What Is the Durant Neighborhood Like?
Durant is not a single subdivision with a fancy entrance sign, it is the broad residential corridor running along Durant Road in south Valrico. Homes here range from modest 1960s block construction to fully renovated properties and newer custom builds. What ties the area together is the generous lot sizes, the rural-suburban feel, and the lack of HOA restrictions in most pockets. If you want elbow room without driving 30 minutes from civilization, Durant delivers.
Lot sizes commonly run a quarter-acre to over an acre, and a few properties push past five acres. That means room for a workshop, a boat, RVs in the driveway, or just a massive backyard. The mature oak canopy throughout the corridor gives the area a character that newer master-planned communities simply cannot replicate.
Are There HOA or CDD Fees?
Most of the Durant Road corridor is unplatted, meaning there is no formal subdivision, no HOA, and no CDD. You buy your lot, you do what the county allows. For buyers coming from HOA-heavy neighborhoods like Somerset or Arista, this freedom is a major selling point.
That said, some newer infill pockets along Durant Road do have deed restrictions. Always verify the specific parcel before assuming you are HOA-free.
How Close Is Everything?
- Publix at Valrico Commons: 2-3 miles depending on location along Durant Road
- SR 60 corridor: 1-2 miles north
- Wawa: 1.5 miles on SR 60
- Durant High School: directly on Durant Road
- Lithia Springs Park: 5-7 miles south (natural springs, kayaking, trails)
- I-75: 7 miles west (15 minutes)
- Selmon Expressway: 6 miles (straight shot to downtown Tampa)
- Downtown Tampa: 23 miles (30-35 minutes via Crosstown)
Durant Road runs east-west and connects to both Valrico Road and Lithia Pinecrest Road, giving you multiple route options during rush hour. You are close enough to SR 60 for daily errands but far enough south to feel like you are not stacked on top of your neighbors.
Which Schools Serve the Durant Area?
Properties along Durant Road are generally zoned for Buckhorn Elementary or Nelson Elementary (depending on exact location), Mulrennan Middle School, and Durant High School. Durant High is literally on Durant Road, which makes the commute for high schoolers about as easy as it gets.
School zoning in the Durant corridor is one reason families choose this area over the Newsome High zone further south, you get solid schools without the premium pricing that comes with Buckhorn Preserve or Copper Ridge in the Newsome zone.
What Is the Flood Risk?
Most properties along the Durant corridor sit in FEMA Flood Zone X (minimal risk). However, individual parcels near drainage features or at lower elevations may carry higher designations. With larger lots, it is especially important to check the flood map for your specific parcel, one corner of a 2-acre property could be in Zone X while another sits in AE.
How Does Durant Compare to Nearby Neighborhoods?
- Durant Oaks (adjacent): Custom-built homes from the late 1980s on a quiet cul-de-sac. More structured than the general Durant corridor but still no HOA hassle.
- Durant Woods (0.5 miles): Larger homes on spacious lots built from the late 1980s through 2020s. Similar rural-suburban feel with optional HOA.
- Diamond Hill (1 mile): Half-acre to one-acre lots, no HOA in many sections, mix of older and updated homes. Very similar buyer profile.
- River Hills (1.5 miles): Gated golf course community. Much higher price point and HOA, but more amenities and security.
What Should Buyers Know?
- Home age varies widely: You could be looking at a 1965 block home next to a 2020 custom build. Inspect accordingly, older homes may have polybutylene plumbing, outdated electrical panels, or septic systems.
- Septic vs. sewer: Many Durant corridor properties are on septic. Check whether the home has been connected to county sewer or if you are maintaining a septic system.
- Well water: Some larger parcels still use well water. Confirm the water source before closing.
- Rentals: Larger homes on big lots rent well to families who want space. Expect $2,200-$3,200/mo depending on size and condition. 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