Is Valrico safe?
Tampa, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Valrico as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Valrico
“Go. Valrico is an exceptionally quiet, safe, and family-oriented suburban community in eastern Hillsborough County. Visitors will find virtually no violent street crime risks, though having a personal vehicle is essential to explore the area's parks and local eateries.”
About the area
Located east of Tampa and adjacent to Brandon, Valrico is characterized by sprawling subdivisions, tree-lined residential roads, golf courses, and strip-mall dining. It offers a relaxed, semi-rural suburban pace away from the congestion of central Tampa.
- Quiet Suburb
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Sprawling
Walking and biking in Valrico
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 38/100
There are no bike-share hubs, but residential subdivisions offer quiet internal cycling routes; Sydney Dover Trails provides dedicated off-road equestrian and mountain bike paths.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are substantially lower than both Tampa city and national benchmarks
- High median household income above $90,000 and low poverty rates under 7%
- Well-kept residential subdivisions with high owner-occupancy rates exceeding 78%
- Easy access to regional nature preserves and equestrian trails
Cons
- High vehicle dependence with busy arterial roads like SR 60 and Lithia Pinecrest Road
- Occasional unlocked-vehicle burglaries reported in residential driveways
- Very limited pedestrian infrastructure outside of planned subdivisions
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Valrico, occasionally seen only as isolated panhandling near the busy commercial intersections along SR 60 (Brandon Boulevard).
What Valrico is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with joggers, school commutes, and neighborhood dog walkers in subdivision communities.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Safe and quiet residential streets, though major commercial arterials like Highway 60 experience steady suburban traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and family-centered with pleasant dining and retail pockets; outdoor areas feel very secure.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity with near-empty streets, feeling calm and safe with minimal nighttime disturbance.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited; Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) operates sparse bus service along SR 60 (Route 38/46), with no local rail or BRT connections.
Parking is abundant and entirely free across shopping plazas, parks, and residential driveways, with no metered zones or parking garages.
Things to do in Valrico
- Hike, ride, or birdwatch along the trails at Sydney Dover Conservation Park
- Play a round of golf at Bloomingdale Golfers Club
- Explore the nearby waters and disc golf course at Edward Medard Conservation Park
Local favorites
- Bullfrog Creek Brewing Co. · Brewery · 4.7★ (380)A popular veteran-owned neighborhood microbrewery offering craft beers, trivia nights, and food trucks.
- Cali Cafe · Cuban Restaurant · 4.6★ (1150)Beloved local spot serving authentic Cuban sandwiches, pastries, and robust cafe con leche.
- The Landing Bar & Grill · Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (1420)Casual neighborhood hangout known for chicken wings, live music, and sports viewing.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.