Clearwater Florida Homes

If you are considering a move to the warmer weather and laid back life style of the Tampa Bay region, let Rigler Realty find a Clearwater home that is right for your family.

Located on Florida’s west coast between Tampa and the Gulf of Mexico, on the peninsula that is Pinellas County, the 18-square mile city of Clearwater sits on a bluff overlooking the waters of the Gulf and beautiful barrier-island beaches.

As the Pinellas County seat of government, the city of Clearwater is home to many of the departments that administer this region of over 100,000 people.

The city received its charter as a municipality in 1915. It functions under a city council/manager form of government. Citizens elect a mayor and four council members-at-large, who in turn appoint a city manager. The city manager functions as a CEO and administers the various departments including police, fire, public libraries, public works, sanitation, parks and recreation.

Two international airports—St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Tampa International, service Clearwater. The downtown area acts as a gateway, via highway 60, to our barrier islands and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Clearwater, with its barrier island beaches, is among America’s most popular vacation destinations and holiday home locations, such as Mandaly Beach Club, Belle Harbor or San Key Island. That’s why the population swells by more than 30,000 during the winter months. Many return to become permanent residents.

People are attracted by the weather, the amenities, proximity to the internationally renowned attractions of Central Florida and the peace and tranquility of the region.

But of course the main attraction here is the beaches. Clearwater Beach has been rated among the best in the country by Dr. Stephen Leatherman (Dr. Beach) of Florida International University. The St. Joseph Sound waterway has great beaches as well.

CLEARWATER BEACH REAL ESTATE

Apart from the world-renowned beaches, the city is home to the largest recreational fishing fleet in Florida, a rich variety of restaurants, and attractions to suit all tastes, ages and budgets.

Clearwater is not only close to all the excitement that is Central Florida; it is home to an outstanding aquarium that acts as a refuge for local sick or injured wild life. It is a non-profit establishment dedicated to public education, research, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured animals.

At any given time, there is a rich variety of Gulf wildlife residing at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There are Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, numerous species of sea turtle, river otters, pelicans, raccoons and opossums.

It is a wonderful project or cause to get involved with. The professional staff are always looking for volunteers to help care for sick and injured animals. It is a wonderful experience to help nurse a sick or injured bottlenose dolphin back health and watch as the animal is released. Sadly though, some animals become permanent residents of CMA due to the extent of their injuries.

But no visit to Clearwater is complete without joining the locals and admiring tourists for the nightly ritual of watching the evening sun paint the Gulf in spectacular hues of gold, red, purple and crimson.

And with air and water temperatures averaging above 70 throughout the year, it’s no wonder the population swells with “snowbirds” escaping the harsh northern climes each winter, So many have escaped permanently and now call Clearwater home. A Money magazine poll ranks Clearwater as the safest city in Florida, as well as one of the quietest and most affordable. And these things are appealing to an older demographic who are thinking of retirement, as well as holidaymakers and self-employed business people.

Buy Clearwater Florida Home

Clearwater is part of the Pinellas County school system, with a program that allows students, in consultation with parents and a new school Choice Program, to select, from any school in the county, where they will attend class.

With 150,000 students, the Pinellas County School District is the 7th largest in the State of Florida and the 22nd largest in the country. With over 13,000 employees, Pinellas County Schools is also the largest employer in the County.

There are over 3300 businesses here in Clearwater and two very active Chambers of Commerce. This is a town that welcomes small business owners. A community that provides incentives for entrepreneurs. The Clearwater Beach Pier is a great place for business opportunities.

And, surprisingly, for a region with such an abundance of natural resources, the cost of living is some 6% below the national average. Factors included when assessing the cost of living include housing, groceries, utilities, transportation and health.

Clearwater also offers easy access to the manufacturing centers of the Pinellas peninsular, and the high tech medical research and electronics manufacturing companies here. The Clearwater/St Petersburg region has created nearly 33,000 new jobs in the previous 12 months alone to set the pace for the entire State.

Call me, Tracy Rigler and I’ll save you money. I guarantee it.

Photography provided courtesy of Pinellas County Communications Department