Ringed by Tampa Bay and the Little Manatee River, the Ruskin neighborhood offers residents a waterfront community steeped in the natural scenery of Florida. “It has its own charm,” says Realtor Christie Reed, who has lived in and works in the area. “It’s got beaches and marinas. You’re out of the hustle and bustle of Tampa and Sarasota, but it's a nice, quaint place. It’s not a busy city. It’s very laid back.”
Homes on the water
Canals and the river web throughout Ruskin, creating scenic spots all over the neighborhood. Residents might see dolphins or manatees basking in the bayside water or hear the cry of gulls carried on the salty breeze. Ruskin’s climate fosters fertile plant growth, which makes for lush lawns dense with swaying palms and flowering bushes.
Buyers can find an array of housing options to fit all needs and lifestyles. From beachfront condos to planned subdivisions, the Ruskin housing market is growing to keep up with demands. Split levels and Floridian ranch-style homes are popular styles on the leafy residential blocks. “It ranges from starter homes all the way up to mansions,” says Reed. “If you’re on a budget, Ruskin is a great place to live.” Single-family homes sell for a median of $360,000, but prices can vary. Manufactured homes can be purchased for under 50,000, and secluded bay-facing lots can exceed the million-dollar price point.
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Local high school helps students earn college credit
Students begin their education at Cypress Creek Elementary, rated B-minus on Niche, before progressing to Shields Middle School, rated C-plus.
B-minus-rated Lennard High School strives to equip students with the skills they need to succeed after graduation. The school’s magnet Collegiate Academy provides students with an opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree through Hillsborough Community College while also meeting the requirements needed to earn a high school diploma.
Lennard High School serves students in grades 9-12.
Children in the Ruskin neighborhood might attend Lennard High School.
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Ruskin’s landscape makes it an outdoor destination
Ruskin's location adjacent to the bay and its canals as well as the Little Manatee River make it a prime location for parks. Ruskin’s recreational activity is centered around the water. Numerous boat ramps provide access to the bay, the river and the Ruskin Inlet. Little Harbor is a hub of outdoor recreation, from fishing and boating to swimming or sunbathing at the beach.
Nearby is the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center, a non-profit dedicated to preserving Florida habitats through education. Visitors can enjoy the butterfly garden or learn more about Ruskin’s natural history at the Paleo Preserve Fossil Museum. Hiking trails and canoe and kayak launches are open to active visitors. The Bahia Beach Nature Preserve puts residents in close view of Florida’s creatures, like wading birds and bald eagles. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own animals from home so long as they remain on a leash.
For a more traditional park, the Ruskin Park and Community Center features various amenities, including a basketball court, fitness center and playground, as well as after-school youth programs.
Entrance and start to the nature trail at Camp Bayou Nature Preserve.
Information and nature center at the Camp Bayou Nature Preserve.
Enjoy a day out on the water at Ruskin Commongood Boat Ramp and Park.
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Local restaurants serving local seafood
Ruskin does not have a major shopping district, but there are retail options scattered throughout the neighborhood. Publix and Winn-Dixie are accessible for needed groceries and household essentials.
Ruskin is home to unique dining options capitalizing on the availability of fresh seafood. Most restaurants are local, ranging from casual walk-up spots like The Fish House to the Sunset Bar and Grill, a popular beachside restaurant where residents can enjoy specialty dishes and drinks, live music and a view of the sun setting over the water.
Annual seafood festival and a ‘50s drive-in
For over 30 years, Ruskin residents have come together to enjoy vendors, car shows, live music and fresh seafood at the Ruskin Seafood Festival. “You can sell crafts, or set up a table and introduce your business to the neighborhood, and, of course, the seafood is delicious. It’s just fun,” says Reed.
The Ruskin Family Drive-In has been a community staple since 1952. The outdoor theater still has vintage signs and a concession stand, lending to the nostalgic atmosphere.
Accessible highways connect Ruskin with coastal cities
US Highway 41 and Interstate 75 connect Ruskin to the nearby big cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. The bay is a popular fishing spot but does not get heavy boat traffic, so the water surrounding the neighborhood is usually quiet.
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Written By
Amy David
Photography Contributed By
Raif Fluker
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Holland McKnight,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Ruskin, FL sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Ruskin, FL over the last 12 months is $335,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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