Is East Countryside safe?
Clearwater, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates East Countryside as “Go”.
Gogo's take on East Countryside
“Go. East Countryside is a tranquil, upscale suburban area in northeastern Clearwater with very low violent crime rates and an established residential profile. Visitors will feel completely secure visiting its parks, golf amenities, and shopping corridors, provided standard precautions regarding locking vehicles in retail parking lots are observed.”
About the area
East Countryside is a leafy, master-planned suburban community characterized by manicured subdivisions, golf fairways, and convenient retail hubs near McMullen Booth Road and State Road 580. It attracts families and retirees seeking quiet, safe residential living within easy reach of Safety Harbor, Dunedin, and Tampa Bay.
- Suburban / Leafy
- Family-Friendly
- Golf Community
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in East Countryside
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but the multi-use Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail and Duke Energy Trail pass nearby, offering dedicated paved off-street biking across northern Pinellas County.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Substantially lower violent crime rates compared to county and national medians
- High median household incomes and a high rate of owner-occupied single-family homes
- Well-maintained streetscapes with mature canopy trees and manicured community landscaping
- Direct proximity to regional medical facilities and top-rated public parks
Cons
- Car-dependent infrastructure with limited dedicated pedestrian walkways on main arterial roads
- Occasional petty property theft and vehicle break-ins in commercial parking plazas along major corridors
- Heavy suburban commuter congestion during rush hours along McMullen Booth Road and SR 580
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in East Countryside, with only infrequent panhandlers occasionally seen near major highway intersections along State Road 580 and US-19 outside the residential core.
What East Countryside is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, dog walkers, and golfers heading out amid light neighborhood traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Quiet and sunlit across residential enclaves, while arterial retail plazas see moderate, hassle-free daytime activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential with families walking pets and diners heading to local eateries; feels very safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and low-activity with virtually no foot traffic, maintaining a safe and dark residential atmosphere.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) with bus routes like Route 62 and Route 67 serving perimeter corridors like SR 580 and McMullen Booth Rd; service is infrequent and personal vehicles are the primary mode of travel.
Parking is exceptionally easy and universally free throughout shopping centers, office parks, and residential driveways, with no paid street meters or public garages needed.
Things to do in East Countryside
- Play a round of golf or attend social events at the Countryside Country Club
- Hike, jog, or enjoy the sports amenities and tree shade at Countryside Park
- Shop, dine, or ice skate at the nearby Westfield Countryside mall just west of the neighborhood
Local favorites
- Nona Slice House - Safety Harbor · Pizza Restaurant · 4.7★ (1280)Award-winning artisanal pizzeria serving diverse regional pizza styles just minutes from East Countryside.
- Tiki Docks Skyway Bar + Grill · Seafood & Grill · 4.3★ (1650)Vibrant Polynesian-inspired restaurant and bar offering seafood, tropical cocktails, and outdoor patio seating.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe · Breakfast & Brunch · 4.5★ (1420)Popular upscale breakfast spot featuring chef-driven brunch classics, craft cocktails, and Southern-inspired fare.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.