The "Rich Valley" Tampa suburb known for its proximity to amenities and outdoor recreation
Fifteen miles east of Tampa, Valrico is a burgeoning community offering a suburban lifestyle near urban amenities and nature. “We have easy access to Tampa along State Road 60, but we’re far enough removed to have a small-town feel,” says Karen Chastain, Realtor for Keller Williams Realty-Brandon and resident for 30 years. “There’s technically a north and south Valrico, but no matter the location, amenities like parks and stores are nearby.” One of Tampa’s oldest suburbs, the community was named Valrico by Tufts College philosophy professor William Tousey, who purchased the land in the 1880s. Meaning “Rich Valley” in Spanish, the name reflects Valrico’s fertile soil and farmlands, which positioned it as an agricultural hub until well after World War II. Today, the former rural, sleepy town is one of the largest unincorporated communities in Hillsborough County, home to 39,000 people. For employment, most people commute into the broader county, to Brandon, which is directly west, and to Tampa. Publix, MacDill AirForce Base and BayCare Health System are the area’s largest employers. Hillsborough County Public Schools and HCA Healthcare are also major employers. Proximity to Tampa Bay-area attractions is one of the reasons Amy Smith, longtime Valrico resident at Realtor for Sun Realty One, settled there. “You’re close to the aquarium, stadiums, zoos and the nightlife of Tampa,” Smith says. “Then you have Apollo Beach, Fort Desoto and Anna Maria Island that you can get to in an hour or so.”
Valrico features Diamond Hill Golf Club a local amenity the residents enjoy.
Enjoy a peaceful lunch under the trees or play a great game of beach volleyball at Valrico Park.
Valrico residents enjoy a good game of basketball at Stearns Road Park.
Residents of Valrico use the pickleball, tennis, and hockey courts at Brandon Park.
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Established subdivisions from the low-$300,000s to over $1 million for a multiacre estate
Valrico sits on flat land, surrounded by wetlands, greenbelts and tree-lined streets. It’s primarily residential, with established subdivisions linked by State Road 60, with sidewalks and parks. “It makes it great for anyone who wants an active lifestyle or something peaceful,” says Smith. Single-family houses include bungalows, ranchers, large Spanish Revivals and estates built in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Most new construction is Craftsman-style homes and condos in the Valri Forest subdivision in north Valrico. The median single-family home sale price for November 2024 was $437,000, down 6% from the year prior. Prices are 3% higher than Tampa and 4% above the national average. Higher-priced dwellings, like those in The Crestwood Estates, go for over $900,000. Million-dollar estates tend to be on multiple acres in south Valrico. River Hills is a guard-gated neighborhood overlooking the River Hills Country Club. A four-bedroom here averages around the low-$500,000s. Copper Ridge is one of the more affordable neighborhoods near shopping and parks. A four-bedroom averages around the high-$300,000s. There are also 55-plus manufactured developments, ranging from the $20,000s to the low-$300,000s.
Ranch homes are a popular home option in Valrico with each offering a unique characteristic.
Ranch style homes are a common housing option in Valrico.
Valrico is a largely suburban neighborhood 15 miles east of Tampa with a small town feel.
Spanish Revival homes with lush landscaping offers the mediterranean vibe to Valrico.
Valrico offers 55-plus manufactured developments with great amenities for its residents.
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Surrounded by nature preserves, wildlife areas and a state park
Valrico is surrounded by nature preserves and wildlife areas to the north, east and south. Tampa Bay parks and beaches like DeSoto are 15 miles west. Over six golf courses also surround Valrico, with Diamond Hill Golf Club being one of the busiest. Sydney Dover Conservation Park is directly over Valrico’s eastern edge and is popular for hiking and horseback riding trails. Lithia Springs Park begins below the southern tip of Valrico. The conservation area is known for its natural spring on the Alafia River, which stays at 72 degrees year-round. The park offers swimming, camping, boating and nature trails. Alderman’s Ford and Chito Branch nature preserves are other nearby spots for hiking and biking. The most popular recreational spot is the Alfia River State Park, less than 13 miles south. The 7,700-acre park is a hub for explorers, providing 20 miles of forested hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Alafia River is one of the most popular canoeing spots in Florida, and the park also has camping and fishing.
Valrico residents can find themselves at Lithia Springs Park natural springs during summer.
Valrico hikers can catch a glimpse of an alligator on the river.
Enjoy a day out on a kayak or canoeing down the Alafia River in Valrico.
Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of trails in Valrico.
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Shopping plazas and diverse restaurants along State Route 60
Most retailers and restaurants are along Route 60, which cuts through Valrico. Valrico Commons is its biggest, with big-box stores, national restaurant chains and fast-food options. Bloomingdale Plaza is another large shopping plaza with restaurants, national grocers and clothing stores. Valrico also offers locally owned diverse eateries, including Japanese, Latin American and barbecue. Brandon Mall is the region’s largest shopping center, about 6 miles from Valrico. Nightlife is limited, so locals usually visit Downtown Tampa for entertainment. The Village Players is a local favorite. Operating since 1915, it’s the county’s oldest community theater, putting on musicals and other performances.
Valrico residents shop at Sprouts Farmers Market for their groceries.
Esporta welcomes Valrico residents to get in shape.
Valrico has SR-60 that runs east to west with many shopping and dining options.
Serving up fresh fried catfish Fat Willie's is a local treat in Valrico.
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A top-rated district and high school
Hillsborough County Public Schools serves the area. It has a B-plus Niche rating and caters to more than 224,000 students. The top-rated Bloomingdale High School, which earns an A grade, hosts an annual ‘Running of the Bulls 5K’, which raises funds to provide student scholarships. Six private schools are available.
Mulrennan Middle School is an above average, public school located in Valrico, FL.
Valrico Elementary School is an above average, public school located in Valrico, FL.
Bloomingdale High School is an A rated, public school located in Valrico FL.
Watch the Bloomingdale High School Bulls take on opponents under the Friday night lights.
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A subtropical climate but prone to flooding
Valrico experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters. It's not in an evacuation zone, but proximity to the Alafia River can cause flooding. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the county’s crime rate decreased by 8 percent in 2023. County crime overall in 2020 was 42% lower than the state for that same year.
Carnivals and a Festival of Lights
The Greater Hillsborough County Fairgrounds is less than 4 miles east of Valrico. The 12-day fair in October includes carnival games, rides and entertainment. In December, it’s the site of the Festival of Lights. The Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival is another local favorite that's held every April in Brandon, about 4 miles from Valrico.
Families who live in Valrico stop for a photo op during the Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival.
The Tampa Bay Coffee & Art Festival welcomes Valrico residents to shop local.
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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Fifteen miles from Tampa
State Road 60 connects to Interstate 75, providing access to the rest of the region. Tampa International Airport is approximately 22 miles west, and St. Petersburg is about 39 miles away. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit provides bus service for the community. HCA Florida Brandon Hospital is the closest medical facility, less than 4 miles west.
Written By
Amy David
Photography Contributed By
Jeffery Palmer
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Valrico, FL sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Valrico, FL over the last 12 months is $425,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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