If you have been house-hunting in Brandon and have not looked at La Collina yet, you are missing one of the strongest gated community options on the east side of Tampa Bay.
La Collina is a gated, Mediterranean-style community of 292 single-family homes located at Lithia Pinecrest Road and Lumsden Road in Brandon, FL (ZIP 33511). Built by Homes by WestBay and Lennar starting in 2015, it is one of the few communities in this part of Hillsborough County that combines resort-level amenities, maintenance-free landscaping, and a gated entrance - all without the million-dollar price tag you would see closer to the water.
I am Barrett Henry with REMAX Collective, and I have been helping buyers in and around Brandon for over 23 years. Here is everything you need to know about La Collina if you are considering making it home in 2026.
La Collina Homes for Sale - 2026 Market Data
La Collina resale homes currently range from the mid $400s to over $860K, depending on the series, lot size, and upgrades. Here is where the numbers stand as of early 2026:
| Metric | La Collina (2026) | Brandon Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | ~$675,000 | ~$385,000 |
| Price Per Square Foot | ~$188/sq ft | ~$215/sq ft |
| Average Days on Market | 35-45 days | 40-55 days |
| List-to-Sale Ration | 96-98% | 95-97% |
| Price Range | $430K-$860K+ | $250K-$600K |
| Year-Over-Year Appreciation | ~3-4% | ~2-3% |
La Collina skews higher than the broader Brandon market because you are getting larger homes, a gated community, and amenities that most Brandon neighborhoods simply do not offer. But the price per square foot is actually lower than the Brandon average because of the larger home sizes - you are getting more house for your dollar in La Collina compared to smaller homes in the area.
With mortgage rates averaging around 6.3% in early 2026, monthly payments on a median La Collina home (20% down on $675K) run approximately $3,600-$3,900 including taxes, insurance, HOA, and CDD. That is a premium over typical Brandon housing, but you are getting a fundamentally different lifestyle package.
Floor Plans and Home Sizes
La Collina was built out across four product lines, each targeting a different buyer:
| Series | Builder | Sq. Ft. | Beds | Baths | Garage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation | Homes by WestBay | 1,500-2,300 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 2-car |
| Artisan 60s | Homes by WestBay | 2,000-2,700 | 3-5 | 2-4 | 3-car |
| 70s Series | Homes by WestBay | 3,100-4,828 | 3-7 | 2-5 | 3-car |
| Lennar Homes | Lennar | 1,504-2,767 | 3-4 | 2-3 | 2-car |
The 70s Series homes are the showstoppers - we are talking nearly 5,000 square feet with up to 7 bedrooms. These estate-size homes are where the $700K-$860K+ price points live, and they are the reason La Collina attracts buyers who might otherwise look at FishHawk Ranch or even South Tampa.
The Innovation and Lennar homes are where the value play is, especially for first-time buyers or young families who want to get into a gated community without stretching past $550K. Popular floor plans include the Capri (4 bed / 2,306 sq ft), the Sevilla (open-concept with bonus room), and the Key Largo and Gasparilla in the larger series.
Community Amenities
This is where La Collina punches well above its weight compared to other gated communities in Brandon. Here is what is included with your HOA:
- Gated entrance with electronic access system and security lighting
- Resort-style swimming pool with pavilion and cabanas
- Clubhouse for community events and private use
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Two playgrounds designed for different age groups
- Two dog parks with separate areas for small and large breeds
- Walking trails and community park with open green space
- Maintenance-free landscaping - the HOA handles all lawn care, mowing, edging, and yard upkeep
The dual dog parks and dual playgrounds are a genuine standout. Most communities this size in Brandon give you one playground and call it a day. La Collina went further, and dog owners especially love the separate small/large breed setup. The pool area feels more like a vacation resort than a neighborhood amenity - it is one of the first things that sells buyers when they tour.
HOA Fees and CDD Assessment - 2026 Numbers
Let me break down the costs nobody else explains clearly.
HOA (Monthly): $228-$452/month depending on your lot and home size. Most homeowners pay around $305/month. There is also a one-time $500 capital contribution at closing.
Your HOA covers:
- All lawn maintenance and landscaping
- Community pool, clubhouse, and fitness center
- Gated security infrastructure
- Community roads and common areas
- Pest control
- Real estate taxes on common areas
CDD (Annual): ~$1,303/year. This shows up on your annual property tax bill as a non-ad valorem assessment. The CDD was established in 2014 to fund the community's infrastructure - roads, drainage, amenities - and has remained stable since FY 2022-2023.
