What Is Buckhorn Forest Like?
Buckhorn Forest — part of the Willowbrooke development by Pulte Homes — is one of the newest additions to the Buckhorn area of Valrico. Homes along Buckhorn Forest Drive were built in the early 2020s, making this community a standout among the predominantly 1980s-1990s Buckhorn neighborhoods. If you want the Buckhorn location with new construction, this is where you look.
The homes feature modern open floor plans with 3-5 bedrooms, contemporary kitchens, energy-efficient systems, and the kind of finishes you expect from a national builder like Pulte. Lots are typical of new construction — functional but not sprawling.
How Much Are the HOA Fees?
The HOA runs approximately $90 per month, which is reasonable for a newer community with maintained common areas. Verify whether there is a CDD component to your annual tax bill — some newer Valrico developments carry CDDs that show up on your property tax statement rather than as a separate fee.
How Close Is Everything?
- Buckhorn Elementary: 1 mile
- Publix: 2 miles
- SR 60 shopping: 2 miles north
- Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club: 1 mile
- Durant High School: 2 miles
- Lithia Springs Park: 6 miles
- I-75: 6 miles
- Downtown Tampa: 22 miles (30-35 minutes)
Which Schools Serve Buckhorn Forest?
Buckhorn Forest is in the Durant High School zone with Buckhorn Elementary nearby. Buckhorn Elementary is consistently one of the top-rated elementaries in Valrico. The school zoning makes this community attractive to young families who want new construction in a proven school zone.
How Does Buckhorn Forest Compare to Other Buckhorn Neighborhoods?
- Buckhorn East (adjacent): 1980s-1990s homes, bigger lots, lower price per square foot. Established vs. new.
- Buckhorn Groves (adjacent): 1990s-2000s homes, larger lots, lower HOA. More mature landscaping.
- Buckhorn Preserve (2 miles south): 2002-2005, gated, community pool. Higher price point but gated entry.
- Brooker Ridge (3 miles west): Also new construction (D.R. Horton), similar pricing. Different location and builder.
What Should Buyers Know?
- Construction: Built in the 2020s — these are the newest homes in the Buckhorn area. Builder warranties may still be active. Review all warranty documentation and transfer requirements.
- Pulte Homes: A reputable national builder. Their homes are well-built with good standard features, but upgrades add up fast. Know what is included and what was upgraded by the original buyer.
- Resale: New construction in an established school zone holds value well. Limited inventory in Buckhorn Forest means homes tend to sell quickly.
- Rentals: New homes in Buckhorn Elementary zone are high-demand rentals. ViVi Property Management handles Valrico rentals.
Barrett Henry is a Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience. Call (813) 733-7907 or get a free home valuation to see what your property is worth.
Also explore: Valrico homes for sale | Valrico neighborhood guide | Valrico housing market