Clearwater, FL 55+ active adult communities & homes for sale - Page 8

Clearwater is a thriving city in the Central Gulf Coast of Florida with warm year-round weather and prime access to sandy beaches. A historic and revamped downtown center with plenty of shopping and access to nearby nature preserves make Clearwater 55+ communities popular with homebuyers.

Clearwater Climate & Geography

Just off the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer, resulting in higher than average rainfall. Between October and May, Clearwater is dry, mostly sunny, and sees very little change in temperature. Residents can expect a few frosty nights each winter but no snow.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment In Clearwater

The white sand beaches of Clearwater make it a popular destination for retirees looking for active coastal living. Clearwater Beach is the largest, with nightly events along the pier. Coachman Park is another popular shorefront venue that hosts concerts, festivals, and exhibitions all year. On the other side of Clearwater, Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a large nature preserve with a lake popular with kayakers, swimmers, and campers . The Environmental Nature Preserve also offers classed for those interested in wildlife and conservation.

Beyond the beach, downtown Clearwater underwent a beautification project. Residents enjoy the new bars and restaurants, and shops. Additionally public art has been added to the historic and walkable Cleveland Street District. Murielle Winery is a social stop for retirees looking to expand their wine knowledge.

Clearwater Cost of Living & Taxes

Clearwater’s cost of living sits just above the national average, including factors like groceries, housing, utilities, and transportation. Health care is just below the average. Though above average in the U.S., Clearwater’s average cost of living is lower than the rest of Florida.

Florida does not tax income, which includes Social Security and other forms of retirement income. Clearwater has a combined sales tax rate of 7 percent. Property taxes in Florida generally rank lower than the national average. Pinella County’s property taxes are even lower than the rest of the state which helps Clearwater 55+ community residents on a budget.

Health Care In Clearwater

The Tampa Bay area has several high performing hospitals. Morton Plant Hospital, located within Clearwater city limits is ranked by U.S. News as the No. 9 hospital in Florida. The hospital ranks highly for nine specialties, including heart failure, hip and knee replacements, and colon and lung cancers. Three other area hospitals, Largo Medical Center, Mease Countryside Hospital, and Northside Hospital–St. Petersburg, are all ranked high performing as well.