Valrico? (Tampa, Brandon, Bloomingdale: how much, homes, neighborhood)

[ToTPA]

Thoughts on Valrico?

My husband and I have recently relocated to the area for my husband's job (downtown TPA). We are both 31 and have two young toddlers. We have looked around quite a bit. Schools, shopping and quality of life are important to us. I have checked out the ratings and can see the distance to shopping, but are there other things we should consider?

I'm not sure how the construction industry works here. Are there reputable builders in this area or some that we should stay away from? We don't really know anyone here, so don't know who to ask.

[millie61]

Originally Posted by ToTPA

Thoughts on Valrico?

My husband and I have recently relocated to the area for my husband's job (downtown TPA). We are both 31 and have two young toddlers. We have looked around quite a bit. Schools, shopping and quality of life are important to us. I have checked out the ratings and can see the distance to shopping, but are there other things we should consider?

I'm not sure how the construction industry works here. Are there reputable builders in this area or some that we should stay away from? We don't really know anyone here, so don't know who to ask.

Stay away from KB homnes - look on the net you will find out all about them !!!!
We lived in Valrico off Bloomingdale there are good schools around there.

[MortonR]

We built in Bloomingdale East in the mid-90s, and have been very pleased with the area and neighborhood. The spouse commutes to the Westshore area daily, which isn't bad, and I commute to the USF area, which is also a decent commute.

The only complaint I have is the traffic, which has gotten progressively worse over the years, but quite honestly, it's not nearly as bad as other parts of Tampa (including FishHawk) comparatively. I might add that there is additional development that just got approved on the north side of FishHawk that will have around 3,000-4,000 additional homes within the next few years. To make things worse, the developer will not be paying to widen Boyette Road, either (the main artery to I-75.)

Our area is still affordable and has very good schools. You really can't go wrong in Valrico, as long as you avoid the very northern or eastern portions.

As far as the contruction industry is concerned, if you came from north of the Mason-Dixon Line, be ready for a shock. The term "quality work" is unknown in these parts. There are so many contractors and it is so competitive that most major builders change subcontractors like people change clothes. If you build, be sure you stay on top of things on a daily basis. We did, and it made a significant difference in the way our home was built. Had we not checked things out on a daily basis, I shudder to think at what a crappy job the subs would have done.

RM

[Spree]

Valrico is a great area. Any of the schools that feed into Bloomingdale, Durant or Newsome High schools are good. Tons of kids here, lots of families and lots of activities - football, softball/baseball, soccer, dance, gymnastics etc. in the area. During morning and afternoon rush hours, the area does get congested w/commuters going into and out of the Tampa area. However, during the day, getting around the Brandon area - which has the mall, restaurants and shopping, is not bad at all.

[ToTPA]

If we stay south of Lumsden, near Miller Road is that considered the North/East part? We are looking at a home near the Buckhorn golf course/cc.

The school in the area we are looking is Buckhorn Elem.

[Spree]

That's a fine area. There's tons of kids there. The school is in a residential area and there's walkers/bike riders that go to the school.

[cee]

Grew up in this area and parents still live there (off of lithia pinecrest).. my, how much it has grown! anyways, valrico is an amazing place to raise a family. only problem is the commute to tampa during rush hour. in the 90's, it only took about 30-45 mins.. now? forget about it. everyone is bottlenecking at the crosstown trying to get into the city.

[bluejean53]

Keep looking, this area has a little bit of everything. City life, urban, rural. its all here. just figure out whats important to you.

[mquintana]

Valrico is a good area with good schools in it's surroundings. You might also want to try Riverview. There are plenty of families in this area. Also, Valrico is right next to Brandon so it's close to shopping.

[mlrm]

We moved from Germany to Valrico because of the schools. I love this area. YMCA close by, ball parks. Natures Way is a great place to walk/run due to the side walks.