Monday, December 24, 2007

Clearwater Beach to St. Petersburg Beach -- Homes and Condos for Sale

Just west of Tampa in Pinellas County you will find Florida's West Coast Barrier Islands. These islands have some of the most electric communities to be found among beach communities world-wide. They include Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, Sand Key, Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach.

These areas are blessed with sandy beaches and natural unspoiled landscapes with clear, sparkling Gulf waters, a subtropical climate, and an abundance of glorious Florida sunshine -- 365 days a year!

Pinellas County's barrier islands are accessed via causeways and bridges and each community has its own unique flavor. Because of the mix of many different cultures, foods, music, and entertainment, life on these islands varies from one island to the next. You can find everything from a relaxed escape from the usual rat race of everyday life, to the exhilarating hip-grinding beats of the live music being played at the clubs.

The island of Sand Key is just one of the many different communities you will find here. Sand Key is mostly a residential location of townhouses, homes, and luxury high rise condominiums. This island community does offer shopping and restaurants as well, housing two major hotels on its north end. This is a place to slow down and take the time to truly enjoy the simpler things in life. For the more adventurous, there is the Sand Key County Park, and nearby Clearwater Sailing center that provides for various recreational activities.

Clearwater Beach is another of Florida's Barrier Islands. Clearwater Beach is 4 miles of pristine sandy beach, and supplies visitors and residents with plenty of water and beach activities including parasailing, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing and volleyball to name just a few. Clearwater's infamous "Pier 60" has music, arts and crafts, and a daily celebration of the spectacular sunsets viewed from the pier. This community is alive with activity. They have hotels, shopping, and fine dining. Waterfront homes and condominiums are what residents can find for quality housing. A trolley is used to transport people between Clearwater beach and the mainland and also for trips to nearby Sand Key. You will find plenty of venues providing live music and you are only a short-trolley trip away from the city of Clearwater's many music and dance nightclubs.

Madeira Beach is yet another island community just off Florida's western coast. As a direct-entry point to the Gulf, you will find daily fishing, and cruising charters. This community has plenty of waterfront shops and fine dining restaurants. Residents are found living in various dwellings such as condos, apartments, and luxurious waterfront single-family homes.

Belleair Shores is a private community island with million-dollar waterfront homes. Access to this areas beach is restricted to use by residents only. There are no public access beaches in Belleair Shores. This is a community for those who desire to live in an area removed from the common everyday life found in other communities.

So if you're looking to relocate to the sunny Pinellas West Coast of Florida, and would like to move away from ordinary living, consider contacting a Tampa Bay area real estate agent to discuss the different island communities. Your real estate agent can arrange for you to tour the different Barrier Islands that populate Pinellas County Florida's West Coast, so that you can discover the community that offers the lifestyle and housing options that are right for you. Your real estate representative can assist you in finding the financing to buy your new property as well. These friendly, knowledgeable real estate agents are also a good resource for all of the information that you will need in order to make your transition to becoming a Florida resident a smooth as possible.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Clearwater Offers a Beach for Every Mood


Clearwater, Florida is home to sun-kissed beaches and sparkling blue waters that make up some of America’s best rated beaches. Surf shops, ice cream parlors, outdoor beach bars and more can be found along the beautiful shores of Clearwater. From energetic and activity filled to secluded and romantic there is a beach for you everyone in Clearwater.

With its wide, white sand shores and clear blue waters, Clearwater Beach has been consistently ranked as the best city beach on the Gulf by Conde Nast Travler and the Number 1 beach in the Gulf region by “Dr. Beach*.” Gulf Boulevard runs along the shoreline and separates Clearwater Beach from a wide variety of restaurants, shops and accommodations. Pier 60 is located on Clearwater Beach and is an entertainment hot spot offering live music, handmade souvenirs and kid-friendly entertainment.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

Known as “Mad Beach” to locals, Madeira Beach provides plenty of aquatic fun with great fishing spots, sightseeing boats and even watching dolphins as they playfully swim. Treasure Island is a wide stretch of beach with soft tan sand and warm air filled with kites and the smell of sun tan lotion. Build a sand castle with the kids, splash around in the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and then walk up to a beach bar for a refreshing cocktail. Or visit John’s Pass Village, a unique shopping destination that separates Maderia Beach and Treasure Island.

