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The Rothfuss Team Realty

Neighborhood guide · Updated October 2026

Clearwater, FL Homes for Sale & Neighborhood Guide (2026)

Clearwater is a Pinellas County city on the Gulf Coast, about 20 miles west of Tampa across Old Tampa Bay, with Clearwater Beach on its own barrier island. The median sale price was about $395,000 in August 2026, according to Redfin, and mainland neighborhoods carry far less flood risk than the beach.

Aerial view of Clearwater Beach, Florida
Median sale price
$395,000Redfin, August 2026
Median days to sell
64 daysAugust 2026
Clearwater Beach median
$763,000Redfin, August 2026
Drive to downtown Tampa
35–45 minVia the Courtney Campbell Causeway
Population
117,2922020 Census
School district
Pinellas CountyA-rated by Florida in 2026

An overview of Clearwater

Clearwater suits buyers who want the Gulf beaches close by, at mainland prices below St. Petersburg and Tampa. It is the county seat of Pinellas County, about 20 miles north of St. Petersburg, and one of the three principal cities of Tampa Bay.

The city has two very different markets: Clearwater Beach and Sand Key on the barrier islands, where condos and waterfront homes are expensive and flood-exposed, and the mainland, where most homes sit on higher ground at lower prices.

What is Clearwater known for?

Clearwater is known for Clearwater Beach, sunsets at Pier 60 and year-round events.

  • Clearwater Beach and Sand Key: white-sand Gulf beaches, with Pier 60 and its nightly sunset celebration.
  • Attractions: the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and BayCare Ballpark, spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • Downtown waterfront: the redeveloped Coachman Park and The BayCare Sound concert venue on Clearwater Harbor.
  • Easy travel: St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport nearby and the Pinellas Trail for walking and biking.
Beach and pier in Clearwater, Florida

How much do homes cost in Clearwater, FL?

The median sale price in Clearwater was about $395,000 in August 2026, up 11.2% from a year earlier, according to Redfin. Homes took a median of 64 days to sell, and most sold for a few percent below list price. Clearwater Beach is a different market, with a median of about $763,000.

Area (ZIP)Median sale priceMedian days to sellFlood risk*
Clearwater Beach, Sand Key & Island Estates (33767)$817,000About 100Extreme
Countryside (33761)$365,00044Minor
South Clearwater & Belleair area (33756)$369,00055Moderate
North Clearwater & downtown (33755)$362,000 (July)35Major
East Clearwater (33764)$447,000 (Aug.)52Major

Source: Redfin, September 2026 unless noted; *First Street ratings shown on Redfin. Small-area medians move a lot.

Home pricePrincipal and interest per month (10% down)
$365,000$2,257
$395,000 (Clearwater median)$2,442
$760,000$4,699

Calculated by Rothfuss Team Realty at 7.32%, the Freddie Mac 30-year average on Oct. 22, 2026. Taxes, insurance and HOA or condo fees not included.

What are the main neighborhoods in Clearwater?

The main areas are Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates on the islands, downtown, and the mainland neighborhoods to the south, east and north, including Countryside.

  • Clearwater Beach: condos, vacation-friendly homes and resort hotels, steps from the Gulf. The highest prices and flood risk.
  • Sand Key and Island Estates: quieter island areas with condos and waterfront homes with docks.
  • Downtown and north Clearwater: older homes and condos near the redeveloped waterfront and Clearwater Harbor.
  • Countryside: in north-east Clearwater, mostly 1970s–1990s homes on higher ground, near shopping and US 19.
  • South Clearwater and the Belleair area: established neighborhoods close to the beach causeways and Belleair.

Read our full guide: Is Clearwater, Florida a good place to live?

What should buyers know about Clearwater?

Know which side of the causeway you are buying on: the islands and the mainland have very different flood risk, insurance costs and rules.

  • Flood risk: about 94% of properties in 33767 face severe flood risk over 30 years, compared with about 1% in Countryside, according to First Street data on Redfin. Check the FEMA flood map for each address.
  • Condos: Florida’s condo safety laws require milestone inspections and structural reserve studies for many older buildings, which can mean special assessments. Ask for the reports, the reserve study and the budget.
  • Insurance: get wind and flood quotes during your inspection period, especially for older homes near the water.
  • Short-term rentals: rules vary by building and by city, so confirm them before you buy a beach condo as an investment.

What's it like to live in Clearwater?

Clearwater mixes beach-town living with an established suburban mainland. The beaches, the Pinellas Trail and waterfront events are close by, and the airport is a short drive away. Downtown Tampa is about 35 to 45 minutes away across the Courtney Campbell Causeway, and St. Petersburg is about 30 to 40 minutes south. The trade-offs are tourist traffic near the beach in season and high flood exposure on the islands.

Compare it with St. Petersburg and Gulfport, or see our best St. Petersburg neighborhoods.

See homes for sale in Clearwater

Live listings, plus our read on flood zone, condo reports and insurance for any home you like.

Clearwater FAQ

Is Clearwater, FL a good place to live?

Clearwater is a good fit for buyers who want the Gulf beaches nearby at mainland prices below St. Petersburg and Tampa. The trade-offs are high flood risk on the barrier islands and tourist traffic near the beach.

How much do homes cost in Clearwater, FL?

The median sale price was about $395,000 in August 2026, according to Redfin. Clearwater Beach is much higher, with a median of about $763,000.

Is Clearwater in a flood zone?

The barrier islands are high risk: about 94% of properties in the 33767 ZIP code face severe flood risk over 30 years. Mainland areas such as Countryside have much lower risk. Check the FEMA map for each address.

How far is Clearwater from Tampa?

Clearwater is about 20 miles west of Tampa, usually a 35- to 45-minute drive to downtown via the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

What school district serves Clearwater?

Clearwater is served by Pinellas County Schools, which earned an A from the state in 2026. Check the zoned schools for each address.

What should I check before buying a Clearwater condo?

Ask for the building's milestone inspection, structural integrity reserve study, budget and any planned assessments, along with the flood zone and insurance costs.

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