Wimauma in southern Hillsborough County has two distinct new construction markets: Berry Bay, D.R. Horton's affordable community with homes starting under $320,000, and Southshore Bay, a Metro Development Group crystal lagoon community with homes starting in the low $310Ks. Both offer new construction with builder warranties in Hillsborough County at prices significantly below the county median. Here is what buyers need to know about both communities and the broader Wimauma market in 2026.
What Is Berry Bay and Who Is It Best For?
Community Overview
Berry Bay is a D.R. Horton community located off US-301 in Wimauma, surrounded by conservation land and wetlands in southern Hillsborough County. The community offers D.R. Horton's Express series (entry-level), Tradition series (mid-range), and Emerald series (upper-mid) homes. Floor plans range from 1,400 to 2,600 square feet with 3-5 bedrooms. All D.R. Horton homes feature concrete block construction, the D.R. Horton Smart Home technology package, and stainless steel appliances as standard.
The community includes a neighborhood pool, open green space, and basic amenities typical of D.R. Horton's lower-CDD-cost product. Berry Bay is not an amenity-heavy resort community. It is a well-located, new construction neighborhood for buyers whose primary priorities are price, builder warranty, and Hillsborough County location.
Who Berry Bay Is Best For
Berry Bay fits a specific buyer profile. First-time buyers who cannot compete in Brandon or Riverview pricing. VA and FHA buyers who benefit from D.R. Horton's experience with government-backed financing. Investors looking for affordable rental inventory in a growing south Hillsborough corridor, where 3-bedroom single-family homes can rent for $1,800-$2,200/month. Buyers who work in the south Hillsborough employment corridor, near Sun City Center, or at MacDill AFB.
Berry Bay is not for buyers who want walkable shopping and dining or a resort amenity package. Wimauma's commercial development is still limited. Nearby Apollo Beach and Sun City Center provide more established retail options, but both require 10-15 minutes of driving. If proximity to US-301 commercial development is acceptable and affordability is the primary driver, Berry Bay delivers.
Berry Bay Pricing in 2026
As of mid-2026, D.R. Horton's Express series homes at Berry Bay start approximately $309,000-$330,000 for 1,400-1,600 sq ft floor plans. Tradition series runs $340,000-$420,000 for 1,700-2,200 sq ft. Emerald series with premium finishes runs $400,000-$500,000 for 2,200-2,600 sq ft. Lot premiums for conservation or pond views add $8,000-$20,000 to base prices. HOA fees run approximately $80-$120/month. CDD fees at Berry Bay are modest compared to resort communities: $500-$1,500/year depending on phase.
Southshore Bay: The Lagoon Alternative Next Door
What Is Southshore Bay
Southshore Bay is a Metro Development Group community approximately 5 miles from Berry Bay along US-301 in Wimauma, featuring a 7-acre MetroLagoons crystal lagoon (the same technology as Epperson in Wesley Chapel and Mirada in San Antonio). Multiple builders are active including D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Ryan Homes. The lagoon, beach entry, water sports, and resort-style amenity center differentiate Southshore Bay from Berry Bay as a product type, at a higher total monthly cost.
Southshore Bay Pricing and Total Cost
New construction homes at Southshore Bay run $310,000-$520,000 depending on builder, series, and lot. The apparent base price is similar to Berry Bay. However, CDD fees at Southshore Bay run $2,000-$3,500/year, and HOA fees add $150-$250/month. On a $380,000 home, the monthly cost comparison looks like this:
- Berry Bay: $1,900/month mortgage + $100 HOA + $100 CDD = approximately $2,100/month (plus taxes/insurance)
- Southshore Bay: $1,900/month mortgage + $200 HOA + $250 CDD = approximately $2,350/month (plus taxes/insurance)
The $250/month premium for Southshore Bay versus Berry Bay at the same base price buys the lagoon amenity. Whether that is worth it depends on how often you would use the lagoon and how much the resort lifestyle matters to your household.
Wimauma Schools: What Families Need to Know
Hillsborough County School Zone
Wimauma communities are served by Hillsborough County Public Schools. As of 2026, the primary schools serving Berry Bay and Southshore Bay residents include Sumner High School (opened 2021, serving south Hillsborough growth communities), Shields Middle School, and Cypress Creek Elementary. Sumner High School is a newer facility with strong initial reviews but does not yet have the established academic track record of Hillsborough's top-rated schools like Bloomingdale or Newsome.
