A thriving suburb east of Tampa with access to area attractions
The thriving community of Brandon touts a central Florida location east of Tampa and Gulf Coast beaches. The Hillsborough County suburb sits 12 miles from Downtown Tampa and is known for its shopping and dining hubs. Major thoroughfares provide access to Tampa Bay-area attractions and employers. “It’s really close to a lot of different places,” says Sahel Azizi, Resident Experience Manager at Cortland Santos Flats, a nearby apartment community. “We’re close to Downtown Tampa but far away from the chaos of a busier city area, and there are many different spots to shop.” The town was named after John Brandon, who moved to the area in 1857 and purchased 200 acres. Once an agricultural hub with farms and ranches, Brandon grew into a bedroom community for commuters in the 1950s. Growth exploded in the ‘80s, with more residential development in its southern half and the expansion of Interstate 75. Today, Brandon is home to 117,000 people, many flocking to the area for job opportunities, top schools and affordability. Its largest industries are healthcare, finance and retail. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is its biggest employer, followed by InMotionGlobal and Suncoast Community Health Centers. Hillsborough County Public Schools is also a top employer for the county. Despite major growth, Brandon has maintained its small-town feel. “My family has been here for four generations, and I can still go to the grocery store and see people we went to school with,” says Trish Carter, Broker/Owner of Carter Company Realtors. “No matter how much it grows, it still feels small.”
Brandon is approximately 12 miles from downtown Tampa.
No matter where you are in Brandon you're always close to a place to cure the cravings.
Major interstates and roadways connect easily to Brandon from Tampa.
HCA is one of Brandon's largest employers.
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A hub for shopping centers and diverse dining
The Brandon Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Tampa area, with more than 150 stores and 25 dining options. “The mall is right on Highway 60, which is the center of Brandon and where the bulk of shopping opportunities are found,” says Carter. Winthrop Town Centre is another major, mixed-used shopping hub, with retailers, restaurants and offices. The community provides big-box stores, national grocers and restaurant chains. It’s the birthplace of the popular sports bar chain Beef O’ Brady’s. It also has a diverse selection of mom-and-pop eateries. Brandon’s Food Truck Park is a favorite that operates four days a week with around 20 locally owned businesses, ranging from Mexican to vegan and Caribbean fare. The food truck spot hosts an annual Asian Street Food Festival in September. Entertainment options include chain facilities like iFLY Indoor Skydiving, TopGolf And K1 Speed Indoor Go Garts. The town’s Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association provides art classes, exhibits and youth summer camps.
Brandon Mall has ample parking for residents and visitors.
Winthrop Town Centre, just outside of Brandon, has a variety of shopping and dining options.
Beef 'O' Brady's in Brandon is a fast-casual dining option.
Fun entertainment is not hard to find in Brandon like here at Top Golf.
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Established neighborhoods with home prices lower than Tampa
Brandon offers traditional homes in more-established neighborhoods, primarily built between the 1960s and late ‘80s. Most new construction is in the southern half of town. Median home prices for October 2024 were $365,000, up 1.7% from last year. Prices are 25% lower than Tampa, and homes stay on the market for approximately 24 days. Hidden Reserve is a higher-end gated community with modern, single-family homes averaging around $850,000. Heather Lakes is popular for those who want to be near schools and parks but also close to the interstate. Sterling Ranch is an older, affordable neighborhood with single-family homes surrounded by lakes, parks and a bird sanctuary. Prices average around the high-$300,000s. The community also has multifamily housing for rent, including apartment complexes like Providence Lakes and condominiums like those in Park Lake at Parsons. “There are a lot of apartment communities being built and updated,” says Azizi. “It’s a good first place to get to know the area.” Median rental prices for November 2024 were $2,155.
Brandon offers many homes in well established neighborhoods.
Hidden Reserve is a nice, gated community in Brandon.
Sterling Ranch is another popular neighborhood in Brandon.
Brandon is home to many new apartment communities.
