Downtown Clearwater is home to the Capitol Theater, one of Florida’s oldest operating theaters, known for its’ classic Hollywood style and for having some of the best natural acoustics in the entire Southeast United States. Every year many people flock to Coachman Park just to catch one of the many festivals, including The Imagine International Film Festival, Fun N Sun Festival (April – May), Clearwater Celebrates America (July 4), Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October), and the Hispanic Heritage Festival (October).
Whether you are interested in a vacation rental or purchasing a vacation home, there is real estate available on any budget. With many scenic attractions, gorgeous beaches, beautiful neighborhoods, and lively downtown, Clearwater offers something for everyone. So come experience the Florida lifestyle and check out all of what Clearwater has to offer because you don’t have to retire to enjoy the benefits.
Clearwater Real Estate
Money Magazine recently published its Top 25 Best Places to Retire, and Clearwater, Florida made their list. But why wait to retire? Real estate prices may have been out of reach for many during the boom a few years ago, but with prices down around 50% and with all the short sales and foreclosures happening, there are no shortages of wonderful vacation rentals and vacation homes for sale.
With no state income tax in Florida, the median Clearwater vacation home prices are now around $150,000, down from $305,000. However, with the recent passing of Florida’s Distressed Condominium Relief Act, real estate and property values are projected to increase in the near future, making now the ideal time to purchase a vacation home or rental. Clearwater Beach real estate prices are down as well. Many gulf front 2 bedroom condos and houses are starting in the low $300,000s. Oceanfront condos for sale with 3 bedrooms or more, start around $600,000, as they tend to have one or two extra baths, and significantly more square footage. Houses not on the water are less expensive starting at around $200,000 and come with amenities not typically available for ocean-front real estate, such as a garage and a front and back yard.
Vacation rentals are listed currently at incredibly affordable rates. Regular and luxury condos with pools, clubhouses, and recreational courts range from $600 to $1000 a week, or $2,200 to $3,400 per month. If an oceanfront condo appeals to you, many 1 bedrooms price between $1,200 and $2,400 per month. Families can enjoy a 2-3 bedroom oceanfront condo for as little as $600 a week or $1,600 a month!
So what else does Clearwater, Florida offer besides prime real estate you might ask? It is a picturesque city situated on the Gulf of Mexico, known for its’ beautiful beaches, festivals, and Jazz music. It is easy to get around, even passing the 30-minute rule, where it’s 30 minutes to everything – St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Tampa International Airport, etc. There is the iconic Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach, which was awarded Florida’s Best Beach in a January 2013 poll by USA Today readers. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter, the bottlenose dolphin featured in the film Dolphin Tale, is like no other. The majestic sunset over Clearwater Harbor is best seen on the deck of one of the many cruises Clearwater has to offer, such as Calypso Queen Cruises, Starlite Cruises, and Captain Memos Pirate Cruise.