Tarpon Springs, FL

This coastal city's rich history dates back to approximately 1876, when the first settlers set up residence. In the late 1800s, an ethnically diverse population began settling here to harvest and process sponges for the burgeoning sponge industry. In the early 1900s, after John Cocoris brought the sponge diving technique to the city, Greek divers came to the city in droves.

Regular events and festivals, including its annual Epiphany dive, the Seafood Festival and Oktoberfest, foster a strong sense of community among Tarpon Springs residents. Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art houses the largest collection of art created by Abraham Rattner in the world, while the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum brings local history to life.

In addition to art exhibits, films and live performances, the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center hosts periodic events such as Night in the Islands, with dancing, live Greek music and outdoor dining at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.

From fresh seafood and Greek restaurants located at the touristy Sponge Docks, to classic American, Caribbean and Mexican restaurants located throughout the city, the food scene in Tarpon Springs serves up a little something to indulge whatever you crave. The Sponge Docks may be a tourist trap, but it also houses several fabulous restaurants, including Hellas Bakery and Restaurant. Hellas serves authentic Greek specialties such as saganaki, souvlaki, tiropita, pastitsio, keftedes, dolmades and k-bobs. Fresh seafood dishes include pan-fried smelts, broiled octopus and Mediterranean stuffed grouper. If the ample portion sizes leave you unable to indulge in dessert, be sure to take some baklava or carrot cake home with you from the bakery. Free hush puppies and amazing menu items such as grouper done 20 different ways, seafood gumbo and fresh, briny oysters make Rusty Bellies another worthwhile stop in the Sponge Docks area. Belly up to their Tiki Bar to enjoy live music on the weekends or happy hour hosted every evening from 4-7 p.m.

When you crave some fresh, Southern-inspired cuisine, stop into Johnny Grits, located on East Klosterman Road. Choose from starters such as grilled buttermilk biscuits, fried green tomatoes and specialty grit skillets. Other house dinner specialties include Southern chicken hash and pan-seared pork chops, while Johnny Grits' breakfast menu includes outstanding dishes such as fried chicken Benedict, sweet potato pancakes and the breakfast bowl.

When it comes to nightlife, Tarpon Springs boasts a variety of options ranging from live original music at The Neptune Lounge, to the live music, beer, golf and batting cages at The Deranged Drinkin' Pub N' Drivin' Range on U.S. Highway 19.

For a laid-back evening out, check out the live music at Miss Vicki's on the River, nestled into a quiet hamlet with gorgeous water views. Enjoy cold beer and grub such as hot boiled peanuts, peel 'n' eat shrimp, chili cheese fries and wings. Beer connoisseurs can appreciate the selection of brews at Tarpon Tavern on North Safford Avenue. The tavern carries 30 draft beers, including Boddingtons Pub Ale, Big Storm Raspberry Porter and Okocim Lager.

Thanks to Tarpon Springs’ reliable public transportation options, you may not even need a car to get around the city and the region. Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority provides bus service to Tarpon Springs with several routes, including Route 66, which runs from Tarpon Springs to the shopping center in Indian Rocks. Route 19 runs from Huey Avenue along U.S. Route 19 to St. Petersburg. The North County Coastal “Jolley Trolley” runs from Sponge Docks to Palm Harbor and Clearwater.

Although some people take advantage of the bus, most residents drive to work. U.S. Route 19 and Alternate Route 19 connect Tarpon Springs with neighboring areas, such as Holiday and New Port Richey to the north, as well as Palm Harbor, Clearwater and St. Petersburg to the south. A short drive east connects you to Interstates 275, 75 and 4. Alternatively, you can call to arrange taxi service with a local cab company, or you can request a rideshare with Uber.

On a beautiful day, you can leave your car at home and walk or bicycle to many destinations. Bike lanes make it feasible to bike from Tarpon Springs to destinations such as Crystal Beach, Palm Harbor, Honeymoon Island State Park or Clearwater. One of the most notable bike paths includes the 37-mile Pinellas Trail, which runs from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg along an abandoned railway.

Parking rarely presents a problem. The city has plenty of free on-street parking and numerous fee-based parking lots located in the Sponge Docks District.

Get out and enjoy all the beautiful weather that the Sunshine State has to offer. Area parks include Fred Howard Park, a county park worth paying for a beach parking permit to visit. This secluded 155-acre oasis features access to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, plentiful wildlife viewing, a ball field, two playground areas and Sunset Beach, with sugar-white sand and plenty of space to relax or frolic in the water. The park allows dogs in designated areas. During the off-season, Sunset Beach hosts concerts at the beach.

Take the kids to play on the playground at Anderson Park, which overlooks Lake Tarpon, or to cool off at Tarpon Springs Splash Park on Live Oak Street. The splash park has no admission fees and plenty of attractions to keep the kids busy while your dog plays at the adjacent dog park.

Living in Tarpon Springs comes with costs that are comparable to living in Tampa. Although the cost of living generally runs slightly higher than the average for St. Petersburg, housing remains relatively affordable in this quiet city even with steady appreciation rates. Renting a one-bedroom residence typically costs $612 per month. When you go out for a beer in the Tarpon Springs area, expect to pay $4 to $5 a pint, unless you hit happy hour.

Commuters and drivers enjoy reasonable prices in the area. Gas hovers right around the national average, although prices tend to be cheaper along U.S. Route 19 than Alternate Route 19. A day-pass on the Jolley Trolley costs $4.50, while one-way fare on PSTA buses costs $2.

Shoppers rejoice Tarpon Springs features a diverse selection of locally owned specialty stores, including several located at the Sponge Docks. Get A Guru Handmade Soap Company has been an area staple since 1934. The prices, which soap makers carve into each bar, tend to be reasonable, particularly considering the all-natural formulas used to make the soaps, body products, bath bombs and lip balm. Whether you're looking for an authentic Greek product or a special gift, Antonia's Boutique & Gifts on Dodecanese Boulevard carries a wide selection of items ranging from skincare and clothing to hand-blown glass and artwork.

Much as its name implies, the Mad Hatter General Store sells a little bit of everything, including retro toys, antiques, jewelry, gifts and women's clothing. This gem of a shop carries unique items such as a disappearing Bill of Rights mug, handcrafted leather journals, corseted umbrellas, antique goggles and belly dancing clothing.

Locals stocks their pantry shelves with groceries purchased at Walmart Supercenter on U.S. Route 19 or at Agora Food Market on Athens Street. Nearby farmers' markets include the Little Road Farm Stand in New Port Richey and the Palm Harbor Farmer's Market in Pop Stansell Park.