Looking for a suburban area that is known for its community and family-friendly atmosphere. Well then, welcome to Brandon, Florida. It’s a delightful suburb that has the perfect blend of small-town charm while also offering modern conveniences.
Sitting in Hillsborough County. This amazingly vibrant, community-driven location has a rich history. Brandon offers local residents and visitors a variety of family-friendly activities blended with Southern hospitality.
Historical Overview of Brandon, Florida
Early Settlement and Founding
In 1857, John Brandon, a settler from Mississippi, came to the New Hope area (Now known as Bandon, FL) with his family. He recognized the area’s potential for farming and purchased forty acres of land. Later on, he acquired more land in the same area and laid the foundation for the town.
John’s first wife, Martha–passed away in 1867, which prompted him to leave the area temporarily, leaving his son James in charge. After seven years (1874), John returned with his second wife, Victoria, while also purchasing an additional 140 acres of land. Moreover, he constructed a family home at the intersection of Knights Avenue and Victoria Street, which then later on served as Brandon’s first Post Office.
By 1886, John had passed away–but Victoria remained active in the community. She later on, to honor her husband, named the area “Brandon,” making it the official name.
Railroad Expansion and Growth
In 1890, the arrival of Florida Central and Pennsylvania Railroad was a major turning point for Brandon. With a depot established on Moon Avenue, Brandon’s agricultural products, which included citrus and strawberries, gained easy access to a much larger market. Accelerating the growth and economic development of the area.
Brandon established its first school in 1986. This showed the community’s commitment to education while also making the area a hub for the surrounding area.
Agricultural Expansion and Community Development (Early–Mid 20th Century)
From the 1920s to the 1930s, Brandon’s economy primarily relied on agriculture. The area became well-known for its strawberries, citrus, and poultry farms. However, during the great depression–several farms and businesses suffered a great loss.
Bill and Ann Hollash founded Brandon Eggs in 1946. Which then later on became the largest egg producer in Hillsborough County. It also increased the local agriculture, while also providing jobs to the community.
Post-War Growth and Infrastructure Development
Following World War II, in the 1950s. Brandon saw a population surge because of the returning soldiers and the influx of the post-war baby boom. This led to new housing developments, which spread across the area–especially because of the construction of modern highways and roads.
In the 1960s, after the construction of Interstate 75 and its proximity to Tampa further helped fuel the development of the area’s residential and commercial growth. This helped Brandon become a desirable suburban location–with affordable housing and accessibility to urban amenities.
Transformation into a Modern Suburb
From the 1970s to the 1980s. Brandon kept continuing its suburban expansion. Extending itself into nearby communities like Limona, Seffner and Valrico. At the same time, shopping centers, schools and hospitals were also being established to harbor the growing population.
Present
Nowadays, Brandon has become a thriving suburb of Tampa with a blend of historical landmarks, like the original Brandon family home. While also showcasing its modern amenities, like shopping centers, parks and schools. This community-based area still honors its past with preserved buildings and annual events that celebrate its heritage.
Demographics of Brandon, Florida: Age Groups and Ethnic Diversity
Brandon is a CDP located in Hillsborough County, Florida. According to the World Population Review report–Brandon has a population of 116,830 in the year 2024. The growth rate of Brandon has been growing at a steady rate of 0.82% annually. Also, the World Population Review report indicates that the population has increased by 0.79% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 115,909 in 2020.
Age Group Distribution
| Children under 18 | 19.9% |
| Adults 18-44 | 25.2% |
| Adults 45-64 | 20.7% |
| Seniors 65 and older | 14.2% |
Brandon Ethnic Demographics
According to the World Population Review report, this is the current Ethnic Demographic of Brandon, Florida.
| Caucasian/Europeans | 56.68% |
| African Americans | 16.75% |
| Larger Race Groups (Hispanics, Latinos) | 14.04% |
| Other races | 7.55% |
| Asians | 4.57% |
| Native Americans | 0.33% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0.08% |
Local Attractions and Locations to Visit in Brandon, Florida
Brandon isn’t just an area that acts as a convenient hub for exploring the Tampa Bay area. It is a location that is filled with amazing locations and attractions that demand the attention of both local residents and visitors alike.
All Person’s Rotary Park
All Person’s Rotary is a park that is known for featuring a universal playground that is fenced-in. This park also includes a splash pad, which makes it the perfect place for families who want to spend a lovely day with their children. Furthermore, it also includes picnic pavilions, barbecue grills, baseball fields, and public restrooms. Visitors also appreciate the park for its wheelchair accessibility options and enjoy it as a great place for outdoor activities like hiking and picnics.
Davis Park
Davis Park is a community-focused park that provides its visitors with essential entertainment facilities like a baseball court and a playground. The park also has picnic tables and public restrooms available for its visitors, and it is wheelchair accessible. Making it a welcoming space for everyone.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is an indoor adventure park that offers its visitors a good number of activities. It features trampolines, rock climbing, and obstacle courses–making it ideal for birthday parties and family outings. Moreover, it also harbors a restaurant that is specially designed to be accessible for individuals who might be suffering from a disability.
