Gated Communities in Clearwater

Gated Communities in Clearwater: The Ultimate Guide to Beachfront and Golf Course Living

If you've ever dreamed of waking up to turquoise Gulf waters, stepping onto a sun-drenched fairway before breakfast, or coming home to a private, security-gated paradise — Clearwater, Florida is your answer. Nestled on the Gulf Coast in Pinellas County, Clearwater is home to some of the most coveted gated communities in all of Florida. From ultra-exclusive beachfront enclaves on Sand Key to resort-style golf and marina communities tucked along Old Tampa Bay, this city offers a lifestyle that most people only dream about.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about gated communities in Clearwater — the beachfront ones, the golf course ones, the ones that offer both, the price ranges, HOA realities, 2026 market conditions, and the insider tips that will help you make the right move. Whether you're a first-time buyer considering a Florida lifestyle change, a seasoned investor looking for a prime Pinellas County asset, or a retiree hunting for the perfect lock-and-leave coastal retreat, this guide was written with you in mind.

Why Clearwater Is One of Florida's Top Gated Community Markets {#why-clearwater}

Clearwater isn't just famous for its consistently award-winning beaches — it's one of the most strategically positioned cities on Florida's Gulf Coast for a premium, secured lifestyle. Sitting at the heart of Pinellas County, Clearwater gives residents access to:

World-class Gulf beaches, including the legendary Clearwater Beach and Sand Key Beach
Tampa International Airport — just 25 minutes away
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport — only 20 minutes from most communities
A robust arts and culture scene, including Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and a thriving restaurant district
Year-round warm weather, with average temperatures between 65°F in winter and 91°F in summer
Proximity to Tampa and St. Petersburg for employment, healthcare (including world-class BayCare and AdventHealth systems), and urban amenities

But beyond the lifestyle benefits, Clearwater's gated community sector is remarkably diverse. You can find everything from luxury single-family homes with boat slips and direct Gulf access to affordable 55+ condos on maintained golf courses, and everything in between. The price spectrum runs from the low $150,000s for a compact cove-view condo to over $2 million for a waterfront single-family estate on Sand Key.

What Makes Gated Communities in Clearwater So Desirable?

Security and peace of mind are obvious draws, but Clearwater's gated neighborhoods offer much more than a guardhouse and a fence. Residents consistently cite:

24-hour manned or electronic gate access that limits through-traffic and creates a genuine neighborhood atmosphere
Resort-caliber amenities including heated pools, spas, fitness centers, tennis courts, and boat docks within walking distance of your front door
Lower property crime rates compared to ungated neighborhoods in the same zip codes
Stronger HOA-maintained aesthetics — lush tropical landscaping, pressure-washed driveways, and manicured common areas
Community identity — social clubs, events, and a built-in neighbor network that is genuinely harder to find in open neighborhoods
Resale value protection — gated communities in Clearwater have historically shown more stable pricing during market corrections than their ungated counterparts

Whether you're drawn to the soft sand and salt air of Sand Key or the green fairways and bay views of Cove Cay, Clearwater's gated communities deliver on a promise that Florida real estate has been making for decades: a better life, lived beautifully.

The Appeal of Beachfront Gated Living on Sand Key {#sand-key-beachfront}

When real estate professionals talk about elite beachfront gated living in the Tampa Bay area, one name keeps coming up: Sand Key. This barrier island community, separated from Clearwater proper by the Intracoastal Waterway and connected via Gulf Boulevard, is home to some of the most exclusive real estate on Florida's West Coast.

Sand Key is not a flashy, overdeveloped stretch of condos and souvenir shops. It is deliberately understated, protected in large part by Sand Key Park — a 95-acre county preserve that keeps the island from being overrun with commercial development. The vibe here is intimate, upscale, and profoundly coastal.

What Makes Sand Key Different?
Limited inventory — Sand Key is a finite geographic space with protected parkland, which means new supply is essentially capped. This scarcity is a key driver of long-term value.
Dual water access — residents can walk to the Gulf of Mexico on the west and enjoy Intracoastal Waterway views to the east
Best-in-class beach access — Sand Key Beach is routinely rated among the top beaches in the United States and is far less crowded than nearby Clearwater Beach
Quiet exclusivity — no theme parks, no spring break strip, no carnival atmosphere. Just beach, water, and community.
Strong demand among high-net-worth buyers, including seasonal residents from the Northeast and Midwest who spend winters here

The median listing price in Sand Key as of 2025 was approximately $944,000, with an average sale price hovering near $1,013,713. This is a premium market, but buyers consistently find the trade-off worth it.

Top Beachfront Gated Communities in Clearwater {#top-beachfront}

1. The Moorings of Sand Key (Sand Key Estates) — The Crown Jewel of Clearwater Gated Living

If there is one gated community in Clearwater that real estate professionals universally describe as "the best," it's The Moorings of Sand Key.

