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
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Video By
Sara Warthen
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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 70 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 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.
Impressively updated 4 bedroom pool home with multiple fruit trees and lush tropical landscaping. Inside, you'll find a series of thoughtful upgrades, including an upgraded kitchen with oversized marble countertops, updated appliances, a deep walk-in chef's pantry, updated tile and laminate flooring, and updated vanities. Skylights fill the home with abundant natural light, while the spa-style
Discover modern elegance in this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom smart home in the exclusive gated community of Providence Reserve. Built in 2020 by Meritage Homes, this meticulously maintained residence offers 3,126 sq ft of sophisticated living space. FIRST IMPRESSIONS THAT WOW: enter through a striking gallery foyer featuring a designer accent wall that sets the tone for the entire home. A
Your Valrico dream home is here—with seller incentives you don’t want to miss! This beautifully updated 4BR/2BA home sits on a sunny corner lot and impresses with a 2018 roof and HVAC plus a 2019 water heater. Inside, enjoy open living with formal living and dining rooms, a cozy family room with real wood-burning fireplace, and a modern kitchen with stylish finishes and a cheerful breakfast nook.
Welcome to 1308 Charleen St, a beautifully maintained 2016 David Weekley Homes build located in the sought-after, private gated community of Brooker Reserve in Brandon. This one-owner home offers an exceptional blend of space, functionality, and resort-style living in a non-flood zone, all with low HOA fees and access to A-rated schools.Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage,
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
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
This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is located in the Great city of Brandon. Close to Hospital, Restaurants, great schools and walking distance to many of the amenities you will need. Upon entering the home you will be greeted by an open flood plan, then the hallway leading first the the main Bathroom before you reach the privacy of the Bedrooms. Right off the kitchen you will find an additional room.
This thoughtfully designed home offers a spacious and functional layout with three well-appointed bedrooms and multiple living areas that provide flexibility for today’s lifestyle. The upstairs sitting room creates the perfect space for a home office, reading nook, or secondary lounge, while the open-to-below design adds architectural interest and allows natural light to flow throughout the home.
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
Discover this beautifully remodeled 4/3/3 pool home in the desirable River Rapids community of Brandon with low HOA fees and no CDD. Offering a thoughtful blend of modern updates and comfortable living, this residence features a brand-new roof, fresh interior finishes, and a layout designed to accommodate a variety of living needs. Inside, you'll find a spacious split-bedroom floor plan with an
This stunning 3/2 home is in a community with no HOA/CDD. The home has been thoughtfully remodeled with quality products. The kitchen is exquisite with quartz countertops, new appliances and a beautiful farm sink. The utility room features quartz countertops and a beautiful wine refrigerator. The bathrooms have also been remodeled. Newly painted throughout and tastefully chosen luxury vinyl
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. This centrally located 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo in Brandon presents an excellent opportunity for both first-time buyers and savvy investors. Inside, you’ll find a functional floor plan with a spacious living area, private primary suite, and plenty of storage. The low-maintenance design allows for stress-free living, while the community setting
Own for less than rent in the heart of Brandon! This newly updated, move-in ready 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo with private screened patio, washer/dryer, and community pool offers an affordable opportunity for homeowners or investors in a high-demand location. Located in the Russellwood community, this well-maintained unit offers approximately 760 square feet of comfortable living space with an open
Impressively updated 4 bedroom pool home with multiple fruit trees and lush tropical landscaping. Inside, you'll find a series of thoughtful upgrades, including an upgraded kitchen with oversized marble countertops, updated appliances, a deep walk-in chef's pantry, updated tile and laminate flooring, and updated vanities. Skylights fill the home with abundant natural light, while the spa-style
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
AVAILABLE MARCH 15th is this REMODELED townhouse showcasing 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with 1398 sq. ft. of living space. This home has so many upgrades including, ceiling fans in all bedrooms, STAINLESS APPLIANCES, upgraded kitchen cabinets, custom tiled bathrooms, and so much more! Downstairs space offers a formal living and dining room with a high ceiling and oversized windows making this a
FULLY FENCED, CUL-DE-SAC home with 3 beds/2 baths/2 car garage. Almost 1800 sq ft in PRIME BRANDON LOCATION within minutes to theSelmon Expressway and 75 Highway (less than 20 min to downtown Tampa). NO CARPET, Tile and laminate only. HUGE 15x30 insulated coveredlanai (comes with TV mount) to enjoy outside living. Comes with Double-Pane, Low-e windows throughout which means EXTREMELY
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
Wow!! BEAUTIFULLY updated townhome in Providence Townhomes. This gated community with pool is in the heart of Brandon near all the shopping, restaurants, entertainment and minutes to I75. Walking into the large living room with decorative walls you can immediately see the attention to detail in this home. Luxury vinyl plank has just been installed throughout and makes it easy living for anyone.
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Brand new construction in the gated community of Bloomingdale Townes! Welcome to 3264 Timber Crossing Avenue, a beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with an upstairs loft offering modern living and energy-efficient features throughout, including a hybrid hot water heater designed to help reduce utility costs. The home features a stylish
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
This modern townhome, built in 2020 by Ryan Homes, offers a well-designed layout and contemporary finishes. The second level includes a spacious primary bedroom with an en-suite bathroom featuring a double-sink vanity and a walk-in shower, along with a large walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and their full bathroom are also located on the second floor. The first floor includes durable
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
Experience elevated living in this brand-new 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home, thoughtfully designed with modern finishes and never before lived in. Enjoy the comfort and style of new construction in a growing community that will soon feature future neighborhood amenities, adding even more appeal to this desirable location. Perfectly positioned between Valrico and Brandon, this home offers
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
Come view this beautiful 2bedroom/2 full bath on 3rd floor in sought after Gated community. There are many upscale amenities including: Laundry room off kitchen with full size washer & dryer with extra storage space, all kitchen appliances, large walk-in closet, built in desk/office area, great for those working from home. Screened balcony perfect to enjoy your morning coffee. Ceiling fans and
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