East Lake Tarpon - Palm Harbor, FL

During Florida’s population boom in the 1920s, Pinellas County saw an influx of new residents. However, East Lake remained undeveloped. After World War II, area development surged again, and by the mid-20th century Pinellas County became densely populated. During the 1960s, East Lake development expanded the Pinellas County area, providing much-needed housing for the county’s ever-growing population. Less than 10 miles from East Lake, Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor house several museums including the Replay Amusement Museum on Tarpon Avenue in Tarpon Springs and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art on East Klosterman Road in Palm Harbor. Residents drive into Tampa in January for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest, in February for the Florida State Fair and in April for Festa Italiana Weekend. Approximately 20 miles north of East Lake, in Largo, Heritage Village hosts the annual Pinellas Folk Festival, Country Jubilee and Holidays in the Village.

The majority of the restaurants in the western portion of East Lake sit along East Lake Road. The area doesn't house any upscale dining establishments, but residents have a variety of cuisine options, including Malaysian and Chinese cuisine, sushi and pizza. Bunga Raya Malaysian Cuisine & Sushi Bar on Ridgemoor Boulevard serves a variety of Malaysian fare that combines elements of Chinese, Indian, Eurasian, Borneo and Nyonya cuisine to create flavorful dishes that tantalize your taste buds. A few menu favorites include: curry chicken with potatoes and sambal shrimp sauteed in spicy Malaysian shrimp paste. The establishment also serves Japanese teriyaki and sushi that can't be beat. Regulars rave about the restaurant's Tempura traditional roll and recommend completing your meal with a cup of hot tea. Visit Vetture's Restaurant and Pizzeria on East Lake Road for incredible Italian food and some of the best pizza in the Tampa area. Locals praise the Crispino Pie; a thin-crust pizza topped with light marinara, fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. If you don't want pizza, order the eggplant parmesan or the chicken wings -- both come highly recommended. A handful of sports bars comprises the evening entertainment options in East Lake. Lagerhaus Brewery & Grill on East Lake Road serves a diverse range of handcrafted brews that attracts patrons from all over the area. Another popular option, Mixers Bar & Grill features karaoke on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar also features a daily happy hour from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. To have a few drinks while you watch the game, visit East Lake Varsity Club.

The majority of East Lake residents depend on their own vehicles for transportation. Ample free parking provided by local businesses, direct access to Route 611 and a limited selection of alternative transportation options makes driving the easiest option. The neighborhoods in East Lake sit on fairly flat land and have wide, well-maintained roads and sidewalks. However, walking and bike riding remains a leisurely activity because most amenities don’t sit within walking distance, and the area’s major thoroughfares don’t have sidewalks or bike lanes. You can’t hail a cab in East Lake, but a few local taxi companies schedule rides via the phone and Uber services the area. The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority operates four bus routes in the area -- the East Lake Connector, the Countryside/Oldsmar/Tampa Connector and bus routes 62 and 67.

The only park in the western portion of East Lake, Brooker Creek Preserve, features an environmental education center with exhibits, displays and classes, hiking and horse riding trails, and scenic boardwalks. The Friends Trail spans 1.75 miles, making it a great place for walkers and joggers to exercise. The park hosts several events, including Book Time at the Brooker, a free storytime program for preschool-age children, and the annual Fall Wildflower Festival. Just west of East Lake, Keystone Park features a playground, basketball and tennis courts, and soccer and softball fields. The park also has picnic shelters and a community garden. Keystone Park welcomes dogs. However, they must remain on their leashes at all times.

East Lake's cost of living averages around 13 percent higher than the average cost of living in Tampa. Expect to pay approximately $1006 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence, and between $5 and $7 for a beer at a local bar. A one-way bus ride costs $2, and gas prices average around 1 percent higher than the national average.

Stores such as GameStop, Target, and pharmacies sit along Route 611, making it easy for residents to complete several errands in a short amount of time. Visit Landmark Nursery on East Lake Road for all of your gardening needs. The nursery spans six acres and features a diverse selection of flowers, trees, shrubbery and ground covers. Purchase stepping stones, fountains, garden ornaments and outdoor rugs that complement your garden or browse the store’s massive selection of plant containers from places such as Italy, Spain, Mexico and China. For jewelry, visit August Stephenson on Tampa Road. The family-owned store showcases bridal jewelry, watches and designer jewelry. It also carries a large selection of gemstone and pearl jewelry. Visit the store to get your jewelry appraised, repaired or engraved. East Lake residents complete their grocery shopping at one of the several Publix Supermarket locations in western East Lake or Winn Dixie on Race Track Road. Visit Jems Natural Living on Sheldon Road for natural and organic products. For fresh produce, baked goods and deli meat, visit Joe’s Farm Fresh Produce Market on Tampa Road, Organic Farmers Market on Gunn Highway or Keystone Farmers Market on Tarpon Springs Road.