Property type: Gated single-family homes — the only gated single-family community on Sand Key
Number of homes: 66 Mediterranean-style residences
Year established: 1994
Square footage: Approximately 1,800 to 3,200+ sq ft
Price range: $929,900 to $2,150,000+ (average sale price approximately $1,450,000 as of mid-2025)
Average price per sq ft: Approximately $466/sq ft
HOA fees: Approximately $242 to $273/month (includes grounds maintenance, security, and common area care)

What makes The Moorings exceptional:

Every single home is waterfront — each property sits on the Intracoastal Waterway
All but two homes include a private boat slip with direct Gulf access via Clearwater Pass — no fixed bridges to limit vessel size
Most homes feature private swimming pools
24-hour manned guardhouse — not electronic gate access, but an actual guard on duty around the clock
Underground utilities throughout the community — no power lines disrupting those Gulf views
Beach access directly across Gulf Blvd — walk to Sand Key Beach in minutes
HOA covers all grounds and landscaping maintenance, giving owners a genuine lock-and-leave lifestyle
6-month minimum rental restriction — this protects the community character and resale values

The experience at The Moorings is unlike anything else on the Gulf Coast. You drive through the guard gate, the noise of Gulf Boulevard falls away, and you are in a neighborhood of elegant Mediterranean villas surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, the glimmer of the Intracoastal at the end of every backyard, and boats bobbing at private docks. It is, in every sense, the coastal Florida dream made real.

Best suited for: High-net-worth buyers seeking the absolute best in Clearwater waterfront living, boating enthusiasts, those wanting beach access without beachfront condo maintenance, and buyers who value genuine exclusivity.

2. Dan's Island on Sand Key — Gulf-Front Luxury Condo Living

Dan's Island is consistently cited as one of Sand Key's premier directly Gulf-front residential buildings, and for good reason. Perched directly on the Gulf of Mexico, this luxury condo community offers:

Property type: High-rise Gulf-front condominium
Location: Gulf Blvd, Sand Key
Price range: Approximately $700,000 to $4,600,000+
Gate access: 24/7 gated and secured community
Views: Unobstructed Gulf of Mexico views from wrap-around balconies
Key features:
Private under-building parking
Beachfront pool directly on the Gulf
Private beach access — steps from your unit to the sand
Concierge services and professional management
Hurricane-impact windows and modern coastal construction standards

What buyers love about Dan's Island: The raw, unfiltered experience of waking up to Gulf sunrise colors, hearing waves from your private balcony, and being able to reach the beach in under three minutes from your front door. Units on upper floors offer panoramic 180° views of the Gulf and Intracoastal simultaneously — the kind of perspective that photographs can't fully capture.

3. The Ultimar — Resort-Style Sand Key Living With Full Amenities

The Ultimar is one of Sand Key's most amenity-rich gated condominium communities, often described as having "caviar on your plate and sand on your shoes."

Property type: High-rise gated condominium
Security: 24/7 security-guarded, gated community
Price range: Mid-$600,000s to over $1,500,000
Gate access: Secured gated ramps lead directly to the beach

Standout amenities at The Ultimar:

Multiple heated pools and spas, including a dedicated multi-lane lap pool
Several tennis courts
Basketball and shuffleboard courts
A putting green — great for golfers who want to work on their short game between rounds
Private beach access to Sand Key Beach — one of Florida's most celebrated shorelines
Sweeping views of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway
Multiple terraces per unit providing extraordinary outdoor living space

The Ultimar appeals to buyers who want the full resort experience without leaving home, where every day feels like a vacation and the lifestyle amenities rival the best hotels in the region.

4. The Grande on Sand Key — Intimate Beachfront Luxury

For buyers who want upscale beachfront living without the density of a large tower complex, The Grande on Sand Key stands out as a community where elegance meets restraint.

Property type: Luxury beachfront condo towers
Community size: Approximately 2,000 residents across two elegant towers — intimate by Sand Key standards
Security: Gated community with controlled access
Price range: Upper $600,000s to $1,800,000+
Location: Directly on Sand Key, across from Sand Key Park

Highlights:

True Gulf-front positioning with direct beach access
Low-density design that creates a quieter, more private community feel compared to larger complexes
Elegant residences with high-end finishes and superior water views
Walking distance to Sand Key Park, Columbia Restaurant, and Backwaters Waterfront Grill
Steps from Sand Key Beach — consistently rated as one of Clearwater's finest swimming beaches

The Grande is particularly appealing to seasonal residents and full-time retirees who want a premium address without the bustle of a larger hotel-style complex.

5. Grand Bellagio at Baywatch — Mediterranean Waterfront Glamour on Tampa Bay

While not directly on the Gulf beach, the Grand Bellagio at Baywatch deserves a prominent place in any conversation about Clearwater's premier gated communities. Its location on Old Tampa Bay offers a distinctly different waterfront experience — one centered on boating, bay sunsets, and resort-style amenity living.