A Community Development District is a special taxing district that financed the community's infrastructure through bonds. Instead of the builder passing those costs directly to you in the home price, they are spread out over time via your tax bill. CDD assessments typically decrease or stay flat over time as bonds are paid off. For a full explanation, see my CDD fee guide.
The HOA is managed by The Vanguard Management Group out of Tampa. If you want to review the community rules before buying, check out my Florida HOA rules guide for what to look for.
Schools Zoned for La Collina
La Collina feeds into some of the stronger schools in the Hillsborough County system:
| Level | School | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary | Brooker Elementary | A-rated; PK-5; ~800 students |
| Middle | Burns Middle School | Grades 6-8; ~1,200 students |
| High | Bloomingdale High School | Grades 9-12; ~2,200 students |
Brooker Elementary is the highlight - it is consistently one of the top-performing elementary schools in this part of the county. That A rating matters when you are making a buying decision, and it matters again when you sell. For a full breakdown, see my Brandon FL schools guide.
Note: School zone boundaries can change. Always verify current assignments directly with Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Location and Commute
La Collina sits about 11 miles east of downtown Tampa. On a good day, you are looking at a 20-30 minute commute via I-75 or the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway. During rush hour, plan for 35-45 minutes. For detailed commute info, see my Brandon to Tampa commute guide.
What makes this location work:
- Brandon Exchange (formerly Westfield Brandon) - 140+ stores, 5 minutes away
- Dining - dozens of restaurants within a 10-minute drive, from national chains to local favorites. See my Brandon lifestyle guide for recommendations.
- Tampa International Airport - about 17 miles / 25 minutes
- MacDill Air Force Base - easy access for military families
- I-75 and Selmon Expressway access - connected to Tampa, Riverview, Lakeland, and Orlando without fighting surface streets
Hillsborough County is also progressing on the $310 million Lithia Pinecrest Road improvement project spanning 7.5 miles. That project will directly benefit La Collina residents with reduced congestion, better safety, and new bike and pedestrian infrastructure right near the community.
La Collina vs Other Brandon Gated Communities
I get asked this constantly: how does La Collina stack up against the other gated communities in Brandon? Here is an honest comparison:
| Community | Gated | 2026 Price Range | Home Sizes | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Collina | Yes | $430K-$860K+ | 1,500-4,828 sq ft | Mediterranean style, dual dog parks, maintenance-free |
| Arbor Oaks | Yes | $370K-$580K | 1,400-2,500 sq ft | Mature community, lower price point |
| Brooker Reserve | No | $390K-$520K | 1,800-2,800 sq ft | Same school zone, newer builds |
| Lumsden Reserve | Partial | $370K-$620K | 1,600-3,200 sq ft | Larger lots, variety of builders |
| Valhalla | Yes | $265K-$420K | 1,200-2,000 sq ft | Most affordable gated option |
La Collina offers the widest range of home sizes in a gated setting anywhere in Brandon. If you need a 4,800 sq ft home behind a gate with a resort pool and maintenance-free lawn - there is really no other option in this zip code. For a broader look at how Brandon compares to neighboring areas, see my Brandon vs Riverview vs Valrico comparison.
Living in Brandon FL in 2026
Brandon is unincorporated Hillsborough County - which means no city taxes. That is a real savings compared to buying within Tampa city limits.
The cost of living in Brandon runs just slightly above the national average, but the trade-off is no state income tax, access to major employment centers in Tampa and Lakeland, and a family-friendly suburban environment that is hard to beat in this price range.
Brandon continues to add infrastructure and attract new businesses. The Brandon Exchange mall, the expanding restaurant scene along SR-60, and ongoing road improvements are all making the area more attractive for families and professionals who want suburban space without sacrificing convenience.
Market Trends and Investment Outlook
La Collina has been one of the stronger performers in the Brandon real estate market since the community was completed. Here is why the investment outlook is solid:
- Consistent appreciation: Homes in La Collina have appreciated approximately 3-4% annually over the past two years, outpacing the broader Brandon market. The combination of gated access, amenities, and newer construction keeps demand strong.
- Limited supply: With only 292 homes and no expansion possible, inventory is naturally constrained. When a La Collina home hits the market, it typically sells within 35-45 days.
- Demographic tailwinds: Tampa Bay continues to attract new residents from higher-cost markets in the Northeast, Midwest, and California. Gated communities with good schools are exactly what these relocating families are looking for.
