The Best Waterfront Neighborhoods in Clearwater fl

As a desirable part of Florida's Tampa Bay area, Clearwater is a Gulf Coast destination that offers an idyllic tropical setting for those seeking to buy their own slice of waterfront heaven. With its pristine beaches, sparkling waters, and a vibrant community, Clearwater is a wonderful place to live the ultimate Florida lifestyle. But buying a home on the waterfront here isn't just about the breathtaking views and the sound of the waves; it comes with its set of considerations, from understanding the market to knowing which neighborhoods fit your needs, wants, and budget as a home buyer. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the best waterfront neighborhoods in Clearwater.

Sand Key 

Sand Key, a pristine stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast, offers a unique blend of tranquility and scenic beauty, situated just south of the bustling Clearwater Beach. Spanning approximately 3 miles, it is a sanctuary for those seeking the quintessential beachfront living experience, and there are plenty of waterfront condo buildings throughout Sand Key for prospective buyers to accomplish exactly that. But be prepared for a little sticker shock, as starting condo prices on Sand Key typically hover around the upper $400,000s with the median list price settling somewhere in the mid $900,000s. 

Island Estates 

Island Estates homes and condos appeal to boaters and beach enthusiasts seeking a close proximity to Clearwater's scenic waterfront. Situated just a mile east of Clearwater Beach, most Island Estates homes offer stunning water views, as well as the convenience of storing your boat on-site thanks to so many properties being equipped with private docks. With Clearwater Harbor on your doorstep and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico through Clearwater Pass, Island Estates is certainly among the best and most sought-after waterfront neighborhoods in Clearwater—something that isn't likely to change any time soon. As for home prices, condos at buildings like The Islander and Dolphin Cove are considered affordable and start in the mid-to-upper $200,000s. Single-family homes, however, are a bit of a different story and often start around $1.5M and have reached as high as $11M+. 

Old Clearwater Bay 

Old Clearwater Bay is a distinguished residential enclave situated right alongside Clearwater Harbor, not far from downtown Clearwater. Renowned for its waterfront homes, scenic vistas, and tranquil atmosphere, the waterfront neighborhood of Old Clearwater Bay presents prospective home buyers with opulent waterfront living opportunities, including homes that feature private docks, boat lifts, and expansive water panoramas. Existing residents of Old Clearwater Bay relish the neighborhood's peaceful setting, complete with tree-lined streets and meticulously maintained properties that help create a quaint and undeniably inviting ambiance; but as you might expect, this idyllic setting doesn't come cheap. Villa Del Mar is one of the few condo buildings adjacent to the Old Clearwater Bay neighborhood, and units here rarely start below $1M. And if you're even lucky enough to catch a single-family home on the market here, expect starting prices to approach $1.5M and go up from there.  

Bayside 

Situated on the southern end of Clearwater Beach is Bayside—a laid-back waterfront neighborhood packed with some of Clearwater's most desirable homes and condos. Boat owners love the aptly named Bayside community thanks to it being located on a deep water canal with docks on the intracoastal waterway. Plus, whether you're looking for a full-time residence or a picture-perfect seasonal home, you can feel like you’re on vacation with great shops and restaurants nearby, but still have all the modern conveniences you need such as grocery shopping, gas stations and other necessities. Bayside also sits adjacent to the Clearwater Yacht Club and close to the Sand Key Bridge, which is great for walking over for exercise or to visit the park for an evening stroll. Like other waterfront neighborhoods listed above, condos around Bayside start in the $300,000s, and single-family homes tend to jump up into the 7-figure range.