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Surrounded by state parks, hiking trails and natural springs
The community has several parks and sports facilities, like Brandon Park & Recreation Center, a central spot for outdoor fun and all-age programs. Brandon Parkway Trail is a 3-mile, multiuse path running parallel to the major route. It winds around ponds and connects to other natural spaces. Brandon’s JC Handley Sports Complex is a major facility with 33 soccer, football and baseball fields. Many youth sports leagues practice at the facility. Trails, state parks, golf clubs and nature preserves are not far outside its boundaries. Eureka Springs Park sits 7 miles north and has been a popular recreation spot since 1938. Spanning 31 acres, it’s Hillsborough’s only botanical garden and offers forested trails and a rose garden. The 160-acre Lithia Springs Park is 8 miles east and is a conservation area known for its natural spring. The park is a hot spot for swimming, fishing and camping. Clearwater beaches are 36 miles west, less than 1 hour without traffic.
Brandon Park houses the community center where locals like to participate in activities.
JC Handley Sports Complex is a home for youth sports driving the importance of team sports.
The Eureka Springs Conservation Park was first established in 1938.
Well-known for its natural spring FishHawk offers a great spot for swimming.
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Home to the second-best school district in the Tampa area
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves the area and is ranked the second-best district in the Tampa area, according to Niche. It has a B-plus rating and caters to more than 224,000 students. Seven private schools are also available, including Brandon Academy, a top school for STEM that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Hillsborough Community College has a campus in northern Brandon.
Mintz Elementary School is focused on providing quality education to students in Brandon, FL.
McLane Middle’s nationally recognized Robotics program in Brandon is one of the highlights here.
Brandon Academy is a private school that serves students in the Brandon, Florida area.
HCC has a large campus in Brandon.
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Subtropical climate prone to hurricanes
Brandon experiences a subtropical climate with humid, hot summers and mild winters. The community is at risk of flooding and hurricane damage. Hillsborough County releases an annual Disaster Preparedness Guide with emergency shelter locations, best practices and other resources. The HCFL Alert pings residents with emergency updates during an event, and the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) bus system takes passengers to shelters.
Fair and seafood festivals
The Hillsborough County Fairgrounds are on Brandon’s west side. The 12-day fair kicks off every October and is a favorite for carnival games, rides and entertainment. It’s also the site of the Festival of Lights in December. The Brandon Seafood Festival has been a tradition for over 30 years. Held in January, the all-you-can-eat festival is held at Rotary Camp Florida. The Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival is another local favorite that's held every April.
Families stop for a photo op during the Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival.
Central Florida artists sell their handmade creations at the Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival
The Festival of Lights attracts many visitors from Valrico during the holiday season.
Valrico residents love having fun at the local fairs and events.
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Twelve miles from Downtown Tampa
Route 60 and Interstate 75 are the major thoroughfares serving Brandon, intersecting in the western part of the community. Downtown Tampa is a 12-mile drive, Tampa International Airport is 19 miles west, and Clearwater is 35 miles away. HART provides public transportation, and Brandon is served by three express and four local bus lines.
