If you're exploring neighborhoods in the Valrico and Brandon area, Bloomingdale deserves a spot on your list. This established community, centered along Bloomingdale Avenue between US 301 and Lithia Pinecrest Road, is one of the largest residential areas in all of Tampa Bay — and it's got a lot going for it.

By the Numbers

• Approximately 5,200 homes in the broader Bloomingdale area
• 32 individual neighborhoods within the community
• Construction started: 1979
• Most recent development: Erindale Oaks (2013)
• Location: Centered on Bloomingdale Avenue, south of Brandon and west of Valrico

Bloomingdale isn't a single HOA or a master-planned community like FishHawk Ranch. It's a collection of neighborhoods that grew up together over three decades, each with its own character, rules, and price points.

The Neighborhoods Within the Neighborhood

The diversity within Bloomingdale is one of its strengths. You'll find:

• Deed-restricted communities with strict HOA rules and well-maintained common areas
• Non-HOA neighborhoods for people who prefer fewer restrictions
• Townhome and villa communities for lower-maintenance living
• Single-family home neighborhoods ranging from starter homes to larger family properties

Bloomingdale Village, for example, is a deed-restricted neighborhood of 57 private single-family homes. The Links HOA of Bloomingdale Ridge is another established community. Each neighborhood has its own identity, but they all share the Bloomingdale address and the sense of community that comes with it.

Schools

Bloomingdale is zoned for some of Hillsborough County's well-regarded schools. Bloomingdale High School is the community's home school, and the Bulls have a strong athletic tradition — their football program, under Head Coach Patrick Murphy, has been on an upward trajectory, with veterans returning on both sides of the ball heading into the 2025-26 school year.

The area also feeds into several well-rated elementary and middle schools that serve the Brandon/Valrico corridor.

What Homes Cost

Bloomingdale offers some of the most accessible price points in the Valrico/Brandon area:

• Entry-level homes: $280,000-$350,000 for smaller or older homes
• Mid-range: $350,000-$450,000 for updated 3-4 bedroom homes
• Higher end: $450,000+ for larger or fully renovated properties

Compared to FishHawk Ranch (median $550,000) or newer Valrico developments, Bloomingdale is a strong value play — especially for families who want the location and schools without stretching their budget.

Current Developments

Water pipeline project: The county has begun construction on a new water pipeline through parts of the Bloomingdale area, with road closures scheduled as the project progresses. Check with the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association (bloomingdale.life) for the latest updates on closures and timelines.

Community leadership changes: The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association recently said goodbye to longtime board member Bobbi Ferraro, who is preparing to move from the community. Transitions like this are a reminder that community organizations need fresh volunteers to stay healthy.

The Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association

The BNA is the umbrella organization that represents the broader Bloomingdale community. It's not an HOA — individual neighborhoods have their own HOAs — but it serves as a voice for the area on county-level issues, hosts community events, and provides a communication channel for residents across all 32 neighborhoods.

If you live in Bloomingdale and aren't connected with the BNA, visit bloomingdale.life to get involved.

Why Bloomingdale Works

Bloomingdale's biggest advantage is that it's established. The trees are mature, the neighborhoods are settled, and the community has a 40+ year track record. You're not buying into a promise — you're buying into a known quantity.

The location is ideal for commuters: Bloomingdale Avenue connects to both I-75 and US 301, and you're centrally located between Tampa, Brandon, and Riverview. Groceries, restaurants, and shopping are all within a few minutes' drive.

For buyers who want the Valrico area without the FishHawk price tag, Bloomingdale is the answer.