Clarisse's family, who lives next door to the Montag's house, is different in that they are still interested in each other as human beings. While people in the rest of society (represented primarily in Mildred) live their lives connected only on a superficial level, Clarisse's family (in particular her uncle) have discussions that last into the night. While Mildred's friends joke in all seriousness about getting rid of their children as soon as possible, Clarisse's family nurtures her and gives her advice.
Honestly, I think the neighbors are different in order to provide a foil to the Montags. Clarisse sparks Guy's awakening, and she could not do so without some background that would nurture her awareness of the real world.
In regards to Montag's feelings for Clarisse, I think he is in awe of her more than he is in love with her. If she were a few years older, then I think he could fall in love with her (provided the emotion love has not been obliterated from his emotional repertoire). However, with things as they are, he ends up feeling vaguely paternal towards her, in spite of the fact that Clarisse has more knowledge of the world than he does.
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