New Port Richey East - New Port Richey, FL

The history of New Port Richey East, a neighborhood within the Tampa suburb of New Port Richey, dates back to 1915. New Port Richey came to be when a postal office was built for residents of the southern portion of Port Richey, a town named after Aaron M. Richey, a settler who traveled to the area in 1883. Officially incorporated in 1924, New Port Richey quickly became the home to silent film star Thomas Meighan who spent the winter months in the area, as well as pro golfer Gene Sarazen.

Each year, New Port Richey hosts the Chasco Fiesta, an annual boat and street parade that was first held in 1922 and re-established in 1947. The West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library was established in New Port Richey in 1973 and holds multiple exhibits featuring Native American artifacts and historic items such as antiques and early photographs.

New Port Richey East residents live in close proximity to multiple eateries and nightspots, with many popular establishments located on Main Street. When locals want a hearty breakfast, they often take a short trip to Main Street and dine at Christina's, a casual restaurant with a cozy outdoor seating and a vast menu of breakfast and lunch items. Regulars rave over the Greek omelette, a fluffy delight filled with feta cheese, juicy green peppers, tomatoes and onions; it's served with a choice of home fries or homemade grits. Famous Sal's Pizza has dine-in, carry-out and delivery options for its huge, unique pies. Pile on mounds of meatballs as part of a meat lover's pizza, or try the stuffed pizza with steak, onions, peppers and mushrooms for a taste similar to a Philly cheesesteak. If you don't want pizza, the place serves burgers, stromboli, hoagies, pasta and other sandwiches.

If you have a taste for a light vegetarian meal or fresh poultry, stop in to Seven Springs Souvlaki, a popular Greek restaurant on Seven Springs Road specializing in vegetarian dishes and farm-to-table meat and chicken options. Local vegetarians recommend the spinach pie, a light and flaky combination of filo dough, spinach, authentic Greek herbs and feta cheese. Leave room for dessert, as the baklava cheesecake might just change your life.

For an entertaining afternoon or evening of football and drinks with friends, locals recommend 1st Down Sports Bar on Main Street. With 13 televisions for your viewing pleasure, dart tournaments and bloody mary specials on Sunday, 1st Down provides the perfect environment for serious sports enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a great place to socialize and dance the night away, Cocktails on Grand Boulevard can definitely help you kick up your heels. From Dubster Voltage Tuesday dance nights and Wednesday night karaoke to live music every Friday night, Cocktails has something for every type of fun-seeking individual.

The neighborhoods in New Port Richey East are safe for both walking and biking, and residents also have access to multiple Pasco County Department of Transportation bus stops located on Lemon Street and Dolly Bay Drive. Cyclists take advantage of more than 40 miles of cycling lanes throughout the city. Local buses run into downtown and central Tampa. Neighborhood residents do not hail taxicabs, but they can easily schedule pick-ups with Express Cab of New Port Richey; however, ride-sharing services such as Uber are banned throughout Tampa.

Residents of New Port Richey East can easily access US Highway 19 North when traveling out of the neighborhood, allowing for convenient commuting into central Tampa. Residents are allowed to park on residential streets during the time periods listed on enforcement signs throughout the neighborhood and can also use metered parking in the historic downtown area.

New Port Richey East residents enjoy the benefits of living within close proximity to several free parks that provide multiple amenities. Located on the banks of the Pithlachascotee River, Cotee River Park provides boat docks, kayak launches, walking trails and jogging trails, making it the perfect location for fitness enthusiasts. Dogs are also allowed in Cotee River Park as long as they remain leashed. For dogs who long to roam free, Meadows Dog Park on Meadowbrook Lane provides a quiet, secluded area for small and large off-leash dogs, as well as a playground for children. Every Fourth of July, New Port Richey East residents head to Sims Park on Main Street to enjoy the annual Independence Day celebration, complete with fireworks, food, games and music.

The cost of living in New Port Richey East falls approximately 11 percent lower than the Tampa average, with residents paying approximately $686 per month for one-bedroom rentals. Public bus transportation fares into the city range between $0.75 and $1.50. New Port Richey residents typically pay between $3 and $6 for a beer at a local pub. Gas prices per gallon in Tampa run approximately 1 percent lower than the U.S. average.

When shopping for apparel and gifts, local residents often take a trip to the Gulf View Square Mall, a popular shopping center located off of Highway 19. While there are no high-end retailers or specialty boutiques within the mall, popular retailers include Macy's, American Eagle Outfitters and Hot Topic. If you're looking for some great deals, TJ Maxx and Dollar Plus feature a variety of discounted items such as clothing, housewares, gifts and more.

If you're in the market for antiques, locals recommend Cameo Antique Mall on Main Street in the historic downtown area. Established in 1999, Cameo Antique Mall features a variety of collectibles, paintings, furniture and gifts. Cameo Antique Mall also specializes in buying and trading antique items. Local bargain hunters also recommend Times 2 Outfitters, a unique consignment store specializing in teen fashions and accessories, as well as video games, handbags and cellular phones sold at discount prices.

Popular grocery stores in the area include Publix Market on Gemstone Drive and Save-a-Lot on Massachusetts Avenue. Save-a-Lot specializes in discounted produce, sundries and household items, allowing for significant savings for individuals with tight budgets. For fresh produce, home-baked goods and crafts, locals head over to Fresh Friday Market in historic downtown, a weekly farmers market held every Friday evening.