Laid-back beach town with quality restaurants and an array of recreati
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
State Route 60 to Clearwater
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.
