In the heart of Central Florida, 25 miles east of Tampa, sits Plant City, also known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.” It’s a place that’s held onto its rural roots and historic charm while its housing market, school system and economy have grown as large and ripe as its main crop. Located in Hillsborough County, Plant City is home to 40,000 people, and agriculture is the center of its community and economy. Three-fourths of the country’s midwinter strawberries are grown here, and more than 12,000 acres are planted annually. The fruits of that labor yield $1.1 billion. Plant City’s famous Florida Strawberry Festival, a tradition for over 90 years, draws close to half a million people each year and brings in approximately $26 million in tourism dollars. South Florida Baptist Hospital is Plant City’s largest employer, with 800 workers. Other major employers are Wish Farms, C&S Wholesale Grocers and manufacturer Dart Container. Tesla has a distribution center in Plant City, as does Sysco, one of the nation’s largest food service companies. While strawberries earned Plant City its unofficial title, its name stems from Henry Bradley Plant. The Florida entrepreneur constructed the railroad connecting Plant City with the South Florida Railroad in 1884, a year before the city's incorporation. For decades, it was a railroad hub and small, slow-paced agricultural town. Today, Plant City has blossomed into a major distribution point for manufacturing, its second-largest industry.
Farming is the center of the local economy in Plant City.
Plant City's Strawberry Festival brings in half a million people each year.
The Baptist Hospital is Plant City’s largest employer.
Wish Farms has a rich history in the Plant City area.
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A downtown commercial district with railroad heritage
Despite rapid growth and development, Plant City has retained its historic charm. Most retail and restaurants are clustered in the historic downtown. The old-fashioned Main Street is a living museum, with quaint shops, locally owned eateries and century-old landmarks lining its brick-paved streets. A mural depicting a slice of Plant City’s past watches over downtown. Many restaurants and stores pay homage to the city’s most profitable crop. Strawberry Hut is an old-fashioned, walk-up business serving strawberry milkshakes and Cuban sandwiches since 1993. Grits & Berries, another staple, sells strawberry-themed jewelry and accessories. The Downtown Plant City Commercial District is the hub of activity. Designated in 1993, it has 38 historic buildings, like the Hillsboro State Bank Building and the State Theatre, which screened movies from 1939 to 1958 and is now an antique store. Churches are also part of the city’s culture and landmarks, including the 1924 First United Methodist Church and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, built in 1886. Downtown’s most prominent historic feature is the Plant City Union Depot, a train station operating from 1909 until 1971. Today, the depot is home to the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. The Bing Rooming House, another historic building and museum, sheds light on the city’s African-American heritage. Farmer's and flea markets are located around the city, including Parkesdale Farms, operating since 1969. The market carries produce, strawberry shortcakes and milkshakes.
The historic charm Plant City is seen throughout downtown.
The historic State Theatre is a Plant City Landmark.
Plant City is home to the 1924 First United Methodist Church.
The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum is located in the Historic Train Depot in Plant City.
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Surrounded by state parks and nature preserves
The city has more than 400 acres of developed parkland, as well as 25 neighborhood parks and sports facilities. Village Green is a small pocket park built in 2014 to revitalize the Midtown part of the city next to downtown. The linear McCall Park runs four blocks through downtown and has been a community gathering space and event hub since 1971. The city is also near several preserves. On the northernmost edge, McIntosh Nature Preserve offers 360 acres to explore, filled with trails and wildlife habitats. Alafia River State Park sits 12 miles away and is known for its 17 miles of wooden biking ramps that wind through 4,000 acres. The park also has a nature preserve, canoeing and hiking. Strawberry picking is another favorite local pastime. After the commercial season ends in April, residents can pay to pick their own.
Shaded by trees and well manicured green space Village Green is a great pocket park.
While strolling downtown stop by McCall Park to enjoy the fresh air.
McIntosh Preserve is a beautiful nature preserve for area residents and visitors to enjoy.
Alafia River State Park offers one the best mountain biking trails in Central Florida.