For a laid back day of lounging, sipping drinks at outdoor bars and sampling fresh seafood at charming restaurants Sunset Beach is a favorite option. Pass-a-Grille Beach is another Clearwater beach that provides a relaxing atmosphere and is tucked away from the rest of the world. Lovebirds will want to enjoy romantic moments on Redington Shores Beach. Bring some friends and a fishing pole to Redington Shores Beach to enjoy the fishing pier that extends 1,021 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and stays open 24 hours a day.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

To the north of Clearwater is Caladesi Island, one of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Caladesi Island was ranked the Number 2 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach in 2006 and is a beach lover’s paradise. From swimmers and sunbathers to nature enthusiasts and those looking for romantic seclusion Caladesi Island provides soft white sands, fun activities and tranquility for all.

Located at the southern tip of St. Petersburg is Fort De Soto which was ranked by Dr. Beach as the nation’s Number 1 beach in 2005. This beautiful peninsula beach attracts locals from the Clearwater and St. Petersburg area as well as visitors from around the world. Fort De Soto has everything from paved bike trails, large picnic pavilions and a fishing pier to snack bars, campgrounds and a military fort that has been transformed into a museum.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

For the ultimate beach retreat take a relaxing boat or ferry ride to Shell Key. Explore miles of undeveloped beaches while searching for unique shells and sand dollars. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and lots of water since shade on Shell Key is limited. Also bring your camera to snap shots of native and migratory birds that can be found nesting on this peaceful beach.

Miles of soft white sand and sparkling water make it easy to see why the beaches of Clearwater continue to be ranked as some of the best in Florida and in the nation. Endless water activities, building sand castles with the kids and enjoying romantic strolls along the coastline is what Clearwater, Florida is all about.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater


Source : http://www.bookit.com/

Monday, December 17, 2007

Home-Sale Numbers, Prices Continue Slide In Florida, Nation


The number of existing single-family homes sold in October in the Tampa area fell 30 percent, compared with a year ago, and the median price took another beating, sliding 7 percent.

Despite the declines, there was a blip of good news.

The median sales price for existing homes in the Tampa metro area rose by 4 percent in October, compared with the previous month, according to data released Wednesday by the Florida Association of Realtors.

The median sales price in October for a single-family home was $209,000. That's up from $200,700 in September. The median is the point at which half the homes sold for more and half for less.

But home sellers shouldn't get too optimistic. Economists typically look at year over year comparisons to assess the real estate market, and the Bay area's October median price dropped 7 percent compared with October 2006 when the median price was $225,800. The yearlong drop is in keeping with the recent trend of falling home prices.

Still, it's refreshing to see a positive change, said Brenda Wade, a real estate agent with Signature Realty in Brandon. However, she warns not to read too much into the jump in the median sales price between September and October.

"Buyers may be spending the same amount of money, but they're getting a lot more home for their money," Wade said. She noted that some of her sellers have dropped prices by as much as tens of thousands.

Wednesday's home sales data comes on the heels of a report released Tuesday that showed Tampa leading the nation in yearlong price declines. The Standard & Poor's Case Shiller Home Price Index showed September prices dropped 11.1 percent, compared with the same month last year.

Mike Larson, an analyst with Weiss Research in Jupiter, said the increase in the median sales price in October may be mildly encouraging to sellers, but he doesn't expect a trend.

"I think it's just a little noise in the numbers," he said. "The bigger story is still intact."

Larson predicts housing prices in the Tampa area will fall 5 percent to 10 percent more before the price slide ends and the market starts to improve in late 2008.

The number of single-family home sales in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area dropped 30 percent to 1,700 in October, the Florida Realtors group said.

Wade said clients who purchased homes in 2004 or earlier generally are making money when they sell, but those who purchased in 2005 or later are having trouble getting any significant appreciation. Buyers who purchased in 2006 typically are losing money if they sell now, she said.

Statewide, Florida saw an 8 percent drop in median price to $222,100 and a 29 percent drop in the number of sales in October, compared with the same month last year.

In other Florida cities, the price and sales trends were similar:

•In Miami, home prices remained essentially flat year over year with a median price of $354,800. The number of sales fell 33 percent.

•In Orlando, prices dropped 11 percent to $238,500, and the number of sales fell 36 percent.

•In the Sarasota-Brandenton area, prices dropped 5 percent to a median of $263,900, and sales fell 17 percent.

Nationally, sales of existing homes fell for the eighth consecutive month in October, with median home prices falling by a record amount. Analysts blamed the worsening housing slump on the credit crunch that hit in August.

