10 Best Independent Living Communities in Clearwater, FL

 

Independent Living in Clearwater, FL

 

Independent living communities, also known simply as retirement communities in Clearwater, Florida, are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of Clearwater retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Independent Living in Clearwater, FL

The median monthly cost of independent living in Clearwater is around $1,683 in the city proper, and $2,508 within the metropolitan area. The median monthly cost for independent living in the state of Florida is around $2,700.

For this type of senior living, Clearwater, Florida offers many great options, and A Place for Mom can help you find the right one.

Learn More About Clearwater, FL

 

Cost of Living

 

The cost of living in Clearwater is pretty close to the national average. The city’s proximity to Tampa and the St. Petersburg metropolitan area makes it a great option to have big city convenience at a fraction of the cost. All index ratings are based on a system where a score of 100 represents the cost of the national average.

Cost-of-living index	Grocery index	Heath care	Median rent	Rent burden	Median home value	Median family income	Estate tax
98	105	101	$1,026	20.6%	$171,783	$43,306	None

 

 

Local Hospitals

 

The Clearwater area is home to several highly-rated hospitals, and the following are often ranked among the region’s best:

• Morton Plant – Morton Plant was the first hospital built in Pinellas County, having originally been established in 1916. The current hospital is a 599-bed community that frequently receives high marks and accolades in national surveys. Morton Plant’s specialties include heart and vascular services as well as orthopedics.
• Baycare Alliant – Located in nearby Dunedin, Baycare Alliant is a smaller medical community specializing in long-term acute care. The hospital features 24-hour emergency, testing, and surgical services. Baycare Alliant also specializes in rehabilitation therapy to those recovering from serious medical conditions.
• St. Joseph’s – St. Joseph’s Hospital of Tampa is a comprehensive medical center with physicians focusing on over 70 specialties. St. Joseph’s cardiovascular, orthopedic, and stroke care services are particularly noteworthy.

 

 

Weather and Climate

 

Clearwater’s climate is considered humid subtropical, and is characterized by year-round sun, occasional rain, and consistently warm air temperatures. On average, the humidity level for Clearwater is roughly 72%. The humidity levels are often highest during the month of August at about 76%.

Seasonal Temperatures

Average summer temp	Typical summer high	Typical summer low	Average winter temp	Typical winter high	Typical winter low
83°F	90°F (June)	75°F (July)	65°F	75°F (February)	54°F (January)

 

Air Quality

Average air quality index rating
39 (Good)

 

Precipitation and Natural Disasters

Average monthly precipitation	Average maximum monthly precipitation	Average yearly snowfall	Natural Disasters
4”	10” (July)	0”	Hurricanes, floods

 

 

Demographics and Values

 

Clearwater is a beach community outside the greater metropolitan area of Tampa/St. Petersburg, and is often ranked as an ideal place to retire. It’s a small city known mostly for its Gulf Coast beach and beautiful scenery. Major employers in the region include area hospitals, as well as the Tech Data and Honeywell corporations. Clearwater’s politics are fairly moderate, with the 2016 election results being split quite evenly down the middle between the two major parties. Clearwater is a great option for a smaller, resort-town feel while still maintaining big city amenities, with Tampa/St. Petersburg being less than an hour’s drive away. The Clearwater area is considered very friendly toward members of the LGBTQ+ community.

 

2016 Presidential Election Results for Pinellas County

Voted Democratic	Voted Republican	Voted Third Party
47.5%	48.6%	4.0%

 

Population Statistics

Population density	Population trend
1,716 people per square mile	Growing at a rate of 6.8% since 2010

 

Age

Median	0-18	18-24	25-44	45-64	65+
42	19.1%	8%	27.6%	23.8%	21.5%

 

Highest Level of Education

High-school diploma	College degree	Graduate degree
28.4%	27.4%	9.1%

 

Race & Ethnicity

Asian	Black	Hispanic	Native American	Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian	White	Two or more
2.4%	11.5%	17.8%	0.3%	0.1%	66.3%	3.6%

 

Crime

Property crimes per 1,000 citizens	Violent crimes per 1,000 citizens
26.5	4.4

 

Miscellaneous

Participate in the labor force	Have some form of disability	Veterans
58.8%	14.1%	9.9%

 

 

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

 

Much of Clearwater’s activity centers around the beach and the outdoors, and with a great climate and some of the most striking views on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s no wonder. Clearwater’s namesake beach is often rated among the best, and frequently number one, in all of the U.S. by various sources. The pristine white sand beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, whether you’d rather swim in the crystal-clear water or simply relax in the sun. Clearwater Beach is large enough to have areas that are both secluded or bustling, depending on the setting you’re after. The beach’s Pier 60, consisting of a park, souvenir stands, and snack vendors, is also a great location for fishing, during both daytime and nighttime hours.

If you’d like a break from the beach, Clearwater has plenty of other options to offer. Every year the city hosts the Sea Blues festiva two-day outdoor festival spotlighting live blues music and all types of seafood – in downtown Clearwater. The festival is held in February and admission is free to the public. Clearwater is also home to Moccasin Lake Park – a 51-acre nature preserve with winding trails throughout the trees, where one can view a wide variety of plants and wildlife. The park also offers classes, programs, and scheduled events.

Remember that if your tastes and interests are more metropolitan, Tampa and St. Petersburg are only a short distance away.

Transportation

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) operates the public bus system in Clearwater, as well as a trolley system which connects downtown Clearwater to St. Petersburg. Most of the buses run 7 days a week, cover much of the area, and operate from early morning to nighttime hours. For disabled individuals and those 65 years of age or older, fares are offered at discounted prices of about 50% off with proper ID.