Costly and bad for commuting
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10/17/2006
We've lived in Valrico (south and west of Brandon, technically part of Brandon since they're both unincorporated) for four years, and while it's a great area with decent schools, if you work in Tampa, the commute is lousy: you have to fight through a dozen or so traffic lights for the privilege of getting stuck in traffic on the Crosstown Expressway or I-75 or (even worse) the Veteran's Expressway if you work on the other side of the airport.
Also, don't believe the realtors: the housing prices are ridiculous (still) with a decent 3/2 averaging about $275K.
We're moving back north (North Carolina or Virginia), but we got very lucky with our neighborhood (Bloomingdale Oaks) and our elementary school (Alafia). If you have to live in Valrico, check them out.
Brandon itself is okay, but the area along 60 is rather ugly.
Richard | Valrico, FL