Is Clearwater safe?
Houston, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Clearwater as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Clearwater
“Go. Clearwater is a peaceful, established suburban enclave in Houston's Clear Lake area that offers a secure and low-stress environment for visitors. Violent crime is rare, and the neighborhood benefits from high homeownership and active community upkeep. Standard precautions against occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins are all that is typically needed.”
About the area
Clearwater is a quiet, tree-lined residential community situated within Houston's greater Clear Lake district near the NASA Johnson Space Center. It is characterized by well-kept mid-to-late 20th-century single-family homes, neighborhood cul-de-sacs, and easy access to coastal recreation and bayous. The area serves primarily as a tranquil bedroom community for professionals in the aerospace, medical, and petrochemical industries.
- Suburban / Quiet
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Established Residential
Walking and biking in Clearwater
Walk score: 34/100 · Bike score: 46/100
Internal residential streets are pleasant for casual biking, with nearby connections to paved conservation paths at Exploration Green, though dedicated on-street bike lanes on major arterials are sparse.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Houston municipal and national averages
- High median household incomes, low poverty, and strong homeownership rates foster well-maintained properties
- Proximity to major Bay Area attractions, greenways, and waterfront parks along Clear Lake
Cons
- Heavy car dependency with virtually no commercial amenities within direct walking distance
- Occasional property offenses such as unlocked vehicle trespassing and package theft
- Prone to localized street ponding during intense Gulf Coast rain events and tropical storms
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the Clearwater residential streets, with only occasional panhandling observed further away along major intersections near the Gulf Freeway.
What Clearwater is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Very safe and calm, with residents jogging, walking pets, and commuting out of the neighborhood.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet suburban environment with minimal through traffic and active public parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Peaceful and secure for evening strolls, though street lighting is subdued on residential cul-de-sacs.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low-activity and quiet; pedestrian traffic is virtually nonexistent, but safety remains high.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by Houston METRO, primarily through commuter Park & Ride routes (such as Route 246/247) to Downtown Houston; there is no light rail access, and local bus frequency is very limited.
Parking is free and exceptionally easy throughout the neighborhood on private driveways and wide residential streets, with large free surface parking lots at all nearby shopping plazas.
Things to do in Clearwater
- Tour astronaut training facilities and historic space exhibits at nearby Space Center Houston
- Hike scenic boardwalk trails and spot native wildlife at Armand Bayou Nature Center
- Enjoy waterfront breezes, playgrounds, and picnic spots at Clear Lake Park along NASA Parkway
Local favorites
- Frenchie's Italian Restaurant · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1250)Long-running neighborhood staple adorned with space memorabilia, serving classic pasta dishes and pizzas.
- Nobi Public House · Gastropub · 4.6★ (1420)Popular local craft beer taproom pairing extensive draft selections with Vietnamese-fusion pub fare.
- Boondoggles Pub · Pub & Grill · 4.4★ (1850)Lively nearby gathering spot featuring wood-fired pizzas, craft brews, and outdoor waterfront patio seating.
Neighborhoods near Clearwater
Common questions about Clearwater
Is Clearwater safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Clearwater a good place to live?
On safety, Clearwater scores 85/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Clearwater?
Walk score 34/100 and bike score 46/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Clearwater are safer?
North Friendswood (90), Heritage Park Pointe (90), Clear Lake (Houston) (87) score higher nearby.
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