New Port Richey

Private boat docks, beach access and friendly neighbors make up the Flor-A-Mar neighborhood. Patty Goddard, a local and office manager at the Gulf Harbors Civic Association, says, “This is such a good community. Everybody is so nice to each other. People of all ages visit us for the fun events we put on.” When not relaxing at home, locals might be out on the water in their personal boats for scalloping or fishing. A nearby private beach gives locals a quiet area to relax in the sand or stop by to watch the sun set over the water. Visitors won’t have to worry about the noisy public interrupting their beach day. Florida residents are no strangers to beaches, but Flor-A-Mar boasts a rare attraction: a private beach. The longstanding Gulf Harbors Beach Club, established in 1980, oversees the beach that stretches along the neighborhood’s western edge. Members can enjoy the stunning views overlooking the Gulf as they relax in cabanas set up in the sand as the waves lap at their feet. “The neighborhood is quiet because the docks are all private, so the public can’t come in and make a lot of noise. It does get busy during scalloping season when everyone is out in their boats,” Goddard says. Those who don’t want to pay a membership for outdoor fun visit Eagle Point Park. Considered a low-impact park, Eagle Point attracts guests with its kayak launch near Trouble Creek, fishing piers, playground equipment and open green space. Families can have picnics here before trying to lure in a red drum fish. Future Flor-A-Mar residents can find homes for a wide range of prices. “The homes inland are 1,000 to 2,000 square feet, but there are much bigger homes when you go out closer to the water,” Goddard says. Many of these four-bedroom homes with Spanish-inspired designs, long paved driveways and multiple balconies sell for over $1 million; however, most residents live in ranch-style homes and beach cottages that usually sell for $300,000 to $900,000. These smaller homes often feature simple exterior designs, attached garages and low roofs. Flor-A-Mar homes were built in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but Goddard says people renovate their homes all the time after moving in. Some homes sell in less than a week, while others can spend months on the market. The Gulf Harbors Civic Association in Flor-A-Mar hosts multiple community events throughout the year to bring neighbors together. “We just had our annual Casino Night that had a great turnout,” Goddard says. “We also do Harbor Market twice a year, which is great for vendors to get their name out there. Not to mention our movie nights, country music fest and bingo fundraisers.” Some might visit New Port Richey to join the sweet festivities at Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival each March. Locals can buy tasty strawberry shortcakes, browse pet products and sign up their canines for the dog show. This berry fun is organized to support local seniors and their pets. Locals who want to stay close to home while still getting out of the house for lunch might stop by Grandma Sally’s for a home-style meal. Good Eats Breakfast and Grill serves breakfast all day when the craving for pancakes hits well after the morning has passed. Members of the Gulf Harbors Yacht Club can stop by the Burgee Lounge to see what the chef has put on the menu for the week. “Most people travel out to Downtown New Port Richey when dining out,” Goddard says. “There are more little restaurants down there.” Flor-A-Mar residents don’t have to travel far when looking to stock up on groceries. Publix sits just off U.S. Highway 19 in the Southgate Shopping Center. When it’s time for school, students get ready to learn at Richey Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche. They later attend the C-plus-rated Gulf Middle before moving on to Gulf High School. Students at this school, which Niche gives a B-minus, might join the International Baccalaureate program or the award-winning band. The neighborhood doesn’t feature any sidewalks, so locals might drive their golf carts down to the private beach instead of walking. Clearwater sits 25 miles south of Flor-A-Mar, and locals can be in Downtown New Port Richey after a short 3-mile drive.

