Is Brandon, Florida A Good Place To Live?

Jessica Stone
by Jessica Stone

Located in Hillsborough County in the Tampa Bay Area, Brandon, Florida is a cozy community of approximately 113,000 people. This sunny residential district sits roughly 18 minutes outside of Downtown Tampa and despite being relatively unfamiliar to most, Brandon has much to offer its residents. While this census-designated location isn’t considered a city or a town, it is beloved by locals and also a popular destination for young professionals and families alike.

Visiting Brandon, Florida as a tourist is one thing, but you may be wondering what it’s like to live here. Brandon offers residents a reasonable cost of living, affordable housing costs, numerous job opportunities, excellent schools, and plenty of year-round sunshine. Not to mention, the close proximity to Tampa makes it possible to have a job in the city while enjoying a more laid-back lifestyle.

Although this South Florida community may not be the first place that comes to mind when moving to the Sunshine State, it shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re thinking about calling Brandon, Florida home, this guide will give you a better idea of the pros and cons and what to expect when you settle down in this quaint community.

Do You Need to Hire Movers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

Brandon Residents

Brandon is home to a population of approximately 113,000 residents – a number that is constantly expanding every day. With a population density of roughly 3,300 people per square mile, it dwarfs in comparison to the Florida average of 294 people per square mile. Although the median age in Brandon is 36 years old, the age brackets are evenly dispersed and no single one contains more than 17% of the population.

When it comes to diversity, Brandon is majority white, with about 18% of the population being Black or African American, 24% Hispanic, and only 5% of Asian descent. A significant number of Brandon residents are born outside of the state of Florida – nearly 40% of locals were born in another state and about 20% were born in another country. As such, Brandon is a popular location for immigrants and transplants alike.

Why Is Brandon A Good Place to Live?

Brandon is ranked among the best suburbs to live in the Tampa area and is considered by many to be one of the best places to live in Florida. Despite being an unincorporated area, it is one of the most populated communities in Hillsborough County. With a number of advantages, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call Brandon home.

Overall, it is family-friendly with numerous schools to choose from, affordable, diverse, and offers tons in terms of amenities. Here’s the scoop on what makes Brandon, Florida so appealing:

Affordable Housing

When compared to the Tampa average, purchasing a home in Brandon is considerably more affordable with a median home value of $164,000. Renting, on the other hand, is a bit higher with an extra $300 than Tampa’s average rental rate. Regardless, there are a variety of housing options available at prices for nearly any budget. Head to the Southwood Hills for one of the most affordable and popular neighborhoods in Brandon. This community offers mid-sized homes at a median price of $192,000.

Or, if you prefer something a bit larger, Barrington Oaks features primarily four-bedroom homes with multi-car garages at a median price of $439,900. As an added bonus, the property taxes in Brandon are fairly reasonable. Buying property in this community makes sense, as you can find tons of homes below the $100K range.

Low Cost of Living

With both a low median home price and a relatively high median family income, Brandon is an excellent place to settle down. The cost of living is comparable to the Florida average, and a bit lower than the national average in nearly every category. Here’s a more detailed look at the cost of living in Brandon, Florida:

  • The median home price is $164,000. Or, if you prefer to rent in the area, you can expect to spend an average of $1,271, which is quite a bit above the usual price of rent in Florida.
  • Food and groceries are roughly the same. It is about 4% higher than the national average with an index of 104, and 1% lower than the Florida average.
  • Housing is 6% lower than the national average. This comes as no surprise with the low median home value. Though, housing in Brandon is also lower than the state average.
  • No state income tax. One of the major benefits of moving to Florida is the fact that there isn’t a state income tax. Obviously, this includes Brandon as well.
  • Utilities and transportation are lower than state and national averages. Utilities are about 10% lower, while transportation is between 1% and 2% lower.

