Jasmine Estates - Port Richey, FL

The Port Richey region received its name in honor of A.M. Richey, who settled the area in 1883. He built his homestead near the Pithlachascotee River and established a post office, small store and ferry service along the river. It wasn’t until 1911 that New Port Richey developed and soon became a coveted spot to live, attracting big names such as composer Irving Berlin and golfer Gene Sarazen, who invented his famous sand wedge while living in New Port Richey.

Attending regional events such as the Friday Night Market in New Port Richey or the Suncoast Arts Fest in Wesley Chapel help create a strong sense of community. Although Jasmine Estates lacks a strong arts and culture presence, it does have two art galleries: Tammy White Galleries and Standing Art Tattoos and Art Gallery. The nearest museum, located at the West Pasco Historical Society in New Port Richey, brings area history to life.

In an area filled with takeout joints and chain restaurants, several locally owned eateries stand out, including Mediterranean Grille on Ridge Road. With fresh and tangy Greek salads, meaty gyros, comforting avgolemono soup and chicken souvlaki, the menu offerings transport you straight to Greece. Reasonable prices, healthy portions and high-quality food keep locals coming back time and again.

Argento's Italian Bistro specializes in authentic Italian dishes such as crab stuffed mushrooms, antipasto for two, zuppa de pesce, eggplant rollentini and chicken saltimbocca, along with gourmet pizzas and stromboli. If you leave enough room for dessert, sample some of the freshly baked Italian pastries, which include cannolis and Neapolitans.

The nightlife scene tends to be rather limited in Jasmine Estates, but residents can choose from a few outstanding bars nearby, including Ridge Road Tavern. In addition to friendly service, you can expect $1.50 drafts during happy hour, live bands every Friday night, and karaoke on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Joining one of Ridge Road Tavern's pool, bowling or darts leagues makes it easy to get to know some of the other people in the neighborhood.

Order an ice-cold drink and relax under the thatched roof of Rum River Bar and Grill's tiki hut. This tropical-themed restaurant and bar, located on Bayview Street, features some of the best water views around. It also has happy hour specials, live music and an eclectic menu that includes oysters on the half shell, sesame encrusted tuna and a tasty variation on a Reuben, made with fried grouper. In addition to serving some of the freshest oysters in Pasco County, Skinny's Bar and Grill in nearby Hudson always has the big game on, and it hosts live entertainment and events such as poker and cornhole tournaments, mechanical bull riding, and line dancing lessons. Earlier in the evening, the crowd tends to be low-key, but this local dive bar picks up steam as the night continues.

Proximity to commuter roadways and public transportation allows residents to navigate the area easily with their personal vehicles. Pasco County Public Transportation provides service in Jasmine Estates with several bus routes accessible from Gulf View Square Mall, including routes 19, 21, 23 and 25. These bus routes connect residents with area destinations such as Hollywood 18 Theaters, Southgate Plaza, Universal Plaza, Tarpon Mall, Regional Medical Center, Hudson Beach, Regency Crossing, Seven Springs Boulevard, Pasco Square and Veterans Village.

Most professionals in Jasmine Estates drive or carpool to get to work. U.S. Route 19 serves as the main thoroughfare, making it easy and fast to travel to nearby areas such as Spring Hill to the north and New Port Richey, Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor and Clearwater to the south. To get to Tampa and points east, residents can take State Road 54 to Florida Route 589, a toll road that connects with Interstate 275.

The neighborhood features plentiful parking and shared roadways for biking. On a beautiful afternoon, you may see your neighbors out walking for exercise, but most people drive to run errands and travel within the region.

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park features three separate entrances, each with an honor station for paying a modest entrance fee. The main entrance opens on Route 19 just beyond Walmart, with another entrance just off State Road 52 and the last near Cinema Drive. Although the park has minimal amenities, its untouched marshlands, deep salt spring and ample wildlife viewing opportunities make it an ideal destination to spend a quiet afternoon getting closer to nature. Launch your kayak from the kayak dock and paddle your way through the marsh's scenic inlets and bayous.

Sims Park in nearby New Port Richey hosts concerts in the park and festivals, such as the Native American Festival and Chasco Fiesta. The park welcomes leashed pets and has open green space, a paved walkway along the Pithlachascotee River, a boat dock and a playground for children.

Affordability contributes to the allure of living in Jasmine Estates. Cost of living in this area hovers approximately 12 percent below the state average and stays significantly lower than Tampa's average. Prices for health care, goods and services, and housing typically remain reasonably priced. For example, renting a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $574. If you enjoy going out for a cold one, you can expect to pay around $3 for a pint of domestic beer at local bars.

Transportation costs in the area also remain reasonable. One-way fare on a Pasco County Bus costs $1.50, although you can purchase an unlimited day pass for $3.75. Gas prices in Jasmine Estates typically hover 4 to 5 percent below the national average, allowing drivers to fill their tanks without breaking the bank.

Although you might need to drive to Tampa or downtown St. Petersburg for a serious shopping session, the sleepy shopping scene in the Jasmine Estates area has a few options, including some major chains and big name stores located along Route 19. Gulf View Square serves as one of the biggest shopping hubs in the Jasmine Estates area. In addition to housing shopping-mall regulars such as Bath and Body Works, the center also features a few specialty stores. You can shop for collectibles at Fasia, charms and chains at Jewels N Time, or specialty menswear at On Point Fashions. A few locally owned specialty shops are also located nearby, including Back Home Imports on Rowan Road. In addition to carrying a variety of Yankee Candles, this spacious country store also carries funky and unique wall decor, vases, statues, incense burners, artful tart burners, fragrance oils and aroma nightlights. Little Owls Children's Boutique specializes in affordable baby, kids' and maternity clothing. This consignment boutique also carries furniture, toys and baby gear rentals. When you need to get groceries, you can choose from several area markets, including Walmart Supercenter, Publix, and Aldi. Nearby farmers markets, including Little Road Farm Stand in New Port Richey, are the perfect spots to stock up on fresh produce, and Quality Blue Farms in Hudson lets you pick your own blueberries.