Tarpon Springs, located on the Gulf of Mexico just north of Palm Harbor, is known for its Sponge Docks and rich Greek culture, but there is much more to Tarpon Springs. This community is in close proximity to Clearwater and Tampa and is only about 45 minutes from USF.
Housing
Tarpon Springs a wide variety of homes from moderately priced single family homes, townhomes, apartment complexes to gated communities and extravagant estates. There are many new homes and apartment buildings, but also some restored historic ones as well. There are many waterfront properties including those on Lake Tarpon, Anclote River or the Gulf of Mexico.
Things To Do
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Tarpon Springs, including Howard Park which features picnic areas, playgrounds and a beach and Anderson Park which features playgrounds, fishing, boat access to the bay, dog park, nature trails, boardwalk and picnic shelters.Golf courses include the public Tarpon Springs Golf Course and the private Wentworth Golf Club, Cypress Run Golf Club and Crescent Oaks Golf and Country Club. The Caladesi Island State Park is just Clearwater Beach is about 20 minutes south.
Indoor activities and attractions include the Leepa-Ratner Museum of Art, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium, the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center and of course the Sponge Docks which often hosts street festivals and live entertainment.
Dining and Shopping
There are many unique shops in the Sponge Docks area, and of course lots of Greek restaurants, many that have been run by the same family for decades. Just 10 miles south is the Countryside Mall in Clearwater and the Citrus Park Town Center Mall is just about 15 miles southeast in Tampa. Other restaurants in Tarpon Springs include Santorini Seafood and Grill, Rusty Bellie’s Waterfront Restaurant and Harr’s Surf and Turf Market.
Traffic and Driving
While no major interstates travel through Tarpon Springs, it is in close proximity to the Veterans Expressway. The major highway in Tarpon Springs is US Highway 19 which travels south to Dunedin and Clearwater and north to New Port Richey. Taking US Highway 19 to Tampa Road will take you east into Tampa where you can access I-275 and I-75.
Schools
Public schools include Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary, Brooker Creek Elementary, Sunset Hills Elementary, Tarpon Springs Middle, Tarpon Springs High and East Lake High. Private schools include First Christian Academy, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Parochial School and Solid Rock Community School. Colleges and universities include St. Petersburg College of Tarpon Springs, Rasmussen, Trinity College of Florida and Moody Bible Institute.
Business
The majority of commerce in Tarpon Springs is generated by the hospitality and tourism industries. The largest employers are The Westin Innisbrook Resort, Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital, the City of Tarpon Springs, Pinellas County School Board and A-B-C Packaging Machine Corporation. With 50% of the city’s population being of working age, there are many opportunities for employment and business development.
From Wikipedia