Clearwater is so dedicated to the preservation of its bird species, in fact, that each September, the city pays tribute to its winged residents with the Florida Birding Festival and Nature Expo. This festival combines fun and education, offering seminars and presentations as well as a marketplace and a variety of field trips. Perhaps even more fascinating than the local bird life are the sea turtles who live en masse throughout the area. To experience another taste of Clearwater's aquatic species, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. If a move to Clearwater is in your plans, you'll find an extremely diverse inventory of housing styles here, including beachfront condos, highrise properties, ranches, single-family homes tucked away on quiet streets or at lakeside or seaside.
Architecture ranges from sleek and modern to Carribbean-style stucco to older, historic residences.
And to accommodate the city's seasonal population of more than 20,000, vacation properties of all size and styles are plentiful, as well. Clearwater, comprised of approximately 100,000 full-time residents, is known for its relatively affordable real estate, but if sprawling views of the ocean are your dream, you can expect to pay a high price for the privilege. Clearwater lies on the western side of Florida, right along the state's high-tech corridor. And as these high-tech companies continue to grow and prosper, their employees will be quite willing to spend more and more for luxurious seaside properties. Clearwater proves that it's indeed possible to preserve nature without turning a blind eye toward urban development.