The modern town of Clyde could be described as a little town with a big heart. After the dam construction was finished, the population settled at just over 800 people although people living on the Earnscleugh Flats, Mutton town, and Springvale areas consider Clyde to be their home town.
Until fairly recently Clyde was a sleepy hollow, a popular place to retire to for many people from Otago and Southland. It came alive in summer when a huge influx of holidaymakers – up to 5 thousand – descended upon the town. Many of them owned land or holiday homes in the area. But that is changing.
The impact of the rapid economic development in Central Otago during the past two or three years has seen a significant increase in the price of land and houses as well as large subdivisions and houses being built. There are a number of lifestyle blocks.
The major activities and industries in the district are pastoral farming, orcharding, viticulture, and hospitality.
Health Care : Dunstan Hospital, the major hospital for Central Otago, is based in Clyde and dates back to 1863. The aging hospital was upgraded and refurbished at a cost of several million dollars and was opened in November, 2005. Local GP’s (doctors) are based in Alexandra, ten minutes drive away.
Education : Clive has a thriving Play Centre and a quality primary school. A school bus provides a service to secondary schooling in Alexandra although some parents chose to send their children to boarding schools further afield.
Facilities : Two general stores, camping ground, community hall, swimming pool, Volunteer Fire Brigade, petrol station and garage, a thriving hospitality industry providing dining and accommodation, several parks, 3 museums, 3 churches, Lake Dunstan (boating, swimming) the Masonic Lodge Hall – one of the gems of the historic town - and many beautiful gardens.
Clubs/organisations : Most sports including bowling, rowing, and rugby. Tennis courts, and a golf course. There is also a bridge club and a theatre group.
Climate : Hot and dry in summer with temperatures easing into the 30-35 degree Celsius range. The spectacular autumn colours lead into very cold and frosty winters with snow on the surrounding mountains. Sometimes there are hoar frosts creating breathtaking scenery and bitter cold. The average rainfall is about 440mm a year.
