Good area in Clearwater? (Jacksonville, Tampa: apartment, insurance, condos)

[wakenine]

We have found a suitable condo at Lakeside Crossing in Clearwater, but don't know anything about the area. It is located at 701 S. Madison Ave. Does anyone know if this is a good area for a family of 4 with two children, ages 2.5 and 5 months?

It is really close to the beaches but I want to know about the surrounding area since we have never been there. Thanks!

[Love2LiveNCities]

clearwater is a fun town, for sure. Im not sure if its exactly the best living place because its definitely a vacation spot more than anything i would say. I would love to live there to be honest there is alot going on in Tampa and Clearwater and the weather...cant ask for better, and the beaches....mmm so nice. But as far as family raising, Thats more of take a realistic trip down there, no resort, no fancy vacation spots, and just stay there and visit the schools. Also USF is right around there...also very nice.

[cariad]

This is a condo conversion-not preferable to a regular condo. Right in downtown clearwater, but not scenic downtown, rather busy, congested downtown.
IMHO there are better areas of clearwater, including condos, that are more family friendly.

[wakenine]

Any suggestions of better areas in Clearwater?

[cariad]

Where will you or spouse be working? What is your budget? Two Bedrooms?
I know there are nice condos in the Countryside and Causeway areas of Clearwater, Seminole, Safety Harbor,Oldsmar, and Palm Harbor. (these areas are borders of clearwater itself)

[wesleychapel24]

Cariad is right. There are quite a few condos in Countryside, Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor.

[EscapeClearwater]

I do not like living here!!!

I have lived here for 32 years and practically hate it.

1. Transportation Problems:
1a. Too many traffic lights.
1b. Bus system is the worst.
1c. US 19 is terrible. Every do it yourself handyman with a pickup truck loaded with junk takes this horrible road and dumps their stuff in front
of your car as your traveling 65 mph.
1d. Too many people in a hurry to beat the lights (an almost useless effort)
may as well drive 35mph and upset every one behind you. The elderly love to do this to you here.

2. Education:
2a. I have had maybe 10 teachers my whole life here that I would call acceptable.
2b. The performance of the students who leave these schools are below par.
2c. Your only chance of success is USF not these other colleges or trade
schools.

3. Jobs:
3a. Want to work in restaurants your whole life? This is the right place.
3b. Want a better job (Computers\Office)? Go to Tampa.
3c. Too much service type jobs.
3d. My first job here in 1986 paid $3.15 an hour and it took ten years to get to $5.25 and now $7 an hour is considered "good pay" here. You cannot
live on this. An apartment will cost at least 550 for a dumpy place.

4. Weather:
4a. Too much lightning.
4b. 94 degrees and 90% humidity. Sauna?
4c. 35-45 deg winter with wind, chills you to the bone(because of the humidity).
4d. Hurricanes. Though we have been lucky here. Still the power outages and stress of it almost every year is not good. The evacuation routes will not help you here. There is no where to run except higher ground towards newport richey.

[kassykate]

I moved to the clearwater area in 1999 , and then had to leave 4 years ago to go to Jacksonville . I now desperately want to move back . I ve been looking for a place basically north of Dunedin like Hudson or New Port Richie . Does anyone have any suggestions to publications and such that will help ? It is just myself and a 5 year old , and I am a computer tech that works from home , so I really only need to be concerned for schools . . . the net isnt helping me at all at this point . . . was hoping this board might be able too . Thanks so much in advance , K

[kwk722]

Personally, I would look near the McMullen Booth Rd./ East Lake Rd. areas. Nicer, newer, and more breathing room.

[nancymiami]

Clearwater? No way.
I was living there with my husband and my 4 year old son
by the beach for 3 years.
Taxes and insurance are very high and no activities.
What about weather? Sauna time...
It's nice only for vacations.
There is nothing to do in that area.
Make another choice.