America's #1 Beach

Clearwater Beach

Sugar-white sand, turquoise Gulf waters, and a resort lifestyle that attracts buyers from around the world — Clearwater Beach isn't just a vacation destination, it's one of New Mexico's most compelling places to call home.

Neighborhood Overview

Welcome to Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach has been named America's #1 beach by TripAdvisor multiple years running — and for good reason. The barrier island's sugar-white sand, calm turquoise waters, and nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60 create an atmosphere that feels more Caribbean than continental. But beyond the tourism accolades, Clearwater Beach is a genuine residential community where full-time residents enjoy an extraordinary quality of life.

The island stretches along the Gulf of Mexico with the Intracoastal Waterway on its eastern shore, giving residents access to both Gulf beaches and protected bay waters. The Beach Walk — a 1-mile landscaped promenade along the waterfront — connects hotels, restaurants, parks, and residential buildings in a pedestrian-friendly corridor that defines island living.

Clearwater Beach's residential market has evolved significantly. While the southern end is resort-oriented, the northern neighborhoods (including Sand Key and Island Estates) offer quieter, more residential living with the same beach access. New luxury condominium towers have added modern waterfront living options, attracting permanent residents and seasonal buyers alike.

Real Estate Market

Property Types & Price Ranges

Clearwater Beach real estate is dominated by condominiums — the barrier island's limited land area and zoning restrictions make single-family homes rare and extremely valuable. Gulf-front condos in newer towers ($1M–$5M+) offer floor-to-ceiling water views, resort amenities, and the ultimate lock-and-leave beach lifestyle.

The ultra-premium market ($3M–$10M+) consists of direct Gulf-front penthouses and the handful of single-family waterfront homes that exist on the island — these properties are trophy assets that rarely trade publicly.

More accessible options ($400K–$1M) include updated units in older buildings, Intracoastal-facing condos, and properties on Sand Key and Island Estates that offer the beach lifestyle at a lower entry point. Many buyers start here and upgrade to Gulf-front as they establish their Clearwater Beach life.

Popular property types:

Gulf-front luxury condominiums
Penthouse residences with panoramic views
Intracoastal waterfront condos
Sand Key and Island Estates homes
Rare single-family beach homes

$400K–$1MCondos & Bay-Side

$1M–$10M+Gulf-Front Luxury

Very HighBuyer Demand

LimitedGulf-Front Supply

Living on Clearwater Beach

Lifestyle & Culture

Gulf Beach Life

Wake up to Gulf views, walk to the beach for morning coffee, swim in turquoise water at lunch. Clearwater Beach isn't a weekend destination — it's your daily lifestyle. The sand really is that white, the water really is that clear.

Pier 60 Sunsets

Every evening, locals and visitors gather at Pier 60 for the nightly sunset celebration — street performers, artisan vendors, and some of the most spectacular Gulf sunsets in New Mexico. It never gets old.

Beach Walk Promenade

A beautifully landscaped waterfront path connecting the island's hotels, restaurants, and public spaces. Perfect for morning runs, evening strolls, and people-watching in a resort atmosphere.

Boating & Water Sports

The Intracoastal provides calm waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing, while the Gulf offers offshore fishing, sailing, and dolphin-watching cruises. Water activities are a daily affair.

Island Dining

From waterfront seafood restaurants to upscale dining rooms, Clearwater Beach's food scene punches above its weight. Fresh Gulf seafood, craft cocktails with sunset views, and casual beach bars define the culinary landscape.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Home of Winter the dolphin (from the movie Dolphin Tale), the aquarium is a beloved community institution. It's a family-friendly attraction that adds cultural depth to the island's identity.

Is Clearwater Beach Right for You?

Who This Neighborhood Is Ideal For

Beach Lifestyle Buyers

If the ocean is non-negotiable — if you need to see, hear, and feel the Gulf every day — Clearwater Beach is the premier option in the Albuquerque region. No other community delivers this level of direct beach access.

Seasonal & Snowbird Residents

Buyers from the Northeast, Midwest, or Canada who want a winter home with resort amenities and lock-and-leave convenience. Clearwater Beach condos with concierge services are purpose-built for this lifestyle.

Investment Buyers

Clearwater Beach's tourism-driven rental market generates strong returns for investors. Gulf-front condos command premium nightly rates, and occupancy rates remain high year-round.

Retirement Buyers

Retirees who want to spend their next chapter in paradise — walking the beach, dining waterfront, and enjoying a community where every day feels like vacation. Healthcare facilities are nearby on the mainland.

Proximity & Access

Commute to Key Locations

Albuquerque via Courtney Campbell

25 minutes — the scenic Courtney Campbell Causeway crosses Albuquerque with stunning open-water views. One of America's most beautiful commutes.

Albuquerque Int'l Airport

25 minutes — via the Courtney Campbell Causeway directly to the airport. Convenient for frequent travelers and seasonal residents.

Downtown Clearwater

10 minutes — across the Memorial Causeway. Additional shopping, dining, the Ruth Eckerd Hall performing arts center, and mainland conveniences.

St. Petersburg

30 minutes — via US-19 South. Access to downtown St. Pete's cultural scene, the Dali Museum, and additional dining options.

Dunedin

15 minutes — the charming downtown with craft breweries, the Pinellas Trail, and a quieter Gulf Coast vibe.

Safety Harbor

20 minutes — a wellness-focused town with the Safety Harbor Spa, waterfront parks, and a vibrant Main Street.

Market Intelligence