Clearwater 81 Exceptional
Clearwater Livability #80 ranked city in Florida#1,121 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Clearwater, FL - The Sparkling City

Clearwater, Florida, known as "The Sparkling City," is a beautiful coastal community located on the Gulf of Mexico. With its pristine beaches, vibrant arts scene, and thriving economy, Clearwater offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes living in Clearwater an attractive option for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Residents of Clearwater enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, beaches, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the dolphin, is another popular attraction.

Clearwater's cultural scene is enriched by its diverse population and vibrant arts community. The Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Capitol Theatre, and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday are cultural highlights that offer residents access to visual and performing arts. The city's annual Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival and Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival celebrate Clearwater's rich heritage and community spirit.

The cost of living in Clearwater is relatively affordable compared to other coastal cities, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from beachfront condos to single-family homes in charming neighborhoods. The city's strong economy is supported by industries such as tourism, healthcare, and technology, providing ample job opportunities for residents.

Public transportation in Clearwater is well-developed, with access to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) buses, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Clearwater's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Clearwater offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.

Pros and Cons of Living in Clearwater

PROS
  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    No cons were found for this area, as there were no categories that scored well below average.

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What's it like Living in Clearwater?

Located in the state of Florida, Clearwater is a medium-sized city with a population of 115,975 residents. Clearwater has a population density of 4,438 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 77%, the majority of the Clearwater population is White; this is followed by 12% Black and 3% Asian. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Clearwater is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 23 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Clearwater is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Florida, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Clearwater and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Florida and national averages.

Clearwater has a livability score of 81/100 and is ranked #63 in Florida and #991 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Clearwater could be a great choice! Clearwater is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Clearwater has received high marks for amenities (B), cost of living (A+) and housing (A).

If you're considering living in Clearwater, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Clearwater provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Clearwater: Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Pier 60.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Clearwater has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Clearwater is actually affordable. The median home price for Clearwater homes is $225,600, which is 35.3% higher than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Clearwater, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 32.4% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Clearwater

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Compare Clearwater, FL Livability

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      Clearwater transportation information

      Statistic Clearwater Florida National
      Average one way commute23min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work71.9%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.2%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.7%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home10.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Clearwater, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).