What Is Abbey Grove Like?
Abbey Grove is one of those small Valrico neighborhoods that most people drive past without knowing it is there. That is part of the appeal. Just 69 single-family homes on a single street (Abbey Grove Drive) off SR 60, built between 2003 and 2004. No through traffic. No commercial development creeping in. Just a quiet residential pocket with mature landscaping and neighbors who tend to stick around.
Homes here are predominantly one-story, concrete block construction, ranging from about 1,900 to 2,400 square feet with 3-4 bedrooms and 2-car garages. The floor plans are open and practical, built during that sweet spot before the 2006 boom when builders still gave you reasonable lot sizes and did not cut every corner. Most homes have screened lanais, and yards are well-maintained throughout the community.
How Much Does the HOA Cost and What Does It Cover?
This is where Abbey Grove stands out: the HOA is only $40 per month. That is one of the lowest HOA fees in all of Valrico. There is no CDD fee on top of it. For comparison, nearby Savannah Landings runs $285/mo and Copper Ridge has a CDD that adds another $2,000+ per year to your tax bill.
The $40 covers basic common area maintenance and community standards enforcement. You are responsible for your own lawn, exterior paint, and roof, but with a 69-home community, the HOA stays out of your way while keeping the neighborhood looking good. No architectural review board drama.
How Close Is Everything?
Abbey Grove sits just south of SR 60 (Brandon Boulevard), which is the main commercial corridor through Valrico. Everything you need daily is within a few minutes:
- Publix at Valrico Commons: 1.2 miles (3 minutes north on SR 60)
- Wawa: 0.8 miles on SR 60
- Walmart Supercenter: 3.5 miles west on SR 60 in Brandon
- Sprouts Farmers Market: 4 miles on Lithia Pinecrest
- Westfield Brandon Mall: 5 miles (10 minutes)
- The Landing Bar & Grill: 1.5 miles on Lynx Paw Trail
- Valrico YMCA: 1.8 miles
- Lithia Springs Park: 7 miles (natural springs, kayaking, 20 miles of trails)
- I-75: 6 miles west (12 minutes)
- Selmon Expressway: 5 miles (straight shot into downtown Tampa)
- Downtown Tampa: 22 miles (30-35 minutes via Crosstown)
Being right off SR 60 means you are never more than a few minutes from grocery shopping, gas stations, restaurants, and medical offices. The trade-off is that SR 60 gets busy during rush hour, but once you turn onto Abbey Grove Drive, the noise disappears.
Which Schools Serve Abbey Grove?
Abbey Grove is zoned for Buckhorn Elementary, Mulrennan Middle School, and Durant High School. All three are Hillsborough County public schools. Buckhorn Elementary consistently earns strong ratings and is a major reason families choose this part of Valrico.
The Durant High zone offers solid academics and athletics without the premium pricing of the Newsome High zone further south. If Newsome-zoned neighborhoods like Buckhorn Preserve or Arista are stretching your budget, Abbey Grove gives you the same general Valrico location with Buckhorn Elementary zoning at a lower entry price.
What Is the Flood Risk?
Abbey Grove sits in FEMA Flood Zone X (minimal risk). No flood insurance required by lenders, though a basic Zone X policy through NFIP runs $300-$700/year and is worth carrying in Florida. The community is on higher ground with no creek or river exposure, so historical flooding is not a concern here.
Who Lives in Abbey Grove?
With only 69 homes and mostly one-story construction, Abbey Grove attracts a specific buyer: families who want a single-story home in Valrico without paying FishHawk or Bloomingdale prices, empty nesters downsizing from larger homes who want to stay in the area, and investors who appreciate the low HOA and strong rental demand.
The community is dog-friendly with fenced yards on most lots. The streets are quiet enough that neighbors walk the loop in the evenings. It has that small-neighborhood feel that larger master-planned communities cannot replicate.
How Does Abbey Grove Compare to Nearby Neighborhoods?
- Somerset (1 mile): Larger community with resort-style pool, tennis, dog park. HOA is higher (~$40-265/mo depending on section). More amenities but more rules.
- Savannah Landings (0.5 miles): Gated townhomes, $285/mo HOA covers everything including lawn and roof. Maintenance-free but shared walls.
- Diamond Hill (2 miles): Larger lots, mature oaks, HOA with board approval. Higher price point but more house for the money.
- Valri Park (1.5 miles): No HOA at all, larger lots, older homes. Even more affordable but less community cohesion.
Abbey Grove is the middle ground: low HOA, single-family privacy, quiet streets, and central Valrico location without the price tag of the premium neighborhoods. If you want a straightforward home in a small community that does not nickel-and-dime you with fees, this is worth a look.
What Should Buyers Know?
- Construction: 2003-2004 build means homes are 22+ years old. Check the roof (original tile or shingle may be near replacement age), HVAC (likely on second unit by now), and water heater.
- Insurance: Concrete block construction helps with rates. Tile roof homes will have better insurance than shingle, but both are standard for this era.
- Resale: Small community means fewer comparable sales when you list. Price carefully based on condition and upgrades, not just square footage.
- Rentals: Strong rental demand for single-story Valrico homes in this price range. If you are buying as an investment, expect $1,900-$2,200/mo for a 3-bedroom. ViVi Property Management handles rentals in this area.
Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience. He lives in Valrico and knows every pocket neighborhood in the area. Call (813) 733-7907 or get a free home valuation to see what your property is worth right now.
Also explore: Valrico homes for sale | Valrico neighborhood guide | Valrico housing market