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 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 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.
BACK ON THE MARKET! Previous buyer's financing fell through, not due to the property or seller. A home inspection was completed during the previous transaction, and the inspection report is available upon request. Move-in ready end-unit townhome in the highly desirable Providence community of Brandon! This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features 1,178 square feet of comfortable living
**Over $10,000 buyer credit offered. Can be used towards closing cost, price or interest rate by down. Welcome to this well-maintained canal-front home offering direct access to beautiful Lake Valrico, where residents enjoy optional HOA amenities including lake access, tennis courts, and a large picnic pavilion — all with a low, optional fee. Lovingly cared for by the same owners for over 50
THIS IS THE ONE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Welcome to this BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED 3-bedroom, 2-bath POOL HOME in the established Brandon Forest community, conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando with easy access to I-4, shopping, dining, parks, and everything the Tampa Bay area has to offer. From the moment you step inside, you’ll appreciate the spacious, open layout. The welcoming foyer is
9-months of HOA fees paid at closing: $582.00/mo x 9 Months = $5238.00 Water views and a contemporary, yet cozy interior welcome you to this stunning townhome that gleams with pride of ownership. The open-concept floor plan integrates an immaculate eat-in kitchen (complete with newer stainless-steel appliances and a glass-tiled back splash) with the adjacent dining and living rooms; both boasting
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
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 - creating your own private
PRICE IMPROVEMENT JUST FOR YOU !!! 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 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
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 home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome nestled in the sought-after gated community of Ventura Bay, where comfort, convenience, and nature come together. One of this home’s most desirable features is its rare conservation backdrop, offering peaceful views and added privacy with no rear neighbors—an ideal setting to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind after a long
Tucked away in Dover, this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 4-bath pool home offers just over 3,200 sq ft of heated living space on an almost quarter acre lot — with no CDD and low HOA. Built by boutique builder Parkview Homes, this true split floor plan blends soaring ceilings, custom molding, solid wood floors, and an abundance of natural light throughout.The main-floor primary suite is a
Virtually Staged. BACK ON THE MARKET CONTRACT FELL THROUGH BUYERS LOSS YOUR OPPORTUNITY AWAITS . SELLER SAYS SELL, NOW PRICED AT ONLY $334,900 THIS GEM OF A HOME IS MOVE-IN READY, FEATURING 3BR/2BA/2CG, 1,553 SQFT ON .15 ACRES, 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
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Turn-key Brandon home on a large private homesite! This beautifully renovated and improved 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 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
Whole-house generator | Heated Pool | 3-car garage | Corner lot | No CDD fees and LOW HOA dues | Homes in Parsons Woods rarely come for sale, and this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath, plus office is delivering the complete package. Located on a quiet corner lot in this desirable community, the property offers NO CDD fees, a low HOA, and a setting just minutes from I-75. Inside, the flexible
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
DAVID WEEKLEY POOL HOME WITH TWO PRIMARY SUITES, 3-CAR GARAGE & GATED COMMUNITY IN A NON-FLOOD ZONE Located in the gated community of Brooker Reserve, this beautifully-maintained DAVID WEEKLEY HOME offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,270 square feet, and a thoughtfully-designed floor plan built for today's lifestyle. Constructed in 2016 and situated in a NON-FLOOD ZONE, this home combines quality
Don't miss the opportunity to lease this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath pool home in the highly desirable North Brandon area! This spacious home features an open-concept living and dining area with tile flooring throughout for easy maintenance. The large kitchen overlooks the main living space and offers white cabinetry, stainless steel refrigerator and range, and a breakfast bar that's perfect for
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
Welcome home to this charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the desirable Park Lake at Parsons community! This well-maintained ground-floor unit offers an open and functional layout with a spacious living area, comfortable bedroom, and plenty of natural light. Enjoy resort-style amenities including a lakefront swimming pool, fitness center, clubhouse, tennis and racquetball courts, walking paths,
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
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
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
Affordable, freshly painted 1-bedroom, 1-bath duplex in Brandon (33510) — 572 sq ft of move-in ready living with an unbeatable location directly across from Westfield Brandon Mall and minutes from I-75. Inside the unit: Tile flooring throughout, freshly painted interior including kitchen cabinets, walk-in closet in the bedroom, stove/range and refrigerator included, private entry and quiet duplex
Tucked away just minutes away from I-75 and with easy access to Downtown Tampa, our apartments in Hillsborough County are a hidden gem that deliver you to a tranquil waterside retreat in Brandon, FL. Thoughtfully designed features like granite countertops and crown molding set the perfect backdrop to unwind and will make you proud to call any of our one, two, and three-bedroom apartments for rent
Updated First-Floor 2BR/2BA Condo | Granite | Stainless Appliances | Gated Community | 2 Parking SpacesBeautifully Updated First-Floor Condo in Gated Community! Welcome home to this beautifully updated and meticulously maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath first-floor condominium in the highly desirable Hamptons at Brandon. Tucked away in the quiet back of the community, Unit #211 offers a peaceful
Welcome to Courtney Palms, a desirable gated community conveniently located in Tampa! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers a comfortable and functional layout featuring a screened-in lanai overlooking the pristine pond, generous walk-in closets, and a dedicated laundry/utility room. Residents enjoy access to outstanding community amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool,
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
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