Brandon FL is an unincorporated town in Hillsborough County. It started out as a suburb of Tampa, but has really grown into a city in its own right over the past few decades. In fact, it is a busy, bustling town with plenty going on all the time and lots of fun and interesting things to do. With a location halfway between Tampa and Lakeland, Brandon puts anyone living there within proximity of a lot of cool things in Florida. Plus, the town itself is a terrific place to visit and live. Here are some of the important things about Brandon you should know before you decide on it as your new home.
According to the 2010 census, there are 103,483 people living in Brandon, FL. Of these people, 72 percent are Caucasian, 57 percent are Hispanic, 16 percent are African American, and the rest are smaller representations of other races and ethnicities. Fifty-eight percent of households are made up of married couples, and 38 percent have children under the age of 18 living in them. The median income for people living in Brandon, FL is approximately $51,000 a year.
Ninety-one percent of residents have a high school diploma, while 27 percent have a Bachelor's degree, and 8 percent have a graduate degree. It is a highly educated area.
Crime is not as much of a concern for the residents of Brandon as it is for Tampa, thanks largely in part to the excellent neighborhood watch programs in the city's many subdivisions and planned housing communities. Most of the crimes that occur there are of a minor nature, with assaults and thefts being the most common named type of crime. The majority of crimes that occur in Brandon fall under the ubiquitous category of "Other," which can mean anything from DUI's to vandalism, and other minor crimes in between. When it comes to crime, Brandon really does have a high quality of life compared to most of its closest neighbors.
Brandon has two community theaters, giving locals the chance to perform in plays and musicals, or watch other locals perform in them. The quality of these theaters is considered to be among the highest in the area, and their shows are always of a high caliber of performance. There is a locally run health food store called Chuck's right in the middle of downtown, where residents can buy organic produce, homemade healthy foods and smoothies in the deli, and a variety of gluten-free products, as well. Several produce markets line the street corners of Brandon, where locally produced honey and eggs can be procured, along with fresh fruits and vegetables and boiled peanuts (a local delicacy).
With a nice selection of natural health practitioners of all kinds, venues for dance, martial arts, and music lessons for both kids and adults, a historic cemetery where some of the original settlers of the area are buried, and lots of opportunities for fine dining, karaoke, spa services, high class shopping, and more, Brandon is a medium-sized city with a small town feel that will provide you with everything you need to live the good life.
There is a high quality of life in Brandon. Everything you could possibly need is in driving distance of wherever you live in the city, and you can get there quickly by taking the back and side streets. The town has a huge mall that people come to from many neighboring cities to shop. With the mall's recent expansion, it has even more to offer, such as a Cheesecake Factory, a Books-a-Million, and more. There are doctors of every conceivable specialty in town, so you won't have to go far to get all your medical needs met. There is also the regionally famous Brandon Regional Medical Center, which is a full service hospital that can attend to any need. Some of the local doctors perform surgery exclusively at this facility.
The city is full of highly rated public schools serving all grade levels, and even hosts a branch of Hillsborough Community College. There are also lots of parks with walking trails, recreational facilities, and playground equipment throughout the city. While most of these places are not accessible by walking, except for some of the parks in the residential neighborhoods, they are all a quick driving distance from any point in town, and Brandon also has a thriving city bus program to get you where you need to go with ease.
Brandon is best known for being a bedroom community of Tampa. However, it still has a lot to offer on its own. There are dozens of housing developments in the town, each suitable for any price range. While most people who live there are commuters to Tampa or Lakeland, some do work in the many commercial venues in the city. There is a large Catholic private school there that has an annual fair the entire community can attend. It is also within close driving distance of the Hillsborough County State Fair and the Plant City Strawberry Festival, which are both held in late winter every year. Interstate access is also close no matter where you live in the city, as is access to Highway 60, which is Brandon's main street. Highway 60 goes to Tampa in the north, and for hundreds of miles to the south, and can take you anywhere you care to go with ease. Most of all, Brandon is known for how it continues to grow and develop as a city in its own right, and the modern amenities and cultural diversity it has to offer all of its residents.
Brandon is an excellent choice of a place to live if you are looking for a residence in central Florida near the west coast. It is known for its easy commutes to bigger cities, its plethora of excellent commerce opportunities, and its family friendly environment. Choosing a home there is a brilliant idea for you and your family.
