburg

25 minutes south via US-19. Easy access to St. Pete's arts scene, dining, and downtown waterfront.

For Buyers

Why Buy in Clearwater

1. America's #1 Beach at Your Doorstep
Few places in the country let you live minutes from a consistently top-ranked beach. Whether you're on the island or the mainland, the Gulf is always close — and it never gets old.

2. Strong Investment Potential
Clearwater's tourism-driven economy means beach and waterfront properties hold strong rental value. Many homeowners offset costs with seasonal rentals while enjoying the lifestyle year-round.

3. Diverse Lifestyle Options
From resort-style island living to quiet mainland suburbs, Clearwater offers something for every lifestyle. Young professionals, growing families, and active retirees all find their niche here.

4. Central Tampa Bay Location
Clearwater sits at the crossroads of Tampa Bay — equidistant from Tampa and St. Petersburg, with easy airport access and the Pinellas Trail connecting charming neighboring towns.

For Sellers

Why Sell in Clearwater

1. Global Name Recognition
"Clearwater Beach" is a globally recognized brand. Properties here benefit from built-in appeal that reaches far beyond Tampa Bay — attracting buyers from across the U.S. and internationally.

2. Year-Round Buyer Interest
Unlike many seasonal markets, Clearwater sees buyer activity throughout the year. Snowbirds, relocators, and vacation-home seekers keep demand strong across all seasons.

3. Limited Waterfront Inventory
Beach and waterfront properties in Clearwater are finite. There's only so much Gulf frontage, and sellers of premium properties benefit from this natural scarcity.

4. Expert Local Representation
As a Tampa Bay luxury specialist, I know how to position Clearwater properties to attract the right buyers — whether they're dreaming of a beachfront condo or a mainland family home.