When you’re looking for a comfortable beach town lifestyle along some of the most beautiful beaches and sunsets in the country, then set your sights on Clearwater, Florida.
You can’t get closer to the ocean in Florida than in Clearwater, situated along the state’s Gulf Coast.
USA Today, in 2013, voted Clearwater not only the best beach but also the best place to watch a sunset.
From piers to parks, thanks to Clearwater’s fantastic weather, you can spend your days breathing in the fresh air and having fun in the Florida sun.
Whether you’re in bare feet in the sand, dancing shoes for a night on the town, or walking shoes to see the sights, Clearwater’s pedestrian-friendly environment invites you out to play.
Clearwater is consistently rated as one of the best places to retire thanks to its active lifestyle, affordable housing, and low cost of living.
Things to Do in Clearwater
Clearwater offers enticing shopping, casual and elegant dining, golf courses and country clubs, art and culture, indoor and outdoor recreation – and, of course, a wide array of beachside fun.
South Clearwater Beach recently underwent extensive rejuvenation with an investment of $30 million to create a broad, winding promenade peppered with artwork, entertainment, resorts, and seemingly endless powdery white sand.
You can’t miss the evenings at Pier 60’s nightly gatherings for street performers, arts and crafts vendors, live musical performances, and outdoor movie screenings.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a non-profit attraction, is home to Winter, the tailless dolphin who gained its fame in the movie Dolphin Tale in 2011.
The Performing Arts Center in Clearwater presents a multitude of shows for all ages and interests. Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Murray Studio, and the historic Capitol Theater collectively make up the Performing Art Center.
Shows include musicals, operas, comedy, concerts, film screening, dance performances, Broadway and Off-Broadway plays, and more.
There’s an extensive network of parks, trails, and natural areas throughout the city of Clearwater.
Some of the area favorites recreational spots are: Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Bayview Park, The Pinellas Trail, and Coachman Park. The parks offer exploration of multiple ecosystems, nature trails, a butterfly garden, picnic areas, and more.
Homes for Sale in Clearwater
Schools in Clearwater
The selection of schools in Clearwater is impressive, with a total of 142 schools in the city.
The Pinellas County School District manages 76 elementary schools, 22 middle schools, 17 high schools, nine charter schools, six alternative and exception education schools, nine adult/vocational schools, and 16 centers.
In addition to the public schools, there are more than a dozen private schools in Clearwater.
Clearwater’s location is also near several colleges and universities.
Living in Clearwater
Clearwater, Florida, spans 25.3 square miles of beautiful landscape in a Pinellas County, just 40 minutes from Tampa. There are just over 115,500 residents who call Clearwater home.
Among the residents, the estimated median household income in Clearwater is just over $44,000 compared to the State’s annual average of just over $52,000.
Homes and condos in Clearwater have median values of $207,000 as opposed to Florida’s estimated average home or condo value of $214,000.
However, if you’re aiming for a spot in Clearwater Beach, one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Clearwater, you’re looking at median prices of $612,300.
The Climate in Clearwater
Part of the draw of Florida is its comfortable weather. For 205 days of the year, the sun shines on Clearwater, with high summer temperatures of about 90 degrees — perfect for those lazy days soaking in rays at the beach.
About 105 days per year in Clearwater, there is measurable precipitation in some form. On average, the area receives approximately 51 inches of rain and no snow. Winter low temperatures stay far above freezing at a comfortable 52 degrees.
Public Transportation in Clearwater
The PSTA, or the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, offers bus service throughout Pinellas County, covering 35 local routes as well as two express routes, and a beach trolley.
The Park Street Terminal, one of PSTA’s transfer hubs, is situated in downtown Clearwater.
Residents and guests of Clearwater needing to travel by air, the Tampa International Airport is nearby, as is the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.
Conclusion
Clearwater is the place to be if you’ve chosen to answer the call of the ocean for a sunny beach lifestyle where the town hugs the shores of the sea beneath awe-inspiring sunsets.
Florida’s Clearwater is comprised of excellent schools, art and culture, shopping, dining, golf, an active nightlife, and more. Clearwater, Florida, is ready to welcome you home to a community that loves the beachfront lifestyle as much as you do
Have Questions? Ask April!
Give April D. Robinson a call at 727-BUY-SELL (727-289-7355) to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
