Clearwater Apartments and Rentals

If you want to enjoy living along the white, sandy beaches of Southern Florida but are living on a budget, the tropical paradise of Clearwater is the perfect spot. Beach lovers from all over the world frequent the area during tourist season, but Clearwater is a thriving city in its own right with more than 107,685 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Part of the greater Tampa metropolitan area, it may be a small city, but with its close proximity to a large metropolis, those looking for Clearwater apartments for rent will have the best of both worlds.

The lands in Pinellas County were known only to Seminole Native Americans until the 16th century, when Hernando De Soto landed in Tampa Bay. Although there were several missionaries who frequented the area known as Clearwater Harbor, the Seminole Wars of the early 19th century kept many settlers from venturing into the beaches and marshes of Southern Florida.

After the Federal Armed Occupation Act of 1842, the "father of Clearwater," James Stevens and Samuel Stevenson made their home here. Clearwater Harbor remained a peaceful farming and fishing village well into the 20th century, until the wealthy flappers of the Roaring 20s were drawn to the village's powder-like sand and clear blue ocean waters for vacation dwelling. The city incorporated and dropped the Harbor in its name in 1906, and from then on was known simply as Clearwater.

After the first bridge was built connecting Tampa to the city, and after the community won the county seat, many Floridians began bringing their businesses and making their homes in Clearwater, turning it into the beach hub that it is today.

Clearwater is home to the largest and busiest United States Coast Guard station in the country. Integral to communications with other countries in the Caribbean and Bahamas, this air station also has the very important job of updating on hurricane conditions and evacuation information.

According to the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, the largest private employer in the area is Morton Plant Hospital. However, there are several innovative companies that are making a splash in the area, including Tech Data Corp., a computer and software company, and Honeywell Inc., an aeronautical and guidance systems manufacturer.

Universities in the area include St. Petersburg College , a two- and four-year institution that also offers accreditation and technical education programs to students in Pinellas County. Many students looking for Clearwater apartments also commute to nearby University of South Florida, a young and vibrant university that offers undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs.

CNN ranked Clearwater as one of the best places to retire in 2011 for budget-conscious senior citizens, and also ranked the community as one of the top places to live overall as well. Despite have many oceanfront properties, Clearwater boasts a cost of living that is 5 points below the national average and in 2009 the median gross rent was $889 according to city-data.com.

Clearwater is known for their live music, so there are plenty of clubs and venues in the area that cater to music of all types, including Ruth Eckerd Hall and Clear Sky Beachside Cafe.

However, the best way to get to know the community and listen to great music is to go to the daily festivals that are put on by Sunsets at Pier 60. This free family event features local arts and crafts, performers and musical entertainment every day and free movies on the pier on Fridays and Saturdays.

To find a Clearwater apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.