Written By
Amy David
Photography Contributed By
Raif Fluker
Video By
Sara Warthen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Stephen Gay,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Brandon, FL sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Brandon, FL over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Seller is offering $2,000 toward buyer closing costs with an acceptable offer and is also open to a lease-purchase option for buyers who are ready now but need additional time to close. Lease now, close later—call for details. This well-maintained gated end-unit townhome features fresh interior paint, updated bathrooms, and motion-sensor lighting on both the front and rear patios. The home offers
Move in today and close later! The sellers are offering a lease-purchase, giving buyers immediate occupancy with the flexibility to close at a later date. Welcome to the gated community of Williams Crossing, where comfort, convenience, and low-maintenance living come together. With an acceptable offer, the seller is also offering $2,000 toward buyer closing costs, making this home an even better
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. This pool home is situated on a rare .49-acre lot in the established Dogwood Hills neighborhood of Brandon, offering space, privacy, and no HOA or CDD fees. Known for its winding, tree-lined streets, Dogwood Hills provides a quiet residential setting while remaining close to shopping, dining, and major roadways.Inside, the home feels bright and
Modern 2BR/2.5BA Townhome Near Brandon Regional – Move-In Ready!Beautifully maintained home in the heart of Brandon, just steps from HCA Brandon Regional Hospital, the public library, shopping, and dining. Features high ceilings, open layout, two master suites with walk-in closets, upstairs laundry, and guest half bath. Includes 1-car garage, newer A/C (2022), and all appliances. Prime
Priced to sell! Don’t miss this opportunity to own a home in a desirable location in Riverview, FL.Step through the stunning double glass-pane doors into this beautifully maintained home in a highly desirable neighborhood. The formal living and dining rooms feature vaulted ceilings, floating vinyl plank flooring, and abundant natural light. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly into the
Welcome to your dream home in the heart of Brandon, Florida! This beautifully fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers the perfect balance of modern style, everyday comfort, and unbeatable convenience. Set on an oversized lot with NO HOA, this home gives you the freedom to live the lifestyle you want—whether that means entertaining, expanding, or simply enjoying extra outdoor space in
Don’t miss this rare opportunity in the highly sought-after Hillside community of Brandon! This beautifully renovated turnkey pool home offers a unique and flexible layout with countless custom upgrades and thoughtful improvements throughout. Originally a four-bedroom, three-bath floor plan, the home has been smartly modified to include a three-bedroom, two-bath main residence plus a fully
Welcome to 108 Clocktower Dr #261 – a charming, move-in ready condo in the heart of Brandon!Perfectly situated just off Highway 60, this 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home offers a bright, open-concept layout. The spacious living and dining area seamlessly connects to the kitchen, creating an inviting flow throughout the main living space.Step outside to your private balcony—the perfect spot to
Welcome to Russellwood Condominiums—a quiet, beautifully maintained community perfectly situated in the heart of Brandon. This affordable, move-in-ready 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo is the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and value. Step inside to find a bright, welcoming layout featuring a spacious kitchen and bathroom, along with a serene view overlooking the peaceful courtyard. Enjoy your own
Welcome to this recently updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. With no HOA or CDD fees, this property offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability. New roof, new flooring and new kitchen. Located just minutes from shopping, dining, and major highways, this move-in-ready home offers unbeatable convenience and lifestyle. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this charming
JUST LIKE BRAND NEW, but BETTER! 2022 custom-built POOL HOME! Sabal Homes of Florida is a premium luxury builder whose top-quality craftsmanship is rare to find. Located in the highly-coveted gated neighborhood of Hidden Reserve in Brandon, off John Moore Rd, this meticulously-maintained 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom dream home is the epitome of sophistication and high quality blended with comfort and
Experience modern Florida living in this stunning 5-bedroom, 4 full bathroom WestBay Verona home located in the gated community of The Sanctuary at John Moore Road. Built in 2022, this beautifully designed residence offers over 3,500 sq. ft. of bright, open living space with luxury finishes, energy-efficient design, and a contemporary coastal feel throughout. From the moment you arrive, the
Don't miss this 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom, 2 car garage home in La Collina - a gated community with amenities that include a pool, club house, playground and racquetball courts. The interior features a lower level primary suite with a walk-in closet and attached bathroom with double sinks and a shower. Kitchen with granite counter tops, a pantry, and a bar that opens to the living space. Upstairs