Chic coastal homes, wildlife-filled parks and boating access to the Gulf of Mexico collide in New Port Richey West. “It’s a cool community over there,” says Realtor Dylan Hamilton of Weichert Realtors, who’s sold dozens of listings in the Tampa Bay area. “You can pay a yearly fee to have private beach access; they have a community boat ramp. It’s growing too; they’re still building in that area.” The neighborhood provides many opportunities to view several bird species and stroll along the coast. Additionally, there is a diverse array of housing for those looking to live steps from the water or close to the downtown scene. “A lot of people love to go boating to the little keys and sandbars for the day,” says Office Manager Patti Goddard of the Gulf Harbors Civic Association, a local residents’ organization. “Meanwhile, downtown New Port Richey is really coming along, with lots of new restaurants and restored buildings.” New Port Richey West welcomes residents to boat along several bayous while spotting dolphins, cranes and seabirds. “Nature-wise, the birdwatching is amazing,” Goddard says. “I saw a pink spoonbill the other day!” Other points from which to spot critters include the observation tower and the 650-foot boardwalk at Robert K. Rees Memorial Park. Visitors to this peninsular park can also picnic, lounge on the beach and let their kids loose on the playground. The nearby Robert Crown Wilderness Area covers 347 acres and houses over 200 bird species, many of which are rare or endangered. It’s only accessible by watercraft, making it an enticing option for kayakers. Just south, Gulf Harbors Yacht Club offers plenty of canal slips, multiple floating docks and social activities for club members. Many New Port Richey West houses were built after the 1950s and feature beachy, pastel-colored exteriors. Coastal contemporary and Mediterranean Revival homes are common, often featuring backyard pools and access to the Gulf. These typically start at around $600,000, while five-bedroom waterfront homes with pools can exceed $1 million. Townhouses and condos have emerged more frequently within the area over the last 15 years or so. These can be up to three bedrooms and usually cost less than $500,000. Mobile homes from the mid-to-late 1900s carry some of the area’s lowest price tags. Homebuyers might find a one-bedroom, aluminum-sided mobile home from 1970 for less than $80,000. Most local businesses can be found along U.S. Highway 19, which runs north to south in the community’s eastern section. Country Pizza & Italian Grill has been a neighborhood favorite since 1977. Its old-fashioned stone brick pizza comes in multiple styles, with stuffed pizza being particularly popular. For sweet-toothed locals, 32 Degrees Below Fla offers gluten-free shaved snow, a unique take on ice cream with fun flavor options. A little north of the community, Gill Dawg offers surf-and-turf classics, boozy beverages and a party-like atmosphere on the water. “They have live music, I’ve never had a bad meal there, and it’s all mid-priced,” Goddard says. “It’s in a pretty area with great, big trees. They let you play bags there, too.” Meanwhile, shopping essentials are available on U.S. 19 at the Southgate Shopping Center, which features Publix, Big Lots and T.J.Maxx. Public school students in New Port Richey West enroll in the Pasco County School System. Richey Elementary School operates less than 1 mile east, serving all local students from pre-K through fifth grade. It has a C-plus from Niche, as does Gulf Middle School, which lies a little farther east. Gulf High School — rated a B-minus — hosts career academies in game design, health sciences and early childhood education. All three public schools serving New Port Richey West offer International Baccalaureate curriculums. Pasco County Public Transportation holds several stops around the New Port Richey area, specifically US Route 19. These can get regional connections to Tarpon Springs and Sponge Docks. It’s a 35-mile drive to Tampa, utilizing either U.S. 19 or Florida Route 54. Those needing to explore outside the Tampa Bay area can catch a flight at the Tampa International Airport, which is also a 35-mile drive.

