Living Here

What's the difference between Valrico and Brandon?

Answered by Barrett Henry, REALTOR®

They overlap and the distinction confuses a lot of people. Both are unincorporated CDPs in Hillsborough County. Your mailing address might say Brandon while your property is technically in the Valrico CDP. The ZIP codes help: 33594 and 33596 are primarily Valrico, while 33510 and 33511 are Brandon. Valrico tends to be more residential and suburban, while Brandon has more commercial development along SR-60.

Barrett Henry

Broker Associate, REALTOR® | REMAX Collective

With over 23 years of real estate experience, Barrett helps buyers and sellers across Valrico and the Tampa Bay area. Straight talk. Smart strategy.

(813) 733-7907 nowtb.com

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Related Questions

Do I need a car in Valrico?

Yes. Valrico is a car-dependent suburb — there is no public transit service, no Uber-walkable downtown, and most errands require driving. Sidewalks exist in most neighborhoods for walking, but you can't get to grocery stores, schools, or restaurants on foot from most homes. Most households have two cars. This is standard for suburban Florida. If not having a car is important to you, Tampa's urban core or St. Pete's downtown would be better fits.

What are Valrico ZIP codes?

Valrico primarily uses two ZIP codes: 33594 (north/central Valrico) and 33596 (south Valrico, including Bloomingdale and areas near FishHawk). Some Valrico addresses near the Brandon border may have a 33511 ZIP. Your ZIP code affects your school zone, insurance rates, and which services are available. When searching for homes, use both 33594 and 33596 to see all Valrico listings.

What county is Valrico in?

Valrico is in Hillsborough County, Florida. It's an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP), meaning it doesn't have its own city government. County services — sheriff, fire rescue, water/sewer, code enforcement — are provided by Hillsborough County. This is why you won't find a 'Valrico City Hall' — there isn't one. County commissioners make the decisions that affect Valrico residents.

What is the population of Valrico?

Valrico's population is approximately 37,000-40,000 as of recent estimates. The broader Valrico-Bloomingdale-FishHawk corridor has over 100,000 residents. The area has grown steadily since the 1990s but is now mostly built out, so growth has slowed compared to Riverview and Wesley Chapel which are still adding new construction rapidly.

Are there alligators in Valrico?

This is Florida, so yes — alligators live in every body of fresh water. Retention ponds, lakes, canals, and the Alafia River all have gators. That said, encounters in residential neighborhoods are uncommon. Don't leave small pets unattended near ponds, don't feed wild alligators (it's illegal), and if one shows up in your yard or pool, call FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR. Most residents rarely see them.

Are there snakes in Valrico?

Florida has about 50 snake species, and you'll see them in Valrico — especially black racers, rat snakes, and ring-neck snakes, which are all non-venomous and actually helpful (they eat rodents). Venomous species exist (Eastern Diamondback, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Water Moccasin) but encounters are rare in suburban neighborhoods. Keep your yard trimmed, watch where you step in tall grass, and don't panic — most Florida snakes are harmless.

What churches are in Valrico?

Valrico has a diverse selection of churches. Bell Shoals Baptist Church is one of the largest in the area with a campus on Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico Church of Christ, First Baptist Church of Valrico, and Grace Family Church all have active congregations. Catholic families attend Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon. There are also Methodist, Presbyterian, non-denominational, and other options throughout the community.

What are Valrico's best-kept secrets?

Lithia Springs Park — a natural spring-fed swimming hole that stays 72°F year-round. The Alafia River for kayaking with actual rapids. Keel & Curley Winery in Plant City for afternoon wine tasting. Edward Medard Park for sunset fishing. The Valrico Flea Market for weekend browsing. Taqueria El Rinconcito for authentic tacos. Bloomingdale Golf Course for affordable rounds. And the fact that Valrico has no city tax — a lot of people don't know that until they move here.

Where is the Valrico library?

The Bloomingdale Regional Library at 1906 Bloomingdale Ave is the closest public library. It's part of the Hillsborough County Public Library system and has a good collection, children's programs, computer access, meeting rooms, and free WiFi. The library hosts story times, summer reading programs, and community events. Library cards are free for Hillsborough County residents. Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library in South Tampa is also accessible via the county system.

Where can I get a Christmas tree in Valrico?

Home Depot and Lowe's on SR-60 both sell fresh-cut Christmas trees starting the week after Thanksgiving. For a choose-and-cut farm experience, Santa's Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis is a popular day trip (about 1.5 hours). Several pop-up tree lots open in church parking lots and shopping centers around Valrico in late November. Artificial trees are popular in Florida since real trees dry out fast in the warm weather.

What's the Valrico community like?

Valrico has a strong community feel that's rare for a suburb this close to a major city. Neighbors actually know each other. The Facebook groups are active and helpful — people share recommendations, lost pets, safety alerts, and local news daily. Block parties happen. People wave when you drive by. It's a mix of lifelong Floridians and transplants from the Northeast and Midwest who chose Valrico for the schools and the pace of life. Most residents say it's the neighborly feel that makes Valrico special.

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