Welcome to the heart of Brandon! This beautifully maintained 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo offers the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. With an open layout and plenty of natural light, the home feels warm and inviting—ideal for first-time homebuyers ready to step into ownership. The spacious primary suite features its own bath, while the secondary bedroom offers flexibility for guests, a
Stylish Pool Home with Bonus Room in Brandon Country Estates. Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home with a versatile bonus room—ideal for a home office, playroom, or guest space. No carpet throughout; wood plank tile adds warmth and durability. The updated kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and ample cabinetry. Bathrooms are tastefully renovated
Available Now! This Lakeview Village 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a functional layout and a large fenced backyard with no rear neighbors, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. French doors open from the living area to a screened porch overlooking the backyard. The home features easy-maintenance ceramic tile flooring throughout and a bright, open entryway that leads into the living room. The
Welcome home to Providence Townhomes, a gated community with sparkling pools and recreation area in the heart of Brandon! This END UNIT, 3 bed 2.5 bath townhome offers a fabulous spacious floor plan. Downstairs features tile in all wet areas, NEW LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING throughout, a half bath with additional storage, laundry area just off of the kitchen with washer/dryer hook up, and a large
This lovely 2 bedroom apartment in the heart of Brandon is roomy and spacious with plenty of closets and cabinetry! Brand new flooring and paint! Located in desirable Park Lake, nestled in the back of the building with a lake view! Enjoy morning coffee out on the balcony facing the water! The interior features kitchen closet, dishwasher, disposal and of course frig, oven and microwave! Bedroom is
Gated community in the Heart of Brandon! This 2 Bedroom/ 1.5 bathroom townhome offers screen lanai which overlooks pond,ceramic tile floors throughout the downstairs, nice size family room, separate dining room.Nice size bedrooms are located upstairs. * WASHER and DRYER in unit. ** Water, sewer, grounds maintenance included in the rent. Community pool.Minutes to shopping, dining, and home
When you live in one of our gorgeous apartment homes in Riverview, FL, you choose a lifestyle of extravagance and relaxation. Our alluring kitchens with beautiful tile backsplashes are stocked with sleek, stainless-steel appliances that provide you with a stunning backdrop as you prepare chef-quality meals. Then, lay out on your private patio or balcony sipping your favorite nightcap as you watch
Welcome to your new home! This beautifully updated 2-bed, 2.5-bath town-home combines modern finishes with thoughtful design and convenient amenities. Perfect for comfort, style, and everyday living. Inside, you’ll find durable vinyl flooring throughout the main living areas, a chef-ready kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and over-sized espresso cabinetry offering both
A beautiful lifestyle, near the best shopping, dining and entertainment! Westbury at Lake Brandon has it all in Brandon's most desirable area! We provide bright, spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes designed to exceed your expectations in apartment living. Westfield Brandon Mall is just 5 minutes away, and Downtown, Tampa International Airport and Westshore Business District are easily
Come home to The Lakes - Huge apartment homes (up to 1453 square feet) in Tampa's most desirable area. Select one of the light, spacious 1, 2, or 3 bedroom homes. Each offers designer details, full-sized washer/dryer, screened patio or deck, and fully equipped kitchen with energy-saving appliances. You'll love The Lakes' superior Hillsborough County location, with amazing options for the best
$1,919 per month
3 Beds
1.5 Baths
1,297 Sq Ft
Take a look at this beautiful home, Clean and Move-In Ready, split plan featuring 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 1 car garage and approximately 1,297 heated square feet. Enjoy the freedom of a virtually maintenance free lifestyle while residing in a great community. Smart Home Tech - $21.95/mo; Washer/Dryer - $35/mo; High Speed Cable/Internet (if applicable by 3rd Party user) $55/mo; Renters
Come home to luxury in a beautiful environment that offers huge apartment homes (up to 1387 square feet), with the finest amenities and most convenient location. Conveniently located near I-75, with easy access to downtown Tampa and just minutes from Brandon Town Center Mall, Hamlin at Lake Brandon offers its residents an exceptional standard of apartment living. Every upscale apartment for rent
This home is a 3 bedroom 1 and 1/2 bath has been recently upgraded to include, NEWER KITCHEN, NEW BATHROOM TILE AND TUB. All flooring though out is vinyl and laminate is in the back addition. Great location in Brandon. Clean and ready to go now. All appliance are included. Rent is $1900 per month. Security Deposit is $1900. Send an email and an application will be sent to you that includes the
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