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Historic homes downtown, farm properties and new construction
In October 2024, Plant City’s median home sale price was $355,000, up 1.4 percent from last year. Median home prices are lower than Tampa, at $447,000, but higher than neighboring Lakeland, which is about $317,000. Plant City’s prices are also 20 percent lower than the national median. The Downtown Plant City Historic Residential District, next door to the Commercial District, contains 185 historic homes and buildings. Architecture and walkability are its biggest draws. There are many homes from Florida’s land boom of the 1920s and ‘30s, but some date to the 1880s. Styles include Colonial, American Foursquare, bungalows, Tudors and Queen Annes. Homes in this district don’t come up for sale often, but range from the mid-$300,000s for a three-bedroom to the mid-$700,000s for a renovated five- or six-bedroom. Farms, multiacre properties and new construction are primarily on the city's outskirts and northeast sections. Most homes have hurricane-proof windows and other protections from storms.
Shaded by the large oak trees ranch homes remain a strong home option for buyers of Plant City.
In the newer subdivisions of Plant City homes offer larger land plots and more room.
Even out in the more rural area of Plant a large Tudor home can be found.
Older southern homes sit on vast plots of land and keep with Plant City's agricultural roots.
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Home to the second-most diverse school district in the Tampa area
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves Plant City and has a B-plus rating from Niche. With 250 schools and 225,000 students, it's the third-largest district in Florida. It's also ranked the second-most diverse and fourth-best district in the state for athletes. “That’s another big piece that draws people in, especially for kids who play sports,” Inzerillo says. “We’ve got three high schools here that have all gone to states. They always end up at all the playoffs.” Private school Faith Christian Academy of Plant City serves kindergarten through 12th grades. Hillsborough Community College and the University of Florida also have campuses in the city.
Plant City High School is home of the Raiders.
Faith Christian Academy is PK-12 private Christian school located in Plant City, FL
The school was named for James Seward Robinson, who had taught school and in the county.
HCC and UF have campuses in Plant City.
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Surrounded by major thoroughfares
U.S. Highway 92 is the main route through the city center, and Interstate 4 runs through its northern part. State Roads 574, 60, and 39 also provide access around and out of the city. Plant City Airport offers service and maintenance for private plane owners. Lakeland Linder International Airport is the closest major airport, 9 miles southeast. Lakeland is 11 miles away, and Orlando is a 63-mile drive. Many residents commute to Tampa and Lakeland for work. Plant City does not have public bus service.
US 92 is the main thoroughfare going through Plant City.
SR 39 is a well traveled route in Plant City to get to different areas.
Lakeland Linder Airport is very close to Plant City residents.
Many residents commute to Tampa from Plant City.
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A subtropical climate; be prepared for hurricanes
Plant City has a subtropical climate with humid, hot summers. Although further inland from the coast, the city is still at significant risk of high winds and flooding from hurricanes. Crime statistics are a mixed bag. According to FBI data submitted by the Plant City Police Department, property crimes have decreased since 2020. There were 913 property crimes reported for 2021, and in 2022, there were 780. A 9 percent increase in violent crime was reported from 2020 to 2022.
Florida Strawberry Festival and more development on the way
Plant City is best known for its annual Florida Strawberry Festival, an 11-day event in late February that’s been a tradition since 1930. The celebration features vendors, big-name musical acts, exhibits, floats and various strawberry foods. It ranks with the top 50 festivals in the country,” Inzerillo says. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Festival is also big, celebrated in January for over 40 years with a parade and a drumline battle of the bands. In December, Downtown Plant City hosts a Christmas parade and winter village. On New Year’s Eve, the city celebrates with the descent of a giant, red-lit strawberry to ring in the new year. Car shows are also a large part of the city’s culture, including a monthly classic car show downtown and a motorcycle bike fest four times a year.
Written By
Amy David
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
Video By
TJ Wengert
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 Plant City, FL sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Plant City, FL over the last 12 months is $351,900, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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