Moving to Clearwater, FL

Situated along miles of pristine beaches offering breathtaking sunset vistas, Marine Aquarium, Boat Tours, Parks and Green Spaces, plazas, trails, and golf courses, moving to Clearwater, Florida, presents an undeniably captivating allure for expatriates seeking an enchanting place to settle down and spend their golden years. However, the city’s offerings extend beyond its natural beauty.

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Clearwater, also known as Wick City and originating from the Native American term “Pocotopaug,” was formally established in 1888 under the name Clearwater Harbor. Henry Plant’s construction of the Orange Belt Railroad in 1894 catalyzed the city’s growth. Renowned for its white sand and turquoise waters along the Gulf Coast in Florida’s Tampa Bay, Clearwater benefits from frequent sunny weather. Consequently, it has earned recognition as one of the most desirable and family-friendly beach destinations.

Discover the allure of Clearwater and why it’s attracting flocks of people. This article delves into the compelling reasons that relocating to Clearwater, Florida, is an enticing prospect.

Quick facts before proceeding to Clearwater, FL

Where is Clearwater, FL, Located?

Clearwater, Florida, is in Pinellas County, west of Tampa and northwest of St. Petersburg, on Florida’s highest coastal bluff in the United States.

To the west of Clearwater is the Gulf of Mexico, and to the southeast is Tampa Bay.

The city spans 35.92 square miles with an average elevation of 30 feet above sea level.

Population in Clearwater, FL

The population of Clearwater, FL, is estimated to be 115,933 in 2023.

Clearwater, Florida’s population has experienced a slight increase from 2020 to 2021, growing from 115,975 to 116,616, a 0.553% increase.

Diversity in Clearwater, FL

The city of Clearwater, FL, is known for its diversity. The city has a diversity score of 87 out of 100, indicating that it is much more diverse than other U.S. cities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial and ethnic composition of Clearwater is as follows:

White alone: 72.6%
Black or African American alone: 11.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone: 0.5%
Asian alone: 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone: 0.0%
Two or More Races: 5.4%
Hispanic or Latino: 17.1%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino: 75.2%

Cost of Living in Clearwater, FL

Moving to Clearwater, Florida, is enticing because of its affordable lifestyle. The town’s cost of living is just 2.2% above the national average. Here’s a breakdown of Clearwater’s significant cost of living components:

Clearwater, Florida, has a Cost of Living Index of 102.8, indicating it’s 2.8% higher than the national average.
The median household income in Clearwater is $54,182, and the average annual household income is $81,020. The per capita income in the past 12 months was $39,315 in 2022 dollars.
To live a comfortable life in Clearwater, a family of four is recommended to have a minimum annual income of $83,296, while for a single person, it’s suggested to be $37,215 before taxes or $57,600.

The table below indicates Clearwater’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average.

Category	Clearwater	Florida	National
Cost of Living	102.8	99	100
Goods & Services	100	99	100
Groceries	108	105	100
Health Care	92	97	100
Housing	93	96	100
Transportation	100	99	100
Utilities	97	101	100

How Is the Housing Market in Clearwater, FL?

If you’re planning to purchase a home after moving to Clearwater, Florida, it’s essential to know that the local housing market is highly competitive. While there are varying reports regarding average and median home prices, they generally trend slightly higher than the national average. To provide further insight, here are some critical details about the city’s housing market, including rental prices:

As of 2023, The median home sale price was $400,000, showing a 15.9% increase from the previous year.
The median listing home price in Clearwater was reported as $395,000, with a year-over-year increase of 6.8%.
Clearwater’s median sale price per square foot is $273, indicating a 9.2% increase from the previous year.
The homeownership rate in Clearwater was 58.2% in 2021, with approximately 41.8% of households being likely renters.
The average rental price in Clearwater ranges from $1.9K to $20K monthly.

Average rental price in Clearwater, FL

The average rental price for a studio apartment in Clearwater, FL, is approximately $2,072
The average rental price for a 1-bedroom apartment in Clearwater, FL, is approximately $1,671
The average rental price for a 3-bedroom home in Clearwater, FL, is approximately $3,718
The average rental price for a 4-bedroom home in Clearwater, FL, is approximately $5,789

How is the job market in Clearwater, FL?

