Quick Answer
Wimauma FL is a fast-growing community in south Hillsborough County anchored by Southshore Bay (home to a 7-acre crystal lagoon), Berry Bay, and other new construction communities. New homes start around $290K-$310K and run to $500K+ for larger models. The commute to Tampa is 45-55 minutes during peak hours. Call Barrett Henry at (813) 733-7907 for current new construction inventory and resale listings.
What Is Wimauma FL and Why Is It Growing?
Wimauma sits at the southern edge of Hillsborough County, south of SR-674 and east of US-301, in ZIP code 33598. Until the 2020s, it was largely rural agricultural land. The arrival of master-planned crystal lagoon communities changed the equation dramatically. Southshore Bay, developed by Metro Development Group with a 7-acre MetroLagoons crystal lagoon amenity, drew national attention when it opened in 2023 and helped establish Wimauma as one of the fastest-growing new construction markets in the Tampa metro.
The core appeal is affordability. Buyers who cannot afford Riverview, Brandon, or Wesley Chapel at today's prices find new construction inventory in Wimauma at significantly lower starting prices. The trade-off is commute time and limited nearby retail. Browse Wimauma homes for sale or check the Wimauma housing market for current pricing.
What Communities Are in Wimauma FL?
Southshore Bay (Crystal Lagoon Community)
Southshore Bay is Wimauma's flagship development and the first crystal lagoon community in south Hillsborough County. The MetroLagoons 7-acre crystal lagoon is a private amenity for residents featuring swim-up bars, kayaking, paddleboarding, a sandy beach area, and cabana rentals. Multiple builders are active in Southshore Bay including Lennar, D.R. Horton, David Weekley, and Ryan Homes.
Pricing in Southshore Bay runs approximately $310K-$500K+ for new construction depending on builder and floor plan. The community carries a CDD (Community Development District) assessment that appears on the property tax bill, typically $2,000-$3,500/year. A lagoon access fee is also included in HOA costs. I wrote a detailed Southshore Bay guide in the post Southshore Bay Crystal Lagoon Guide.
Berry Bay
Berry Bay is a Lennar-built master-planned community adjacent to Southshore Bay with its own community pool and amenity center but no crystal lagoon. Berry Bay offers more affordable starting prices than Southshore Bay, typically $290K-$420K. It is a good option for buyers who want new construction at entry-level prices and do not need the lagoon premium.
Sunshine Village
Sunshine Village is a smaller new construction community in the Wimauma area with more affordable base pricing, targeting buyers in the $280K-$380K range. It attracts first-time buyers and investors priced out of larger communities.
Rural Wimauma / Acreage Properties
Outside the master-planned communities, Wimauma retains rural character with agricultural zoning and larger lot properties. Buyers who want horses, chickens, or significant acreage find options here. Expect well and septic rather than public utilities in many sections. Prices for rural Wimauma properties vary widely based on acreage and condition.
| Community | Price Range | Lagoon | CDD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southshore Bay | $310K-$500K+ | Yes (7-acre MetroLagoons) | Yes ($2K-$3.5K/yr) |
| Berry Bay | $290K-$420K | No (resort pool) | Yes |
| Sunshine Village | $280K-$380K | No | Varies |
| Rural Wimauma | Wide range | No | Typically no |
What Schools Serve Wimauma FL?
| School | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sumner High School | High | Opened 2021, purpose-built for growth in the area |
| Shields Middle School | Middle | Serves Wimauma area |
| Cypress Creek Elementary | Elementary | New school built for growth corridor |
Wimauma's schools are newer and still building their track records. Sumner High School opened in 2021 to accommodate growth in the South Hillsborough corridor. Buyers comparing Wimauma to Riverview or Brandon on school quality should note that Riverview feeds into more established schools with longer performance histories. Verify current school zone assignments at the Hillsborough County School Board website for any specific property address.
How Long Is the Commute from Wimauma to Tampa?
The commute from Wimauma is the largest trade-off buyers accept. The community is significantly farther south than most of the Tampa Bay metro employment centers.
| Destination | Miles | Non-Peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon | 20 miles | 22-28 min | 30-40 min |
| Downtown Tampa | 32 miles | 38-45 min | 55-70 min |
| Macdill AFB | 28 miles | 35-42 min | 50-65 min |
| Sun City Center | 8 miles | 10-15 min | 15-20 min |
Wimauma vs Riverview: Which Is Better for New Construction?
| Factor | Wimauma | Riverview |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (new) | $290K-$310K | $330K-$360K |
| Crystal Lagoon | Yes (Southshore Bay) | No |
| Commute to Tampa | 45-65 min peak | 25-40 min peak |
| School Track Record | Newer schools (Sumner HS 2021) | Established (Riverview HS) |
| Retail/Dining Nearby | Very limited | Strong |
| CDD on Tax Bill | Yes ($2K-$3.5K/yr) | Yes in most communities |
Buying New Construction in Wimauma?
Builder contracts are written to protect the builder, not the buyer. I'm Barrett Henry, Broker Associate at REMAX Collective, and I represent buyers in new construction deals at no added cost. Call or text (813) 733-7907 to discuss current inventory in Wimauma and the surrounding area.
Wimauma FL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the zip code for Wimauma FL?
Wimauma's primary ZIP code is 33598. This ZIP covers a large rural area of south Hillsborough County including Wimauma proper and surrounding farmland.
What is Southshore Bay in Wimauma FL?
Southshore Bay is a master-planned new construction community in Wimauma featuring a 7-acre MetroLagoons crystal lagoon as its central amenity. Multiple builders are active including Lennar, D.R. Horton, David Weekley, and Ryan Homes. It carries a CDD assessment on the property tax bill and HOA fees that include lagoon access. Starting prices run approximately $310K-$340K for smaller floor plans.
How far is Wimauma from Tampa?
Wimauma is approximately 30-32 miles south of downtown Tampa. During non-peak hours the drive takes 38-45 minutes. Morning rush hour commutes to downtown Tampa can take 55-70 minutes depending on traffic on I-75 and the US-301 approach.
What are the hidden costs of buying in Wimauma new construction?
The CDD (Community Development District) assessment is the most common surprise. It typically adds $2,000-$3,500/year to the annual property tax bill and lasts 20-30 years before it can be paid off. Additionally, HOA fees with lagoon access run $100-$180/month in Southshore Bay. The combination of CDD, HOA, and property taxes can add $500-$700/month to your total carrying cost beyond the mortgage payment.
Are there flood zone concerns in Wimauma?
Flood zone exposure varies by lot and phase within Wimauma communities. South Hillsborough County experienced flooding during Hurricane Milton (2022). Some areas near retention ponds or lower elevation sections may carry flood zone designations. Always request an elevation certificate and verify flood zone status before closing on any Wimauma property.
