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
Jeff Palmer
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Perez,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Valrico, FL sell after 64 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Valrico, FL over the last 12 months is $420,000, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Price reduced and Buyer is accepting offers!! Welcome to this well-maintained home in Strawberry Ridge Village, a 55+ community in Valrico, FL. Can be purchased furnished or unfurnished. This move-in ready 2-bedroom, 2 bath doublewide has those expensive MAJOR UPDATES ALREADY COMPLETED, including a new HVAC system (April 2025), new ductwork (October 2024), metal roof (October 2024), water heater
Featherock is a 55 + active, age qualified community. This brand new beautiful home, with warranty, has too many upgrades and features to list. Here are just a few, stainless steel appliances, vinyl flooring throughout, walk in shower and home warranty. Refined living come together in perfect harmony, and each day is embraced by the sunshine, tranquility, and timeless beauty of Florida. This home
PRICE ADJUSTMENT 9/14... WHERE CAN YOU GET A POOL HOME WITH A 3-CAR GARAGE IN BLOOMINGDALE EAST? HERE IT IS: Bloomingdale EAST. ( NO CDD Fees and low HOA fees) . Looking for great schools-we have A-rated! Nestled on a beautifully landscaped corner lot in the sought-after Somerset neighborhood, this spacious home combines comfort, functionality, and the best of Florida living. A majestic oak tree,
Virtually Staged. ****Price improvement**** Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 3-bath home with over 3,700 heated sq ft, perfectly situated on a desirable Buckhorn Preserver Community, corner lot in Valrico. This spacious two-story residence offers a perfect blend of comfort and entertainment with formal living and dining rooms, a large family room, and a private movie theater room.The
**Huge price improvement to make this home your own custom estate! Located in the sought-after, small, non-deed restricted neighborhood of Miller Woods, this 3BR/3BA pool home offers incredible potential to update and customize to your style while building maximum equity and charm. Situated on an oversized lot with no backyard neighbors, the fully fenced yard provides privacy and space to enjoy
Virtually Staged. Spacious and beautifully updated, this 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home in Valrico Forest offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and modern upgrades. The main floor features a convenient bedroom with a private ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet—ideal for guests or multigenerational living. You’ll also find an open-concept layout with a recently upgraded kitchen complete
NO CDD | 3 CAR GARAGE | FLEX ROOM | A-RATED SCHOOLS | CORNER LOTWelcome to this BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED, MOVE IN READY HOME IN Valrico located in the highly sought-after Estates at Willowbrooke, built by Pulte Homes. This highly desirable ASHBY FLOOR PLAN features 2,298 SQ FT, 3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHROOMS, A 3 CAR GARAGE, AND A SPACIOUS FLEX ROOM THAT CAN EASILY BE CONVERTED INTO A 4TH
This is the home you've been waiting for! Located in Fox Run, one of Bloomingdale's most sought-after neighborhoods, this one-story pool home offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a 3-car garage and a quarter-acre homesite—a combination that is not easy to find in Valrico. Enjoy added peace of mind with a newer roof, A/C, and whole-house plumbing. Fresh interior and exterior paint, newly painted
Welcome home to this spacious and thoughtfully designed 5-bedroom, 3-bath residence in Heritage Crest. Offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and modern updates, this home features a dedicated office, an expansive upstairs bonus room, and flexible living spaces designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles.Along with being sold fully furnished, one of the home’s standout
Welcome to 2203 Valrico Forest Drive, a spacious Chadwell-built home nestled beneath mature oak trees in an established Valrico neighborhood. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, a 3-car garage and a desirable triple-split floor plan, this home offers plenty of room to spread out while still maintaining an open, connected feel. Step inside to tall ceilings and a beautiful formal dining room
This stunning 3/2 home is in a community with no HOA/CDD. The home has been thoughtfully remodeled with quality products. The kitchen is exquisite with quartz countertops, new appliances and a beautiful farm sink. The utility room features quartz countertops and a beautiful wine refrigerator. The bathrooms have also been remodeled. Newly painted throughout and tastefully chosen luxury vinyl
Tucked within the exclusive gated community of Arista in Valrico, this well-maintained Taylor Morrison home offers 3,518 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a loft, which fully doubles as an additional bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and a 3-car garage, the layout provides flexibility for a variety of living needs. This community features low HOA
Welcome to your dream Florida oasis! This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom pool home features a versatile bonus room and an oversized screened lanai perfect for entertaining. Designed for both high durability and style, long-lasting tile flooring flows through the high-traffic areas, including the entry, kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, and bonus room. The play area is an added bonus. A
Tucked within the sought-after Twin Lakes community, this spacious 4-bedroom pool home sits on a desirable corner lot surrounded by mature landscaping and the natural beauty the neighborhood is known for. With its scenic lakes, towering oak trees, and expansive park spaces, Twin Lakes offers a setting that feels peaceful while still being conveniently located.This home delivers the
Brand new roof that is transferrable to new owner. Need extra space this is it! You won't be disappointed in this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, ideally situated on a desirable corner lot with a spacious, beautifully landscaped yard.This move-in ready property features new flooring, fresh interior, remodeled baths one with wall-to-wall porcelain tile, and exterior paint, and updated
Need extra space? This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath rental home is ideally situated on a desirable corner lot with a spacious, beautifully landscaped yard. The home features a brand-new roof, new flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, updated blinds, and beautifully remodeled bathrooms—including one with wall-to-wall porcelain tile. The upgraded kitchen offers granite countertops and
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2519.90. That covers your base rent, $2375.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Spacious 4-bedroom, 3 bath pool home with loft and 2 car garage. Flexible two-story layout features three bedrooms, a loft and convenient laundry room upstairs, plus a downstairs bedroom and full bath - perfect for guests or home office. Open kitchen with breakfast nook overlooks the family room, with separate living and dining areas.Private backyard retreat with a large covered, screened lanai
Discover this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Valrico, FL, located within a gated community offering a community pool and playground. The interior features durable LVP flooring, black appliances in the kitchen, and convenient upstairs laundry. Step outside to a screened and covered lanai for added outdoor living space. This property combines practical finishes with community amenities
EXCITING NEWS: WE ARE CURRENTLY RENOVATING THIS HOME! NOTE THAT THE PHOTOS SHOWN REPRESENT THE HOME BEFORE RENOVATION AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY UPDATES. PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE: NEW HARD SURFACE COUNTERTOPS. Apply now or schedule your self-tour today and take the first step toward getting more than just a place to live. Rent with FirstKey Homes for a home that's right for you, plus
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
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2289.90. That covers your base rent, $2145.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2593.90. That covers your base rent, $2449.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
Now offering 18-month leases. Sign today and lock in today’s low rate for the next 18 months! Offer valid for new applicants who sign an 18-month lease and move-in by September 18, 2026. Base rent will remain at the 12-month lease rate for the duration of the 18-month term. Offer is contingent on application approval and execution of a lease agreement. Other terms and conditions may apply. This
All Bridge Homes listings are pet-friendly and offer easy self-tours schedule yours today! This home comes with high-speed internet at an exclusive group rate. This service includes 24/7 premium support and setup to help you get connected at move-in. This home has a nice size back yard with screened in patio for all of your back yard entertainment. The kitchen has plenty of
Lease this home and get more from Invitation Homes professional property management. This home comes fully loaded with quality amenities, must-have services, high-end tech and ProCare® professional maintenance. Your estimated total monthly payment is $2119.90. That covers your base rent, $1975.00 + our required services designed to make your life easier: Air Filter Delivery Fee ($9.95), Internet
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