Named for settler John Brandon and nestled along Florida's Gulf coast, Brandon lies just 12 miles southeast of Tampa in Hillsborough County. With a young population of approximately 78,000, the city encompasses nearly 29 square miles. Its residents are fairly diverse both ethnically and politically, giving the city a healthy vitality that complements its delightfully tropical climate and balmy Gulf breezes.

A Quick Survey of Brandon Realty

Nearly all of the 30,000 residential housing units in the city are occupied, more than two-thirds by owners and the remainder by renters. The median house value at the 2000 census was put at just over $100,000. A realistic market price range now, however, begins above that. This should come as no surprise given the escalating real estate values across the country since then.

Single-family homes, for example, range from about $110,000 to $1 million. On a given day in 2004, you might find anywhere from 150 to 200 properties on the market. There are normally far fewer available town homes and condominiums--perhaps 40 to 50 to the 150 or so single-family dwellings. Going prices are of course lower, beginning at about $85,000 and running up to perhaps $350,000.

Convenient to all the cultural and recreational amenities of Tampa, Brandon benefits from the metropolitan area's emerging attraction for high-tech growth. The University of Florida in Tampa and numerous nearby local colleges are thus well poised to stay abreast of industry trends and well staffed by top-notch faculty. The educational system at all levels, in fact, is excellent in the Tampa Bay region that surrounds Brandon.