Nestled in the heart of Hillsborough County FL near Tampa Bay, lies the hidden gem of Brandon FL. Offering a diverse and flourishing suburban city, this vibrant community boasts rich history, a wide range of attractions, and a high-quality lifestyle for its residents. Ready to explore the best of Brandon, Florida? Let’s dive in!
Explore Brandon, Florida: a hidden gem with diverse attractions and amenities.
Enjoy outdoor activities at Alafia River State Park or shop at Westfield Brandon Mall.
Benefit from family-friendly activities, employment opportunities, transportation options and annual events in the city.
John Brandon, who bought land in the area with his first wife, Victoria, originally established Brandon in the late-nineteenth century. Over time, the small rural community experienced a real growth period around 1950, and by the early 1960s, Brandon’s population had swelled to approximately 8,000 residents. Today, now Brandon FL is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Hillsborough County, with a population of 114,626 as reported by the 2020 census.
The growth of Brandon has transformed it into a diverse and thriving city that appeals to families, young professionals, and retirees. The median age in Brandon is 37, and the community offers various amenities, including shopping centers, parks, and entertainment venues, catering to residents of all ages. With its close proximity to Tampa, many residents commute to nearby cities for work, while enjoying the suburban lifestyle that Brandon provides.
Brandon, a vibrant city, never ceases to entertain with its myriad attractions and activities, such as exploring the splendid Alafia River State Park, shopping at the busy Westfield Brandon Mall, or planning a trip to Walt Disney World. One of the hidden gems in the area is wife Victoria’s house, which adds a touch of history and charm to the city.
Of course, the beautiful local parks and outdoor spaces are also not to be missed. So, let’s explore the best attractions Brandon has to offer.
Located just a short drive from downtown Brandon, Alafia River State Park offers a unique and picturesque landscape for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. Spanning over 6,344 acres, the park was once a phosphate mine known as Lonesome Mine, which has been reclaimed and transformed into a stunning natural environment. The park features a diverse terrain, from the majestic Myakka River flowing through it to prairies and hammocks that make for an enchanting experience.
Alafia River State Park, located in the land north of the reclaimed phosphate mine, is a haven for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even camping. With over 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, visitors can hike or bike amid the unique topography. Mountain bikers can also enjoy popular trails such as Rollercoaster, Berm, North Creek Trail, and Thunder Ridge.
For a more relaxed hike, visitors can explore the 2.8-mile loop trail in the south tract of Fishhawk Creek Preserve.
Shopping enthusiasts will delight in the Westfield Brandon Mall, a premier shopping destination in the area. With more than 150 stores, the mall offers a wide range of shopping options, including major retail anchors such as Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Sears. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or a perfect gift, Westfield Brandon Mall has something for everyone.
Westfield Brandon Mall is more than just a shopping destination. It also caters to food lovers with a variety of dining options like:
P.F. Chang’s
The Cheesecake Factory
Bahama Breeze
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Plus, the mall at Brandon Town Center, located near Victoria Street, also offers live music, strolling entertainment, and photo opportunities, making it a one-stop destination for a fun day out in Brandon.
Managed by the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department, Brandon is rich in local parks and outdoor spaces. These parks provide various amenities, such as:
Baseball fields
Basketball courts
Covered basketball courts
Educational classes
Fitness classes
Open fields
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to unwind or a place to engage in sports and recreation, Brandon’s parks have something for everyone.
A local favorite, Paul Sanders Park, also known as Tree Park, offers a serene setting for families to enjoy. Featuring paved pathways for biking, walking, and running, the park is home to majestic oak trees, making it a picturesque spot for picnics and relaxation. With so many parks and outdoor spaces to choose from, residents and visitors of Barrington Oaks East can easily enjoy the beautiful Florida weather and scenery in Brandon.
Reflecting the diversity of its population, Brandon’s culinary scene offers a blend of local favorite eateries, international cuisine, and well-known chain restaurants. From classic American dishes to exotic flavors from around the world, there’s a dining option to satisfy every palate.
Some of the popular establishments in Brandon include:
Bahama Breeze, offering Caribbean-inspired dishes
Ford’s Garage, serving up classic American fare
Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, where you can indulge in authentic New Orleans cuisine
No matter what you’re craving, the culinary scene in Brandon is sure to delight your taste buds.
