Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a fact that rightly earns it the nickname of ‘Florida’s Beach’. New Port Richey, a small city in Pasco County on the western coast of Florida, owes at least part of its popularity as a new home location to those stunning beaches nearby, but there’s far more to the equation than just the beaches.

New Port Richey is a largely residential with a vivacious, bustling downtown area that has been rejuvenated through the efforts of local businessmen and its strong city government. While the city’s location offers easy access to major metropolitan areas in the St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay / Clearwater area, there’s a great deal to see and do right in the center of New Port Richey. The local art gallery, Progress Energy Art Gallery, displays work by local artists, and features a monthly First Friday gallery opening of a new exhibit. In addition, the gallery has regular art auctions and hosts weekly events and daily gallery tours.

The art gallery is only one example of the difference that a strong, involved and caring community makes in the quality of living. The city also has a strong school system with four high schools and over twenty elementary and middle schools that consistently rate above the state averages in nearly all subjects. The economic projection for New Port Richey is also good, with unemployment below the national average and per capita income above it.

New Port Richey offers Florida living at its best. The laid back atmosphere is the perfect contrast to the busy bustle of the more tourist-inspired townships. Powder white sand public beaches nearby in neighboring cities and sheltered bays and coves are perfect for lazy days under the sun, swimming, sailing and diving. From sunrise to spectacular Gulf sunset, there’s always something to do, with hiking and biking trails nearby, and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries within an easy drive.

Like most of west central Florida, New Port Richey has seen home prices start to drop slightly in the past year, making this the ideal time to buy real estate in the city. Interest rates are still low, and experts expect that home prices will begin to rise again over the next several months. Pasco County real estate is a buyers market right now, as owners who bought with the expectation of cashing in on the recent real estate boom scramble to sell. There are a wide variety of properties on the market, and the slowing in sales can inspire price cuts and special incentives for lucky home buyers. Whether you’re looking for your dream house or a second home, for yourself or as a vacation rental, this is the time to buy, and New Port Richey is the ideal place.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa BayReal Estate area. He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success. Lipply Real Estate also specializes in New Port Richey Real Estate visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.