Many are flocking to Florida for a more carefree and less stressful life. The number one reason is the weather. Struggling to get your car started in freezing temperatures to get to work or do some shopping is not just unpleasant, it’s stressful. The winter blues are a real thing so many people choose to leave that all behind for the palm trees and soft breezes of Florida’s waterways.
One of the main reasons people love Florida is the beaches. One of the most popular beaches in Florida and also often one of the top-rated beaches in the country is the town of Clearwater Beach and its mainland sister city, Clearwater.
If you have never heard of Clearwater or Clearwater Beach, you may wonder why this is a great choice for a happy Florida lifestyle. Clearwater offers a lot of things that work for a variety of people. Families will find there are a lot of things for everyone from the kids to the grandparents. Boating, fishing, swimming, golfing, and lots of fun events are all part of the charm of living in Clearwater.
For the kids, outdoor activities are plentiful. Pier 60 at the beach hosts a veritable party every night at sunset and there are fun things for the kids to do and see. Boogie boarding, skateboarding, and rollerblading are all great exercises and are often part of the social scene in the area. The marina has many types of boat excursions, even one on a full-on Pirate ship that goes out to the Gulf of Mexico for sunset.
If you love art, music, crafts, and food, Clearwater has all of that and more. The area hosts nearly 100 unique events per year from blues and jazz festivals featuring major artists, to endless local music venues as well as juried art shows, craft shows, food truck rallies, and farmers markets.
Every holiday brings special events in Clearwater and neighboring towns like Dunedin, Largo, and Oldsmar. Having fun events to attend is good for lifting the spirits during what can be a tough time of the year for many.
People who suffer from depression and anxiety might find the warm sunny weather and the proximity to the serenity of the area’s amazing waterways can be helpful and soothing. Seasonal depression is a real thing. Getting out in the sun, spending time near the water, getting lots of healthy exercises, and fresh air can all contribute to improving one’s mental state. Physical activity is also a deterrent to anxiety and depression. The Pinellas Trail, a bike and walking path runs directly through Clearwater and offers nearly 20 miles of winding pathway passing through several downtown areas with shops, restaurants, and cafes to stop at.
Clearwater offers a variety of housing options from single-family homes to condos, apartments, and mobile home parks and housing is still more affordable than many places in the country, especially considering all there is to offer. The cost of living is slightly lower than the US average and the unemployment rate is more than 3%, lower than the US average with lots of new job opportunities especially in the hospitality industry. Many Americans have been struggling to find work that can offer them and their families a decent quality of life. Money worries are one of the top reasons for stress and anxiety.
Clearwater has also been touted as one of the 10 best places to retire in America. The healthcare system is excellent and there are many outlets for seniors to create positive interactions and build community. This is very important as we grow older.
For those moving to the area who need to consider assistance with their mental health concerns, Clearwater is the home of Advantage Mental Health Center. Highly trained therapists can help you plan a strategy for your mental health and assist you as assimilate to your new community and lifestyle. Learn more about them on their website at https://advantagementalhealthcenter.com/
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