For buyers where school zone prestige is a primary decision factor, Wimauma's schools are a trade-off versus communities in the Bloomingdale or Newsome attendance zones in Brandon or Valrico. Buyers who prioritize affordability and are comfortable with a developing school record at Sumner High will find the trade-off acceptable. The school facilities themselves are modern and well-equipped.
Commute From Wimauma: The Real Numbers
| Destination | Distance | Non-Peak Time | Peak Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Tampa | 30-35 miles | 35-45 min | 50-75 min |
| Brandon/Riverview | 12-18 miles | 15-22 min | 25-35 min |
| MacDill AFB | 28-32 miles | 30-40 min | 45-60 min |
| Sun City Center | 8-10 miles | 10-15 min | 15-20 min |
| Tampa Int'l Airport | 35-38 miles | 40-50 min | 55-75 min |
| Sarasota | 45-50 miles | 50-60 min | 65-85 min |
The US-301 corridor is Wimauma's primary commute artery. Traffic on US-301 north toward the I-75 interchange has grown significantly as Wimauma's population expanded. The I-75 junction at Gibsonton Drive can back up substantially during peak hours. Buyers who commute to Tampa should plan on 50-75 minutes in peak traffic, which is manageable but not close-in suburban commute territory.
Berry Bay vs. Southshore Bay: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Berry Bay | Southshore Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Base home price | $309K-$500K | $310K-$520K |
| Lagoon amenity | No | Yes (7 acres) |
| CDD fees/yr | $500-$1,500 | $2,000-$3,500 |
| HOA/mo | $80-$120 | $150-$250 |
| Extra monthly cost vs. Berry Bay | Baseline | +$200-$300/mo |
| Best for | Lowest payment, investors | Lifestyle buyers, lagoon users |
Wimauma New Construction FAQ
Is Berry Bay in Wimauma a good investment in 2026?
Berry Bay offers one of the best price-per-square-foot values for new construction in Hillsborough County. The south US-301 corridor has seen consistent population growth. For investors, 3-bedroom homes rent for $1,800-$2,200/month, providing reasonable yields given sub-$340,000 purchase prices. The trade-offs are a lower school zone prestige (Sumner HS versus Bloomingdale HS) and Wimauma's still-developing retail base. Long-term appreciation likely tracks population growth in the south Hillsborough corridor.
What is the difference between Berry Bay and Southshore Bay in Wimauma?
Berry Bay is D.R. Horton's affordable community with modest amenities and lower CDD fees ($500-$1,500/yr). Southshore Bay is a Metro Development Group lagoon community with a 7-acre crystal lagoon, resort amenities, and higher CDD fees ($2,000-$3,500/yr). Same general location, similar base home prices, but $200-$300/month higher total cost at Southshore Bay to access the lagoon amenity. Choose Berry Bay for lowest payment; Southshore Bay for the lagoon lifestyle.
What schools serve Berry Bay and Southshore Bay in Wimauma?
Hillsborough County Public Schools. Elementary: Cypress Creek Elementary. Middle: Shields Middle School. High: Sumner High School (opened 2021). Sumner is newer and developing its academic track record. Verify specific school assignments at sdhc.k12.fl.us for any property. Not the same school zone prestige as Bloomingdale or Newsome zones in Brandon/Valrico.
How long is the commute from Wimauma to Tampa?
35-45 minutes in non-peak conditions via US-301 to I-75 to I-275. During peak commute hours (7-9am, 4-7pm), expect 50-75 minutes. The US-301 junction with I-75 is a regular congestion point. For buyers commuting daily to Tampa, this is a meaningful trade-off versus Brandon (15-20 min) or Riverview (20-30 min). Best suited to remote workers or buyers employed in the south Hillsborough/Sun City Center corridor.
Can I use VA or FHA financing at Berry Bay or Southshore Bay?
Yes. D.R. Horton (Berry Bay) is one of the most FHA and VA loan-friendly builders in the industry. New construction from national builders is generally VA and FHA eligible, and D.R. Horton's DHI Mortgage offers VA and FHA financing in-house. At Southshore Bay, lender eligibility depends on the specific builder and community status. Have your lender confirm the specific community is approved before making an offer. First-time buyer programs and Hometown Heroes down payment assistance may also be applicable.
