Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, Countryside, and Downtown Clearwater are among the most popular neighborhoods in Clearwater right now for people relocating in 2026. As demand for Florida coastal living continues to climb and Clearwater home values increase year over year, it becomes increasingly important to know which neighborhoods are worth considering.
Clearwater sits inside the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro, where the typical home value hovers in the mid-$300,000s and goes under contract in a little under two months. Within the city, the average home sale price is about $387,000, down slightly year over year, but still competitive for a Gulf Coast market. Add in an average rent of around $2,200 per month, and you get an attractive city in Florida that’s more attainable than Miami or Naples.
This guide walks through who Clearwater is a good fit for, how the housing market looks right now, and what it’s actually like to live in the city’s most talked-about neighborhoods. It also details what that means for your moving costs and logistics to make planning your move there easier.
Should You Move to Clearwater?
Clearwater is a good fit if you enjoy warm weather most of the year, want to live within a short drive of Gulf beaches, and prefer a mid-sized city instead of a massive metro. It also suits people who don’t mind trading some peace and quiet for tourism, seasonal visitors, and a bit of traffic near the water.
The city is especially popular with retirees and snowbirds who like low-maintenance living and the lack of a state income tax. Families are drawn to its suburban neighborhoods close to parks and schools, while many remote workers relocate from higher-cost states.
Clearwater might not be ideal if you want four distinct seasons, since the weather runs from hot to less hot, with hurricane season included. It can also be challenging if you dislike tourist traffic, rely heavily on public transit instead of a car, or want large rural acreage rather than typical subdivision lots. But if you are comfortable with heat, humidity, and seasonal crowds, Clearwater often feels like living in a vacation town most of the year.
Real Estate in Clearwater, FL
Zillow’s housing market data shows the average Clearwater home value is about $335,000, down a little over 8% year-over-year, with homes going pending in roughly 44 days. Across the broader Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro, the typical home value sits closer to $355,000, with a similar time on market.
That means this area isn’t in a runaway boom market anymore. Homes still sell, but you typically have weeks, not hours, to decide. The waterfront and other popular neighborhoods command higher prices than the city average, while the older inland homes often offer better price-per-square-foot, but they may need some updating.
On the rental side, Zillow pegs the average rent in Clearwater around $2,200 per month across property types, which is slightly above the national average. If you’re renting first and buying later, expect higher rents near the beach and more moderate prices inland.
Overview of Clearwater Neighborhoods
Clearwater neighborhoods generally fall into a few broad categories: the beach and waterfront, inland suburbs, and historic areas.
- Beach and barrier-island areas are dominated by condos and high-rise buildings at a premium price, with plenty of tourism and seasonal traffic. They’re typically walkable to beaches, bars, and restaurants, and they often come with higher insurance costs.
- Inland suburban neighborhoods feel very different. You’ll see more single-family homes, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and larger yards, often closer to schools, parks, and big-box shopping. These areas usually work better for families and daily commuting, with driveways and easier parking.
- Historic and mixed-use districts with 1930s–1950s bungalows and older architecture. Lots may be smaller, but these neighborhoods offer character, walkable streets, independent shops, and local restaurants. Many sit near downtown Clearwater or Dunedin.
When choosing where to live, look at commute routes and how often you’ll need to cross the causeways or US-19. Consider parking options, HOA or condo rules in waterfront communities, and whether you want nightlife nearby or quieter side streets.
Once you pick a neighborhood, price out Clearwater movers by the hour.
Clearwater Neighborhood Map
A neighborhood’s location in Clearwater can make a big difference in commute time, beach access, and day-to-day convenience. Use the map below to see where each area sits in relation to Clearwater Beach and Sand Key, the causeways to the islands, major routes like US-19, and nearby cities such as Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and Safety Harbor.
Best Neighborhoods in Clearwater
Below are some of the most commonly requested Clearwater neighborhoods for people planning a move in 2026. Home values and rent figures should be checked against current Zillow data before making your final decision.
Clearwater Beach
- Median home sale price: $912,500
- Average rent: $3,950/mo
Clearwater Beach is the area that defines the city’s coastal identity: sugar-white sand, crystal water, and Pier 60 sunsets that draw crowds year-round. Located on a barrier island just off the mainland, this neighborhood feels like a resort every day. It has pedestrian-friendly streets, beach access everywhere you look, and a lively mix of shops, seafood grills, and family entertainment. Waterfront parks and the Clearwater Municipal Marina anchor much of the outdoor lifestyle here, making it perfect for residents who want daily sun, surf, and salty air.