The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing single-family homes and condominiums dropped by 1.2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.97 million units.

The median price of a home sold last month declined to $207,800, a drop of 5.1 percent from a year ago, the biggest year-over-year price decline on record.

Analysts blamed the October weakness on the fallout from a serious credit crunch that roiled financial markets. Banks and other lenders have tightened credit standards in response to soaring defaults, especially on subprime mortgages, loans provided to borrowers with weak credit histories.

Source : http://www2.tbo.com/

Friday, December 14, 2007

The Allure Of Clearwater Florida


What immediately comes to mind when you begin thinking of Clearwater, Florida? Do you think about the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico? Do you think of time spent relaxing on the sand with your family, making a quick trip to Busch Gardens with the kids for a day of thrills? Do you consider a region that is so beautiful that it's the destination for many destination wedding, or do you think of travel to the Sandpearl Resort?

If you enjoy the time that you've spent at the Sandpearl Resort and are thinking about making Clearwater, Florida your home, why not consider the Sandpearl Residences? At the Sandpearl Residences, you'll find that you're able to take advantage of all of the area's natural beauty - clear blue water and white sand beaches - as well as the modern conveniences that you want to have in a home.

Of course, your convenience doesn't mean that your home at the Sandpearl Residences will have had a negative impact on the environment around you: the properties have been designed to be environmentally sound, eco-friendly and energy efficient. The new luxury homes available at the Sandpearl Residences were designed for those who wanted to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer - whether you choose to make a condo at the Sandpearl Residences your year round home or to have the property as a place where you can vacation, you'll know that there's nothing missing from the experience.

First, there are the views. Stretching in each direction, views from the
Sandpearl Residences include long stretches of white sand beach and blue water - reminding residents of the beauty of Clearwater and the allure of the community. Then, of course, there's the interior of each condominium home within the development - an interior that varies depending on your choices.

You'll find homes with three bedrooms and a wide-open floor plan if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for a place that's a bit smaller, consider choosing a two bedroom home with an outside terrace or, if you would rather spend time on the beach than looking at the sand and sea, consider a two bedroom interior unit.

Regardless of you needs, regardless of what you want to find in your home, you'll discover that the Sandpearl Residences offer high ceilings, tinted and laminated glass, granite countertops throughout the kitchen and bath, control over the temperature, premium appliances and more. You'll also find that the developers will work with you to customize your home with various colors, finishes and materials.

In other words, you'll find that your home at the Sandpearl Residences is likely to be as unique as you are, while still offering all of the comforts and amenities that you would expect to find in a luxury condominium. Sit back and enjoy the beauty without having to travel far from home; when you live at the Sandpearl Residences, you're likely to find that you have access to everything you want - and it won't take long to understand why others dream of visiting Clearwater, Florida.

Source : http://vacationrentals.vrwd.com/

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Buying Real Estate in Clearwater, Florida



This is actually a very good time to buy real estate in Clearwater, Florida. Pricing has come down up to 25% with many properties.

There was the insane run up in prices from 2004-2006, but that run up has caused buyers to stay away from the market. Sure, there are still sales. But, the sales volume is down around 30%.

Buyers of real estate are always skiddish when they believe prices are going to drop even lower. That is understandable, but keep this in mind: when sellers find out that the bottom has been reached and prices are starting to rise again - they will not be very willing to take a bit hit on their price.

One major difference between buyng real estate in a buyer's market and buying stocks - you can always bid lower than the asking price. I have seen a seller with an asking price of 1 million, accept 790K. Real estate is really a market driven commodity.

In Clearwater, Florida it is no different. Now is an excellent time to grab a piece of Clearwater Beach. There are so many properties for sale - you can almost name your price.

Here is another real example: I know someone well that has a condo for sale in the luxury Belle Harbor on Clearwater Beach. The condo next to hers was purchased about 2 years ago for 1.4M. The view on that one was somewhat better, so he figured his was worth 1.2-1.3M. He started trying to sell it for about 1M about 1 year ago. Now he is down to 712K and will probably take less.

I hope you see that now is a much better time to buy real estate than stocks. The stock market is not likely to go up another 20% in the next year or two. Real estate really can be a good investment, if you buy low enough.

