Gibsonton

About Gibsonton

Situated in Hillsborough County on Tampa Bay, Gibsonton lies on the south bank of the Alafia River just 10 miles south of Tampa. This growing census-designated community is home to about 18,000 diverse people. Gibsonton, aka Gibtown, includes the communities of Gardenville and Adamsville, and retains a rural feel while many small businesses open and newly constructed homes of all sizes are being built.

Gibsonton History

Though founded by James Gibson of Greenville, Alabama, in 1884, Gibsonton is famous as the winter home of circus and carnival folks beginning in the early 20th century. It was a common site to see exotic animals of all sizes hanging out or training with their humans before going back on the road. Today, Gibsonton’s sideshow legacy is preserved at the International Independent Showmen's Museum. Much of its photographic archive has been digitized by the University of South Florida in nearby Sarasota, which also houses a collection of Gibsonton oral histories. The Ringling Museum is located on the USF campus as well.

Living and Working in Gibsonton

Gibsonton offers a range of housing options, with home prices below the national average and rentals on par with the national average. About 70 percent of residents own their own homes. Single-family houses, new construction townhouses and condos, plus apartments and manufactured homes meet a range of budgets and preferences. Its strategic location near Tampa offers career paths in these sectors: tourism, health care, finance, insurance, technology, construction, education, and maritime enterprises. The average commute time is about 31 minutes.

Gibsonton Transportation

Major arteries running through Gibsonton include U.S. Route 41 and Interstate 75, providing access to Tampa and St. Petersburg to the north and Bradenton and Sarasota to the south. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) system provides public transportation throughout the area via fixed bus routes and express bus service, which are wheelchair and bicycle friendly.

Things to do in Gibsonton

Of course, a visit to the International Independent Showmen's Museum to delve into the fascinating history of Gibsonton's carnival and circus community is a must. Spend a day at East Bay Raceway Park for an adrenaline-pumping experience watching high-speed racing on the one-third mile Florida clay track.

With a bay on one side and river on the other, there is plenty of water activities on tap in Gibsonton, which is great for boat-owners, hikers, bikers, kayakers, and anglers. Spend the day hanging out at Gardenville Beach with the family. From November to April stroll the Manatee Viewing Center to see the sweet creatures or hike the red or yellow trails of Golden Aster Scrub Nature Preserve year-round for the rare birds and many habitats. Day trips to Alafia River State Park or Little Manatee River State Park make for great nature getaways.

Gibsonton’s good schools, four-season recreational opportunities, rural feel, and proximity to all the amenities of nearby Tampa make it a great spot for young families, empty nesters, and retirees to settle in and enjoy life.