Coast Guard Base Clearwater
Coast Guard Base Clearwater is Air Station Clearwater's support facility and one of the busiest Coast Guard air stations in the nation, conducting search and rescue in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Located on the Gulf Coast near St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay, the installation sits in one of Florida's premier beach communities with world-famous Clearwater Beach just minutes away. The Tampa Bay area's warm weather, vibrant nightlife, professional sports, and relatively affordable housing make Clearwater a very popular assignment.
Neighborhoods Near Coast Guard Base Clearwater
Popular communities where military families stationed at Coast Guard Base Clearwater choose to live.
Safety Harbor
20–25 min to baseA charming small city on Tampa Bay with a historic Main Street, spa resort, waterfront park, and excellent schools. Easy access to the Courtney Campbell Causeway for commuting.
Dunedin
15–20 min to baseA walkable coastal town just north of Clearwater with a vibrant downtown, craft breweries, world-class Honeymoon Island State Park, and the Toronto Blue Jays spring training complex. Popular with active-duty and retirees alike.
Largo (Ridgecrest area)
10–15 min to baseAffordable single-family homes in established Pinellas County neighborhoods convenient to the base and Tampa Bay beaches. Good value compared to beachfront communities.
Schools & Education
Pinellas County Schools
One of the largest school districts in Florida, Pinellas County Schools offers a wide range of magnet programs, choice schools, and specialized academies. The district has been recognized for innovation in technical and arts education.
- Dunedin Highland Middle School and Dunedin High are well-regarded for academics and extracurriculars
- Pinellas County Schools operates a robust magnet program including a Montessori network and STEM academies
- Safety Harbor Middle is among the top-ranked middle schools in the county
Things to Do Near Clearwater
Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Clearwater area.
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the United States, Clearwater Beach offers white quartz sand, calm Gulf waters, and the famous Pier 60 sunset celebration nightly.
An iconic Clearwater Beach seafood institution serving fresh-caught grouper sandwiches, stone crab claws, and cold craft beer with bare feet on the sand.
One of Florida's most visited state parks, featuring pristine Gulf beaches, osprey nests, nature trails, and a ferry to the car-free Caladesi Island.
Florida's oldest craft brewery with an outdoor biergarten on Main Street serving European-style lagers, ales, and seasonal taps in a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.
A large regional mall in Clearwater with anchor stores, a full food court, and numerous dining options convenient to base.
One of the premier performing arts venues in the Southeast, hosting national touring Broadway shows, major concerts, and the Cleveland Orchestra Florida residency.
Housing & Cost of Living
Pinellas County experienced rapid price appreciation post-pandemic but remains more affordable than many coastal Florida markets. Flood insurance is an important consideration for any property below 10 feet elevation. BAH rates are reasonably aligned with local rents.
Popular neighborhoods to consider:
PCS Tips for Coast Guard Base Clearwater
- Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
- Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
- Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
- Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.