Finding the Best Places to Retire Since 2006!
Clearwater, Florida
A "Snowbird" and Tourist Destination, Clearwater is Home to Beautiful Clearwater Beach, Often Named One of the Nation's Best
Beautiful, bright Clearwater stretches across the Pinellas Peninsula, which sits between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on Florida's mid-Gulf Coast. The Intracoastal Waterway separates Clearwater from its breathtaking oceanfront beach, Clearwater Beach.
The smallest of the three major cities in the Tampa metro, Clearwater is a vacation and "snowbird" destination, drawing millions of out-of-state visitors every year. The main draw here is the beach, which is often named as one of the country's best.
Many people think that Clearwater Beach is a separate city, but it is really a Clearwater suburb with a fun small town atmosphere, sugar soft white sand, turquoise water, amazing sunsets and a marina with 207 slips. Downtown is lined with palm trees and modern shops, stores and restaurants.
Housing runs the gamut from modest ranch ramblers and cottages to luxury highrise oceanfront condos. The north end of town tends to be less expensive than the west or south. Island Estates is a quiet island neighborhood between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach and has waterfront homes and a rescue and rehabilitation aquarium with dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and white pelicans. Sand Key is a peaceful oceanfront neighborhood south of Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater has 118,000 residents, with 45% of the population age 45 or older. About 27% of locals hold a four-year college degree. Over the last decade, the population has remained steady.
The cost of living is 10% below the national average, and the median home price is $350,000. Real estate prices have declined 4% during the last year.
Summers are typically warm and humid, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, while winter months bring temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The area receives about 53 inches of rainfall annually.
Morton Plant Hospital provides medical care. PSTA offers public transit, in addition to the free Jolley Trolley. The Clearwater public library has several locations. Crime rates are slightly higher than the national averages. Politics lean to the left.
Tourist congestion, Spring Breakers and hurricanes are potential drawbacks. In fact, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in 2024. Clean up is ongoing.
The Gulf Coast of Florida is a sun-soaked stretch of shoreline known for its sugar-white sand beaches, blue-green waters, and laid-back lifestyle. From the Panhandle down through Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples, the region blends small beach towns with vibrant mid-sized cities, offering a mix of cultural amenities, outdoor recreation, and coastal charm.
Retirees are drawn to the area for its relatively low cost of living compared to other coastal regions. The Gulf waters are warm and calm, making them ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.
With abundant golf courses, nature preserves, and fresh seafood, the Gulf Coast offers a classic Florida retirement experience where natural beauty and lifestyle conveniences go hand in hand.
Florida is considered tax-friendly for retirees.
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