Clear Lake Shores is one of Texas' most interesting cities. It has evolved from a location for summer homes to a year-round community. It has a wonderful diverse group of residents who share a love of living by the water.
Clear Lake Shores is an island community on the south shore of Clear Lake, with an interesting history which adds to the mystique of this diverse neighborhood. The town has two bridges to the main thoroughfares and is surrounded by Clear Lake. Quaint bungalows with wraparound porches sit peacefully beside fancy new mansions on stilts in this waterfront city. What started off as a small fishing village of weekend homes is now home to mostly permanent residents. Now, new homes are being built all over the island.
Clear Lake Shores has seen many changes ? from a time when it was sparsely populated during the Depression, to today, when houses up to 7,000 square feet have been built along the lake. The city, which is a bird sanctuary, is home to 1,443 people, and has 1,500 boat slips. Some live on yachts at the city˙s three marinas ? Watergate, Portofino and Legend Point. The U.S. Senate has named Clear Lake Shores as, "The Yachting Capital of Texas" because the city has more boat slips than people.
Many homes in Clear Lake Shores come with boat slips surrounding the island. The shoreline lots are leased to residents for 10-year periods. This was done originally because the city could not afford to bulkhead the entire island. Leaseholders are responsible for the bulkhead and many keep 10˙ to 40˙ boats at their waterfront. One of the benefits is that many interior homes have boat slips and their own little piece of the waterfront.
Clear Lake Shores also has five waterfront parks to enjoy. Overall, all residents have a waterview every time they drive to and from home. There are also some great restaurants such as Joe Lee˙s Kitchen, South Shore Beer Garden, Portofino and Skippers. There is even a local pub, The Sandbar.
Clear Lake Shores has the characteristics of a small town. During one hurricane when the electricity was out, the police chief went from house to house to pick up thawing meat for a city-wide barbecue. Residents gather for the Clear Lake Christmas Boat Parade, Fireworks, Thanksgiving Buffet and other events. Other boating events include the October Boat Show at Watergate Marina.
Clear Lake Shores is a truly historic, eclectic community in a quickly developing neighborhood. Nearby, Kemah is becoming a major attraction and houses continue to be built in South Shore Harbour, Kemah, Clear Lake Shores and Seabrook every day. Home prices continue to rise andthe community spirit is alive and well. For living on the waterfront, Clear Lake Shores offers it all.