- Strong school zoning: The Brooker Elementary A-rating consistently supports property values. Homes in top-rated school zones command a 5-10% premium over similar homes in lower-rated zones.
- Infrastructure improvements: The Lithia Pinecrest Road project will improve accessibility and reduce commute friction - both positive for long-term property values.
For buyers thinking about La Collina as an investment, the fundamentals are strong. This is a community that should continue to appreciate steadily and hold its value well in any market correction, thanks to the gated access, amenities, and school zoning that buyers are willing to pay a premium for.
Pros and Cons of Buying in La Collina
Pros
- ✓ Gated security - controlled access provides peace of mind for families
- ✓ Maintenance-free landscaping - HOA handles all yard work, freeing up your weekends
- ✓ Resort-quality amenities - pool, clubhouse, fitness center, playgrounds, and dog parks all included
- ✓ Wide range of home sizes - from 1,500 to nearly 4,900 sq ft, suitable for every stage of life
- ✓ A-rated elementary school - Brooker Elementary is one of the best in this part of the county
- ✓ Mediterranean architecture - consistent design standards keep the community looking sharp
- ✓ Strong resale value - consistent appreciation and limited inventory support long-term value
- ✓ No city taxes - unincorporated Hillsborough County means lower overall tax burden
Cons
- ✗ Higher price point - La Collina homes cost significantly more than the Brandon median, pricing out some buyers
- ✗ HOA + CDD adds to monthly costs - expect ~$305/month HOA plus ~$109/month CDD on top of your mortgage
- ✗ HOA rules and restrictions - as with any HOA community, there are rules about exterior modifications, parking, and pets
- ✗ Limited lot sizes on Innovation series - the smaller homes have compact lots with minimal private outdoor space
- ✗ No waterfront or water views - if waterfront living is a priority, look at Apollo Beach or Riverview
- ✗ Rush-hour commute to Tampa - 35-45 minutes during peak hours can be frustrating for daily commuters
Frequently Asked Questions About La Collina
Is La Collina a gated community?
Yes. La Collina is a fully gated community with an electronic access system, security lighting, and controlled entrance. It is one of the few fully gated communities in the Brandon FL area.
How much do homes cost in La Collina in 2026?
Resale homes currently range from the mid $400s to over $860K. The average selling price is approximately $675,000 at about $188 per square foot. Prices vary significantly by series - Innovation and Lennar homes start lower, while the 70s Series estate homes command $700K+.
What are the HOA fees in La Collina?
Monthly HOA fees range from $228 to $452, with most homeowners paying around $305/month. The HOA covers all lawn care, pool, clubhouse, fitness center, security, and pest control. There is also a one-time $500 capital contribution at closing.
What is the CDD fee in La Collina?
The CDD assessment is approximately $1,303 per year, paid through your property tax bill. This funds the community's infrastructure and has remained stable. For a full explanation of how CDDs work, see my CDD fee guide.
What schools are zoned for La Collina?
La Collina is zoned for Brooker Elementary (A-rated), Burns Middle School, and Bloomingdale High School in the Hillsborough County Public Schools system. Always verify current zoning with the school district.
Who built the homes in La Collina?
Homes in La Collina were built by Homes by WestBay (Innovation, Artisan 60s, and 70s series) and Lennar Homes. Construction ran from approximately 2015 through 2019. All homes are resale - there is no new construction available.
Is La Collina maintenance-free?
Yes, for exterior landscaping. All lawn maintenance, mowing, edging, and yard upkeep is handled by the HOA. You are responsible for your home's interior and any screened-in lanai areas.
Are pets allowed in La Collina?
Yes. Dogs and cats are allowed. There are two on-site dog parks with separate areas for small and large breeds. Some breed restrictions may apply - check with the HOA for current rules.
How far is La Collina from downtown Tampa?
Approximately 11 miles east of downtown Tampa. The commute is about 20-30 minutes via I-75 or the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, and 35-45 minutes during rush hour.
Is La Collina a good investment?
La Collina has been one of the stronger-performing communities in Brandon for resale value. The gated access, amenities, A-rated school zone, and limited inventory (only 292 homes) all support consistent appreciation. Homes have been appreciating 3-4% annually, and the investment fundamentals remain solid heading into 2026.
Last Updated: July 2026. Sources: La Collina CDD (lacollinacdd.com), La Collina HOA (lacollinahoa.com), Hillsborough County Public Schools, Homes by WestBay, Lennar, Florida Realtors, MLS data, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.