11 Reasons Why You Should Move to Clearwater

By Stephanie Hyland, Storage.com

Storage.com takes pride in helping people move into their new homes, whether that involves providing a storage unit in between or by helping people discover more about their new city.

The Sunshine State has a lot more to offer residents and visitors besides the warm beach climate and oceanside views. Even though Clearwater residents enjoy approximately 361 days of sunshine every year, it is also home to a low cost of living, countless education opportunities, and there is never a dull moment for outdoor enthusiasts.

Here are 11 reasons why Clearwater is the perfect place to call home.

1. ENJOY THE SUNSHINE IN CLEARWATER.

For anyone who hates being cooped up inside during the winter months, Clearwater is the place for you! One of the many perks of living in Florida’s climate is the beach-perfect days and the mild winter temperatures. In February, most people in the U.S. are shoveling snow off their driveway and bundling up from head to toe just to get the mail, but the coldest average temperature in Clearwater during that time of the year is between 55-60 degrees. Even though you may not be swimming in February, it is still well above freezing and for many, that is enough. Fun fact: Clearwater averages 361 days of sunshine every year and holds the record for consecutive sunny days at 768 in the Guinness Book of World Records.

2. CLEARWATER HAS A LOW COST OF LIVING

Besides the postcard-worthy weather, calling Clearwater home is easy when the cost of living is 3.8% less than Florida’s average and also 2.5% less than the national average. The average rent in Clearwater is approximately $954 with the average cost of a home sitting around $166,300. The majority of Clearwater residents own their home opposed to renting a space.

3. CLEARWATER IS HOME TO A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS.

For families who are moving to Clearwater with school-aged children, there are a number of elementary, middle, and high schools located in the area. In Clearwater, there is a total of 41 public schools and 29 private schools and the teacher to student ratio is 16:1.

4. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO SEE IN CLEARWATER.

Besides the pristine beaches that Clearwater has to offer residents and visitors, there are a number of attractions that people of all ages can enjoy. Head to downtown Clearwater to catch a show at the well-known Capitol Theatre or head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to get an up-close look at some of the local wildlife such as sharks, otters, dolphins, and turtles, just to name a few. A few other popular spots in the area to visit include Francis Wilson Playhouse, Coachman Park, Cliff Stephens Park, and Moccasin Lake Nature Park.

5. MEET WINTER AND HOPE.

Speaking of the the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you cannot head home without meeting Winter, a dolphin that has become quite famous in Clearwater after staring in Dolphin Tale. Winter lost her tail after she was found caught in a crab trap. After receiving intensive care and rehabilitation services from the aquarium staff, Winter is thriving, and is now swimming with the help of a prosthetic tail designed specifically for her body. Winter is also paired with another dolphin at the aquarium named Hope who was found in the same area Winter was before she was rehabilitated.

6. FOLLOW THE DOLPHIN TRAIL.

Dolphins are not just found in the water in this Florida city! Clearwater’s Dolphin Trail is a unique artistic display that features more than one hundred, six-foot tall, fiberglass dolphins. Each dolphin has been individually designed by a local artist and sponsored by an area business. See how many dolphins you can find during your visit to this beachfront city!

7. VISIT AWARD WINNING BEACHES.

The beaches in Clearwater are famous for their white, sandy appearance accompanied with the clear waters of the gulf. Between Clearwater Beach and Sand Key Park, there are endless amounts of outdoor fun to be had. Clearwater Beach has received a number of awards over the years for its beauty. Most recently, USA Today named Clearwater Beach the best beach in Florida in 2013. They even have full-time lifeguards on duty to ensure that everyone has a safe visit.

8. ENJOY A FESTIVAL EVERY DAY IN CLEARWATER.

Sunsets at Pier 60 is a daily event that happens just two hours before the sun goes down on Clearwater Beach. The pier becomes full of local musicians and a variety of local artists who show off their artwork or craft. They even have a fire breather! Besides shopping, families can enjoy the playground, catch a movie at the sunset cinema, go fishing, or just enjoy the beautiful sunset on the beach. Fun fact: This daily event recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

9. BOATING AND FISHING ENTHUSIASTS LOVE LIVING IN CLEARWATER!

Since Clearwater is located right off of the Gulf of Mexico, it allows boating and fishing enthusiasts to really enjoy their favorite pastime. There are a number of fishing and scuba diving tours that take visitors and residents out to enjoy their favorite sport. Some of the most popular charters in the area include 2 Shea Fishing and Diving, Tanks-A-lot Dive, and Gulfstream Deepsea Sportfishing.

10. BASEBALL FANS CAN CATCH A GAME.

Baseball fans will love calling Clearwater home! Residents and visitors love catching a Clearwater Threshers game at Bright House Field. The Clearwater Threshers are a minor league baseball team that play for the Florida State League. The team plays its home games at Bright House Field and is the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.

11. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO EAT!

After a long day at the beach, the whole family is going to be hungry! Clearwater is home to a plethora of restaurants that offer a number of different cuisines. Seafood lovers will love trying the shrimp and grits or fish spread at Nauti-Nancy’s. If you want to grab a bite to eat before you head to the beach in the morning, enjoy a plate of chicken waffles benedict or a few danishes at Lenny’s Restaurant. Other popular stops in the area include Rumba Island Bar and Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Crispy Cajun, Island Way Grill, and the Besa Grill.

What do you love about living in Clearwater? Tell us in the comments below!

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All cost of living and education information was provided by Areavibes.com

All images have either been provided by a listed organization or are licensed under the Creative Commons.

Moving to Clearwater in the near future? Check out the selection of storage units in Clearwater to help with the transition!