5 Reasons to Move to Ruskin, FL

Updated on April 24, 2026: This story was originally published on December 11, 2020, and has been updated with new information.

Tampa Bay is a wonderful place to live, play, and unwind thanks to an array of parks and white-sand beaches, diverse dining and nightlife, and a healthy job market and economy. And, the bedroom community of Ruskin, part of Tampa’s Southshore district where Tampa Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico, offers an ideal address with its charming small-town heart, access to beaches and watersports activities, and a location just 20 miles from the city of Tampa.

If you are looking for a home in the Tampa Bay area, here are five great reasons to make Ruskin your new home.

1. Small Town Vibe, Yet Close to It All

Ruskin, Florida, has a welcoming small-town atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities, locally-owned restaurants, and a laid-back, nature-inspired setting. Nestled adjacent to the Little Manatee River and waters of Tampa Bay, enjoy unforgettable sunsets, waterside dining, and activities ranging from kayaking on the river to sunset cruises on Tampa Bay and deepwater fishing excursions in the Gulf.

Yet, you are convenient to big-city liveliness and employment opportunities with the Bradenton Riverwalk just 18 miles to the south, and historic Ybor City and Downtown Tampa about 21 miles to the north.

When you want to enjoy a day at the beach, the world-renowned white sand beaches on Anna Maria Island are 27 miles or about 45 minutes from home. Or, stay closer to home and head 15 minutes north to Apollo Beach where you can wade in the waters of Tampa Bay and gaze upon majestic manatees at the TECO Manatee Viewing Center.

2. E.G. Simmons Park

E.G. Simmons Park sits less than five miles from our new homes for sale in Ruskin, FL, and boasts 258 acres of native mangroves, open land, and waterways, with an additional 200 acres of mangrove swamp set aside as a bird and wildlife sanctuary.

Spend time camping, kayaking, or fishing, enjoy a picnic, and sunbathe and swim along 700 feet of beach on the shores of Tampa Bay. With playgrounds, plenty of picnic tables, boat launches, a fishing pier, and hiking trails, E.G. Simmons Park is the perfect escape for nature lovers.

3. Ruskin Family Drive-In

Whether you are nuts for nostalgia, a film lover, or looking for a fun night out, this is the destination for you. The Ruskin Family Drive-In is known as the “last 50’s family drive-in” in the USA. Step back in time with a nostalgic movie-going experience at this historic venue, playing classic and modern-day films. This family-friendly destination is open year-round, complete with a snack bar and grill, and even allows dogs.

4. Affordable Cost of Living

If you want to live affordably in the Tampa area, Ruskin is a great choice. According to Payscale.com, the cost of living in Ruskin is about 5% cheaper than living within the city of Tampa, and 8% less than the national average.

Housing, in particular, is a great value in Ruskin. As of April 2026, the median sales price of homes in Ruskin is $319,900, compared to a median sales price of $419,950 in Tampa.

In addition, Ruskin has a low unemployment rate, incomes on par with Tampa national averages, and tax benefits thanks to Florida having no state income tax, and the Florida Homestead Exemption lowering property taxes for homeowners in Ruskin.

Saving money while living in an amazing location - what more could you ask for?!

5. Beautiful New Homes in Ruskin, FL

Well, we have one more reason - Beautiful new homes, priced for your budget and designed for your life!

Sunridge Chase is a neighborhood of new homes in Ruskin, Florida, offering the ideal address to call home. Located on the west side of this small city, you are away from the busy interstate (yet only 3.5 miles from it, when you need it), in a quiet rural-suburban area, only one mile from the waters of the Little Manatee River.

Living here, you will appreciate easy access to boating, fishing, and recreation destinations such as the Domino Park Boat Ramp (1.2 miles), E.G. Simmons Regional Park (4.4 miles), and the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and State Park (5 miles).

All of your daily necessities are close to home, too. Grocery stores such as Publix, Winn-Dixie, and the Ruskin Fresh Market are all within 3 miles of home, healthcare and hospitals are within 5 miles, and delicious dining is close by with options for take-out, dine in, and idyllic waterside meals.

And, the homes here are the cherry on top. Priced from the $340's, these new construction homes include features you've been looking for, such as open-concept layouts, spacious bedrooms, and outdoor living space, with nine unique home layouts to choose from, offering 1,545 to 3,162 square feet of living space, three to six bedrooms, and a 2 or 3-car garage.

Adding to the affordability of living in Ruskin, new homes at Sunridge Chase have no CDD fees, unlike many communities in the area, which adds up to thousands in savings every year.

Living in Ruskin, you truly can have it all. Homes are available now at Sunridge Chase with options for both quick move-in or to build your personalized dream home from the ground up. Our Ruskin New Home Specialists can't wait to meet you, show you the neighborhood, and help you find the perfect home for your needs. Call or email us today!