Housing is dominated by high-rise and mid-rise condo towers that overlook the Gulf and intercoastal channels, with only a limited number of single-family homes tucked into quiet side streets. Because of the premium location, buyers and renters should expect higher price points, elevated homeowners insurance, and seasonal traffic, especially during spring break and winter-time tourism spikes. Despite these tradeoffs, many locals say living here feels like a year-round vacation. Few other neighborhoods deliver coastal access this consistently.
Island Estates
- Median home sale price: $481,811
- Average rent: ~$3,100/mo
Island Estates sits between Clearwater Beach and the mainland, offering one of the most distinctive residential experiences in the region. This narrow island is a boater’s paradise with deep-water canals, private docks, and waterfront estates. Though quieter than Clearwater Beach, Island Estates still feels close to neighborhood markets and waterfront dining.
The neighborhood blends upscale condos with single-family homes, many of which have sweeping water views or private slips. It’s just a short drive or bike ride to beach attractions without sitting in the center of heavy tourist traffic. You might have narrower residential streets and HOA or condo guidelines, but the level of privacy and water-centric living is hard to match closer to shore.
Sand Key
- Median home sale price: $792,450
- Average rent: ~above $3,000/mo
Just south of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key offers a calmer, more residential take on barrier-island living while keeping the Gulf and Intracoastal views. This long, slender key is lined with condo towers and resort properties, many of which provide direct beach access, private boardwalks, and on-site amenities like swimming pools and fitness centers. Everything from grocery runs to sunset strolls is all within easy reach.
Sand Key leans toward a quieter rhythm, with fewer bars and tourist shops but just as much opportunity to enjoy water sports, beach volleyball, and golden-hour tides. Most residences are condos, so buyers and renters should factor in HOA rules and storage space.
Old Clearwater Bay
- Median home sale price: ~$595,000
- Average rent: ~$2,400/mo
Old Clearwater Bay stretches along the Intracoastal Waterway north of downtown Clearwater. Greenery blends with vintage bungalows and updated homes to give the neighborhood rich character and charm. It’s a place where morning walks might take you past waterfront parks, century-old oaks, and coffee shops, yet you’re still only minutes from central Clearwater and Dunedin. The neighborhood’s proximity to both the water and city amenities makes it highly desirable for buyers seeking personality over cookie-cutter layouts.
Housing here varies from modest inland cottages to expansive waterfront estates. Narrow streets and older infrastructure are part of the trade-off for living here. Still, for those who value walkability, historic roots, and a genuinely unique Clearwater locale, Old Clearwater Bay continues to captivate both locals and newcomers alike.
Countryside
- Median home sale price: ~$380,000
- Average rent: ~$2,100/mo
Countryside is defined by its tree-lined cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and family-oriented layout. This neighborhood is anchored by schools, playgrounds, and convenient access to Countryside Mall, big-box shopping, and US-19. Daily errands and commuting are as straightforward as suburban living gets. With homes from the 1980s and ’90s alongside some newer subdivisions, Countryside delivers square footage, garages, and yards at a more approachable price point than the coastal markets.
Wider streets, room for vehicles, and yards for pets or gardens offer more space and practicality. For families, long-term residents, and anyone who wants room to grow without sacrificing access to Clearwater’s central amenities, Countryside hits the sweet spot.
Coachman Ridge
- Median home sale price: $703,414
- Average rent: ~$2,650/mo
Coachman Ridge is one of Clearwater’s most established family neighborhoods, known for larger homes on generous lots, mature tree canopy, and a strong sense of community. Built primarily in the 1980s, most residences here are single-family homes with three to five bedrooms, ideal for growing families or buyers seeking extra space. The neighborhood’s parks, walking trails, and proximity to sports facilities further reinforce its reputation as a place where kids can roam, and neighbors know each other by name.
With values that trend above Clearwater’s median, Coachman Ridge appeals to move-up buyers who want suburban comfort without straying too far from the coastal attractions.
Greenbriar
- Median home sale price: ~$315,000
- Average rent: ~$1,950/mo
Greenbriar is one of Clearwater’s more budget-friendly residential neighborhoods. It mixes mid-century single-family homes with modest condo developments and a handful of 55+ communities. Quiet streets and a residential feel make it attractive for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone looking for a slower pace. But you won’t give up convenience to major roads, shopping, and services. The drive to everyday essentials is short, but the neighborhood avoids the heavy traffic and crowds found closer to Clearwater’s beaches.
