The Pros & Cons of Living in Lithia, Florida

Tampa is an absolutely gorgeous city situated on the water and filled with history, culture, and things to do. Yet, living directly in the city isn’t the right choice for everyone. Even if you work in Tampa, you might want to distance yourself from the traffic, noise, and people.

Located approximately 20 miles outside of Tampa, Lithia is one of the most family-friendly suburbs of the city. It has a great blend of open spaces and modern conveniences. Most homes are new construction, and it is typically an easy commute to Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base, or other towns. While suburban living might not be for everyone, Lithia is an excellent choice if you want to escape the city, especially if you have kids.

Eaton Realty works with clients to help them find a home and a community that fits their needs and their lifestyle. We know that everyone has personal preferences regarding where they live, so we take those desires into account when we put together a list of houses for you to consider. We don’t just want to get you into any house - we want you to find the right house for you! Reach out today to talk to a Lithia real estate agent about your house search.

All About Lithia

Lithia, Florida, is a suburb of Tampa. Situated within Hillsborough County, Lithia includes the community of Fishhawk. The population of Lithia is roughly 32,000 people.

Many people who live in Lithia work in nearby Tampa. Located approximately 18 miles southeast of the city, it typically takes around 30 - 45 minutes to get to the city (depending on traffic).

Lithia has several great neighborhoods, including Channing Park, FishHawk Ranch, Fish Hawk Trails, and Hawkstone. Many of the houses in and around Lithia are new construction. The median listing price for a home in Lithia is $565,000, while the average rent is $2,255 per month.

Part of the Hillsborough County School District, Lithia is known for its great schools and high level of educational achievement. There are great public schools in Lithia, including Bevis Elementary, FishHawk Creek Elementary, Lithia Springs Elementary, Pinecrest Elementary, Stowers Elementary, Randall Middle School, Barrington Middle School, and Newsome High School. There are also two religious private schools in Lithia, St. Stephen’s Catholic School and Foundation Christian Academy.

Like much of West Central Florida, Lithia has hot, humid summers and more temperate winters. There is also a risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, given its proximity to the Gulf Coast.

Of course, this also means that Lithia is a short drive to gorgeous beaches for locals to enjoy. Lithia has plenty to do, including mountain biking, hiking, boating, and golfing. Given its proximity to Tampa, many residents of Lithia also take advantage of all that the city has to offer, including sporting events, nightlife, and fine dining.

Advantages of Living in Lithia, Florida

As a suburb of Tampa, living in Lithia means you will be close to all the big city has to offer - while maintaining a quiet and tranquil lifestyle. In fact, Lithia is widely considered to be an incredibly family-friendly area. One website ranked the region as the fourth best area of Tampa for raising kids.

Excellent Schools & Activities For Kids

Lithia has great schools and plenty of activities for kids, including local parks like the Alafia River State Park, Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Chito Branch Reserve, Keysville Park, Osprey Ridge Park, and the Fishhawk Skate Park.

Easy Access To Nature

The parks are another huge perk of living in Lithia: outdoor recreation. In addition to the close proximity to beaches along the Gulf Coast, you can truly get into nature when you live in Lithia. The community was founded on agriculture and still has a lot of open, green spaces. You can enjoy hiking and equestrian trails along the Alafia River Corridor, plus activities like canoeing, fishing, and picnicking.

Plenty To Do

In addition to outdoor activities, you will find many great stores and restaurants. Within Lithia neighborhoods, there are community pools, tennis courts, splash pools, sports complexes, and more. Many neighborhoods host activities like concerts, festivals, fun runs, and farmer’s markets.

Short Commute To Tampa

Another benefit to living in Lithia is the ability to balance the quieter pace of life in the suburbs with the ability to get to Tampa easily. If you work in the greater Tampa region, living in Lithia means you will have a relatively easy commute. It is also a quick drive to get into Tampa to see a professional football, baseball, or hockey game, have a night out in Ybor City, or shop in Hyde Park Village.

Lithia is also close to MacDill Air Force Base, which means that it is a popular choice for service members. In fact, the FishHawk Ranch suburb has a free shuttle to the base, which makes commuting a breeze.

Ultimately, Lithia is a great option if you want to live close to - but not directly in - the city of Tampa. There is lots to do, and it’s an easy commute to other areas of the greater Tampa-St. Petersburg region. It is also a wonderful place to raise a family, with A+ schools and family-friendly activities.

Disadvantages of Living in Lithia, Florida

Of course, living in Lithia isn’t for everyone. While many people relish the quiet of suburban life, others miss the hustle and bustle of city life. Lithia might be too quiet for people used to living in a larger city.

Limited Nightlife

Along the same lines, there isn’t much nightlife in Lithia. If you want to go dancing or bar hopping, you’ll probably have to drive into Tampa. And while there is shopping and dining in Lithia, it is geared more towards families. You may have to venture into Tampa for more adventurous eats or fine dining.

Lack Of Employment Opportunities Within The City

Lithia is a great place to live, but there aren’t a ton of employment opportunities there. Most residents live in Lithia and work elsewhere, whether on base, in Tampa, or another city or town. If you don’t want a commute, then Lithia might not be your best choice. This reality also means that traffic in and around Lithia can be problematic, and your commute might be much longer depending on current traffic conditions.

Severe Weather Risk

Of course, like other areas of West Central Florida, severe weather can be a risk. There is a good chance you’ll deal with a tropical storm or hurricane if you choose to live in Lithia - but that is true for most cities and towns in the region.

Higher Average Home Prices

Housing costs in Lithia tend to be higher than in many other suburbs. With a median home sale price of well over $500,000, not everyone can afford to buy a house here. It is also predominantly new construction, so if you are interested in the charm of an older home, Lithia probably isn’t the place for you.

Lithia probably isn't the best choice if you aren’t excited about living in a more family-oriented, smaller town. While there is a lot to love about the town, it is geared more towards families and people who want a quieter life. If that isn’t for you, your better option might be to look closer to Tampa.

Looking At Houses in Lithia? Eaton Realty Can Help

Suburban life isn’t for everyone. While for many people, a suburb is an ideal place to live, other people find the very thought of living in this type of community less desirable. If you are interested in living close enough to the city to take advantage of its offerings but with the tranquility and space of a more suburban setting, then Lithia might be an excellent place for you to live.

Based in Lithia, Eaton Realty represents buyers and sellers throughout Hillsborough County. Our Lithia realtors take pride in listening to our clients to truly understand their wants and needs. Only through collaboration can we help you find the home of your dreams.

If you want to buy, sell, or rent a house in Lithia, we can help. We also provide seamless property management services to landlords in and around Lithia. Learn more by filling out our online contact form, or call us at 813-672-8022 to talk to a real estate team member.