cities | Clearwater
Clearwater
Clearwater is a major city in Pinellas County and it’s the third-largest city in the Tampa Bay area after Tampa and St. Petersburg. Clearwater sits on the western side of Tampa Bay with Clearwater Beach on a barrier island to the west. The city has a more suburban feel compared to Tampa or St. Pete, but it’s still got a decent downtown area, job opportunities, and all the amenities you’d expect from a mid-sized city. Clearwater attracts families, retirees, and people who want to be close to the beaches but still have access to suburban conveniences. The city is also known for having a significant Church of Scientology presence with their headquarters in downtown Clearwater, which is something people notice and have opinions about. Overall, Clearwater offers a good quality of life with beach access, decent schools in some areas, and a more affordable cost of living compared to some other parts of Pinellas County.
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Clearwater proper is on the mainland of Pinellas County, and then you’ve got Clearwater Beach on the barrier island which is connected by the Memorial Causeway. The mainland has residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks, and the downtown area. It’s more spread out and suburban compared to downtown St. Pete.
The location in the center of Pinellas County puts you close to beaches, with easy access north to Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor or south to St. Pete. Tampa is about 30-40 minutes east depending on traffic. The Tampa airport is probably 35-45 minutes away, or you can use the St. Pete-Clearwater airport which is smaller but closer.
The city has been around for over a century, so you’ve got a mix of older established neighborhoods and newer development. Some areas are very well-maintained and desirable, while others are more modest and affordable. It’s a pretty diverse city economically and demographically.
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Downtown Clearwater has been trying to revitalize over the years with mixed results. There are some restaurants, the Capitol Theatre for live music and events, and the Cleveland Street District with shops and dining. It’s not as vibrant as downtown St. Pete, but there’s a local scene if you know where to look.
The real draw for a lot of people is the proximity to Clearwater Beach, which is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the country. You can live in Clearwater proper and be at the beach in 15-20 minutes.
For shopping and dining, you’ve got Countryside Mall and tons of shopping plazas along the main roads like US 19 and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Chain restaurants are everywhere, but there are also local spots if you seek them out. It’s more suburban and chain-heavy compared to St. Pete’s local business focus.
Parks and recreation are solid – Moccasin Lake Nature Park, Cliff Stephens Park, Eagle Lake Park, and access to the Pinellas Trail for biking and walking. The parks system is well-maintained and offers plenty of outdoor options.
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The schools in Clearwater vary quite a bit by area. Some elementary and middle schools are well-regarded, while others struggle. Clearwater High School has a decent reputation. A lot of families do research on specific school zones before buying. There are also private school options including Clearwater Catholic schools and other private schools.
The job market in Clearwater includes healthcare (Morton Plant Hospital is a major employer), retail and service industry jobs, and some corporate offices. A lot of people who live in Clearwater commute to other parts of Pinellas County or to Tampa for work.
The Scientology presence in downtown Clearwater is noticeable – they own a lot of property and buildings in the downtown area. Some people don’t care, some people actively avoid downtown Clearwater because of it, and some people find it interesting. It’s part of the Clearwater story whether you like it or not.
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Clearwater attracts a mix of residents – families looking for suburban living near beaches, retirees drawn to the warm weather and beach access, service industry workers who work in tourism, and people who want more affordable options compared to downtown St. Pete or South Tampa.
The real estate market in Clearwater is generally more affordable than St. Pete or the beach communities. Single-family homes can range from the $200s in some areas up to $500k-$600k in nicer neighborhoods. There are condo and townhome options in the $150k-$300k range. The barrier islands (Clearwater Beach and Belleair Beach) are much more expensive, but Clearwater proper on the mainland offers decent value.
The market has been steady without the dramatic swings you see in more trendy areas. Inventory is decent compared to other parts of the Tampa Bay area. If you’re looking for suburban living with beach access at a more affordable price point than St. Pete, Clearwater is worth considering, but you need to be selective about which neighborhoods you look at because quality varies significantly across the city.
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How does Clearwater compare to St. Petersburg?
Clearwater and St. Petersburg are both in Pinellas County and both offer beach access, but they feel pretty different. St. Pete has a more vibrant downtown with arts, culture, and a walkable urban core. Clearwater is more suburban and spread out with more of a car-dependent lifestyle. St. Pete has gotten trendier and more expensive as young professionals and artists have moved there. Clearwater is generally more affordable and attracts more families and retirees. Both have access to great beaches – Clearwater Beach versus St. Pete Beach. Really it comes down to whether you want urban walkability (St. Pete) or suburban convenience (Clearwater) as your base while still being near beaches.
What’s the deal with Scientology in Clearwater?
The Church of Scientology has had their spiritual headquarters in downtown Clearwater since the 1970s, and they’ve significantly expanded their presence over the years. They own a lot of property and buildings downtown, and you’ll see Scientology members around the area. For some people, this is not an issue at all and doesn’t affect their daily life. Other people find it off-putting or prefer to avoid downtown Clearwater because of it. The church generates jobs and economic activity, but there’s also been controversy over their real estate purchases and influence in the city. It’s worth being aware of if you’re considering living in or near downtown Clearwater, though if you’re looking at other parts of the city, you probably won’t notice it as much.
Is Clearwater a good place for families?
Clearwater can be a good place for families depending on which specific neighborhoods you’re looking at. Some areas have good schools, safe neighborhoods, parks, and family-friendly amenities. Other areas have struggling schools and higher crime. You really need to research specific school zones and neighborhoods. The beach access is great for families who want that beach lifestyle. The cost of living is more affordable than some other parts of the Tampa Bay area, which helps with family budgets. But Clearwater doesn’t have the same strong community identity or neighborhood vibe that you find in places like Westchase or some of the New Tampa communities. It’s a solid middle-ground option – not as exciting as St. Pete, not as expensive as South Tampa, but offers decent value and beach access if you choose the right area.
How far is Clearwater from Tampa for work?
If you’re commuting from Clearwater to Tampa for work, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes without traffic, but during rush hour it can easily be 45 minutes to an hour depending on where in Tampa you’re going. You’ll likely take the Courtney Campbell Causeway to get to Tampa, and that causeway can get backed up during peak times. Some people make this commute daily and it’s doable, but you need to factor that time into your decision. If you’re working in Westshore or near the airport, the commute is more manageable. If you’re going to downtown Tampa or South Tampa, it’s longer. A lot of people who live in Clearwater work in Clearwater or other parts of Pinellas County to avoid the cross-bay commute.