Source : http://www.articles-hub.com/

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Fun Meets Inspiration in St. Petersburg/Clearwater


What do jellyfish eat? Why are stingrays flat? After my 8-year-old nephew asked those and other questions that I couldn't answer, I came to a realization. If I was going to be his favorite aunt, I needed professional help – experts who could answer his questions, activities that challenged him and places he could be anything he wanted.

Fortunately, all of these things were in my grasp on Florida's Gulf Coast. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is famous for its calm, kid-safe Gulf waters (like you'll find around top-rated Fort De Soto Park) and for its fun family activities (like the nightly sunset festival at Clearwater Beach's Pier 60). But the area has much more to offer, too: attractions and activities that will entertain kids of all kinds, and stimulate and shape who they become.

Budding biologists
You've seen them on TV and in aquariums, but it doesn't compare to seeing dolphins surface beside your boat. Amateur biologists can accompany a pro on Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Sea Life Safari Nature Cruise and learn about marine life. Back at the aquarium, don't miss Winter the dolphin, who gained global fame after being rescued from a crab trap. She lost her tail but has managed – amazingly – to survive under the aquarium's care. The dolphin has received a prosthetic tail from a local prosthetics company, and the aquarium has developed a program that brings disabled children and amputees to visit the dolphin for inspiration.

If you can't get enough of dolphins, take a thrilling ride aboard the Dolphin Racer in St. Pete Beach or sail among the beloved mammals on a quiet luxury yacht cruise from Dolphin Landings on St. Pete Beach. Want your own boat? Kayak the sunny channels and shady mangrove tunnels of Fort De Soto Park and look for wildlife.

One of Florida's oldest residents, the American Alligator, prefers freshwater and you may likely spot one gliding across Lake Maggiore at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg. An interactive exhibit there teaches about the wildlife and vegetation you can see along the preserve's paths. For a colorful biology lesson, visit historic Sunken Gardens, where velvety wings fill the air inside the butterfly garden.

Adventurous explorers
Kids of all ages love ghost towns, and one with a beach is a recipe for hearty adventure and sweet relaxation. Wander the empty brick streets and let the kids climb ruins of the fort on Egmont Key, then hang out on its pristine beaches. The island at the mouth of Tampa Bay held a fort and town of 300 during the early 20th century. Today it crawls with box turtles and is still home to a working lighthouse. A ferry runs daily from Fort De Soto Park.

About the only thing that can compete with a ghost town is a ghost tale. By the light of a lantern, a hooded storyteller with Ghost Tours of St. Petersburg leads the intrepid through the shadows of St. Petersburg's supernatural history. Older kids are more likely to appreciate the history and not be too frightened. If you prefer the daylight, take the family on a fun-filled Segway tour of the St. Petersburg waterfront.

For other more scientific and cultural explorations, voyage on a sponge boat with the St. Nicholas' Boat Line in Tarpon Springs, or let the kids learn how to build a tree house (and climb to one) at Great Explorations, the Children's Museum adjacent to Sunken Gardens.

Future sports players
Whether they're aspiring athletes or simply sports fans, there are plenty of venues for kids to get their game on. Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Devil Rays, not only gives kids a chance to watch the baseball pros but also has things to amuse them if they get restless. Kids can take swings against computer images of Major League pitchers or touch the smooth skin of a live Manta Ray swimming in the Rays Touch Tank.

Kids awe as the nation's top volleyball players spike the ball on Clearwater Beach. The nets aren't just for pros. Bring your own ball and sunscreen for a family game.

For a little nostalgia and a break on the wallet, try the retro-style St. Pete Shuffle downtown. Listen to music, enjoy the warm weather and play that classic game of shuffleboard – all for free.

Playing pirate
There are pirates in these waters, and they might just be your kids – at least for a couple of hours. The crew on The Pirate Ship at John's Pass Village & Boardwalk and Capt. Memo's Pirate Cruise on Clearwater Beach indulge kids' swashbuckling fantasies as mom and dad relax to the backdrop of a Gulf cruise and possibly a sunset. Young pirates can get their faces painted, have water gun battles and hunt for treasure. Another pirate ship, The Treasure Seeker, offers air-conditioned cruises departing from The Pier in St. Petersburg.

And when the kids just want to relax and be kids, there's always the beach and the business of building sandcastles, collecting seashells and bobbing in the waves.