In Greater New Port Richey South, golf carts don’t just belong on the fairway. “There are all kinds of great things about this area,” says Daniel Downs, a local Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. “It’s golf cart friendly and there’s a steady nightlife with nearby bars and restaurants.” The neighborhood is also known for its convenient location, with all the amenities you need no more than a couple miles, or a short golf cart ride, away. <br><br>Houses in Greater New Port Richey South were mostly built during the 1970s and consist of a fairly even mix of town houses and ranch-style homes. Many homes sit on green lawns with lots shaded by swaying palm trees. Stucco exteriors are common, with a few Spanish revival homes mixed in with the classic Florida one-story design. Town house prices range from $109,000 to $189,000 and ranch-style home prices range from $135,000 to $595,000. Prices increase due to size, lakefront views and access to additional amenities. 55+ communities like Sunnybrook and Colony Cove Park offer some of these sought-after amenities, like clubhouses, heated pools, marina access and more. “We’re still in a seller’s market but I have noticed things are sitting a bit longer even though prices aren’t necessarily coming down,” Downs says. “People aren’t buying for $20,000 over the asking price anymore, but I’m finding that a lot of sellers are able to get closing costs covered.” <br><br>Greater New Port Richey South has a variety of options for local students to attend. Elementary schools include Cotee River Elementary, Mittye P. Locke Elementary and Richey Elementary. Students can also attend Gulf Middle and Gulf High School, which received a B rating on Niche and is one of the first schools in Pasco County to offer an IB program.<br><br>Residents can enjoy a visit to Meadows Park and Dog Park, which has a playground and shaded benches to sit while your little ones play or your four-legged friends enjoy the doggy pool. Stop by James E. Grey Preserve, which has two miles of trails spreading across 80 acres of sprawling riverfront preserve. <br><br>Grab your groceries from Grand Fresh Market, a produce market known for its freshness and quality. Minimo Food Market is a Russian grocery store that locals love due to its variety of options and great prices. And La Paisita Market focuses on Latin ingredients and also doubles as a meat market and casual restaurant.<br><br>For more restaurant options, stop by Good Eats Breakfast and Grill to start your day. Or try a slice from Leaning Tower of Pizza, which features New York-style pizza and craft brews. Grandma Sally’s is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving up homemade soups and daily specials since the 1980s. <br><br>In Greater New Port Richey South, enjoy convenient access to nearby amenities like Fred Howard Beach in Tarpon Springs, just 25 minutes away. And you’re less than an hour from St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa.

Seven Springs has been a sought-after community since the late 1800s. Seven miles off the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the west-central Florida area began attracting newcomers with its mineral springs and has since lured homebuyers for its natural beauty and proximity to outdoor recreation. “The waterfront area just west of Seven Springs is called ‘The Nature Coast’ because you won’t find your traditional sandy beachfront,” says Brian Lee Swann, President of Pasco County Historical Society. “They’re more natural areas with trails. It’s traditionally been a retirement destination, but now it’s also a place for vacation homes.” Nature preserves, hiking trails and a prestigious golf club surround Seven Springs. A few miles east of a major thoroughfare, the community is also convenient to big-city amenities. “The whole west side of Pasco County is being developed like crazy right now because you have an easy commute to the Clearwater/Tampa area, and you can be at the airport in a half-hour,” Swann says. Downtown New Port Richey is 6 miles away, and the vibrant Tarpon Springs Historic District is a 13-mile drive. The 52-acre W.H. Jack Mitchell Jr. Park has football, soccer and baseball fields, a fishing area, a playground and a basketball court. The semi-private Seven Springs Golf and Country Club is one of the community’s most popular spots, which offers membership by invitation. Amenities include two 18-hole golf courses, pickleball, swimming and dining. Membership also provides access to its three restaurants, a book and art club, yoga and canasta. "One of the main reasons Seven Springs is so desirable is the climate here, so you have a lot of beautiful days to be on the golf course," says Swann. Timber Greens Country Club is also a local favorite. The semi-private club provides an 18-hole course, pool, sports courts and a fitness center. