Located in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area, Clearwater is the county seat for Pinellas County. People enjoy living in Clearwater because of its vibrant economy, unique culture, and balmy weather. Whether you are looking for top schools or delicious restaurants, there are plenty of options to check out in the neighborhood.
People in Clearwater
The population in Clearwater includes residents from diverse backgrounds. Since 17.1% of the population was born in another country, residents can enjoy a blend of cultures as diverse as the many delicious cuisines that can be found in the Clearwater area. Thanks to its enchanting beaches and other attractions, Clearwater is also a popular spot for retirees, tourists and people from all walks of life.
- Current Population: Clearwater has a population of 116,674. The city’s population has experienced yearly growth of .81%.
- Median Age: The median age in Clearwater is 45.2 years old.
- Median Household Income: Within the city, the median household income is $54,182.
- Employment:3% of the population is considered a part of the workforce.
- Education: While 89.8% of the population has a high school degree, 32.1% of the population in Clearwater possesses a bachelor’s degree.
- Demographics: While 75.2% of the population is white, 12.3% of residents identified themselves African American. Out of these residents, an additional 17.1% identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the most recent census.
Unlike some parts of Florida, living in Clearwater is possible on a range of different budgets. You can find neighborhoods and lifestyles for the very rich and the less affluent, so the amount you spend is entirely up to you. For perspective, the Economic Policy Institute says a four-person household in Clearwater needs $83,296 per year for a modest standard of living, and a two-adult household needs to earn $53,462 per year.
Neighborhoods in Clearwater
The best Clearwater neighborhoods offer a range of housing options with easy access to top schools, restaurants, and shopping venues. If you’re uncertain about where to live, consider checking out some of the following top neighborhoods in Clearwater.
Charter Oaks
Charter Oaks is known for a wide variety of smaller homes and affordable prices. Boasting quiet streets, this family-friendly community is a well-established community. While it has a low walkability score, Charter Oaks offers an affordable median home price of just $223,000.
Clearwater Beach
If you are searching for one of the wealthiest Clearwater neighborhoods, Clearwater Beach is the place to go. The median sale price of a home in Clearwater Beach was $761,000. With its beachside environment and suburban atmosphere, it’s a great neighborhood to call home.
Coachman Ridge
Coachman Ridge is one of the best neighborhoods for families. Thanks to its top-rated schools and low crime rate, families can thrive in this community. With a median home value of $743,849, it’s also one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city.
Del Oro Groves
For an affluent neighborhood, check out Del Oro Groves. This region has a median home listing price of $737,500. Located between Cooper’s Bayou and Alligator Lake, Del Oro Groves is comfortably placed on the western side of Old Tampa Bay.
If you live in Del Oro Groves, you can enjoy local amenities, like Del Oro Park and Cooper’s Bayou Park. Plus, shopping options like Bayside Bridge Plaza are nearby.
Eagle Estates
Within this gated community, you can find gorgeous, mid-sized homes. Many of the homes are as large as 4,000 square feet, so there is plenty of space to spread out in. Designed for avid golfers, this beautiful community features manicured lawns, well-maintained properties, and safe streets.
Island Estates
This residential neighborhood is a great location if you want to buy a waterfront property. You can find many homes next to the Pope Channel and the Mandalay Channel. Boasting a low crime rate, this neighborhood is conveniently close to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the Island Yacht Club.
Morningside Meadows
Known for its family-friendly environment, Morningside Meadows is also home to reasonably priced properties. Currently, the median home value is $465,603. As an added benefit, the tight-knit neighborhood is equipped with a pool and recreation facilities.
Northwood Estates
For upscale homes, head over to Northwood Estates. These homes have a median value of $573,275. The majority of homes in this neighborhood are newly constructed and placed on spacious lots.
As one of the most popular neighborhoods in Clearwater, this residential community is an excellent place to raise a family. Almost one out of five residents in the area is under the age of 18. Students can study at top schools, like Countryside High School and Leila Davis Elementary School.
Spring Lake
Known as an exceptionally desirable neighborhood, Spring Lake has a median home value of $369,552. Designed with custom architecture, many of the homes boast spacious floor plans and lakefront locations. If you love boating, fishing, or water-related sports, Spring Lake is the place to be.
Schools in Clearwater
Once you move to the area, you can enjoy the benefits of living in Clearwater. Many residents are drawn to the area because the schools in Clearwater have excellent rankings. In addition, families can enjoy having a low crime rate, safe streets, and numerous parks.
In total, there are 146 schools in Clearwater, so there are plenty of options to choose from. In addition to Washburn Academy, Delphi Academy of Florida, Clearwater Academy, and other private schools in the area, there are a number of public schools as well to choose from. Some of the area’s magnet schools also have excellent academic ratings.
Clearwater Fundamental Middle School
Clearwater Fundamental Middle School has around 800 students and serves grades six to eight. In addition to accessing top academic programs, students at this school can take part in extracurricular activities, like spelling bees, robotics, and math teams.
Plato Academy Clearwater
Plato Academy in Clearwater is ranked as one of the top schools in the area. Students at this charter school achieved high marks in recent educational testing programs within Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. Currently, this tuition-free school serves kindergarten to eighth-grade students.
Leila Davis Elementary School
Frequently recognized as one of the best elementary schools in Clearwater, Leila Davis Elementary School serves just under 800 students. Students can attend if they are in preschool to fifth grade.
Belcher Elementary School
Located on Lancaster Drive, Belcher Elementary School serves preschool to fifth-grade students. It is ranked as one of the top 10 schools in Clearwater by Public School Review because of its test scores. At the school, students can take part in STEM, fishing, and gardening clubs.
