Living in Brandon, Valrico & Lithia, Florida

Discover Top-Rated Schools, Desirable Neighborhoods, Outdoor Recreation, and Convenient Access to Tampa & MacDill AFB.

Why Families Choose Brandon, Valrico & Lithia Area

Located in eastern Hillsborough County, Brandon, Valrico, and Lithia offer a balance of suburban living, outdoor recreation, strong community involvement, and convenient access to Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base, and major employment centers.

Whether you’re relocating to Central Florida, searching for highly regarded schools, or looking for a community with room to grow, this area continues to attract buyers from across the country.

Residents enjoy convenient access to:

  • Downtown Tampa
  • MacDill Air Force Base
  • Tampa International Airport
  • I-75
  • Selmon Expressway
  • US-301
  • SR-60

Approximate Commute Times: 

    • Downtown Tampa: 20-35 minutes
    • MacDill AFB: 35-60 minutes
    • Tampa International Airport: 30-45 minutes

** Commute times vary by neighborhood and traffic conditions.

Many families choose this area because of the variety of educational options available.

 
Popular public schools include:

Brandon

Valrico

Lithia

  • Brandon High School
  • Burns Middle School
  • Brooker Elementary
  • Mintz Elementary
  • Bloomingdale High School
  • Durant High School
  • Mulrennan Middle School
  • Buckhorn Elementary
  • Newsome High School
  • Randall Middle School
  • FishHawk Creek Elementary
  • Stowers Elementary
** School assignments and ratings may change over time. Buyers should verify current zoning directly with Hillsborough County Schools.
Lithia Springs Regional Park swimming area, showcasing unique outdoor recreation for military relocation home buyers with Real Estate Advisor Cheer Alvarez.

Lithia Spring Park

Known for its Natural Spring and Swimming Area

Aldermans Ford Conservation Park hiking trails, showcasing natural park systems for relocation home buyers with Real Estate Advisor Cheer Alvarez.

Alderman's Ford Conservation Park

Popular Hiking, Kayaking, Picnicking and nature Observation

Alafia River State Park recreation trails in Lithia Florida, presenting local natural amenities for military relocation buyers with Realtor Cheer Alvarez.

Alafia State Park

A quiet escape, for Walking, Bike Trails, Horse Trails and Wildlife Viewing

Edward Medard Conservation Park trails and boat ramps, showcasing local natural amenities for families moving to the area with Realtor Cheer Alvarez.

Edward Medard Park

A massive 1,200-acre park perfect for camping, boating, disc golf, and hiking around a beautiful reservoir

Bilingual Central Florida Realtor Cheer Alvarez highlighting family-friendly amenities near FishHawk Sports Complex in Lithia Florida for PCS military relocation.

Fishhawk Sports Complex

Youth sports, Community Events, and Recreational Activities

Brandon Parkway Trail park system, highlighting pedestrian infrastructure and urban trail amenities for buyers with Real Estate Advisor Cheer Alvarez.

Brandon Parkway Trails

Walking, jogging, and cycling opportunities.

popular neighborhoods

Why Buyers Love It

One of the most recognizable and established communities in the area.

Highlights

  • Mature oak-lined streets
  • Bloomingdale Golfers Club nearby
  • Excellent location
  • Strong schools
  • Wide variety of home styles

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $350,000 – $700,000+

Best For
Families wanting established neighborhoods and convenience.

Highlights

  • Mature trees
  • Large homesites
  • Low HOA
  • Established neighborhood feel

One of Brandon’s hidden gems featuring larger homesites and a more private setting.

Highlights

  • Many properties on 1/2 + acre lots
  • Mature oak trees
  • No CDD
  • Limited HOA restrictions
  • Convenient access to Brandon and Tampa

Best For
Buyers seeking privacy and space without leaving the Brandon area.

A highly desirable community known for larger homesites, mature landscaping, and estate-style living.

Highlights

  • Spacious homesites
  • Mature oak canopy
  • Established custom homes
  • Excellent school zones
  • Convenient access to Lithia and Brandon
  • Strong resale demand

Best For

Families looking for larger properties and established neighborhoods with character.

Why Buyers Love It

One of the most established gated golf communities in eastern Hillsborough County.

Highlights:

  • 24-hour gated security
  • Golf course
  • Mature landscaping
  • Larger homesites
  • Strong school zones

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $500,000 – $1.2M+

Best For
Families seeking security, golf lifestyle, and mature surroundings.

Highlights

  • Golf course surroundings
  • Mature trees
  • Larger lots
  • Excellent location

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $400,000 – $900,000+

A hidden gem often overlooked.

Highlights

  • Gated community
  • Golf course
  • Lower HOA compared to some competitors
  • Convenient access to I-4 and Brandon

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $350,000 – $700,000+

Highlights

  • Larger homes
  • Community lakes
  • Family-oriented atmosphere
  • Good access to Brandon and Tampa

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $450,000 – $800,000

Not a single subdivision, but one of the most sought-after areas for acreage properties.

