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Lithia is an unincorporated community in the southeastern corner of Hillsborough County, Florida, set along the winding Alafia River roughly 21 miles southeast of downtown Tampa. Although it has no municipal government of its own, Lithia has grown into one of the larger residential centers in the county's eastern suburbs, with a population approaching 32,000. The area's identity is closely tied to FishHawk Ranch, a master-planned community that has defined much of Lithia's development since it began taking shape in the late 1990s. The community's setting blends suburban convenience with the rural landscape of central Florida. The Alafia River curves through the area, feeding into a state park that is among the region's most popular outdoor destinations, while pine and oak hammocks still define the outskirts. To the north and west, Lithia connects quickly to Brandon, Valrico, and Bloomingdale, giving residents access to the retail and employment corridors of the greater Tampa Bay area without living in the urban core. Lithia's residential character is anchored by FishHawk Ranch, developed by Newland Communities and recognized as Hillsborough County's first certified green community. The development is known for its extensive trail network — more than 25 miles of paths — and its network of resort-style amenity centers, pools, and gathering spaces. Park Square, the community's commercial heart, combines an interactive fountain, shops, restaurants, a YMCA, and an outdoor amphitheater in a walkable setting. Surrounding FishHawk Ranch, larger-lot and acreage properties along roads such as County Road 39 preserve a more rural feel. Families are a dominant presence in Lithia. The community's schools are part of Hillsborough County Public Schools, and local campuses such as Newsome High School and several highly rated elementary schools are a consistent draw for households relocating within the Tampa Bay region. With its combination of planned neighborhoods, green space, and relatively easy access to Tampa and Brandon, Lithia tends to appeal to families seeking newer construction, strong schools, and outdoor recreation in a quieter suburban setting.

Population 32,000

County Hillsborough

Active Listings 716

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Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Lithia in?

Lithia is an unincorporated community in southeastern Hillsborough County, Florida. It sits roughly 21 miles southeast of downtown Tampa, near the neighboring communities of Brandon, Valrico, and Bloomingdale, and is part of the greater Tampa Bay region.

Is Lithia an incorporated city?

No. Lithia is an unincorporated community without its own municipal government, so county services are provided by Hillsborough County. Much of the area's residential growth is organized around FishHawk Ranch, a master-planned community with its own community development district that manages amenities and infrastructure.

What school district serves Lithia?

Lithia is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. Local campuses include Newsome High School and elementary schools such as Bevis, Fishhawk Creek, and Stowers, with additional public, private, and charter options available in nearby Brandon and Valrico.

How far is Lithia from Tampa?

Lithia is about 21 miles from downtown Tampa, typically a 30- to 40-minute drive depending on traffic. Brandon, the closest major commercial center, is roughly 13 miles away, and Interstate 75 provides regional access from the nearby Brandon area.

What is there to do outdoors in Lithia?

Alafia River State Park offers more than 17 miles of mountain-biking and hiking trails, plus camping, equestrian paths, and paddling on the Alafia River. Within FishHawk Ranch, residents have access to more than 25 miles of trails, resort-style pools, playgrounds, and a YMCA at Park Square.

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About Other City - In The State Of Florida

Real Estate & Housing

Much of Lithia's housing stock has been built since the late 1990s, centered on the master-planned FishHawk Ranch community developed by Newland Communities. FishHawk Ranch was recognized as Hillsborough County's first certified green community, and its homes range from townhomes and villas to larger single-family residences arranged around a network of amenity centers, pools, and more than 25 miles of trails. The gated Encore at FishHawk Ranch offers an active-adult, 55-and-older neighborhood within the larger community. Beyond FishHawk Ranch, the surrounding Lithia area includes larger-lot and acreage properties along roads such as County Road 39, preserving a more rural character.

Neighborhoods

FishHawk Ranch is the centerpiece of Lithia, a master-planned community divided into distinct villages with their own pools, playgrounds, and trail connections. FishHawk Ranch West extends the community's newer phases, while Encore at FishHawk Ranch provides a gated 55-and-older neighborhood built by David Weekley Homes. Away from the master plan, the broader Lithia area includes established subdivisions and semi-rural acreage along the Alafia River corridor and County Road 39, offering a quieter, more spacious alternative to the planned community core.

Lifestyle in Other City - In The State Of Florida

Daily life in Lithia revolves around the family-friendly amenities of FishHawk Ranch. Park Square serves as the community's gathering place, with an interactive fountain, shops, casual restaurants, a YMCA, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts events and concerts. The trail system links homes to schools, shopping, and parks, encouraging walking and biking. The community's green-community certification and emphasis on preserved open space give Lithia a distinctly outdoorsy, suburban character, while Brandon and Tampa supply larger retail, dining, and entertainment options a short drive away.

Schools & Education

Lithia is served by Hillsborough County Public Schools, one of the largest districts in Florida. Local campuses include Newsome High School, which offers a broad Advanced Placement program, along with well-regarded elementary schools such as Bevis, Fishhawk Creek, and Stowers. The presence of newer school facilities near the FishHawk Ranch neighborhoods is a key factor for families relocating to the area, and private and charter options are available in nearby Brandon and Valrico.

Getting Around

Lithia sits about 21 miles southeast of downtown Tampa, with Brandon — the closest major retail and employment hub — roughly 13 miles away. County Road 39 provides the main north-south route through the community, while State Road 60 and Interstate 75, accessed near Brandon, connect residents to Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base, and the wider region. Within FishHawk Ranch, the FishHawk Boulevard Trail and an extensive internal path network let residents reach shops, schools, and parks without a car.

Parks & Recreation

Alafia River State Park anchors outdoor recreation in Lithia, offering more than 17 miles of mountain-biking trails — among the best in Florida — plus hiking, equestrian, and paddling access along the Alafia River. Within FishHawk Ranch, residents have use of more than 25 miles of trails, resort-style pools, playgrounds, and a YMCA at Park Square. The Alafia River itself provides kayaking and fishing opportunities, and the larger Tampa Bay area's Gulf beaches and parks lie within an easy drive.

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