Firstly why Clearwater, Florida?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Clearwater
• State: Florida
• Population: 113,054 people
• Clearwater’s quick summary would be Famous for its pristine beaches and the vibrant Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 9,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: -1000 less people annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 3,000
• Number of Homeless people: 1,200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its beaches and recreational activities attracting retirees and families

Perk #1: Clearwater Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Clearwater is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Clearwater’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 115 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,502
• Property Tax %: 1.05%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,400
• Rent for an average house: $2,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Island Estates
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety-Harbor, Palm-Harbor, and probably could include Oldsmar
• Avg. Age of Homes in Clearwater: 55 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Clearwater’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Clearwater are  Tourism, Healthcare, and Retail
• Clearwater Job Scene: growing job market focused on tourism and health services
• The General Tech Scene: developing tech ecosystem primarily focused on software and local businesses , ,
• Clearwater Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Clearwater: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 12

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Clearwater

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 19 runs through Clearwater toward the Tampa area
• Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: slowdowns near the beach access
• Transportation Score: 49 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Clearwater: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Clearwater: flhsmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: St. Pete-Clearwater International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Clearwater’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Hurricanes
• General Weather in Clearwater is best described as has mild winters with cool temperatures and hot humid summers with frequent thunderstorms
• Winter Weather in Clearwater i’d describe as warm and rainy
• Spring Weather in Clearwater can be described as warm and rainy
• Summer’s in Clearwater are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Clearwater is usually warm and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 93 days in summer
• Days in a row in Clearwater below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 51 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely unspoiled by urban development
• Clearwater Winter Air generally good air quality seasonal variations possible

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Clearwater Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Clearwater 6
• While the number of trade schools inside Clearwaters’s city limits are 7
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Council Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Clearwater Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Clearwater only Doctors is about 115
• Local Hospitals here is  10
• Full-time Clearwater only Police Officers is about 400
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Clearwater’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Clearwater’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Clearwater’s Water Quality Score: 85

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Clearwater

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 10 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: beach town focused on tourism and outdoor recreation
• You might enjoy live music at the Capitol Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Clearwater  features a vibrant beach nightlife with waterfront bars restaurants and live music events

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Clearwater

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features coastal dining and local seafood spots
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Clearwater
• The Popular Sports Team is Clearwater Threshers
• Top Level Political Climate in Clearwater can be described as conservative coastal town focused on tourism and family values
• Clearwater’s Longer standing religious establishment is Clearwater Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Clearwater Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Clearwater has 30 Parks?
• Caladesi Island State Park is Clearwater’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Clearwater Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 9am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, water sports, and hiking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Clearwater Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Clearwater can be described as laid-back coastal city known for its beautiful beaches
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Clearwater swimming beach days going to local events
• The Cities people commute to from Clearwater are Tampa 22 miles away St-Petersburg 10 miles away Palm-Harbor 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Clearwater or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: slowdowns near the beach access. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Clearwater’s Hurricanes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Island Estates is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Clearwater are Tampa 22 miles away St-Petersburg 10 miles away Palm-Harbor 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Clearwater has 0 days in a row below freezing and 93 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Clearwater people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,200 homeless people living in Clearwater. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative coastal town focused on tourism and family values could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Clearwater.

Retiree & Senior Life in Clearwater

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive financial assistance regarding property taxes through exemptions
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Grand Villa of Clearwater
• Clearwater Senior Center features fitness classes social events and meal services for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Clearwater, Florida?

If Clearwater, Florida ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Clearwater, Florida, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!