Is Highland Lakes safe?
Clearwater, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Highland Lakes as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Highland Lakes
“Go. Highland Lakes is a remarkably safe, quiet master-planned 55+ and residential community with virtually negligible violent crime. Visitors will find manicured streets, private golf courses, and peaceful lakeside surroundings. The main considerations are that it is strictly residential, highly car-dependent, and some community amenities are reserved for residents.”
About the area
Highland Lakes is an established, peaceful residential enclave located in northern Pinellas County just north of central Clearwater. It is characterized by scenic retention lakes, golf fairways, tidy single-story homes, and a predominantly retired and active-adult demographic. While largely non-commercial internally, it sits minutes from major dining, coastal parks, and retail corridors along US Highway 19.
- Suburban
- Retirement Haven
- Quiet & Peaceful
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Highland Lakes
Walk score: 22/100 · Bike score: 41/100
Internal streets are calm and easy to cycle on, but accessing the regional Pinellas Trail requires navigating busy multi-lane thoroughfares several miles to the west; no municipal bike-share is present.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are practically non-existent, well below both state and national averages
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained properties create a secure, stable neighborhood environment
- Quiet, low-traffic residential streets with dedicated neighborhood security patrols and active community watch
Cons
- Almost completely car-dependent with minimal direct commercial amenities within walking distance
- Proximity to high-speed arterial roads like US-19 requires extra driving caution when entering or exiting
- Many internal recreation facilities and clubhouses are restricted to community HOA members and registered guests
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Highland Lakes due to its suburban, residential layout and active neighborhood oversight.
What Highland Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and pleasant, with residents walking dogs, jogging, and driving golf carts along quiet residential streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with low traffic volume, feeling completely safe and secure throughout all residential sectors.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Tranquil and calm, with minimal vehicle movement and well-lit residential drives.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and quiet with negligible street activity, maintaining an exceptionally safe environment with no active nightlife hazards.
Transit, parking and getting around
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) provides service primarily along US-19 and Nebraska Ave via Route 19, though service within the interior neighborhood is virtually non-existent without a car.
Parking is abundant and free in private driveways, HOA clubhouse lots, and adjacent commercial strip centers; on-street parking is subject to local HOA restrictions.
Things to do in Highland Lakes
- Play a round on the 27-hole executive golf course at the Highland Lakes Golf Club (for residents and accompanied guests)
- Enjoy catch-and-release fishing or scenic views along the community's interior lakes and Tarpon Lake canal access
- Take a short five-minute drive to explore the boardwalks and boat ramps at nearby John Chesnut Sr. Park on Lake Tarpon
Local favorites
- Mystic Fish Seafood Grill & Bar · Seafood Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)Upscale neighborhood staple serving fresh local catch, steaks, and craft cocktails in an intimate setting.
- Fireside Pizza Cafe · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (820)Cozy local eatery known for wood-fired pizzas, hearty pasta dishes, and friendly table service.
- The Lucky Dill Deli · Deli & Bakery · 4.4★ (4650)Bustling nearby New York-style deli featuring massive specialty sandwiches, pastrami, and an expansive on-site bakery.
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.