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is north of Timber Greens Country Club and offers 8,300 acres of conversation land for a deeper dive into nature. The park offers cabin and tent camping, multiple hiking and equestrian trails, a birding preserve and a 7-mile multi-purpose trail that connects to the Suncoast Trail, which stretches 42 miles across multiple counties. The 80-acre James E. Grey Preserve is directly west of Seven Springs. It has an observation deck overlooking miles of protected riverfront and swamps, a canoe launch, fishing spots and a riverside boardwalk. Heartwood Preserve, 4 miles east, is a natural burial site and protected area filled with cypress wetlands and pine flatwoods. The preserve offers natural trails, a 100-year-old oak tree, educational tours and activities. Surrounded by lakes and trees, Seven Springs provides a secluded, tranquil feel. Homebuyers have a variety of communities to choose from, including Golf View Villas, Park Lake Estates, Wood Trail Village, Sunset Lake, Woodlands at Longleaf and more. Newcomers will find riverfront bungalows, Craftsman and ranch-style homes, Mediterranean-inspired houses and custom modern builds. Most homes were built in the late-1980s. Single-family homes throughout the community range from the low-$200,000s or 1,500-square-foot two-bedroom to the high-$700,000s for a 3,600-square-foot five- or six-bedroom property. Modern homes and custom builds tend to go for over $1 million. The gated Woodlands of Longleaf community offers modern homes starting in the low-$400,000s for a three-bedroom to over $1 million for a custom build. Community amenities include a clubhouse, pool, playground, a walking trail and tennis courts. Golf View Villas is a 24-hour guard gated community near the Seven Springs Golf Course. Houses range from the low-$200,000s for a 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom to the mid-$300,000s for a 1,600-square-foot three-bedroom. Condos are also available here, ranging from the mid-$100,000s to the high-$200,000s for a two-bedroom, depending on size. The golf course community has a clubhouse, a pool and a fitness center. Condos are also available in the 55-plus Woodtrail and Heritage Lake communities. Townhouses are available in the gated Little Creek community, along with Little Ridge, Millpond Estates and Riverwalk Preserve, with a variety of prices, depending on a homeowners’ budget. Townhouses are available starting in the low-$200,000s for a two-bedroom to the high-$400,000s for a 2,000-square-foot three-bedroom. Median lot sizes for homes throughout Seven Hills average around 8,000 square feet, but many stretch over a quarter acre. Properties on the outskirts, closest to the wilderness preserves, have close to 3 acres of space. “The land here still has some old cow pastures and orange groves,” says Swann. “Many of the locals want to preserve its rural areas.” Most homes have multi-car garages, in-ground pools with fenced-in backyards and large paved driveways. State Road 54 bisects Little Road in Seven Springs, both lined with shopping and dining. Anchored by Publix, River Crossings shopping mall offers a bank, Starbucks and Amici Pizza II New Port Richey, known for its New York-style slices and stromboli. Mitchell Ranch Plaza is at the opposite end of the community and offers Publix, Marshall’s, PetSmart, Target and Bank of America. Zim Zari is also located here, a restaurant serving tacos, burritos and cocktails with a surf vibe. Christo’s Restaurant is a few doors down, and locals rave about its French Toast, Monte Cristos and other breakfast and Greek fare. Thai Samurai Restaurant is next door to this and offers sashimi, curries and soups. Pit Boss Bar-B-Q is another popular spot, where deep-fried wings, southwest brisket sandwiches and fried okra are the specialties. Downtown New Port Richey is 5 miles away for more shopping and dining options. Pasco County School District serves the area and is ranked the third-best district in the Tampa area, according to Niche. In 2022, the district also earned the only statewide Values-Driven Award of Excellence from educational nonprofit Cognia for its commitment to improving student achievement. Depending on their address, students may attend Deer Park Elementary, which offers a gifted studies program for science and innovation, followed by River Ridge Middle. Both have a B grade from Niche. These schools funnel into River Ridge High, which earns a B-plus Niche grade and offers football and cross-country teams. Students may also attend Seven Springs Elementary, which has an after-school STEM program and scores a C-plus on Niche, followed by Seven Springs Middle, which has a B-plus rating. Kids can finish their primary education at James W. Mitchell High, which earns an A from Niche. The high school is ranked the top public high school in the county. It provides an Academy for the Medical Arts, which prepares students for medical post-secondary education or careers. State Road 54 runs through the southern half of the neighborhood, connecting to Highway 19 to the west and providing easy access to the rest of the area. Downtown New Port Richey is 6 miles away, Tampa International Airport is 26 miles away and Tampa is a 30-mile drive. Public transportation is convenient via the county’s bus service, GOPASCO, and bus stops are up and down Little Road. HCA Florida Trinity Hospital is the closest medical facility, 1 mile south off Route 54.