Property type: Guard-gated Mediterranean-style condominiums and townhomes
Architecture: Stunning red tile roofs, palm-lined boulevards, and Italianate building facades
Price range: High $200,000s to approximately $750,000+
Gate access: 24-hour guard-gated entry
Location: Old Tampa Bay waterfront, minutes from US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay Blvd

Community amenities:

Private marina for resident boat owners — dock your vessel steps from home
Bayfront walking path along the shoreline
Heated pool and spa
Tennis courts
24-hour fitness center
Clubhouse with billiards room and business center
Space for social gatherings and community events

Why buyers love Grand Bellagio: It delivers an Italian Riviera aesthetic at a more accessible price point than the Sand Key alternatives, while still providing genuine waterfront living, marina access, and the security of a 24-hour guard-gated community. For buyers who prioritize boating and bay views over direct beach access, this is one of Clearwater's most compelling options.

Golf Course Gated Communities: The Clearwater Difference {#golf-gated}

Golf and Florida go together like sunshine and flip-flops. But Clearwater's golf gated communities are a different breed from the typical manicured fairway developments you'll find scattered across the Sunshine State. Here, the best of them combine championship-quality golf with waterfront settings, marina access, and the kind of all-season resort lifestyle that keeps residents from ever wanting to leave.

Golf course gated communities in Clearwater offer some powerful advantages over their beachfront counterparts:

More accessible price points — golf course community homes and condos typically start significantly lower than Gulf-front properties
Maintenance-free living — landscaping, pest control, and common area upkeep are typically included in HOA fees
Active, social lifestyle — golf creates natural community bonds and provides a year-round social calendar
Spectacular views without the flood risk — golf course properties often enjoy elevated, protected settings compared to zero-lot-line beachfront
Pet-friendly environments with wide sidewalks, pond views, and active residents

Top Golf Course Gated Communities Near Clearwater {#top-golf}

1. Cove Cay — Clearwater's Premier Golf and Marina Gated Community

Cove Cay is the definition of "hidden gem." Tucked along the picturesque shores of Old Tampa Bay in Pinellas County, this guard-gated golf and marina community consistently ranks as one of the most livable and best-value communities in the entire Clearwater area.

Property type: Gated condominium community — four distinct "villages," each with its own pool, clubhouse, and HOA
Year built: Seven-to-ten story structures, primarily built in the 1970s
Total units: 204 units in the featured building; hundreds more across all four villages
Price range: Approximately $157,000 to $300,000+ for most units; premium units with exceptional views can reach the mid-$300,000s
Average sale price: Approximately $230,000; premium view units in the low $300,000s
Security: 24-hour guard-gated entry

The Golf Experience at Cove Cay:

18-hole PAR 71 golf course with stunning waterfront views — one of the most scenic public/semi-private courses in Pinellas County
Golf shop on-site for equipment, lessons, and tee time reservations
Fairway views directly from residential balconies and ground-floor lanais
Optional golf membership — residents can choose their level of participation

The Marina Experience:

Cove Cay Marina with boat storage, rentals, and a variety of water activities
Direct access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast boating network
Dock slips and kayak access for residents

Full Amenity Package:

Amenity
Details
Golf Course
18-hole PAR 71 with bay views
Marina
Boat storage, rentals, dock access
Pool & Spa
Heated community pool and spa
Clubhouse
Updated recreation building
Restaurant/Pub
On-site dining for residents
Security
24-hour guard gate
Transportation
Golf cart community — preferred mode of transit
Included in HOA
Lawn maintenance, trash, water, basic cable & internet

The Cove Cay Lifestyle:

Cove Cay is divided into four villages — each with its own pool and clubhouse, creating a community-within-a-community feel. The master association oversees common areas, security, and the golf course and marina facilities, ensuring consistent standards across the entire property. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation within the community, rolling through lush fairways, past flowering landscaping, and around the sparkling bay-view ponds.

Every unit features lanais, walk-in closets, and picture windows with panoramic views — whether overlooking the golf fairways, Tampa Bay, the marina, or the beautifully maintained grounds. Interior views never get old here.

Best suited for: Golf enthusiasts, boaters, first-time Florida buyers, downsizers seeking an active lifestyle, and investors looking for strong rental potential at an accessible entry price. Cove Cay's price point makes it one of the best value gated communities in the entire Tampa Bay region.

2. Feather Sound / Club at Feather Sound — Executive Golf Living Between Clearwater and St. Pete

Positioned strategically between Clearwater and St. Petersburg — and minutes from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport — the Feather Sound area offers a cluster of gated and deed-restricted golf communities centered around the Feather Sound Country Club.

Property types: Condominiums (including Crystal Bay), single-family homes, and townhomes
Price range: $175,000 to $400,000+ for condos; $450,000 to $700,000+ for single-family homes
Golf: Feather Sound Country Club — an 18-hole championship layout winding through a beautifully managed natural setting
Community feel: Executive and professional community with a balance of permanent residents and corporate transplants

Key features of Feather Sound communities:

Golf course views from many condo patios and home backyards
Crystal Bay condos offer ground-floor units directly on the fairways with heated community pools and on-site management
Convenient commuter location — quick access to I-275 for Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater
Wildlife-rich environment — egrets, herons, osprey, and other Florida birds are constant companions on morning walks
Strong rental demand from airport-adjacent professionals and airline crew
3. https://agentsgather.com/gated-communities-in-clearwater/