Appealing Climate

If you’re looking for somewhere that you can escape the cold weather, Brandon is the place to be. Like the majority of the Sunshine State, Brandon benefits from primarily tropical weather and tons of year-round sunshine. Average temperatures in Brandon usually sit between 50 and 90 degrees, rarely plunging below 37 degrees. Winters are mild, dry, and almost never see snow.

Since the community is located near the coast, it has a mostly humid climate for much of the year. This means that hot summer days can get pretty unbearable sometimes. Fortunately, Brandon sees about 51 inches of rain a year which can help to cool things down a bit. Though, in Brandon, you’ll never have to worry about canceling your outdoor ventures as the weather remains relatively predictable.

Employment Opportunities

If you’re curious what type of work might be available to you in Brandon, there is no shortage of options or opportunties. The community’s local economy supports over 56,000 people, and residents in Brandon enjoy a median income of $59,054. Healthcare is the most prominent industry in terms of employment, followed by retail. Though, Brandon is also known for having flourishing technology and finance sectors.

Due to the close proximity to Tampa, Brandon residents can effortlessly locate work in the city. There are a substantial amount of major employers in Tampa, with JP Morgan Chase, the University of South Florida, and the BayCare Health System being some of the most popular. There is also plenty of work available throughout Hillsborough County.

Numerous Schools

With several schools in the area to choose from, parents in Brandon will have no trouble finding a desirable place for their children to attend. The strong educational foundation lets parents choose from 11 public schools and 41 private schools, with 6 private high schools. One of the most popular private schools in the area is Brandon Academy, which is available to kids all the way from Pre-K and through high school.

Close proximity to Tampa also means that there are numerous options for college students, including Tampa College, Southeastern Florida University, Hillsborough Community College, and more.

Tons of Amenities

Living in Brandon, there is no shortage of beaches. Another appealing feature is the community’s proximity to numerous parks, rivers, and trails – ideal for family weekend picnics, hikes, and paddles. There are also tons of municipal parks situated closer to the convenience of Brandon, such as Brandon Parkway Trail and Paul Sanders Park.

For those who enjoy live music, O’Tooles Irish Pub is a great choice. Other popular bars in the area are The Stein & Vine, Windmill Taphouse, Linksters Tap Room, Fox & Hounds Irish Pub, and The Vapors Manor. When you want a bit of retail therapy, you can head over to the area’s biggest mall, Westfield Brandon, where you’ll find countless department stores and smaller retail shops.

What Are The Drawbacks of Living in Brandon?

Like any other place, there are some drawbacks to living in Brandon. Here are some of the issues that Brandon residents have posed:

  • Limited public transportation. When compared to bigger cities like Miami and Tampa, the public transportation in Brandon could use some enhancements. There aren’t any local trains or trolleys, and bus routes are severely limited.
  • Heavy traffic. As Brandon’s population continues to grow, this contributes to heavy traffic during rush hours. While many choose to move here for its short commute to Tampa and the low cost of living, the limited public transportation options lead to congestion on the roads.
  • High humidity. While Brandon may not have frigid weather, humidity during the summer can be very intense. Like much of South Florida, summers here are long and hot – averaging 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Crime rates are high. Some residents contribute this to the increase in the population. Total crime in Brandon is 21% higher than the national average, while violent crime is 18% higher and property crime is 21% higher. However, the year over year crime in Brandon has decreased by 5%.

Do You Need to Hire Movers?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.


Related Questions

How far is Brandon, FL from the beach?

The best beaches are about 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from Brandon. While there are beaches on Tampa Bay that are closer, residents often prefer those in Clearwater, Treasure Island, or St. Petersburg.


Is living in Brandon, FL expensive?

Given the fact that the cost of living is on par with the Florida average and slightly below the national average, living in Brandon, Florida isn’t considered expensive. While rent is a bit higher than the state average, housing prices are well below the United States median and those found in neighboring Tampa.

Related Guides

Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

More by Jessica Stone

Next