Moving to Clearwater? Pull up a chair, let's talk
Moving to Clearwater is one of those decisions people make on vacation, usually somewhere between their second sunset and their third gelato, and then spend the flight home wondering if they were serious (spoiler: they usually were). So whether you're coming from Ohio, Milan or Tel Aviv, here's the friendly version of what you'll want to know, the way we'd tell it over a cappuccino.
The sun sets on our side
Here's the little secret the east coast doesn't advertise: Miami gets the sunrises, and we get the sunsets. Clearwater faces the Gulf, so the day ends with the sky going pink and gold over warm water, and nobody has to set an alarm to see it. Locals still stop what they're doing to watch, and on Clearwater Beach there's even a nightly Sunset Celebration at Pier 60, with street performers and vendors, because apparently one beautiful thing a day wasn't enough.
First, the beach is not a myth
Clearwater Beach was named the No. 1 beach in the U.S. in the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice awards in 2016, 2018 and 2019, and the sugar-white sand still earns the compliments. The nice part is you don't have to live on the sand to enjoy it every week. From downtown, the Clearwater Ferry runs over to Clearwater Beach Marina near Pier 60 (and to Dunedin) Thursday through Sunday, and the PSTA Suncoast Beach Trolley runs every day between downtown and the beach, so you can leave the car home and skip the parking hunt, which, trust us, is a love language around here.
Downtown is waking up (and it's a good morning)
Downtown Clearwater has had a beautiful makeover, starting with Coachman Park, the city's $84 million waterfront park, where The BayCare Sound lets you catch a concert under the stars and walk home afterwards. Just up the hill, Cleveland Street is being restored building by building under the banner "The Good Life," led by the Cleveland Street Alliance, with historic landmarks coming back to life for dining, shops and entertainment. The headliner is the planned EVO Family Entertainment Center at Cleveland and Myrtle, with bowling, games, restaurants and what the developers call the largest cinema screen in the world, more than 130 feet wide (popcorn sizes not yet announced). Add the Pinellas Trail running right through, and your new morning routine might be a bike ride before anyone else is awake. If downtown living sounds like you, take a peek at our Downtown Clearwater condos and townhomes.
Getting around Tampa Bay (and getting away)
Living here doesn't mean living on an island, even if the views say otherwise. Tampa International Airport is across the bay for visits home and visits from everyone who suddenly remembers they love you, and Port Tampa Bay sends cruise ships off to the Caribbean, so a long weekend at sea is practically a local hobby. Between the beaches, the sports teams, the museums and a tourism scene that keeps the restaurants busy, Tampa Bay gives you a big-city menu with a beach-town pace.
Moving to Clearwater on a budget? Here's the tax part people love
Florida doesn't have a personal state income tax, which is usually the moment people stop scrolling and start calculating. You'll still pay federal income tax, property tax and sales tax, of course, so we always suggest a quick chat with a local tax pro before you celebrate too loudly.
Before you pack, a few friendly tips
Visit in more than one season, so you know how you feel about summer, when the sunshine gets very enthusiastic.
Ask about flood zones and insurance for any home you love, before you fall too hard, because a good decision feels even better when nothing surprises you later.
Pick your lifestyle first, then the home, whether that's walking to the beach, a high-rise view over the bay, a quiet street with a garden, or a place close to new friends (retirees, we see you, and we love you).
Bring the whole family into the conversation. Our team speaks English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, Hebrew and Hungarian, so nonna gets a vote too.
Who's on the other side of the phone
Great Homes Realty is a small, boutique brokerage, selling homes in Clearwater since 2002 and established as a brokerage in 2007, so the people helping you are full-time locals and certified negotiators who know the streets, the neighbors and where to get the good espresso. Broker Paola Lombardi likes to say you should fall in love with the city first and find the home second, and that's how we'll show you around. Curious who you'd be working with? Come meet your Clearwater real estate broker and the team, or browse our featured properties for a little inspiration.
Because honestly, the city is beautiful, but its people even more! Text or call us at 727-488-4825 or write to info@clearwaterpostulate.com, ask us anything (there are no silly questions here), and let's start the conversation. Join the family!
Moving to Clearwater: quick answers
Does Florida have a state income tax? No. Florida doesn't impose a personal income tax, though you'll still pay federal income tax plus property and sales taxes.
Can I get from downtown Clearwater to the beach without a car? Yes. The Clearwater Ferry runs between downtown, Clearwater Beach Marina (near Pier 60) and Dunedin Thursday through Sunday, and the PSTA Suncoast Beach Trolley connects downtown and the beach every day. Check current schedules before you go.
What is there to do in downtown Clearwater? Coachman Park sits on the waterfront with The BayCare Sound, a playground, a splash pad and walking paths, Cleveland Street has restaurants and a growing list of restored landmarks, and the Pinellas Trail is right nearby.
Do I need to visit before I buy? It helps a lot, ideally in more than one season, but if you can't, a local Clearwater realtor can tour homes by video, check the neighborhood for you and walk you through flood zones and insurance before you decide.