Here’s a breakdown of the job market in Clearwater, Florida, in case you’re moving to Clearwater for a job or starting your startup business.

Clearwater, Florida, has a growing job market, with a 3.13% increase in employment from 2020 to 2021.
Future job growth in Clearwater in the next ten years is predicted to be 35.94%.
The average salary in Clearwater is $66,000.
The unemployment rate in Clearwater is 3.0%, lower than the long-term average of 4.6%.

What are the top employers in Clearwater, FL

BayCare Health System
Tech Data
Lincare Holdings
MarineMax
KnowBe4
Pinellas County
YMCA of the Suncoast
Suncoast Hospice | Empath Health
Charles Rutenberg Realty
The Moorings

What are the most common job titles in Clearwater, FL

Customer Service Representative
Cashier
Sales Associate
Server
Administrative Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistant
Sales Representative
Assistant Manager

Highest paying jobs in Clearwater, FL

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner

How safe is it to live in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater is recognized as one of the most secure residential areas in Florida. The city boasts significantly lower rates of violent and property crimes, rendering it an ideal location for families moving to Clearwater with children seeking a stable and secure environment to settle down in.

Clearwater, Florida, has a crime rate of 1% lower than the national average, with an average of 7.31 daily crimes, including 1.26 violent incidents and 6.05 property-related offenses.
The total crime rate in Clearwater is 2,294.9 per 100,000 people, slightly lower than the national rate of 2,324.2 per 100,000 people.
Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clearwater is 1 in 250, and property crime is 1 in 55.
The most prevalent property crime is theft, with a rate of 1,582.9 per 100,000 people, followed by burglary at 209.8 per 100,000.
In terms of violent crimes, aggravated assault is the most common, with a rate of 269.1 per 100,000 residents, followed by robbery at 50.7 per 100,000 residents.
Clearwater Beach has crime rates 61% lower than the national average.

Top Safest Neighborhoods in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater Beach
Island Estates
Del Oro Groves
Charter Oaks
Sand Key
Hammock Pine Blvd / Summerdale Dr
Clubhouse Estates / Oak Forest Of Countryside
Laurelwood Dr
Coachman Ridge
Belleair Beach

How Fast Can You Commute in Clearwater, FL?

In Clearwater, Florida, the average commute time is about 22.9 minutes.

In Clearwater, Florida, public transportation is mainly provided by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), which offers standard and express routes and trolley services.
The PSTA runs the SunRunner, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line linking downtown St. Pete to South Pasadena and St. Pete Beach.
Another popular choice is the Clearwater Jolley Trolley, operating daily to explore Clearwater Beach and nearby towns like Dunedin and Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.
The Central Avenue Trolley offers round-trip services from Bay Shore Drive to St. Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grille, arriving every 20 to 30 minutes between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Additional options include the Suncoast Beach Trolley, Free Rides Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Ferry, Downtown Looper, Central Avenue Looper, Cross Bay Ferry, and Coast Bike Share St. Pete.
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are popular in Clearwater.

How’s the weather in Clearwater, FL?

When contemplating a move to Clearwater, the local weather should be a prime consideration. The following provides a concise overview of the Motor City’s weather patterns:

Clearwater, Florida, has cloudy weather with a high of 68°F.
Clearwater experiences a subtropical climate with warm to hot temperatures year-round and two main seasons: the wet season from June through September and the dry season from October through May.
Clearwater has a humid subtropical climate, mostly warm to hot year-round, with slight frost. The wet season (June through September) brings daily thundershowers, while the dry season (October through May) is sunny and dry.
The city receives an average annual precipitation of 54.7 inches, with the wet season (June through September) being the most soaked.
Clearwater enjoys 361 days of sunshine annually due to its location on Florida’s West Coast.
There are higher temperatures in the summer months (June through September) and lower temperatures in the winter months (December through February).
The best time to visit Clearwater Florida is October to December.

