Seven Springs - New Port Richey, FL

In the late 1800s, the Seven Springs area was known for its therapeutic mineral springs. Tourists flocked to the neighborhood in hopes of a cure for a variety of ailments. Hotels were built to accommodate these tourists, and by 1920 the area was home to around 1,300 people. Today, Seven Springs hosts around 14,000 people – mostly middle-income, married professionals.

A diverse cultural arena abounds in the Seven Springs area. The Dali Museum features a variety of exhibits, local art and tons of activities for residents. Every Friday, the museum holds a kick-off event for new exhibits with food and activities.

Residents enjoy the annual Florida Folk Festival in May, which celebrates the diverse culture in the area. You can try your hand at playing a musical instrument or make your own woven basket. Dine on Southern fare, and listen to live music from local artists.

Locally owned neighborhood establishments and popular chains provide a wide range of dining opportunities for everyone regardless of age. Centrally located near Rowan Road, restaurant choices include American classics, Italian and Greek fare and a selection of Chinese establishments.

The Central Park Family Restaurant helps you satisfy your appetite for classic American dishes like the black and bleu pretzel burger or the Buffalo Bill. Originally based in New York, the owners and friendly staff bring fun and excitement to your dining experience while helping you make the best selection depending on your mood.

Zen Forrest provides an excellent place to go if you are in the mood to try something new. Renowned choices such as the lemongrass coconut curry or the Szechwan peppercorn and garlic steak tempt your palette with a blend of spices and fresh ingredients. Also, be sure to sample the Go Gi fried rice with your entrée.

If you prefer the family-friendly atmosphere of a locally owned and operated Southern-style business, the Madison Restaurant operates seven days a week for both breakfast and lunch. Sample the tasty omelettes and pancakes, or opt for popular menu items such as the Gulf-to-Bay and the Pancho Villa.

Since Seven Springs lies so close to the beach, Tampa and St. Petersburg, the city always has plenty for residents to do at night. The Brass Tap provides a lively outpost featuring live music, a well-stocked bar and cigars for the mature set, and the Cricketers British Pub lies just to the south with nightly live music, games and HDTVs for watching the big game.

The most common method of travel throughout the region remains by car. With River Road, Gulf Drive and numerous other major roads providing a gateway to the city, you can easily find your way to most locations by a short and simple drive. You will also find public parking free and easy-to-find, which makes commuting an attractive option.

Pasco County Public Transportation delivers convenient bus routes centrally located throughout the city, and residents always have the option of calling a cab company to schedule a ride pickup. Seven Springs lies just outside the Uber service area, but for those within Tampa and St. Petersburg, Uber provides safe travel.

Due to the layout of the city, walking and biking present a problem when running errands or traveling to and from work, but lanes can be located throughout the city for leisure.

Residents of Seven Springs enjoy an active lifestyle, and the variety of parks and recreational facilities provide a wide range of things to do.

W.H. Jack Mitchell, Jr. Park costs nothing to use. Families with children enjoy the expansive playground with swings for babies. Fishing provides an excellent pastime, and the winding path around the park provides a quiet place to jog or walk your dog. For those looking for a quiet place to have a morning jog or ride a bike, Lettuce Lake Park provides a boardwalk that winds its way through 250 acres of lush scenery. Challenge yourself with the fitness trail, or rent a kayak or canoe for a brisk morning of cardio for a small fee.

Crews Lake Park has an annual train ride to the North Pole for children, and the annual River Lights Boat Parade takes place on the Pithlachascotee River where you can also find numerous holiday parties.

Unlike many neighborhoods that lie near the coast, Seven Springs has a cost of living that hovers 13 percent lower than the city average. With these statistics residents can save and invest more and spend more money on the finer things in life. Housing costs remain affordable in the Seven Springs area with the cost of a one-bedroom apartment being around $739 per month.

When traveling to the city center by bus, you can expect to pay a flat rate of $1.50. The cost of a beer at a local pub will run you around $3 to $5, and gas prices hover around 12 percent less than the national average.

Downtown Seven Springs has a variety of high-end boutique shops, high-value thrift stores and trusted brands for those looking for clothing and other items.

If you enjoy mall shopping, Tampa has many large shopping malls with major chains, including Macy's at Westfield Citrus Park, Target and Staples at Largo Mall, and Dillard's and Gap at Westfield Countryside mall.

The Mad Hatter General Store has a wide selection of gifts, clothing, military items and antiques for those who love to browse a flea-market type store. Try on one of the vintage-style dresses, or purchase some recycled organic decor for your home. Established in 2013, the store has something for everyone.

For those looking for a dress for prom or other special occasion, Nikki's Glitz & Glam Boutique has the latest fashions for all ages, including rental tuxedos. You can also find a selection of jewelry and accessories to complete the look.

Grocery shopping usually refers to national chains including Publix and Aldi, and if you want fresh fruits and vegetables, the Urban Oasis farmers' market has a selection of locally grown, organic fresh produce for those looking for healthier choices. You can find a good deal of specialty items that can't be found in traditional markets, along with fresh cream and raw cheese.