Greater New Port Richey North - New Port Richey, FL

New Port Richey - which was originally known as Hickory Hammock - was named after Captain Aaron Richey. The New Port Richey Land Company developed downtown and the surrounding areas in 1911. The community was a retirement community. Around the same time, the city began to attract a variety of Hollywood stars who came to visit and enjoy the quiet. A movie theater was planned, but the Great Depression halted that development. Today the area has close to 16,000 residents.

The greater New Port Richey North area has several museums and art activities. The Safford House Museum lies just to the south approximately 7 miles away. The museum provides a peek into the lives of the people who lived in the area in the late 1800s.

Each year New Port Richey hosts the Saint George family fair and festival, which provides exhibits, crafts, home-grown products and art activities.

From fast food chains to the best locally-owned restaurants, residents in the greater New Port Richey north neighborhood have a large selection of food options. A melting pot of bistros and fine eateries, this area provides everything from fine dining establishments perfect for your special occasions to family-friendly restaurants that make a cook's night out a breeze.

Caposey's Whole Works Restaurant provides home-cooked meals and excellent service at affordable prices. This family-friendly restaurant serves up southern fare, American favorites and gluten-free menu items for those with special dietary needs. Locals give the eggs Benedict high ratings, and you should sample the tasty grits coupled with freshly-cooked sausage. For an excellent slice of pizza, the Country Pizza Inn creates a new twist on a favorite fast-food meal. Serving award-winning pizza on a daily basis, this restaurant prepares all of its food fresh. Those new to the establishment should start with an order of the fresh fried mushroom crisps and end the meal with one of the homemade desserts, such as the strawberry cheesecake. You should also sample the queen margherita pizza or the classic country pizza special with four different kinds of meat.

If you want spicy authentic Mexican cuisine, Estela's Mexican Restaurant remains a local favorite. This casual establishments provides the perfect atmosphere for after-work gatherings and weekend get-togethers. Watch your favorite sport on one of the big screen TVs while snacking on an order of cheese dip with jalapeños. Another renowned item to try is the monster burrito, which satisfies any hungry appetite.

Even though New Port Richey doesn't offer much of a nightlife, you won't run out of things to do with St. Petersburg and Tampa close by. Five miles to the south in Holiday, Brennan's Sports Pub provides a great gathering hole to sit back, relax and take in the big game with friends. In Tampa, the Blue Martini Lounge remains the place to go for corporate gatherings. Enjoy drinks on the outdoor patio or dance the night away in the stage room. The elegant décor and high-end atmosphere make you feel like a VIP from the minute you walk in.

The greater New Port Richey north neighborhood provides many different methods of public transportation. Most residents prefer to travel by automobile due to the distance to Tampa and St. Petersburg, easy access to U.S. 19, Massachusetts Avenue and Rowan Road, and cheap, easy-to-find parking.

The Pasco County Public Transportation system has buses that go from various spots around New Port Richey into downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg. This town lies just outside of the Uber service area, but if you want to contact a local cab company you can schedule a pickup anywhere in the area. Bike paths and pedestrian walkways provide an alternative method of travel, but remain primarily used for recreation.

Take your pick of the beautiful white sand beaches and spacious parks in the area to provide a wealth of outdoor activity. The Francis Avenue Park lies in a tranquil location within the city. The park has a playground for children and a beautiful view of the Pithlachascotee River. Pets can be brought into the park as long as they remain on a leash.

Located 7 miles southwest in Holiday, the Anclote River Park features a 300-foot beach, a boat launch, designated fishing areas and a large picnic pavilion for parties and special events. Use of both parks remains free of charge with the exception of the pavilion which requires a small fee for reservations.

For those who enjoy a dose of competition, the Gobbler 5K and 10K run benefits those who can't run for themselves. Target sponsors the event, and you can even sign up your children for the kids' run to make it a family event.

With affordable housing and a low cost of living, New Port Richey remains a popular place for relocation for those interested in making Florida their home. The cost of living hovers around 11 percent lower than the city of Tampa and approximately 9 percent less than the city of St. Petersburg. A one-bedroom apartment runs around $529 per month.

A bus ride to downtown Tampa from the greater New Port Richey north neighborhood costs $2, and for those who depend on automobile transport, the cost of a gallon of gas lies around 1.4 percent lower than the national average. A glass of beer at a local pub costs around $3.

From shopping malls and discount chains to high-end boutiques, New Port Richey satisfies anyone who loves to shop.

For the best prices in children's clothing, the Little Owls Children's Boutique has a massive selection of all sizes and styles to fill your child's closet. The shop also has a large selection of toys and gently used baby items. For those on a budget, the shop rents toys, car seats, high chairs and other necessities at cheap prices.

Located 8 miles south, along East Tarpon Avenue in Tarpon Springs, the Mad Hatter General Store brings an old-fashioned touch to a modern general store. Chat with the friendly owners while browsing the selection of jewelry, hats, military surplus and other unique items. Try on a new outfit or purchase a retro toy for your collection. The shop gets new inventory often, so you never know what treasures you might find on your next visit.

Purchasing plus-sized clothes does not have to be a challenge. Glamour Girlz Plus LLC Boutique in Hudson, located just 7 miles to the north on County Road, provides everything you need to create a stylish and sophisticated wardrobe for all occasions. You can also choose from a selection of handbags and hard-to-find gift items for that someone special on your list.

For grocery shopping, you won't have to leave the area to find everything you need. Major chains include Publix, Save-A-Lot, Kroger and Winn-Dixie, and if you need specialty hard-to-find organic items, the Organic Farmers Market lies just 18 miles southeast of the city. The Saturday Morning Farmers Market in St. Petersburg remains a popular place among residents in the area. This large market features fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers. You can also find pastries, canned goods and kettle corn.