With a host of family-friendly activities for all ages, Brandon ensures fun-filled experiences for the whole family. Trampoline parks, such as Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park and Sky Zone Trampoline Park, provide a fun and exhilarating experience for kids and adults alike.
For those looking to stay cool during the warmer months, ice skating rinks and roller-skating venues offer a refreshing break from the heat. Astro Skate of Brandon, for example, provides skate lessons and entertaining events year-round for individuals of all ages. With a variety of family-friendly activities available in Brandon, there’s always something fun to do.
With its diversity, the housing market in Brandon provides various options, accommodating families, young professionals, and retirees alike. From established neighborhoods like Brentwood Hills to newer developments such as Sterling Ranch, there are plenty of housing options to choose from.
The mean home price in Brandon is $350,000, while the average rent is $1,729. With a cost of living slightly above the national average at 100.7, Brandon offers a high-quality lifestyle in close proximity to major cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando.
Placing a high priority on education, Brandon, through the Hillsborough County Public School District, offers various public and private schools for families. The city is home to approximately 11 public schools, 41 private schools, and 6 private high schools, offering a diverse range of educational opportunities.
Higher education institutions such as Emmaus Baptist College, Hillsborough Community College, and Southern Technical College are also available for those looking to further their education. With a strong focus on education, Brandon ensures a bright future for its residents, including those attending New Hope Church, formerly known as Hope Church.
Offering a myriad of employment opportunities, Brandon and its surrounding cities focus on sectors such as healthcare, education, retail, and finance, making it an ideal location for those seeking Brandon jobs.
The mean remuneration in Brandon is $65,000 annually, with many residents commuting to nearby cities like Tampa for work.
Some of the largest employers in the Tampa area include BayCare Health System, HCA West Florida, and Tampa General Hospital, offering numerous job opportunities for Brandon residents. With a robust job market and a range of industries, Brandon is an ideal location for professionals seeking diverse employment opportunities.
Thanks to its proximity to major highways and public transportation options, commuting in and around Brandon and its neighboring cities is easy. Interstates I-4 and I-75 are conveniently located near Brandon, providing easy access to Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Orlando.
While the most popular mode of transportation in Brandon is by automobile, public transportation is also available through the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority System, which offers four local and three express bus lines to the Brandon area. With a range of transportation options, residents and visitors can easily navigate the city and its surrounding areas.
Through a variety of annual events and festivals, Brandon showcases its vibrant community spirit. Notable events include:
Tampa Riverwalk Food and Art Festival
Taste of Brandon
Florida State Fair
Florida Strawberry Festival
Lauren’s Rainbow Run Classic 5k
The holiday season in Brandon is also a magical time, with events like the Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village, taking place from November 23 to December 31, offering lights, entertainment, and family fun. These annual events and festivals provide entertainment and excitement for residents and visitors alike, including those coming from downtown Tampa.
For sports enthusiasts or those simply looking to stay active, Brandon provides a variety of sports and recreational activities. The city is home to several golf courses, including:
Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club
Diamond Hill Golf and Country Club
Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club
Terrace Hill Golf Club
These courses cater to golfers of all skill levels.
Brandon also features numerous sports complexes, including the North Brandon Sports Complex and the Valrico Sports Complex, providing facilities for team sports and individual activities. Fitness centers like Fitness For $10, 5th Gear Fitness, Esporta Fitness, and Anytime Fitness offer workout options for those looking to stay in shape. With so many sports and recreational facilities available, there’s something for everyone in Brandon.
From its rich history and diverse population to its wide range of attractions, amenities, and employment opportunities, Brandon, Florida, truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a visitor looking to explore the city’s hidden gems or a resident seeking a high-quality lifestyle, Brandon is a vibrant and thriving community that is waiting to be discovered.
Brandon, Florida is a great place to live because of its family-centric neighborhoods, recreational amenities, and reasonable housing options near Tampa.
Brandon, Florida is a bedroom community of Tampa and is known for its humid subtropical climate, beautiful nature, family-friendly activities, and close proximity to the city. It is also the birthplace of Beef O'Brady's restaurant chain.
Brandon is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located about 15-20 minutes away from Tampa with a population of approximately 115,000. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area but is not considered a suburb of Tampa.
The population of Brandon, Florida, as of the 2020 census, is 114,626.
On average, the cost of housing in Brandon is $350,000 for purchasing a home and $1,729 for renting.
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