Upper Largo - Clearwater, FL Area Guide

Largo City was officially incorporated in 1905, and played a major role in the agricultural industry. In 1962, an unexpected freeze took its toll on the crops, and groves were sold off to contractors hoping to make room for the influx of residents. Modern-day largo houses almost 74,000 residents, Largo Central Park, the Largo Cultural Center and the Largo Public Library.

Just south of the neighborhood sits the Armed Forces Military Museum. Visitors can explore exhibits including the World War II Pearl Harbor, Navy and Firearms and Ordinance.

Clearwater sits a few miles north of the neighborhood, and each October, the city hosts the Clearwater Jazz Festival. The four-day celebration highlights jazz and art with rotating artists on the waterfront. The event attracts some of the best musicians in the industry, including Béla Fleck and Tony Bennett.

As a coastal town, seafood defines Largo's obvious cuisine choice. Gulf Coast Po'Boys serves residents seafood favorites with a unique Cajun twist. You can choose from classic Po'boy recipes featuring blackened shrimp, fish or fried oysters. To complete the meal, add on a side of red beans and rice, and finish it off with an order of the famous bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

If traditional seafood dishes sound more to your taste, stop by Roosterfish Grill. Here you find typical coastal dishes including Oyster's Rockefeller, mango Mahi, crab cakes and Alaskan king crab legs. Finish off your meal with a slice of the key lime pie. Check out the beer list, or try one of their famous mango margarita's.

When looking for a laid-back place to have a beer with friends, stop by Barley Mow Brewing Company. The brewing company serves up 14 rotating taps, complete with creative seasonal brews. Expect options such as Tinsel, a holiday spiced ale, and Lord of the Gourd, a pumpkin-American porter.

While plenty of places exist to enjoy a few beers or a glass of wine, you don't find many lively clubs in the neighborhood. For a more happening nightlife, locals head into Tampa Bay.

The Pinella's Suncoast Transit Authority provides public transportation options to the residents of Upper Largo. Various routes provide access throughout the neighborhood and to nearby communities.

Surrounded by some of the areas major roads, most residents choose to drive to their destinations. Whether free or paid, plenty of parking options remain available.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail runs all throughout Clearwater, Largo City and St. Petersburg. Covering just under 40 miles, residents love to take advantage of this sprawling rail trail. Many residents also choose to bike on the neighborhood streets while being aware of traffic.

Sidewalks exist throughout the neighborhood, and several establishments await within walking distance, making for a walkable community.

While hailing a cab in the neighborhood proves unlikely, Uber does service Tampa Bay and its surrounding area.

Largo Central Park, one of the largest parks in the area, sits right inside the neighborhood boundaries. This 70-acre park boasts eight picnic shelters and multiple children's playgrounds, making it a great place to spend a sunny Saturday with family.

A little bit farther north you find Eagle Lake Park, a place designed to maintain the tradition of the land's former use. The main attraction remains the natural wetlands habitat, containing 100 percent of its native plants. Visitors can utilize the picnic shelters to host a serene, outdoor lunch. Designated areas permit catch-and-release fishing. Many visitors come to the park for the large, fenced-in dog park to let their pets drain some energy.

Largo Central Park hosts a number of fun and exciting annual events that Upper Largo residents look forward to each year. One of the favorites proves the Halloween Spooktacular where children and families can enjoy a bounce house, petting zoo and ropes course. Children can take part in the free trick-or-treat trail where they can stock up on candy and fun.

The Cost of Living in Upper Largo falls 10 percent under the state average. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood sits at $731.

The average cost of a bus fare on the area's public transit system costs $2.

When residents of Upper Largo meet friends out for a beer, they expect to pay around $8.80 for a cold one, though you can find cheaper drinks during happy hour.

Gas prices in the neighborhood fall 1 percent under the national average.

One of the best shopping centers in the area sits just inside the neighborhood. The Largo Mall houses basic shopping establishments, including Target, Marshall's, Radio Shack and Rue21.

When looking for more boutique-style shopping, head over to Couture'd. This local vintage consignment shop specializes in high-end brands of apparel and jewelry.

Upper Largo residents have several grocery store options from which to choose. Shoppers on a budget can head over to Save-A-Lot or to the Wal-Mart Supercenter. For basic shopping needs, most locals choose Publix. For a unique grocery shopping experience, head over to the Amish Country Store where you find a great selection of authentic Amish meats, cheeses and grocery items.

From September to May, Largo Central Park hosts the Sunset Market, an open-air street market every Friday evening. Guests can bring a chair, lounge in the green grass of Largo Central Park and enjoy food from one of the many vendors. You can also browse vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and handmade crafts, including soaps and organic body products.