Valrico

About Valrico

Located in Hillsborough County, Valrico is a census-designated suburb less than 20 miles east of Tampa. About 38,000 residents enjoy Valrico’s safe and friendly neighborhoods, quality schools, wealth of parks, and local eateries. Nearby Tampa provides an exciting range of career opportunities, spectacular outdoor activities on both land and water, family attractions, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Pristine Gulf Coast beaches with white sand and blue water along the barrier islands are for staycations and memory-making family day trips.

Cotton plantations dominated the area when a philosophy professor named William G. Tousey arrived in the 1880s. Tousey opened a steam mill in 1893, and three years later a schoolhouse opened its doors.

Like many Florida towns, the completion of the first railroad attracted an influx of people. The best of Valrico history is embodied in the still-standing James McCabe Theater built in 1915. Originally a civic club, the theater enjoys a place on the county’s Registry of Historic Places. The Village Players have been putting on productions and making necessary renovations since 1994, completely funded by grants and the community they serve.

Living and Working in Valrico

Valrico is a charming and safe suburb with plenty of parks and tree-lined streets. The highly rated K-12 public schools operated by Hillsborough County consistently earn As, making Valrico an excellent place for families. Graduates can easily commute to the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College.

Residents consistently praise neighbors for being friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Most own their own homes, which run just above the national average with price points to suit many budgets. Options range from new construction condos and townhomes to modest single-family homes and larger, more luxurious houses. Valrico residents pursue careers in defense, healthcare, finance, information technology and cyber security, education, manufacturing and logistics, tourism, and maritime.

Things to do in Valrico

Valrico Park and Valrico Recreation Center provide ample opportunities for fun in town. Avid golfers have three spectacular courses to play. Outdoor enthusiasts can zipline, canoe, kayak, and view manatees. In neighboring Sydney, equestrians enjoy the Sydney Dover Trails or attend events at Greater Hillsborough County Fair.

Wonderful attractions include Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Straz Center for the Performing Arts provide opportunities for cultural enrichment.

Spend a day at Alafia River or Hillsborough River state parks. Enjoy the exciting nightlife of Ybor City or explore the historic district by day to learn about the onetime Cigar Capital.

Valrico Transportation

Major arteries serving Valrico are State Road 60, which runs east-west through town, while I-75, I-4, and State Road 574 are nearby. Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority operates extensive public transportation routes, which can be accessed at the Dover Park-and-Ride just outside Valrico on State Road 60. Residents fly through Tampa International Airport.

Valrico is a coveted place for growing families, empty nesters, and retirees, who enjoy year-round recreation, wonderful schools, and proximity to Tampa.