Life on the East Side
Lifestyle
East Pasco County is a place where heritage, hospitality, and hometown flavor create a memorable visitor experience. Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of San Antonio, the historic streets of Dade City, the collegiate charm of St. Leo, or the vibrant festivals of Zephyrhills, each community offers its own unique sense of place.
Festivals & Community Traditions
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Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival – Zephyrhills
Now entering its 15th year, Pigz in Z’Hills has grown from a local cook-off into one of the region’s favorite festivals. The 2025 festival drew an estimated 8,000–10,000 attendees, featuring a Kidz Grillin contest, live blues music, kid zone, and lots of delicious BBQ. It has become a signature East Pasco event that attracts visitors from across the Southeast. -
Kumquat Festival – Dade City
Each January, downtown Dade City transforms into a citrus-themed celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage. The 2025 festival welcomed over 30,000 visitors and 400 vendors, showcasing kumquat treats, arts and crafts, live music, and small-town hospitality in one of Florida’s most charming historic districts. -
Saint Leo University & Cultural Life – St. Leo
Overlooking Lake Jovita, Saint Leo University infuses East Pasco with cultural energy and academic life. Visitors enjoy campus performances, scenic views, and the peaceful pace of this historic town.
Small-Town Appeal with Big-City Access
Life in East Pasco strikes a balance between relaxed, small-town rhythms and convenient access to Tampa and Wesley Chapel. Here, neighbors gather in family-run restaurants, festivals bring people together year after year, and church bells still ring on Sunday mornings. Yet, within a short drive, visitors can enjoy professional sports, cultural attractions, and Gulf Coast beaches.
Why Visit East Pasco
East Pasco County is more than a collection of towns—it’s a destination defined by connection, tradition, and authentic experiences. Whether you’re sampling kumquat pie, listening to blues over barbecue, strolling historic downtown streets, or watching the sunset from Saint Leo, East Pasco offers both a warm welcome and plenty of reasons to come back.
Recreation, Sports & Culture Near East Pasco
Less than an hour from East Pasco, sports fans can cheer on Tampa Bay’s professional teams: the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning at the newly renamed Benchmark International Arena, and Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays across the bay in St. Petersburg. The region also embraces spring training baseball, with several Grapefruit League teams just a short drive away.
Benchmark International Arena in downtown Tampa doubles as a world-class concert venue, welcoming chart-topping performers, family shows, and large-scale events throughout the year. Nearby, the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts hosts Broadway productions, ballet, opera, comedy, and live music, while Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater and the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg add even more options for cultural entertainment. Visitors also flock to the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Tampa Museum of Art for world-renowned collections and exhibits.
Closer to home, East Pasco offers a wealth of recreation and cultural experiences of its own. Rolling hills, lakes, and open skies make it ideal for boating, fishing, cycling, hiking, and birdwatching. Families enjoy splash pads, playgrounds, and community parks, while golfers can choose from several scenic courses, including the championship-level Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City and other local favorites spread throughout the area.
Saint Leo University adds to the area’s cultural and athletic life, offering public access to campus concerts, guest lectures, art exhibitions, and NCAA Division II sporting events. The university’s lakefront setting also makes it a peaceful stop for visitors seeking scenic views and a touch of history.
Active lifestyles thrive across East Pasco, with tennis courts, sand volleyball, and fitness centers easily accessible. And for those seeking even more, Florida’s famous Gulf Coast beaches—renowned for their powdery white sand and turquoise waters—are just over an hour’s drive away.
Housing & Living in East Pasco County
East Pasco offers a wide range of housing options, from new master-planned communities with modern amenities to established neighborhoods with small-town character.
Neighborhoods & Options
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Master-Planned Communities: Developments like Mirada, Lake Jovita, and Union Park feature single-family homes, townhomes, and community amenities such as trails, pools, and parks.
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Established Areas: Dade City, St. Leo, and San Antonio offer tree-lined streets, historic homes, and quiet neighborhoods.
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Affordable Housing & Assistance: Programs through the Pasco County Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco support families with rental and homeownership opportunities.
Market Snapshot
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Home Prices: New construction typically ranges from $300,000–$500,000.
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Rentals: Options include apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes, with some income-restricted housing available.
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Growth: Pasco is one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, with new housing and infrastructure expanding rapidly.
Relocation Highlights
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Choice of modern communities or historic neighborhoods.
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Access to affordable housing programs.
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Strong growth and development paired with small-town lifestyle.
Healthcare
East Pasco County offers outstanding healthcare access, supported by a wide range of Chamber members. Two full-service hospitals anchor the area — AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City — providing comprehensive emergency, surgical, and specialty services. New residents also benefit from BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, which expands regional access to advanced care.
Primary and specialty care is well represented through providers like Orlando Health and Premier Community HealthCare, offering everything from pediatrics and family medicine to women’s health, dental, and behavioral services. Wellness and preventative care are also central, with Chamber members in fields such as chiropractic, physical therapy, dentistry, and vision care.
For seniors, East Pasco features respected options in assisted living, rehabilitation, and long-term care, including organizations like American House, Solaris Healthcare, and the Dade City Health & Rehabilitation Center. Pharmacies, urgent care centers, and home health providers further ensure that everyday needs are met close to home.
Together, these Chamber members provide peace of mind for families, retirees, and anyone relocating to East Pasco — offering both high-quality hospitals and a broad network of community-based healthcare services.