Pump It Up Brandon
An amusement center for children. Pump It Up Brandon specializes in inflatable play structures for kids’ birthday parties and events. This place includes multiple playrooms, which are designed to be safe and accessible even for young children.
Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World is an astonishing outdoor museum that holds over 150 life-sized dinosaur models, which are set in a natural environment. The place serves as a great place for providing educational experiences about dinosaurs and prehistoric life for both children and adults. Furthermore, it also provides its visitors with a picnic area–making it an ideal place for family outings.
Local Economy and Employment Opportunities
According to DATAUSA, the employment rate in Brandon, Florida, grew at a rate of 0.652%, from 58.7k employees to 59.1k employees–between the years 2021 and 2022. The most common job groups by the number of people living are Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Management Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations.
Local Businesses
Just Love Coffee Cafe
A women-owned Coffee shop that is known for its cozy and welcoming atmosphere with delicious offerings. Love Coffee Cafe offers its visitors a variety of coffee drinks, comfort food and vegan options. It also features outdoor seating, while also hosting live performances–making it a great spot for breakfast and lunch. This location is popular among families and college students alike.
Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters
Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters is a Latino-owned coffee shop that offers its visitors a casual setting for enjoying great coffee and breakfast options. It is known for its friendly services and cozy atmosphere–easily making it a favorite spot for solo diners and groups. Also, it provides its visitors with both dine-in and takeout options.
Harbor Roofing
Harbour Roofing provides pocket-friendly services and delivers amazing results, including roof repairs, house renovations, carpentry, and 100% water-resistant roof replacements. With over 26 years of experience, they have been keeping the people of Palm Harbour dry and happy with their fast and amazing service.
Raining Berries
Raining Berries delights visitors by specializing in coffee and providing healthy options. Customers praise the café for its amazing desserts and organic dishes. Furthermore, Raining Berries has a trendy atmosphere–which makes it appealing for both families and groups who are looking for a casual dining experience.
Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee, an amazing drive-thru coffee chain, delights customers with its espresso drinks and also serves smoothies and pastries. The local community loves Scooter’s Coffee, which provides a convenient stop for coffee lovers who want to enjoy their drinks on the go.
Z Beans Coffee
Z Beans Coffee is a local coffee shop that offers its visitors a relaxing environment, while they enjoy its quality coffee and light bites. The local community highly regards this place for its friendly services and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families and group gatherings.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is famously known for serving some of the best breakfast and brunch in town. It is well-known for its amazing and extensive menu that features pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, and more. KeKe’s cafes are proud of their services which also include providing their customers with fresh ingredients and friendly servings. Not to mention, because of its casual atmosphere, it is popular among both locals and visitors.
Best Schools in Brandon, Florida
Brandon emphasizes the importance of education, constructing its first school between 1914 and 1917. Below are some well-known and beloved schools in Brandon, Florida.
Limona Elementary School
Limona Elementary School is a highly-rated magnet school. It has a serving grade of PK-5 and is known for its impressive proficiency scores among the local community–with 71% in math and 63% in reading. The school provides its students with a strong academic foundation while also offering a number of enrichment programs. The school is praised for its nurturing environment and dedicated staff, showing its dedication to the student’s success.
Brooker Elementary School
Brooker Elementary School is another top-rated magnet school for grades PK-5. It has a solid reputation in the local community, with a proficiency score of 61% in math and 58% in reading. Brooker Elementary is known for its focus on creating a supportive learning atmosphere for its students. While also offering various extracurricular activities to increase their students’ engagement. Furthermore, the school also takes part in the local community while also providing parietal support–which also contributes to its success.
Burns Middle School
Serving grades 6-8. Burns Middle School is recognized for its academic programs while also offering its students extracurricular activities. The school has a proficiency score of 59% in math and 58% in reading. Burns Middle School emphasizes character development alongside academics, helping students who grow as responsible individuals. They prepare their students for high school and beyond. It has a community that is actively involved in creating a positive environment for learning.
Mintz Elementary School
Mintz Elementary serves grades PK-5 and is known for its focus on providing a balanced education to its students. It’s a school that helps its students not only in their academic achievements but also in their social development. While it might have a lower proficiency score compared to other schools–with 48% in math and 39% in reading. Mintz Elementary School is committed to improving its student’s overall outcomes by using targeted programs and community support.
Yates Elementary School
Providing its services to its students from grades PK-5, while also aiming to create a nurturing environment for its young learners. Yates Elementary School has a proficiency score of 47% in math and 40% in reading. The school receives praise for its focus on enhancing educational quality by innovating its teaching methods. Also, Yates plays a big role in the local community.
Ready To Visit Brandon, Florida
So, in conclusion. Brandon, FL, isn’t just a suburb on a map. It is a community-driven location with a heart that has found the perfect balance between its history and modern life–which has created a welcoming atmosphere for both its residents and visitors. So, get your backpacks and suitcase ready and visit Brandon, Florida.