Source : http://www.visitflorida.com/

Saturday, December 8, 2007

St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Beaches


This area has 35 miles of powder-white barrier island beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. From undeveloped, isolated island hideaways to wide, soft city beaches, you find exactly what you want in this slice of Florida. Area beaches have won many awards for everything from sand quality to environmental management. Whether you are in town for a quiet respite or can’t wait to catch some waves, you are in the right place.

Anclote Key State Park
A picturesque 1887 federal lighthouse standsstands lookout on the southern end of the island's four-mile beach while ospreys nest in the pines throughout the island. Six distinct biological communities provide habitat for dozens of species of birds including bald eagles. Anclote Key is an excellent swimming area and provides a perfect area for nature study. The island is accessible only by boat, but you can catch a ride from the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs.

Fred Howard Park
Located in north Pinellas County on the Gulf of Mexico, this 150-acre family park features a 1,000-foot public beach. A mile-long causeway connects the swimming area with the mainland. It’s a good spot to windsurfing or to watch others who are.

Sunset Beach
This small city-run park in Tarpon Springs features a quiet, sheltered waterway in the north end of Pinellas County. The light surf and constant breeze makes this a perfect area for windsurfing or sunset watching.

Honeymoon Island State Park
Both sandy and rocky shores line this state park. Wildlife is abundant, and two bird observation areas and nature trails offer plenty of opportunities to see osprey and other native Florida wildlife. Sunbathing, shelling, swimming, fishing and picnicking are

Caladesi Island State Park
Named by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (Dr. Beach) as the second best beach in the United States in 2006, Caladesi is a pristine island only accessible by boat. Enjoy the three-mile nature trail that winds through the island’s interior. Ferries depart hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island. Spend your day shelling, picnicking, swimming or scuba diving.

Clearwater Beach/Pier 60 Park
This wide beach of sugar-fine sand draws volleyball players, sun worshippers and swimmers. In other words, this is where the action is. Pier 60 Park features a recreation complex on Clearwater's expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. Come visit Pier 60 for festivals, concerts, entertainment, and most of all, beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunsets.

Sand Key Park
With a half-mile of powder-white sand and gorgeous blue water, Sand Key Park is consistently rated among the top beaches in the Unites States. Hosting mostly families, the 90-acre park includes picnic shelters, restrooms and plenty of parking.

Bellaire Beach
This beach is the beginning of a narrow strip of gulf-side communities surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Belleair Beach offers several public beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. The largest site is at Morgan Street. The Belleair Causeway, a popular place to windsurf and kayak, connects Belleair Beach to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area mainland.
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach features wide, flat, white-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible by more than 20 beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. The public access park is conveniently located near several restaurants and shops.

Indian Shores
Indian Shores includes a fishing pier and access to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The beachside sanctuary is the largest wild bird hospital in the United States and cares for more than 500 birds at a time. Public beach access is north of Park Boulevard. Tiki Gardens park is the most popular beach access point in the area and features ample parking, restrooms and showers.

Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach
Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach are relatively quiet neighborhood beaches known for three fishing piers. Public beach access points are available throughout the area.

Madeira Beach
A favorite among tourists and locals, this wide,sandy beach is packed on weekends with families and singles, both young and old. At the southern end is John's Pass Village. This cozy, turn-of-the-19th century fishing village is a world apart in rustic charm. There are several beach access points, the largest being at the County Park, which is a 1-½-acre site featuring 450 feet of beach, ample parking, restrooms and showers.

Treasure Island
This big, wide, community beach has abundant sea shells on its white shores, which are often jamming with sports, concerts and cooking and crafts shows. A playground and three public boat ramps are also on site. There are six public access points.

St. Pete Beach
Set on seven-mile Long Key, which also contains the community of Pass-a-Grille and the renowned Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach offers wide swaths of shelly sand and usually calm waters, making this a popular family hangout and is an ideal place for a long walk. Water sports abound on these five-miles of soft sand. Public access, restrooms and showers are available at Upham Beach.

Pass-a-Grille Beach
The first established town on Florida's West Coast barrier islands, Pass-A-Grille retains its historic charm. The area has no
tall buildings and the beach is wide. The two-block-wide peninsula features inns, stores and restaurants. There is parking along the beach, and showers and restrooms are located near the center of town.

Shell Key
This island features dynamic sand dunes and beaches. Shell Key remains one of the last pristine barrier islands in Florida, providing ideal habitat for more than 100 species of nesting, migrating and wintering seabirds and shorebirds. Its beach offers excellent shelling and sunbathing opportunities. Located near Tierra Verde just north of Ft. DeSoto Park, this island is accessible only by boat. You can catch a ride from St. Pete Beach.

