Laid-back beach town with quality restaurants and an array of recreation
Clearwater Beach is a resort island, through and through. The sand beaches and emerald waters are the main attractions, but this casual Florida beach town also treats residents to vibrant restaurants, luxury living and an array of outdoor fun. While it’s a top vacation spot, the retreat doesn’t end for many. “It’s essentially the only part of the area where the downtown is right on the beach,” says Chris Formico, a Realtor with the 727 Real Estate Team. “It’s very walkable, too, so that’s definitely the appeal. It’s a great place to go dolphin watching, take a booze cruise, go bar hopping and live a tourist life all the time.” John Riggs, a resident of Clearwater Beach for nearly 20 years and the Sales Director with the Kathy Lea Team of eXp Realty, adds, “The Clearwater Beach area has some of the best beaches in the world. The water here is like the Caribbean, and the quality of life is top-notch. The economy of Clearwater Beach is booming, with resort and hotel employment and entrepreneurial restaurant fronts. Hyatt Hotels and Wyndham Destinations are two of the area’s largest employers.
Clearwater Beach offers a Floridian tropical beach paradise to its residents.
Every day feels like a vacation in stunning Clearwater Beach.
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Experience the coast in a variety of ways
An outdoor recreation paradise, the beach is a prime spot for standup paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing and surfing. Of course, besides swimming and sunbathing, the community also boasts Caladesi Island State Park, which taps into the area’s natural origins. Accessible only by boat, it offers the chance to explore mangrove forests, kayak along white-sand beaches and visit the historical Henry Scharrer Homestead. McKay Park has a playground and a small green space. Pier 60 is the central hub for boating, fishing and beachgoers. It has a playground and a snack bar, and the Beach Walk is just south of here. Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina is also across from the pier, offering deep-sea fishing and boating activities. Locals can spend the day swimming with dolphins and snorkeling with Cruisin’ Tikis Clearwater or head to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see rescued sea turtles and otters.
Calm waves of the Gulf of Mexico make for perfect skim boarding at Clearwater Beach.
Caladesi Island State Park is ideal for avid kayakers in Clearwater Beach.
Pier 60 Park along Clearwater Beach is popular for fishing.
The playground at McKay Park is a great spot for families in Clearwater Beach.
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From ranch-style homes to spacious Mediterranean estates
Clearwater Beach is the epitome of luxury coastal living. It offers single-family ranch-style homes, coastal contemporary and Key-West style homes, amenity-rich condos, and waterfront estates with Spanish and Mediterranean influences. Most were built in the 1970s, ranging from $195,000 to $5 million. “It’s a combo of people buying vacation homes, condos and short terms,” Formico says. “It is in a flood zone, so people need to be conscious of that when buying, and HOA fees are a little higher for condos.” While flood insurance is needed in the area, prices have come down. “We have had some clients that have had their insurance rate go down,” Rigg says. “The state has brought in more insurance offerings.” Homes boast tropical oasis-like lawns with palms, fruit trees, and lush, immaculate landscaping. Many homes have sparkling pools, spas and private boat docks. As for crime, the CAP Index gave Clearwater Beach a Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average.
Single-story homes are plentiful and affordable in Clearwater Beach.
Condos with Spanish-influences and designs are available in Clearwater Beach.
Mediterranean homes can be found along residential streets in Clearwater Beach.
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Sunsets at Pier 60
Clearwater Beach hosts a variety of festivities. Artists and street performers showcase their creativity each evening during Sunsets at Pier 60, and magnificent sand sculptures take shape during the annual Sugar Sand Festival.
Merchants line the Clearwater Beach boardwalk on warm evenings.
The Sugar Sand Festival at Pier 60 is a popular pastime for residents of Clearwater Beach.
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Seafood and live music at Badfins Food + Brew
Most local restaurants serve seafood or American favorites, while breakfast hubs, coffee shops and bars fill the gaps for all-day dining treats. “There are a lot of nice hotels with public bars where you can have a drink with the beach right next to you,” Formico says. Badfins Food + Brew serves tacos, seafood and live music. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a casual spot for seafood sandwiches and a slice of nostalgia. Opened in 1981, it has expanded with five more eateries in Clearwater Beach, a retro motel and a gift shop. Spotted Donkey Cantina is a Mexican restaurant serving anything from tacos to fajitas and a selection of cocktails. Residents can head to Shephard’s Beach Resort or Palm Pavilion Inn for nightlife. “We love the Palm Pavilion,” Rigg says. “It’s casual and has live music, and you can watch the sunset.” For groceries and everyday essentials, there is a Publix nearby.
Clearwater Beach's Badfins Food + Brew is a popular spot for casual dining and live music.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill serves up seafood and sandwiches in Clearwater Beach.
Publix is conveniently located for large grocery trips in Clearwater Beach.