From golf carts on Main Street to houses on the river, Downtown New Port Richey combines charming residential spaces with a strong, distinctive commercial presence. “I’ve lived here for 22 years, and I love what is happening,” says Judi Pobst, a Realtor with Keller Williams. “I’ve seen this place go from a sleepy little town to a vibrant, happening, growing city.” Housing options with hard-to-beat prices include everything from cozy bungalows to slices of waterfront paradise. “Compared to other areas, it’s very affordable,” says Pobst. “A lot of people are moving here because they want to be part of downtown and they love the culture.” The highly walkable Main Street is also a golf cart wonderland for residents looking to grab a bite, kick back with a drink or pick up their groceries. “It’s very much a golf cart community,” says Pobst. The Social might be the most popular restaurant in the neighborhood thanks to its rooftop bar and even more unique open-air, ground-level bar that serves patrons on the sidewalk. “You can just be walking down the street, stop and pull up a barstool,” says Pobst. The Hacienda comes in close second as far as popularity is concerned. “It’s kind of a draw because it has so much charm and historical value,” says Pobst. The hotel, complete with a restaurant and bar, dates back to the 1920s and recently reopened in 2022 after a multiyear renovation. For other highly rated dining options, Melt’d has gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches that pair perfectly with a few scoops from Ottaway’s Ice Cream Parlor on warm afternoons. Southgate Shopping Center has plenty of additional retail to explore, including a Publix to satisfy local grocery needs. Mobile homes in 55+ communities are available for between $30,000 and $80,000, along with condos and townhouses for $150,000 to $180,000. Bungalows start at $180,000 and often boast brightly colored brick or stucco exteriors paired with carports and modest front porches. Ranch-style homes start at $400,000 with palm trees shading their lush green lawns. “It’s mostly older homes, but they are built on larger-sized lots,” says Pobst. “One of the things I love about New Port Richey is that there are a lot of alleys, so a lot of these smaller homes have garages out back for parking or storage or even to run a business out of.” The priciest options can be found along the Cotee River, where spacious single and two-story homes with waterfront views are hard to find for less than $600,000. The most expensive homes cap out at about $1,000,000. The average home value for Downtown New Port Richey is slightly lower than the average for New Port Richey and significantly lower than the national average. Students can attend Richey Elementary which received a C-plus rating from Niche and serves about 600 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Gulf Middle School is another option that also received a C-plus rating from Niche and serves about 930 students with a student-teacher ratio of 17-to-1. Gulf High School has a B-minus rating from Niche and offers the globally-focused International Baccalaureate learning tract. Boaters hoping to hit the water enjoy the convenience of the Cotee River which provides access to the Gulf of Mexico. Sims Park is another option for some outdoor recreation. Tucked between the river and Orange Lake, it’s the center of neighborhood activity. Featured attractions include a splash pad and a band shell, which hosts live musical performances on the weekends. “It’s just a fantastic park,” says Pobst. “A beautiful gathering place for families and community events.” Travel is made easy thanks to Highway 19, which can take residents south toward Clearwater, just 20 miles away. Downtown Tampa is also about 40 miles southeast. The neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime score of six out of 10, above the national average of four. The New Port Richey Police Department regularly uses social media to update residents and seek community assistance in identifying thieves, carjackers and shoplifters or in locating missing persons. According to Risk Factor, Downtown New Port Richey’s roads and residential areas are at a severe risk of flooding, with social facilities at a major risk and commercial areas at extreme risk. There is also a high potential for wind damage due mostly to hurricane risk and tropical storms.