Fort De Soto Park
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr.Beach, ranked Fort De Soto Park the number one beach in the continental United States in 2005. A historic fort built during the Spanish-American War is located on Mullet Key, the largest of the five islands making up this unique area that features fishing piers, kayak rentals, rollerblading and biking trails, camping areas and 900 unspoiled acres including seven miles of wide, white-sand beaches.

Egmont Key
This 440-acre island wildlife refuge was once a camp for captured Seminoles and, later, a Civil War Navy Base. Accessible only by boat, this island is recognized by its 1858 lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade. Daily tours to the island are offered from Ft. DeSoto, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and John's Pass.

Source : http://www.visitflorida.com/

Friday, December 7, 2007

Clearwater Florida Vacation Condos| Ho! Ho! Ho! It Is Not Snowing on Clearwater Beach!



Clearwater Florida Condo Buyers Planning on a White Christmas

For all our Snowbird and Cold Weather Friends we just wanted to say we’re dreaming of a white Christmas but “Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Not Snowing on Clearwater Beach!” – just sugar white sand everyday!

Okay, all of you folks living up north you need to look at the picture below a friend just sent me and realize what your winter will look like

soon, and it’s not too late to pick up the phone and call us to buy your winter home in hot and sunny Clearwater, Florida.

So it’s your choice – another cold winter shoveling snow in Canada, New York, Michigan and other destinations north of here or get your request into Santa… “I want a warm tropical beach house or condo in Clearwater Beach, Sand Key or Island Estates Florida (I’m not picky) for Christmas this year”, a place where kids use shovels and buckets to build sand castles not to get out the front door.

There’s never been a better time to buy your piece of paradise. Did we mention it was 78 degrees here today and it’s December?

Update from our friend Elaine Reese, a leading REALTOR in Worthington Ohio – who shared it’s snowing in Ohio and the Murph, her dog, is NOT dreaming of a white Christmas – he’s ready for Spring Break!

If you have been following our blog articles, you will know we can get you in a condo bargain for under $150,000, so what are you waiting for?

Source : http://www.sandbarstosunsets.com/

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Clearwater, Florida: "A Great Place to Live"


The Clearwater Florida / Greater Tampa Bay region, including St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Tampa, Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, is among the top 10 expanding real estate markets in the United States.

If you are planning to invest in real estate or move to a great year-round location, consider the Clearwater Florida area. The median sales price in the area rose 29 percent in the third quarter of 2005. Incredibly, it is still lower-priced than the majority of Florida coast property, so there is time to take advantage of investment opportunities.

Focus on redevelopment

As Clearwater moves into the new millennium, members of the community have united to focus on redevelopment. Dramatic changes are visible along key roadways, in neighborhoods, along the beach, and in the expanding downtown area.

Located in the center of Pinellas County, Clearwater offers unique opportunities to residents and businesses to redevelop historical buildings and rejuvenate an already dense area.

The Memorial Causeway, a scenic palm-lined highway, connects the city’s mainland with Clearwater Beach and its three miles of white sand beaches directly on the Gulf of Mexico.

Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County and one of the largest cities in the rapidly growing Tampa Bay metropolitan area.

Clearwater: Better place to live, work and play

By taking full advantage of Clearwater’s many strengths and resources, residents and visitors will find the city a better place to live, work and play.

Clearwater is a progressive city that is committed to enhancing residents' lives while preserving a heritage that is rich in culture and exquisite in landscape. Here you'll find everything you could expect from a tropical paradise - and much more.

The Clearwater area was named for its abundant fresh springs along the shore. Settled by colonists in the mid-1830s, it was not until the 1890s that Clearwater gained a reputation as a resort community. Today, fun 'n sun lovers still come from around the world, and although Clearwater is a great spot to get away, it's an even better place to live. Our community is friendly and socially responsive, and our City government is economically active and environmentally conscious.

Clearwater: Cost of living below national average

Pinellas County is the most economical place to live in Florida and the entire Southeast United States, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index.

The composite index for Florida cities shows the current Clearwater - St. Petersburg area cost of living is 6% Below the National Average. According to ACCRA, the area's cost of living is below the national average, with Clearwater - St. Petersburg reporting a 93.9% cost of living, 6% below the national average.