Homes here tend to be smaller and more affordable, so the market is often easier for new buyers or people relocating from higher-cost regions. Residential streets and driveway access eliminate many of the access headaches found around waterfront condos. For those prioritizing value and convenience, Greenbriar delivers a solid footing in Clearwater’s broader housing market.
Seville
- Median home sale price: ~$250,000
- Average rent: ~$1,900/mo
Seville is best known as a multi-family housing hub near Clearwater Mall, US-19, and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. The mix of condos and apartment communities draws renters and buyers alike who want flexibility, along with easy access to shopping and dining. Seville delivers functional living with less premium pricing, making it a smart starting point while house-hunting.
Most housing here is in mid-rise and garden-style buildings. Rents track close to Clearwater’s overall average but can rise for remodeled units with amenities like pools and gyms. For people relocating from out of state or families wanting central access without waterfront costs, Seville represents a practical, value-oriented neighborhood choice.
Moving Costs and Logistics in Clearwater
Your neighborhood choice will shape how complex and expensive your move feels, even when you’re only traveling a few miles. Barrier-island areas such as Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, and Sand Key often involve elevator reservations, loading docks, limited truck parking, and heavier tourist traffic. Those factors can add time, require smaller shuttle trucks, or create extra fees if movers can’t park close to the building.
“[Housing] market data [in 2026] shows the average Clearwater home value is about $335,000, down a little over 8% year-over-year, with homes going pending in roughly 44 days.”
Inland neighborhoods like Countryside, Coachman Ridge, and Greenbriar usually offer the opposite experience. Driveways, wider residential streets, and fewer elevators make access easier and timing more predictable. Historic and mixed-use districts near downtown and Old Clearwater Bay fall somewhere in between. Charming older streets and narrow driveways can still require careful planning around truck size, parking, and stair carries.
If you want a realistic idea of what your specific move might cost, try estimating it with HireAHelper’s moving cost calculator. Then map out your tasks week by week using our printable moving checklist, which helps you schedule packing, utilities transfers, and address changes so moving day runs smoother, no matter which Clearwater neighborhood you choose.
How to Choose the Right Mover for Your Clearwater Move
Choosing a mover in Clearwater isn’t just about the lowest quote. You’ll want to find a crew that meets the unique needs for your move and understands the city. Start by deciding whether your move is local within Pinellas County or long-distance from out of state. You can quickly compare options using HireAHelper’s tools to find and book movers or look specifically at Clearwater movers to see who regularly works in your target neighborhoods.
It also helps to understand how the process goes before you book. If you’ve never used a moving marketplace before, you can read a step-by-step overview of how HireAHelper works and what to expect on moving day. For deeper vetting, use our guides on how to choose a good moving company and research the best moving companies to see reviews and typical pricing, along with the services each company offers.
Before you schedule, review the most important questions to ask movers so you can discuss elevators, stairs, truck clearance, proof of insurance, and long-carry distances ahead of time. A good Clearwater mover will talk through these details upfront and provide their quote accordingly.
FAQs About Clearwater Neighborhoods
Is Clearwater a good place to raise a family?
Yes, especially in inland neighborhoods like Countryside, Coachman Ridge, and parts of Greenbriar. These areas tend to offer more yard space, quieter streets, and easier access to schools and parks than the beach communities.
Which Clearwater neighborhood is best if I want to walk to the beach?
Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Island Estates are your main options. Clearwater Beach is the most walkable, but also the busiest and most touristy. Sand Key is quieter, while Island Estates gives you a residential island feel with quick access to the beach by car or bike.
Where can I find more affordable housing in Clearwater?
Compared to beach neighborhoods, inland communities like Greenbriar, parts of Seville, and some older sections near downtown often have lower entry prices. City-wide, the average home value is about $335,000, but specific neighborhoods can sit well below or above that.
How bad is traffic in Clearwater?
It depends on where you live and when you drive. Barrier-island neighborhoods see heavy traffic during spring break and winter tourist season, especially on weekends. Inland areas still experience congestion on main roads like US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay, but daily life is usually more predictable.
Should I rent first or buy right away?
If you’re unfamiliar with the area, renting for 6–12 months in a central location like Seville or Countryside can help you test your commute and lifestyle before committing. With average rent around $2,200 city-wide, many newcomers run the numbers to see whether renting or buying makes more sense for their budget.