Is Sunfish Bay safe?
Clearwater, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Sunfish Bay as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Sunfish Bay
“Go. Sunfish Bay is a quiet, waterfront condominium community in eastern Clearwater that offers a safe and peaceful residential environment. Visitors staying here or visiting residents face minimal safety concerns beyond basic property awareness. It serves as a comfortable, low-stress base for exploring Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region.”
About the area
Sunfish Bay is a scenic bayfront residential community situated along the western edge of Old Tampa Bay in eastern Clearwater. Characterized by low-rise condominiums, tennis courts, and boardwalks over tidal wetlands, the area is predominantly residential and tranquil. It provides convenient access to both the Courtney Campbell Causeway into Tampa and downtown Clearwater to the west.
- Quiet Waterfront
- Residential / HOA
- Coastal Retreat
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Sunfish Bay
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 58/100
While there is no municipal bike-share station on site, the nearby Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail offers a direct, paved multi-use connection across northern Pinellas County to Safety Harbor and the Pinellas Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent and property crime rates compared to central Clearwater corridors
- Well-maintained waterfront grounds and private residential community atmosphere
- Direct proximity to the Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail for outdoor recreation
- Stable residential occupancy with established homeowner association oversight
Cons
- Isolated from walkable retail and dining, requiring a vehicle for errands
- Occasional vehicle break-ins reported in nearby shared parking lots and corridor access points
- Low-lying coastal exposure makes the area susceptible to coastal storm surge and flooding
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence within Sunfish Bay's private residential grounds, though occasional individuals may be encountered along major commercial intersections like US-19 or Gulf to Bay Boulevard.
What Sunfish Bay is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with residents walking dogs and enjoying sunrises over Old Tampa Bay.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with light residential traffic and maintenance activity.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and tranquil with residents relaxing on balconies or around waterfront common areas.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and quiet; streets and parking lots are generally safe, though standard awareness is advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) operates bus routes along nearby arterial roads such as Route 60 and Drew Street, but direct service into the complex is limited and a vehicle or rideshare is strongly recommended.
Parking within Sunfish Bay consists of assigned and visitor surface spaces managed by the condominium association; street parking is minimal and strictly regulated.
Things to do in Sunfish Bay
- Stroll the community boardwalks and view wildlife across the waters of Old Tampa Bay
- Bike or run along the nearby Ream Wilson Clearwater Trail connecting to Safety Harbor
- Play tennis or relax at the bayfront community amenities and adjacent parks
Local favorites
- Rumba Island Bar & Grill · Caribbean Seafood Restaurant · 4.5★ (4650)Lively nearby tropical eatery known for island fare, fresh seafood, and tiki cocktails.
- Nona Slice House · Pizza Restaurant · 4.7★ (1280)Acclaimed local pizzeria nearby in Safety Harbor serving multiple regional pizza styles.
- Whistle Stop Grill and Bar · American Grill · 4.5★ (1640)Casual, pet-friendly outdoor dining spot serving burgers and craft beers in a neighborhood setting.
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.