Clearwater Real Estate

Clearwater, FL is one of those places that makes you question why you ever lived anywhere else. There’s sun, surf, and a pulse of energy that feels downright addictive. My own backstory is a bit different—I got my start in a family-owned restaurant back in Providence, RI. Twelve-hour shifts in a hot kitchen taught me how to hustle, how to pay attention to the little details that can make or break an experience. That same mindset carried over when I flipped my first house: ripping out old cabinets, learning from the pros, and eventually reselling a place that felt brand new.

Fast forward to now, and Clearwater is a market I can’t get enough of. As of 2025, the median home price here sits around $410,000. Sure, that might sound steep compared to some parts of Florida, but factor in the postcard-perfect beaches, the breezy coastal lifestyle, and the strong job market, and you start to see the value. Whether you’re itching for a condo overlooking the Gulf, a suburban oasis near great schools, or a fixer-upper with room to flex your design chops, Clearwater delivers. It’s a city that greets you with a splash of salt air and says, “Stay a while.”

The Clearwater Neighborhood and Area

There’s a reason people from all corners of the globe show up in Clearwater and never leave—this place feels like a coastal mosaic, each neighborhood carrying its own flavor. If you’re drawn to the buzz of nightlife, Clearwater Beach is the obvious pick. High-rise condos, bars that don’t sleep, and Pier 60’s daily sunset festival that turns the sand into a carnival of street performers and local vendors. On the flip side, there’s Countryside, where you’ll find more tranquil subdivisions, larger single-family homes, and enough parks to keep your dog (and you) happily exhausted.

If you’re into older, historic vibes, the downtown corridor has seen a renaissance of late, with converted older buildings, coffee shops, and local theaters catering to an artsier crowd. You can stroll Cleveland Street, check out a weekend market, or just catch a waterside view at Coachman Park. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Belleair (technically its own town but close enough to feel connected) and Sand Key dish out some of the most upscale properties around—think gated communities, waterfront estates, and that feeling of “I made it” every time you pull into the driveway.

The crowd here? A total melting pot. Retirees love the laid-back Gulf Coast living, young families dig the solid schools and safe, suburban corners, and vacation-home buyers chase that dream of sandy toes and sunny mornings year-round. Amenities run the gamut: grocery stores are plentiful (Publix is practically a religion around here), and for bigger shopping sprees, you’ve got spots like Westfield Countryside Mall. Transportation is car-centric, though the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) keeps a decent bus network if you’re not in a rush. Traffic can thicken up near the beaches, especially on weekends, but it’s a small price to pay for living in a place people travel thousands of miles to vacation in.

Bottom line: no matter where you end up, Clearwater is a mosaic of chilled-out beach vibes, suburban comfort, and a dash of that Florida hustle. You can knock off work in the afternoon and be on a boat by sunset, or spend Saturdays roaming local farmers’ markets and sipping craft brews. It’s that sweet balance of “relax, you’re on the Gulf Coast” and “hey, let’s keep life interesting” that keeps Clearwater firmly in demand.

Schools in Clearwater

When people think of Florida schools, Pinellas County often pops up, and Clearwater is no exception. Clearwater High School typically gets a nod for its diverse range of programs and a campus spirit that lights up during football season. Their Tornadoes (yes, that’s the mascot) draw a decent crowd on game nights, and there’s a vibe that pushes students to aim higher academically. Meanwhile, Countryside High School has a strong record in areas like math and science, plus a competitive sports program that makes for some lively Friday nights in the bleachers.

If you’ve got younger kids, Leila Davis Elementary in the Countryside area is a local favorite for its community feel and robust extracurriculars—music, art, and after-school sports that get kids outside. Another option is Plumb Elementary, known for hands-on teachers who often go above and beyond to keep kids engaged in learning.

Standards-wise, Pinellas County Schools hover around an 85-90% graduation rate, which is on par with many larger districts in the state. Some magnet and charter programs also exist—like the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood, though it’s in neighboring St. Pete, it’s an option for certain Clearwater residents. When it comes to sports, you’ll see the typical Florida passion for football, but baseball and track are also big deals, with some local teams making waves at regional tournaments. Overall, Clearwater’s school scene offers a little something for everyone: rigorous academics, strong extracurriculars, and a community that genuinely invests in its kids.

Leisure in Clearwater

Shopping can be as chill or as intense as you want it here. If you’re looking for a casual retail run, Westfield Countryside Mall is your go-to, complete with the usual chain stores and even an ice rink if you feel like lacing up some skates in the middle of a Florida afternoon. For something more eclectic, the downtown corridor around Cleveland Street has been undergoing a revival—local boutiques, artisan coffee shops, and maybe a pop-up market on weekends if you time it right.

When your stomach starts growling, you’re in the right place. For that classic beach fare, Frenchy’s is practically an institution on Clearwater Beach, known for its iconic grouper sandwiches. Craving some Italian comfort? Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza near downtown is a local gem, with pies that rival anything I tasted back in Providence (and that’s saying something). If you want to flex on fancy date night, Island Way Grill does upscale seafood with a waterfront backdrop that’s pure Florida postcard.

Fitness buffs aren’t left out—there are plenty of gyms, from big names like LA Fitness to more boutique spots offering yoga, CrossFit, or spin classes. Or you can ditch the indoors entirely. This is Clearwater, after all. You can hit the beach for a jog, rent a paddleboard for a morning session on calm Gulf waters, or join a local rec league for softball or beach volleyball. If pro sports are your jam, Tampa Bay’s teams (like the Buccaneers or Lightning) are just across the bay. Day trips? Head to Orlando for theme parks, or explore state parks like Honeymoon Island for a quieter coastal setting.

The real highlight, though, is the waterfront lifestyle. Hop on a boat for some fishing or rent a jet ski if you’re feeling adventurous. Catch the sunset at Pier 60, where street performers and vendors gather nightly, or just park yourself in the sand for that pastel sky turning to dusk. That’s Clearwater in a nutshell: a place where every weekend can feel like a mini vacation if you let it.

Clearwater Community Highlights

With a population hovering around 117,000, Clearwater is one of the bigger cities in the Tampa Bay area, but it holds onto a laid-back vibe that keeps things from feeling overwhelming. A big part of local life revolves around Clearwater Beach, named among the best beaches in the U.S. multiple times—sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and beachside bars that keep things festive. Every spring, the Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival brings music lovers and foodies together downtown for fresh fish, tangy BBQ, and soulful tunes. Then there’s Pier 60’s Sunset Celebrations, basically a nightly mini-festival with artisans, street performers, and some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see.

For sports fans, minor league baseball at BayCare Ballpark (the Phillies’ spring training home) draws decent crowds. There’s also a local thirst for water-based events—like the annual Clearwater Super Boat National Championship, which roars along the coastline with high-octane racing. The city also loves its parades, especially around the holidays or for the occasional food and wine fest that pops up in Coachman Park.

Despite all the tourism, Clearwater doesn’t feel like a transient spot. Residents take pride in their neighborhoods, in local businesses that have stuck around for decades, and in the new ones brave enough to set up shop. Volunteer events, beach cleanups, and community drives happen year-round, reflecting the sense that this is more than just a tourist hub; it’s a place where people actually live and care.

Bottom line, Clearwater’s a spot that can handle a crowd but still invites you to slow down, sip a cool drink, and watch the waves roll in. If you’re looking for a city that meshes sunny beach life with enough urban amenities to keep life interesting, it’s hard to top. Maybe that’s why so many folks, myself included, come for the coast but stay for the community. After all, a place that can balance carefree waterfront living with real, everyday comforts is rare—and that’s exactly the magic this city delivers.