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The Aeronautical Space Academy at Clearwater High School
Students in Clearwater Beach are assigned to attend Pinellas County Schools. Children start at Sandy Lane Elementary School, which earns a C-plus grade from Niche. From there, students move on to B-plus-graded Dunedin Highland Middle School and B-graded Clearwater High. The high school offers an Aeronautical Space Academy, collaborating with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The academy allows students to take college-level courses, offers flight training using flight simulators and is FAA-approved. As for private school options, Clearwater Academy International is nearby, serves pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and earns an A-minus from Niche.
Sandy Lane Elementary serves the younger students of Clearwater Beach.
Dunedin Highland Middle School serves grades 6–8 near Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater High School, rated B on Niche, is the home of the Tornadoes in Clearwater Beach.
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State Route 60 to Clearwater
The community is highly walkable and provides a paved bicycle trail. State Route 60 conveniently gets residents around the region, including St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport in 12 miles and Downtown Tampa, a 25-mile drive. State Route 19 helps residents reach Downtown St. Petersburg in 24 miles, and the neighborhood also has easy access to Interstate 275. The Clearwater Jolley Trolley provides public transportation up and down the beach. The closest hospital is the Morton Plant Hospital, 3 miles away.
Residents can catch a ride on the Jolley Trolley to get around town in Clearwater Beach.
Fly easily with St. Pete–Clearwater Airport near Clearwater Beach.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Clearwater Beach
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Clearwater Beach Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Clearwater Beach, Clearwater sell after 89 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Clearwater Beach, Clearwater over the last 12 months is $603,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Coastal elegance meets timeless charm in this beautifully updated residence located in the exclusive neighborhood of Carlouel on North Clearwater Beach. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of luxury and livability, nestled on a sprawling 117 x 79.5 fully fenced lot with lush tropical landscaping and gated access on both sides. Step inside to discover a brand-new kitchen with
Just steps from Clearwater Beach yet tucked away in a quiet waterfront enclave, this three bedroom, three bath end unit at Brightwater Point offers rare privacy without sacrificing location. Soaring first floor ceilings, wide open water views, and an end-unit layout make the home feel far larger than its 1,868 square feet. Thoughtfully upgraded with custom closets, designer lighting, motorized
Coastal Luxury Meets Effortless Charm in North Clearwater Beach Welcome to your private beachside oasis! This beautifully renovated Clearwater Beach Bungalow with a detached Guest House, sparkling Pool, oversized Garage, and sprawling fenced yard offers the ultimate in relaxed coastal living. Nestled in the highly sought-after North Clearwater Beach community, you’re just a short stroll or golf
BAY FRONT * 3 DAY MINIMUM RENTALS ALLOWED * BOAT SLIP * LOW HOA * Welcome to your dream coastal retreat at Sun Harbor Condos, an enclave of eight townhomes centrally located on world famous Clearwater Beach! Step inside and you'll find a thoughtfully designed living space flooded with an abundance of natural light and gorgeous views of Mandalay Bay and the Clearwater skyline. Spanning 3 floors of
Don’t miss out on one of the finest income-producing properties on Clearwater Beach! This updated 3-bedroom, 3-bath, 4-level luxury townhome in the exclusive Paradise Cove community offers a rare combination of elegance, convenience, and premium waterfront living. Fully furnished and move-in ready, the home includes a PRIVATE BOAT SLIP with a LIFT, an expansive 1,000+ sq. ft. ROOFTOP TERRACE with
A Waterfront Paradise Awaits! Step into this simply breathtaking remodeled condo and experience the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. From the moment you enter the foyer, you'll be captivated by the stunning direct water views that epitomize Florida's paradise lifestyle. The spacious great room is a showstopper, featuring gorgeous newer plank-style tiles, light and airy beach-inspired hues,
Luxury Waterfront Living on Clearwater Beach ~ Experience the ultimate in coastal luxury with this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom townhome, complete with a bonus room ideal for a private office or 4th bedroom. The bonus room would also make a great game room & keep the noise downstairs. Spanning three stories, this elegant residence offers a private rooftop patio with breathtaking open-water views—your
Welcome to your ultimate vacation retreat at Clearwater Beach! This stunning 10th floor condo offers unobstructed southwest views of Clearwater Pass and the majestic Gulf of Mexico. SEASONAL RATE $8500 A MONTH/ OFFSEASON $5000 A MONTH, PLUS 13% TAX AND A $250 CLEANING FEE. Step into luxury with this completely renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit boasting an additional Bonus Room, ideal for
***RENT REDUCED*** UPGRADED BEACHFRONT STUDIO overlooking directly out onto Clearwater Beach and located in the sought after gated REGATTA BEACH CLUB. FABULOUS LOCATION! BEACHFRONT BUILDING on NORTH CLEARWATER BEACH. This rarely available beach-facing 5th floor studio offers spectacular and unobstructed DIRECT GULF FRONT VIEWS and views of the pool area. You will enjoy magnificent sunsets right
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