New Port Richey's housing stock is notably diverse. The city contains waterfront and canal-front homes along the Cotee River, downtown bungalows and historic houses near the Main Street district, established 1970s-era single-family neighborhoods, and a significant inventory of 55-plus and active-adult communities. Condominiums and apartments add lower-maintenance options, while some rural residential acreage remains on the city's outskirts. The older, established character of much of the housing means the market is driven by resale of mid-century and late-20th-century homes, alongside continued development of age-restricted and maintenance-free communities. Riverfront and near-Gulf locations represent the distinctive upper tier of the market, appealing to buyers seeking water access in a Tampa Bay suburb.

New Port Richey's neighborhoods span several distinct eras and styles. The downtown Historic District, running from Madison Avenue to the Cotee River, preserves early-20th-century architecture and sits within walking distance of Main Street's shops and restaurants. South New Port Richey features 1970s-era homes and offers access to Meadows Park and the James E. Grey Preserve, with a convenient mix of local markets and eateries. Canal- and riverfront communities along the Cotee provide waterfront living with boat access to the Gulf. The city is also home to numerous 55-plus and active-adult neighborhoods, which form a substantial part of the local housing mix, while surrounding Pasco County communities such as Trinity and Holiday extend the residential market across the U.S. 19 corridor.

New Port Richey offers a distinctly coastal Florida lifestyle centered on the Cotee River. Downtown's historic Main Street district runs toward the river and is lined with locally owned restaurants, shops, and gathering places, giving the city a walkable core that anchors community life. Boating, kayaking, and fishing on the Cotee are everyday pursuits, and Gulf beaches lie a short drive away. The city hosts community festivals and events at its riverfront parks, including Sims Park. With a median age above 50 and a strong presence of 55-plus communities, New Port Richey attracts retirees, while its family neighborhoods, parks, and improving schools draw a broader mix of residents seeking an affordable coastal-suburban balance within the Tampa Bay region.

Public education in New Port Richey is provided by Pasco County Schools, the countywide district that has earned an A rating from the Florida Department of Education. The district operates a network of elementary, middle, and high schools serving the New Port Richey area, along with charter and choice options including the Pasco eSchool virtual program. Higher education is available nearby through Pasco-Hernando State College and, within commuting distance, the University of South Florida and other institutions across the Tampa Bay region. The combination of a well-rated county district and accessible post-secondary options is a meaningful draw for families and residents across the city's varied housing landscape.

New Port Richey is connected to the Tampa Bay region primarily by U.S. Highway 19, the main north-south artery running through the city, and State Road 54, which carries east-west traffic across southern Pasco County. The Suncoast Parkway, a limited-access toll road just east of the city, provides a faster route toward Tampa and Hillsborough County. Downtown Tampa and Tampa International Airport are roughly 30 miles away, generally within an hour's drive, while Clearwater and St. Petersburg are also accessible. The city's location along these corridors makes it a practical base for commuters working throughout the north Tampa Bay area.

Recreation in New Port Richey centers on water and green space. The Cotee River provides boating, kayaking, and fishing directly from the city's riverfront parks, and its route to the Gulf makes it a gateway for coastal recreation. Sims Park, at the heart of downtown, hosts community events and concerts, while Cotee River Park, Grand Boulevard Park, and Jasmine Park offer green space, playgrounds, and recreational facilities throughout the city. The James E. Grey Preserve protects natural habitat with trails for hiking and wildlife viewing. Gulf Coast beaches lie a short drive west, and the region's larger parks, springs, and nature preserves extend the outdoor options for residents across Pasco County and the Tampa Bay area.