How is the Education in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater, Florida, offers access to several high-quality educational institutions, from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools. If you’re considering a move to Clearwater, you’ll have the opportunity to enroll your children in some of the city’s best schools, including:

Clearwater, Florida, is part of the seventh-largest school district in the state, offering diverse educational options, including public schools, magnet schools, career academies, and adult education centers.
While Clearwater High School is ranked #8,391 nationally and 401st in Florida, some schools, like Clearwater Central Catholic High School, excel with a 100% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1250. High schools in Clearwater have an average ranking of 3/10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Florida public high schools.
Public education in Clearwater is generally free, with the Pinellas County School District managing 150 schools and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, lower than the state average. Tuition for adult education classes is $45.00 per term.
For private institutions, Clearwater Central Catholic High School charges $17,900 for the highest grade offered, while Delphi Academy of Florida charges $12,000. These private schools’ student-teacher ratios vary, with Clearwater Central Catholic at 15:1 and Delphi Academy at 5:1.

What are the best schools in Clearwater, FL?

Best Middle Schools in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater Fundamental Middle School
Plato Clearwater
Discovery Academy of Science
East Lake Middle School Academy of Engineering
Madeira Beach Fundamental K-8

Best Elementary Schools in Clearwater, FL

Leila Davis Elementary School
Plumb Elementary School
Kings Highway Elementary Magnet School
Plato Academy Clearwater
Belcher Elementary School

Best High Schools in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater High School
Countryside High School
Pinellas Virtual Franchise
Enterprise Charter High School
Bayside High School

Best Universities and Colleges in Clearwater, FL

St. Petersburg College
Clearwater Christian College
Keiser University – Clearwater
Schiller International University
Trinity College of Florida

What are the best things to do in Clearwater, FL?

Clearwater offers a plethora of enticing activities for both residents and visitors. From exploring its captivating attractions to discovering hidden gems, there’s always something remarkable to experience in this vibrant city.

For those planning a move to Clearwater, we have curated a comprehensive list of must-visit places and activities to ensure you make the most of your time in this enchanting destination. Dive into the list below to uncover the endless possibilities awaiting you in Clearwater:

Experience the beauty of Clearwater Beach, renowned for its white sand, turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere with activities, shopping, and Pier 60’s sunset celebrations.
Join the nightly festivities at Pier 60, a central hub featuring street performers and vendors against breathtaking sunsets.
Explore the serene Sand Key Park, offering pristine beaches and salt marshes as a quieter alternative to Clearwater Beach.
Stroll along Beach Walk, a scenic waterfront promenade connecting beaches, shops, and eateries.
Indulge in wine tastings and tours at Aspirations Winery, a delightful spot for wine enthusiasts.
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a marine life rescue center showcasing dolphins, sea turtles, and other rescued animals.
Discover the natural beauty of Honeymoon and Caladesi Island with swimming, shelling, and hiking opportunities.
Set sail on a Dolphin Watching Cruise to witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Dine with a view on a Dinner Cruise, enjoying a meal while cruising the local waters.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with Jet Ski Rentals, providing an exhilarating experience on the water.

Best Neighborhoods in Clearwater, FL

The best places to live in Clear Water Florida, are:

Clearwater Beach
Belleair Beach
Downtown Clearwater
Imperial Cove
Northwood Estates
Sand Key
Coachman Ridge
Spring Lake
Countryside

What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Clearwater, FL?

Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of living in Clearwater, Florida:

Pros	Cons
Beautiful weather and beaches	Hot and humid summers
No state income tax	Hurricane season and potential for severe weather
Low cost of living	Possible pest invasions
Proximity to other cities	Heavy traffic, especially around the beach area
Abundance of outdoor activities	Lack of public transportation
Good education system	Higher than average crime and poverty rate
Excellent dining and nightlife	–
Family-friendly environment	–
Connectedness to other cities	–
Ideal for retirees	–

Conclusion

Clearwater is a highly desirable residential destination due to its diverse range of outdoor activities, affordable cost of living, low crime rates, and agreeable year-round climate. Furthermore, the city boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Its communities are particularly well-suited for seniors and families, offering scenic landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and abundant convenient amenities.

It is important to note that Clearwater, like other cities in Florida, has drawbacks. These include the potential for hurricanes, insect infestations, and beach congestion. However, these challenges pale in comparison to the city’s numerous advantages. So, if you’re considering Clearwater while moving to Florida, have a happy move!