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
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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 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Brandon, FL over the last 12 months is $375,000, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own private retreat in the heart of Brandon! Situated on a spacious, fully fenced lot with no HOA, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and outdoor living. Step outside to enjoy the screened-in pool, outdoor kitchen, and abundant backyard space with 1/3 acre—ideal for entertaining, relaxing, or creating your dream outdoor oasis. A
Virtually Staged. Under Construction. End-Unit, 2 Level Townhome with 3 Bedrooms! The Brooke is a new residential community located in the heart of Brandon, Florida. It offers unparalleled convenience, placing you just minutes from I-75, the Selmon Expressway, Brandon Mall, top dining options, local parks, and everyday essentials. With easy access to Downtown Tampa, Riverview, and surrounding
Rarely does a home offer this much space and versatility - featuring 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, a private office, oversized bonus room, sparkling pool, and 3-car garage, all set on a beautifully landscaped .62-acre lot in gated Hickory Woods. This property offers the perfect blend of privacy, space, and resort-style living. Step inside and discover a thoughtfully designed floor plan with room for
Beautifully maintained corner condo in fantastic Park Lake community! Roomy two bedroom with lovely flooring throughout! Freshly painted!! Upgraded lighting and very spacious bedrooms! Closets abound! End unit is bright and airy! Washer dryer included in unit! Newer appliances! Community is awesome with club house, pool and racket/pickleball! Enjoy lake views while strolling through this charming
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Stop and look at this rare find! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style pool home sits on a half-acre lot and features a desirable side-entry 2-car garage. Perfectly suited for both everyday living and entertaining, the property offers a fully fenced backyard complete with a tranquil pond, free-form pool, and a tiki hut bar with electricity -
MOTIVATED SELLER !!! This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a savvy investor looking to expand your portfolio, this property checks all the boxes.With a seller-approved lender, you may qualify for 100% financing or down payment assistance, making homeownership more attainable than ever. Why You’ll Love This Home: Centrally located near
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
UNDER CURRENT APPRISAL VALUE DROPPED $10,000!!Welcome to this beautifully updated waterfront 3-bedroom, 2-bath home located in the heart of Brandon—NO HOA, NO CDD! This home offers the perfect combination of comfort, location, and lifestyle. Step inside to a family room and dining room combo just off the kitchen, featuring tile flooring throughout the main living areas and brand-new carpet in all
Tucked away in one of Brandon’s most distinctive neighborhoods, this one-of-a-kind property offers character, space, and privacy rarely found in today’s newer construction communities. Situated on an expansive .80-acre lot, the setting is defined by rolling terrain, towering oak trees, and a collection of architecturally unique homes—a refreshing departure from cookie-cutter design. Inside, 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
THIS GEM OF A HOME IS MOVE-IN READY, FEATURING 3BR/2BA/2CG, 1,553 SQFT ON .15 ACRES, PRICED TO SELL AT $339,900 AND WON'T LAST LONG!! LOCATED IN THE DARLING COMMUNITY OF OAK GLEN, AKA VALENCIA, IN SEFFNER, THIS HOME IS CENTRALLY LOCATED TO EVERYTHING. Recent improvements provide peace of mind. This home features a NEWER ROOF INSTALLED IN 2/2025, NEWER EXTERIOR PAINT IN 2025, BRAND-NEW CARPET
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
Virtually Staged. Turn-key Brandon home on a large private homesite! This beautifully renovated and improved 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers 1,748 square feet of living space on an expansive .88-acre lot, giving you the rare combination of updated interior finishes and plenty of outdoor space. Originally built in 1940, this home has been thoughtfully refreshed over the past few years with a newer
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
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,
Beautiful lakefront home for rent in the desirable Lake Heather community! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence features a 2-car garage and offers stunning water views with plenty of natural light throughout. Enjoy a well-designed floor plan with generous living and dining areas, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. Conveniently located in a prime Brandon location, this home
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
Enjoy peaceful lake views from this beautifully maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo located in a quiet, well-kept community in the heart of Brandon. This inviting unit offers a bright and comfortable living space, perfect for relaxing while overlooking the serene water and landscaped surroundings. Conveniently located just minutes from Brandon Regional Hospital, Brandon Mall, major shopping
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
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Welcome to this beautiful townhome in the Townhomes at Kensington community in Brandon! The first floor features a spacious living room, dining area, a half bath, and a well-appointed kitchen that opens into a large sunroom, perfect for additional living or entertaining space. Upstairs, you’ll find two master bedrooms, each with its own en-suite
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
Available to move-in May 3rd. Beautiful, newly renovated home in quiet Valrico neighborhood with open floor concept. Perfect location, close to everything and great schools!Brand new floors, no carpet! Newly remodeled kitchen!Washer and dryer included!Huge master bedroom with spacious bathroom, double sinks, garden tub, rain shower and walk-in closet. Split floor plan - master
Spectacular 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home, is the picture of Florida living. This Lovely two story home is ready for your move-in. Downstairs features a spacious open kitchen with all black matching appliances, beautiful wood cabinets, closet pantry, and breakfast area. Lots of room for the house chef! The kitchen counter bar looks out to the dining and family room and is perfect for entertaining.
Live your best life at The Oasis at Brandon Apartments. Our apartments in Riverview, FL, bring together spacious one, two, and three-bedrooms with sophisticated interiors and all the conveniences needed to relax and unwind. In addition to high-end amenities and unparalleled recreation spots, our community is surrounded by natural landscape, allowing you to live like never before. Turn the key and
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
Welcome to Luxe at 1820, where your search for the perfect apartments in Tampa, FL comes to an end. Nestled in a vibrant community, these luxury apartments in Tampa, FL offer an inviting atmosphere that makes coming home a true pleasure. With a variety of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans and modern finishes, our apartments are designed to cater to your every need. Enjoy the convenience of our 24/7
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