Clearwater is a city that lives up to its name. Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast northwest of Tampa, it offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy beautiful clear water beaches, sugar sand, and plenty of sunshine. It has a diverse and welcoming population, including a vibrant and thriving LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in Clearwater, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Clearwater's History
The original inhabitants of what is now Clearwater were the Tocobagan Indian tribe. They remained the predominant residents of the area until the first settlers arrived in the early 1800s when the United States Army built Fort Harrison there as an outpost during the Seminole Wars. Thereafter, more and more settlers arrived, and the area grew to become an important center of commerce, agriculture, and tourism. Today, it is a vibrant and welcoming city with much to see do and enjoy for all who call it home.
A Few Fun Facts About Clearwater
Read more fun facts about Clearwater here.
Clearwater’s LGBTQ Community
Clearwater is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG St. Pete, located a short drive from Clearwater in St. Petersberg, is Clearwater’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in Clearwater?
Clearwater residents can expect to experience plenty of the sunshine that Florida is so well-known for, and generally, any time of year is a good time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Winters are usually fairly mild, while summers are typically hot and very humid. The average high temperature in July is around 90° F and the low in January is around 52° F. From June through to September, afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. Clearwater receives an average of 51 inches of rain per year, and no snow.
St. Pete Pridefest, located only a short drive away from Clearwater is one of the area’s most popular annual LGBTQ pride celebrations, and one that you won’t want to miss. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, networking opportunities, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, you’ll be able to enjoy that here. This is one month of celebration that you will want to be sure to put on your calendar!
Since the beginning of the 1980s, Clearwater has hosted the Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday. This festival, typically held in October, offers an excellent mix of local jazz artists, as well as national and even international talent. Held over several days, it also offers plenty of vendors, spots to relax, and great Florida weather for enjoying the beauty of the outdoors along with the music.
The Best Neighborhoods in Clearwater
If you're considering moving to Clearwater, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Clearwater is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. There is a popular downtown core centered around the Cleveland Street District that has been the focus of major beautification and investment in recent years and offers a walkable mix of dining, retail, professional, and entertainment spaces that are LGBTQ-friendly and popular with the LGBTQ community.
There are many excellent and unique neighborhoods to choose from, however, and it is always advised to contact a Clearwater gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in Clearwater is around $368,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Those who want a unique spot to shop, dine, and enjoy a beautiful Clearwater afternoon need look no further than the Clearwater Beach Walk. The city spent many years investing in and building the boardwalk, which runs along Clearwater Beach and offers beautiful public art, as well as stunning landscaping, and many hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues.
As one of the main performing arts centers in the Clearwater area, Ruth Eckerd Hall offers a variety of shows for all ages and tastes. Guests can see Broadway and Off-Broadway plays and musicals, operas, symphonies, dance performances, stand-up comedy, concerts, and more. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show (or several!) for yourself.
Parks and Recreation
Clearwater Marine Aquarium became famous as the home to Winter the Dolphin of the movie Dolphin Tales. It also offers one of the country’s biggest artificial reef habitats, and the opportunity to view an amazing array of sea creatures. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day learning, feeling inspired, and having fun.
Clearwater Nightlife
Those who want a fun night out in Clearwater need look no further than Hamburger Mary’s. This queer burger franchise offers great food and great drag shows, fun theme nights, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy a fun night out with friends.
Although not specifically a LGBTQ nightspot, Pier 60 is one Clearwater spot you don’t want to miss on a night out. This pier offers beautiful sunsets and often has live entertainment and plenty of space to sit and enjoy the evening on a beautiful night in Clearwater.
Contact a Clearwater Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Clearwater, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Clearwater, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Clearwater gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
