What Is Arista Like?
Arista is a small, gated neighborhood of roughly 60 single-family homes built by Taylor Morrison between 2006 and 2008. Tucked between Valrico Lake and the former Diamond Hill Golf Course off SR 60, Arista feels more exclusive than most Valrico subdivisions because of its gated entry, generous lot sizes, and the caliber of construction Taylor Morrison brought to the community.
Homes here range from about 2,500 to 3,500+ square feet with 4-5 bedrooms, 3-4 bathrooms, and 2 to 3-car garages. Floor plans are open concept with high ceilings, formal living and dining spaces, and oversized owners suites. Most homes sit on quarter-acre lots — large enough for a pool, summer kitchen, and still have yard left over. Concrete block construction with tile roofs is standard throughout.
How Much Is the HOA and Are There CDD Fees?
Arista has an HOA that covers gated entry maintenance, common area landscaping, and community standards enforcement. Fees run in the range of $150-$200 per month depending on the section. The good news: there is no CDD fee. That matters because nearby newer communities like Copper Ridge carry CDD assessments that add $2,000+ per year to your tax bill on top of the HOA.
The gate provides controlled access without the expense of a manned guard station. It is a code-entry system that keeps through traffic out while keeping costs down. For the size and quality of homes in Arista, the total carrying cost is competitive with anything in the Valrico market.
How Close Is Everything?
Arista sits on the south side of SR 60, which puts you right on the main commercial corridor through Valrico. Daily errands are genuinely easy:
- Publix at Valrico Commons: 1 mile (2 minutes on SR 60)
- Wawa: 0.7 miles on SR 60
- Walmart Supercenter: 3.5 miles west on SR 60 in Brandon
- Sprouts Farmers Market: 4.5 miles on Lithia Pinecrest
- Westfield Brandon Mall: 5 miles (10 minutes)
- Valrico YMCA: 2 miles
- Lithia Springs Park: 7 miles (kayaking, hiking, natural springs)
- I-75: 6 miles west (12 minutes)
- Selmon Expressway: 5 miles (straight into downtown Tampa)
- Downtown Tampa: 22 miles (30-35 minutes via Crosstown)
The SR 60 corridor gets busy during peak hours, but the gated entry means the traffic noise stays on the main road. Once you are inside Arista, it is quiet.
Which Schools Serve Arista?
Arista is zoned for Buckhorn Elementary, Mulrennan Middle School, and Durant High School. Buckhorn Elementary consistently earns strong ratings and is a major draw for families buying in central Valrico. Durant High has solid academics and athletics.
If the Newsome High zone is your priority, you will need to look further south toward Bent Tree Estates or Canterbury Oaks. But the Durant zone offers a lower entry price for comparable or better homes, and many families find that trade-off works in their favor.
What Is the Flood Risk?
Arista sits in FEMA Flood Zone X (minimal risk). No flood insurance is required by lenders. The community is on elevated ground between Valrico Lake and the golf course, so historical flooding is not a concern. Standard Zone X policies through NFIP run $300-$700/year if you want the peace of mind.
How Does Arista Compare to Similar Neighborhoods?
- Abbey Grove (0.5 miles): Smaller, ungated, lower price point. $40/mo HOA. Great starter neighborhood but smaller homes (1,900-2,400 sqft vs Arista's 2,500-3,500+).
- Diamond Hill (1 mile): Larger lots, no HOA in many sections, older homes (1970s-80s). More land but you trade newer construction for it.
- Somerset (1 mile): Bigger community (599 homes), resort-style amenities, Lennar-built. More social atmosphere but more neighbors. Similar price range in updated sections.
- Crestwood Estates (2 miles): Brand new WestBay construction, $675K-$970K. Higher price point but no CDD and 2024-2025 build quality.
What Should Buyers Know About Arista?
- Construction: 2006-2008 Taylor Morrison build. These homes are approaching 20 years old. Inspect the roof carefully — original tile roofs should still have life, but underlayment may need attention. HVAC units from original construction are at or past typical replacement age.
- Insurance: Concrete block with tile roof is the ideal combination for Florida insurance rates. Get quotes before closing — rates vary widely between carriers.
- Upgrades: Many original owners have updated kitchens and bathrooms. Look for homes with impact-rated windows (some owners added them post-construction) as they significantly reduce insurance premiums.
- Rentals: Check HOA rental restrictions before buying as an investment. Strong rental demand for gated Valrico homes in this size range — expect $2,800-$3,400/mo for a 4-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