Factors included in measuring living costs are housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, health, and miscellaneous goods and services.


Source : http://www.highpointrealtycorp.com/

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Clearwater Florida BEACH WALK



...a winding beachside promenade with lush landscaping, artistic touches and clear views to Clearwater's award-winning beach and the water beyond, a place where bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians all have safe and convenient access and where visitors and locals can socialize, dine, play games, or simply enjoy the spectacular sun and surf.
This is Beach Walk

Five years in development, Beach Walk is designed to revitalize the community that surrounds Clearwater's popular south beach destination, which has played host to generations of visitors from all over the world. Part of the city's "Beach by Design" plan, it has already played a vital role in attracting new hotel development to the beach in a time when many older hotels are being converted into condominiums, threatening our community's tourism industry.

The project will transform the look and feel of south Clearwater Beach and bring new vitality to the area, providing a setting that complements the beauty of the true destination: our pristine, white beaches.
Why Beach Walk

Tourism is Clearwater's number one industry, and the beach is at the center of the tourism. City and tourism officials recognized that, in order to meet the expectations of visitors in the new millennium, there was a need to improve the atmosphere surrounding our beautiful beaches. With more permanent residences going up on the beach, it was important, too, to preserve overnight accommodations for the millions of visitors who come back year after year.

Beach Walk is designed to bring visitors closer to the beach and provide an environment that will draw new hotel, retail, entertainment and restaurant business for out-of-town visitors, residents, and day trippers. Already, several new hotel projects are in development in part because of the improvements promised by Beach Walk.

Modern amenities and a true "beachside experience" is what Beach Walk is all about. It will set Clearwater apart as a destination for Tampa Bay, the region, and the world. In short, Beach Walk is the future of tourism in Clearwater.

Source : http://www.myclearwater.com/

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Monday, December 3, 2007

Clearwater Florida Real Estate


Clearwater is the area's second-largest city covering much of the northern half of the Pinellas Peninsula including the barrier islands that make up Clearwater Beach. There are hundreds of clearwater real estate available Clearwater homes for sale. Clearwater is known for its miles of white sand beaches, accommodations, shopping, casual beach restaurants, breathtaking sunsets, and highly valuable Clearwater Florida real estate. Looking for Clearwater Homes? Search the MLS here. Find Clearwater subdivisions here.

Officially designated the Best City Beach in the Gulf region by the nation's foremost beach expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Clearwater Beach features public parking and a host of facilities at Pier 60 Park. Pier 60 facilities include beach showers, concession stands, clean restrooms, volleyball nets on the beach and the largest beach playground in the area. Pier 60 also hosts a nightly Sunset Festival with live music, artisans and entertainment as the sun sets into the Gulf of Mexico.

The largest fishing fleet belongs to the Clearwater Municipal Marina housing around 50 commercial boats for diving, fishing, sailing, parasailing, sightseeing, dolphin watching and more. Clearwater is home to more than 250 hotels and motels including many Superior Small Lodging properties. It is also home to some of the countries finest corporations including Fortune 500 distributor of PC hardware and software Tech Data.

History of Clearwater
Long ago, Clearwater was the site of Fort Harrison where wounded soldiers healed after fighting Indians on the Florida frontier. The United States Army began the fort in 1841 during the Second Seminole War. The fort closed in less than six months and the area was opened to settlers. The city was incorporated in 1891 and now has a population of 101,830. There are plenty of affordable homes for sale in Clearwater, please contact us for more details.

Clearwater is the crown jewel of Pinellas County and one of the most popular vacation spots in Florida. This one fact makes Clearwater Florida Real Estate so valuable. With its world-renowned white sand beaches, abundant sunshine and world class recreation areas, Clearwater enjoys a reputation as a visitor’s paradise as well as a satisfying city in which to live and work. Clearwater combines the beauty of our tropical environment with festive activities and amenities. It is a safe and fun place that values cooperation, respect, and life long learning.

Incorporated in 1891, Clearwater experienced significant growth due to the Victorian interest in healthful living. The Florida climate brought many tourists to Clearwater via Henry B. Plant’s Orange Belt Railway and they happily settled into the area permanently. Since that time, Clearwater experienced the land boom of the 1920’s and the post-war population boom in the 1940’s and 1950’s. People from all around the United States live in Clearwater and move here everyday! It's a great place to live and to raise a family.

Source: http://www.lipplyrealestate.com