Guides · New Port Richey, Florida
New Port Richey, FL: A River Town's Quiet Life
New Port Richey incorporated on 24 October 1924, a younger, upriver twin to Port Richey, and for a few giddy years it meant to be a Hollywood colony—then the boom collapsed, leaving a river, a park, and a theatre's ghost.
New Port Richey's Hollywood Dream: A Brief History
New Port Richey was born ambitious. Incorporated on 24 October 1924, it rode the 1920s Florida land boom hard, courting wealthy residents and film people while its older sibling, Port Richey, kept the name of settler Aaron M. Richey. The younger town aimed higher. Silent-film star Thomas Meighan built a house on the river in 1928 and wintered here, and a theatre named for him opened in 1926. For a few years, the town meant to be a film colony. Then the boom collapsed, and the ambition went quiet.
Meighan Theatre: A Relic of New Port Richey's Film Era
The Meighan Theatre, opened in 1926 and named for Thomas Meighan, is the physical remnant of that dream. It stands as a relic, not a marquee—a building that once promised glamour and now holds only the story of it. The theatre's presence still shapes the town's identity, even as the boom's collapse ended the Hollywood ambition. You won't find a revival here, but you can trace the outline of what was meant to be.
Sims Park: New Port Richey's Riverside Gem
The town's first council act, on 2 December 1924, was to accept a park donated by George Sims. Sims Park became the enduring civic heart, anchoring the riverfront with the same view that once sold lots to would-be film stars. Rated 4.7 from 5659 reviews, it sits at Grand Blvd & Bank St, a quiet contrast to the vanished glamour—green space and river walks instead of red carpets.
Best Places to Eat in New Port Richey
The dining scene along US-19 and Little Road serves a different kind of ambition: everyday comfort. Chain stalwarts like Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, IHOP, and Denny's Restaurant line the highways, joined by Applebee's Grill + Bar, Ruby Tuesday, Outback Steakhouse, and Sonny's BBQ. Local spots hold their own: Herschel's Scratch Kitchen (rated 4.6 from 2482 reviews) and Central Park Family Restaurant (rated 4.5 from 3225 reviews) offer the kind of meals that don't need a premiere. Mexican options abound—EL Cerrito Mexican Restaurant & Grill, Los Magueyes Mexican Grill—and Koizi Endless Hibachi & Sushi Eatery and Flamestone American Grill round out the mix. Sioux City Steakhouse sits on Little Road with a solid following. None of it is Hollywood, but that's the point.
New Port Richey Demographics: A Snapshot
The census tells the story plainly. New Port Richey's population is 17,057, with a median age of 53.5 years—a mature town. Median household income sits at $46,160, and median home value at $164,600. Of 9,423 total housing units, 718 are held for seasonal or recreational use, and 1,367 sit vacant. Only 15.7 percent of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the unemployment rate is 2.8 percent. These are the numbers of a place that once aimed higher and now lives quietly.
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population | 17,057 |
| Median age | 53.5 years |
| Median household income | $46,160 |
| Median home value | $164,600 |
| Median gross rent | $1,154 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.7% |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Total housing units | 9,423 |
| Seasonal/recreational units | 718 |
| Vacant housing units | 1,367 |
Day Trips and Slow Days Around New Port Richey
New Port Richey's appeal is quieter than its neighbors' festivals. Dade City, 37 miles away, hosts the Kumquat Festival; Cedar Key, 66 miles out, holds its Seafood Festival; Clermont, Mount Dora, and Arcadia offer their own annual events. The town itself offers Robert K Rees Memorial Park at 3503 Green Key Rd, rated 4.4 from 2951 reviews, and the riverfront near Sims Park. It's a place for parks, riverside walks, and the stories left behind—worth a day trip or a short stay, if you're not expecting a marquee.
Common questions
- What's the story behind the Hollywood connection in New Port Richey?
- In the 1920s, the town aimed to be a film colony. Silent-film star Thomas Meighan built a river house in 1928 and wintered here. The Meighan Theatre, named for him, opened in 1926. The Florida land boom's collapse ended that ambition.
- Where can I see the old Hollywood landmarks?
- The Meighan Theatre, opened in 1926 and named for silent-film actor Thomas Meighan, is a key site. Meighan's 1928 river house still stands. Both reflect the town's brief film-era ambition. No tours are listed, but you can view them from outside.
- Is Sims Park worth visiting?
- Yes, Sims Park is a top spot, rated 4.7 from 5,659 reviews. It's at Grand Blvd & Bank St. The city council accepted the park on December 2, 1924, named for donor George Sims. It's a pleasant riverside green space.
- What are some highly rated local restaurants?
- Top-rated options include Herschel's Scratch Kitchen (4.6, 2,482 reviews) at 5749 Main St, Central Park Family Restaurant (4.5, 3,225 reviews) at 7657 FL-54, and Flamestone American Grill (4.5, 2,351 reviews) at 10900 FL-54. Sonny's BBQ (4.4) is another solid choice.
- How does New Port Richey compare to nearby towns for events?
- New Port Richey has no listed annual events. For festivals, consider Dade City (37 miles) for the Kumquat Festival, Cedar Key (66 miles) for the Seafood Festival, or Mount Dora (84 miles) for arts and craft fairs. These make good day trips.
- What's the vibe of the town today?
- It's a modest, older community with a median age of 53.5. The population is 17,057. The median home value is $164,600, and the unemployment rate is low at 2.8%. It feels like a quiet, affordable place with a wistful past.
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