Highlights

  • 1+ acre homesites
  • Equestrian-friendly properties
  • No HOA options
  • No CDD
  • Country atmosphere
  • Close to Brandon, FishHawk, and Plant City

Best For
Buyers seeking land, animals, workshops, or multigenerational living.

Why Buyers Love It

FishHawk is widely considered one of the premier master-planned communities in Hillsborough County.

Highlights

  • Highly rated schools
  • Resort-style pools
  • Fitness centers
  • Miles of trails
  • Sports facilities
  • Community events
  • Strong resale demand

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $250,000 + (Villas / Condo)
  • $350,000 –  $1M+ (Single Family Homes)

Best For
Families, military relocations, professionals.

One of the most desirable sections of FishHawk.

Highlights

  • Newer homes
  • Community pool
  • Dog park
  • Trails
  • Top-rated schools

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $500,000 – $900,000+

Many buyers specifically ask for FishHawk West.

Highlights

  • Newer construction
  • Walkability
  • Community amenities
  • Strong resale demand

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $450,000 – $900,000+

Highlights

  • Community pool
  • Splash pad
  • Fitness center
  • Playground
  • Newer homes

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $400,000 – $700,000+

One of the fastest-growing communities today.

Highlights

  • New construction
  • Resort-style amenities
  • Community pools
  • Clubhouse
  • Convenient access to FishHawk

Home Prices
Approximately:

  • $400,000 – $800,000+

Shopping & Dining

Neighborhood lifestyle map for Brandon Valrico and Lithia Florida, showcasing shopping and dining amenities for PCS relocation home buyers with Realtor Cheer Alvarez.
Shopping & Retail
  • Brandon Town Center
  • Winthrop Town Centre
  • Bloomingdale Square
  • Brandon Exchange
  • Target
  • Walmart Supercenter
  • Costco Wholesale
  • Sam’s Club
  • Lowe’s
  • Home Depot
  • Best Buy
  • TJ Maxx
  • Marshalls
  • Ross Dress for Less
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Ulta Beauty
  • Ashley Furnitures
  • Rooms To Go
  • Publix Super Markets
  • Sprouts Farmers Market
  • Whole Foods Market
  • Walmart Grocery
  • Aldi
  • Fresh Market
  • Bravo Supermarkets
  • Save A Lot
  • Costco Wholesale
  • Sam’s Club
  • Campo Family YMCA
  • Esporta Fitness
  • Crunch Fitness
  • Orangetheory Fitness
  • Burn Boot Camp
  • Planet Fitness
  • F45 Training
  • CrossFit facilities
  • Numerous yoga and wellness studios

Residents can choose from hundreds of dining options, including:

Popular National Favorites

  • Ford’s Garage
  • First Watch
  • LongHorn Steakhouse
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill
  • Olive Garden
  • Bonefish Grill
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Panera Bread
  • Mission BBQ
  • Culver’s

Local Favorites

  • The Stein & Vine
  • The Landing Bar & Grill
  • The Brunchery
  • Fred’s Market Restaurant
  • La Villa Mexican Grill
  • Taste of Berlin
  • Stonewood Grill & Tavern
  • Numerous family-owned Italian, Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean restaurants throughout the area
  • Starbucks
  • Foxtail Coffee Co.
  • The Grind Coffee Bar
  • Jeremiah’s Italian Ice
  • Cold Stone Creamery
  • Dairy Queen
  • Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins
  • Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
  • Campbell’s Dairyland
  • Local ice cream parlors and dessert shops
  • AMC Theatres Brandon 20
  • Local bowling centers
  • Topgolf Tampa
  • Escape rooms
  • Family entertainment centers
  • Hi-Five (Old Brandon Sports & Aquatic Center)
  • Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
  • Community festivals and seasonal events

Residents benefit from access to:

  • HCA Florida Brandon Hospital
  • AdventHealth Riverview
  • Tampa General Hospital facilities
  • St. Joseph’s Hospital
  • Numerous urgent care centers
  • Specialty medical offices and wellness providers

Is Brandon, Valrico, & Lithia Area Right for You?

If you’re looking for:

Top-rated schools and family-oriented communities

Convenient access to Tampa and MacDill AFB

New construction and established neighborhoods

Parks, trails, and outdoor recreation

Diverse housing options, from starter homes to luxury estates

A strong sense of community and local pride

Then Brandon, Valrico, and Lithia deserve a closer look.

 

Browse available homes, explore our community guides, or contact me for personalized guidance tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and relocation needs. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating to Florida, or searching for your forever home, I’m here to help every step of the way.

Ready to start your journey?

Whether you’re just curious about your options or ready to find your forever home, let’s talk. No jargon, no stress—just the help you need to move forward.