Pinellas Academy Of Math And Science
Kids who are in kindergarten to eighth grade can attend this tuition-free public charter school. Other than going to the Pinellas Academy Of Math And Science during the school year, students can also sign up for the school’s after-school program and summer camps.
Plumb Elementary School
Known as one of the best schools in Clearwater, Plumb Elementary School serves preschool to fifth-grade students. Around 640 students attend this school at any given point in time. In addition to enjoying the school’s academic program, students can try out the American Sign Language Club, Safety Patrol, and Battle of the Books.
Frontier Elementary School
At Frontier Elementary School, preschool and fifth-grade students can enjoy getting a top-notch education. Located along Hopedale Lane, this school has about 650 students.
Dining in Clearwater
Among the many different things to do in Clearwater, you can check out local restaurants and farmers’ markets. Whether you love meat-and-potato cuisine or are a true gourmet, there are plenty of restaurants in Clearwater to choose from.
Tijuana Flats
If you’ve never enjoyed the wonders of a hot sauce bar, you must check out Tijuana Flats. The restaurant offers standard Mexican fare alongside its line of customized hot sauces, which are also available a la carte.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
When you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, Nothing Bundt Cakes is the place to go. You can pick from 10 different Bundt flavors and top them in the brand’s signature cream cheese frosting.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
If you have ever wanted to try Chicago-style pizza with a California twist, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse has a range of options to check out. At the location in Clearwater, you can try out unforgettable pizza in a craft brewhouse environment.
Grillsmith – Countryside
From seafood to pasta carbonara, Grillsmith is like an upscale version of your typical bar and grill. In addition to trying out some of their large selection of craft beers, don’t forget to visit for Saturday and Sunday brunch specials.
Red Lobster
While it might be more typical American cuisine, you can’t go wrong with Red Lobster. Seafood and amazing cheddar rolls are must-try dishes at this American favorite.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
For a basic fast-food option, Chipotle Mexican Grill is a perennial favorite. This Mexican restaurant offers tacos, salads, quesadillas, burritos, and more.
Nightlife in Clearwater
If you’re looking for things to do in Clearwater, there is a range of things you can check out. For music lovers, there are concerts and nightclub events. Meanwhile, theaters and performing arts centers are popular spots for the latest theater performance or comedy hour. As you learn more about living in Clearwater, take some time to check out the following locations.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Experience
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Experience is the place to go for tickets to the area’s best musical performances and theater shows. Under the umbrella of the Ruth Eckerd Hall Experience, you will discover the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts, Bilheimer Capitol Theater, Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton Cabaret Theatre, Murray Theatre, and other venues.
Jimmy’s on the Edge
For a stiff drink and an ocean breeze, Jimmy’s on the Edge is worth a visit. Because Jimmy’s on the Edge is located on the top floor of the Edge Hotel, it offers amazing views. Plus, the bar is known for its excellent happy hour options.
Two Buks Saloon
If you have a passion for live music, Two Buks Saloon is bound to please. In addition, you can check out the saloon’s darts games, trivia tournaments, and karaoke nights.
Clearwater Attractions
Apart from the beach, there is a range of locations you should check out while you’re in Clearwater. From museums to major landmarks, there are plenty of things to do in the area.
Clearwater Beach
The first thing you should see is Clearwater Beach. Emerald waters, a beachfront promenade, and sugary sands make this beach a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss out on.
Aspirations Winery
Located across from Brighthouse Field, this winery is a popular spot for wine tours and tastings. Plus, you can enjoy checking out bingo nights and other popular events.
Pier 60
For more than 50 years, Pier 60 has been a top attraction in Clearwater. Other than serving as a long fishing pier, Pier 60 includes a bait house, covered pavilions, and a recreational park.
Sand Key Park
If you enjoy spending your time outdoors, Sand Key Park is worth a visit. This gorgeous, sandy beach is perfect for a family outing and includes ample parking spaces. If you need to escape the heat, cabanas, and umbrellas are available for rent.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
For something to do with the whole family, head over to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This aquarium is home to many rescued sea turtles and dolphins. When you visit, you can learn about how the aquarium focuses on rescuing, rehabbing, and releasing the many marine animals it helps.
Shopping in Clearwater
If you’re new to the area, take some time to explore local shops. Depending on what you want to buy, there are many places to shop in Clearwater.
Countryside Mall
Countryside Mall is located along US Highway 19. Opened in 1975, this shopping mall includes five anchor stores, a full-sized ice-skating rink, 12-screen Cobb Theatres, restaurants, and a range of smaller shops. It serves around 9 million visitors annually.
Clearwater Mall
Clearwater Mall is home to Costco, Ross Dress for Less, Target, Michaels, and other major brands. Plus, this outdoor mall includes a variety of local shops and restaurants you can check out as well.
Cleveland Street District
Another one of the best places to shop in Clearwater is in the Cleveland Street District. Known as the main thoroughfare for Clearwater, this street includes a range of entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops. In addition to visiting the Capitol Theater Building for live music and a farmer’s market, you can enjoy the free food and craft festival known as Blast Friday on the last Friday of every month.
Get Help Relocating Clearwater
While living in Clearwater can be exciting, relocating can also be stressful. Part of the process will require you to find a place to store all of your belongings while transitioning between residences. Fortunately, there is a simple way to make your transition a little easier.
By renting a unit at Value Store It, you can easily move your belongings to a safe location while you prepare your new home or clean up your former property. These climate-controlled units are available in a range of sizes and price ranges. Learn more about renting a Clearwater self-storage unit today.
