Learn More About Brandon, Florida
About Brandon, Florida:
Situated in the proximity of downtown Tampa, Brandon is a major community in Hillsborough County in the state of Florida. It is the biggest unincorporated community in the entire length and breadth of the state, with a population of more than 100,000. The census-designated place, covering a total area of approximately 29 square miles, lies somewhat halfway between Tampa and Plant City near the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Brandon was named for landowner John Brandon, who arrived in the area along with his wife and six sons in 1857. He initially bought 40 acres of land in the present location of the CDP and later increased his acquisition by another 160 acres. The community experienced sporadic growths from the beginning of the 20th century. The expansion became more stable from the 1960s. Today, Brandon has grown to become one of the largest areas not only in Hillsborough County, but also in the whole of Florida despite remaining unincorporated.
From a total population of over 1,600 people as of the 1960 census, Brandon has grown to more than 103,000 residents. Neighborhoods within the area include Brandon Hills, Barrington Oaks East, La Viva and Kensington Estates. The census boundaries of the CDP are Seffner to the north, Riverview to the south, Valrico to the east, and Interstate 75 to the west. It has a reputation of being a bedroom community for Tampa.
One of the major attractions for residents in Brandon is its proximity to I-75. The interstate route played a key role in the transformation of the community to a major urban area in the 1980s. The area can also be easily accessed from Interstate 4. It is served by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, which operates local and express bus lines to places such as downtown Tampa, Westfield Brandon, Ruskin, FishHawk and Dover.
Brandon has multiple public schools which are managed by the Hillsborough County Public School System. These include the Brandon High School, the second-oldest high school in the county. In addition, there are private schools serving the community, including Nativity Catholic School, Bell Shoals Baptist Academy, Providence Christian School and Brandon Academy Private School. A campus of the Southern Technical College is also located here. Brandon Regional Library caters to the CDP residents and those in neighboring communities of Valrico and Lithia.
There is absolutely no shortage of what to do in your free time here, especially considering Brandon’s proximity to downtown Tampa. You can enjoy both hometown hospitality and big city entertainment. Beaches, shops and restaurants in the area enable great outdoor fun, fantastic shopping and awesome dining. The CDP also provides easy access to many exciting attractions in the area, including Busch Gardens, Florida Holocaust Museum, Sea World Florida, and the Florida Aquarium.
A popular annual event here is the two-day Brandon Balloon Classic, which is held in April. The CDP is also home of the Hillsborough County fair held every October.
Brandon is a decent example of a combination of small town and large city living. Its proximity to big cities, such as Orlando and Tampa, as well as interstate highways has made it a great place for many people to live. It has a respectable educational system and boasts numerous amazing attractions.
