The 5 Best Established Neighborhoods Around Brandon, Florida for Families

When I’m curating a list of homes for my VIP clients, one conversation that comes up is finding a neighborhood that will be the best fit for their family. With record growth in the Tampa Bay housing market, more and more developments are popping up to meet this demand. With so many neighborhoods, it can be hard to narrow down your options, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. That’s why having a VIP home expert can be so helpful during this search. 

Weighing out new developments or established neighborhoods in Brandon, Florida

One question I ask my clients is whether they would prefer to live in a brand new development or an established neighborhood. Both have their pros and cons, but many of my clients with families prefer an older, established neighborhood. 

A new development can be great if your priorities are newer construction, neighborhood amenities, modern styles and appliances, and a new home warranty. The downside is that your neighbors may not know each other very well. There may not be conveniently-located schools or parks nor the sense of “community spirit” yet. 

On the other hand, an established neighborhood is what it sounds like – it’s a neighborhood that already has a vibrant community. It has residents who have put down roots. Your potential neighbors are more likely to know each other and socialize, and they typically host fun community events for the whole family. Plus, any infrastructure the neighborhood has, like parks, schools, and public transportation, are already integrated into the community. The environment will be cohesive and well-maintained, with mature trees, flourishing landscaping, and peaceful ponds. What more could you ask for? 

Here are 5 of the best established neighborhoods around Brandon, Florida, for families:

1. FishHawk Ranch Located right outside of Brandon in Lithia, FishHawk Ranch is the first “green-certified” community in Hillsborough county,  providing plenty of outdoor activities for its residents to enjoy. This community, which was established in 1996, features trails, parks, and resort-style pools. The residents love the community’s family-friendly atmosphere as well as its peaceful outdoor spaces. 
2. River Hills This active lifestyle community is located in Valrico, Florida, in close proximity to both Tampa and Brandon. River Hills offers its residents a country club, an 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse restaurant, and a heated outdoor pool. Residents love the lush, tropical landscaping and the luxury features that were built into many of the homes – wood-burning fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and scenic views of the golf course, to name a few. 
3. Buckhorn This well-established neighborhood in Brandon, Florida, is home to many families and is comprised of several subdivisions. With good schools, a beautiful county park, and the Buckhorn Springs Golf & Country Club which offers a swimming pool and green spaces to get together with friends and neighbors, this community is highly desirable. 
4. Sterling Ranch Another great community in Brandon, Florida, Sterling Ranch has a vibrant, family-friendly community. It features a swimming pool and offers many events for residents and families. Sterling Ranch is located in the heart of Brandon just minutes from the Westfield Brandon shopping mall, restaurants, I-75, and the Crosstown Expressway. 
5. Bloomingdale The largest community in Hillsborough county, and one of the most well-established, is the Bloomingdale Neighborhood. Bloomingdale is unique, because it is actually comprised of 32 distinct subdivisions. Created in 1979, this neighborhood features a cohesive community, including a library and several top-rated schools in or near the development. Its most popular amenity is the Bloomingdale Golfer’s Club, voted Tampa Bay’s number one golf course 10 years in a row. 

Need help finding the right home or community for your family in or around Brandon, Florida? 

Whether you’re looking for an older neighborhood or a newer one, Elena VIP Homes offers personalized service – a true VIP experience. If you have questions about the real estate market, your home’s value, the best established neighborhoods in Brandon, Florida, or if you’re moving from out of state, please contact us to start a conversation with a trusted Brandon, Florida, agent.