Known as the "Gateway to the Gulf," New Port Richey attracts newcomers with its laidback waterfront lifestyle and lively historic downtown. "I've seen this place go from a sleepy little town to a vibrant, growing city," says Judi Pobst, a Realtor with Keller Williams. "I've lived here for 22 years and love what is happening. A lot of people are moving here because they want to be a part of downtown, and they love the culture."
In the 1920s, developers flocked to New Port Richey to build along the Pithlachascotee River, known as the Cotee River, which runs through the city. They hoped to lure movie stars and become a center for the film industry. For a time, it was referred to as "Hollywood East," attracting celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson to places like the Hacienda Hotel, a landmark that still stands. The end of the Florida land boom and Tinseltown calling to the stars snuffed out the city's dream of becoming the next Hollywood. But in the 1960s, it experienced rapid growth and development thanks to its affordability and coastal beauty. Today, New Port Richey is home to 18,000 people. Morton Plant North Bay Hospital is the city's biggest employer, followed by Baycare Behavior Health and Pasco County Public Schools. Many residents commute to Tampa or St. Pete for work, about 40 miles away.
Downtown New Port Richey a bright vibrant community on the Cotee river.
Downtown New Port Richey offers that cozy small town feel in this neighborhood.
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Downtown New Port Richey is historic city hub
Downtown New Port Richey is a hub for local shopping, dining and nightlife, as well as preserved history. Since 1927, Main Street's Hacienda Hotel has drawn visiting celebrities; the pink Mediterranean Revival building was restored in 2022 and still offers hotel rooms, fine dining and a bar. "It's a big draw because it has so much charm and historical value," Probst says. Downtown's Richey Suncoast Theatre is another piece of history. Built in 1925, the former movie theater is now a playhouse showcasing plays and concerts. Sims Park and Orange Lake are within walking distance.
East Richey Square is the city's main shopping center. Supermarkets and chain stores and restaurants can be found along U.S. Route 19, which runs through the city.
Downtown New Port Richey is a beautiful stroll as the sunsets on another day.
The Hacienda Hotel has a full service bar and restaurant in Downtown New Port Richey.
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Canals and the Cotee River
New Port Richey's canals and the Cotee River flow into the Gulf and are popular places for boating, paddling and fishing. James E. Grey Preserve sits on the river's shores and is home to 140 bird species, manatees and wild boar and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Other nature preserves near New Port Richey include the Robert Crown Wilderness Area, accessible only by boat and a favorite of kayakers and anglers. The 8,300-acre Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park sits directly east of the city and is the go-to spot for hiking, biking and camping. It features multiuse trails that connect to the 42-mile Suncoast Trail, spanning across multiple counties.
The city has 10 parks and recreational spaces. The oldest is Sims Park, located in the heart of downtown and a hub for community events. Robert K. Rees Memorial Park, set on Green Key, offers a sandy swimming beach and a 650-foot boardwalk.
Beautiful homes on the Cotee river in New Port Richey South.
There are plenty of canals to kayak through in Flor-A-Mar.
New Port Richey's median home price is $292,000, significantly lower than Tampa's median of $438,000. The city offers a wide variety of housing, including historic bungalows in Downtown New Port Richey and manufactured homes in 55-plus communities like Harborview Manor. The waterfront Flor-A-Mar neighborhood has cottages starting around $350,000 and multimillion-dollar canal-front mansions with private boat docks. The New Port Richey East area is popular with families as it's surrounded by parks, shopping and dining.
A few Spanish style homes are in and around the Downtown New Port Richey area.
There is a variety of styles of homes in Flor-A-Mar.
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Pasco County schools serve the area
Pasco County School District serves the area and has a B-plus Niche rating. It caters to over 84,000 students. Private schools include Genesis Preparatory School, serving grades 6 to 12 and with an A-plus rating. A New Port Richey campus of Keiser University offers associate, bachelor's and graduate degrees.
Genesis Preparatory School has an overall Niche score of A.
Gulf High School is a quality school with a rich history in New Port Richey.
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Chasco Fiesta celebrates the city's heritage
Chasco Fiesta is New Port Richey's biggest and most popular celebration. A tradition every spring since 1922, it honors the city's heritage with two parades, a car show and a Native American Pow Wow. Held in April, the Cotee River Seafest is one of the county's largest festivals, featuring various seafood vendors and blues music.
Chasco Fiesta has a dedicated celebration for Indigenous people from all around.
The Cotee River Bike Fest will build lasting memories, and freindships.
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About 40 miles from Tampa and St. Pete
U.S. Route 19 runs along the city's western side, linking with Interstate 275. Old County Road 54 is another major thoroughfare, leading to the Suncoast Parkway and Tampa, about a 40-mile drive. Tampa International Airport is approximately a 30-mile drive. Clearwater is less than 25 miles away, and St. Pete is about 40 miles. Pasco County operates the GOPASCO bus service with 11 fixed routes.
Subtropical climate, prone to storms and flooding
New Port Richey experiences humid, hot summers and mild winters. Proximity to the coast makes it vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding. In 2024, two major hurricanes hit the area. Many neighborhoods across the city sustained significant flooding due to the storms. Much of the city is located within the Special Flood Hazard Area, so flooding is a risk.
According to the latest crime report from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, overall crime was down 12.5% in 2020 from the previous year. Violent crime was also down 3%.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
