5 Reasons to Move to Ruskin, FL

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 an affordable cost of living. 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, family-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 19 miles to the south, and historic Ybor City and Downtown Tampa 21 and 24 miles respectively to the north.

When you want to enjoy a day at the beach, the world-renowned white sand beaches on Anna Maria Island are 29 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 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 

Enjoy classic and modern-day films from the comfort and safety of your car at the Ruskin Family Drive-In, known as the “last 50’s family drive-in” in the USA. Step back in time with a fun nostalgic movie-going experience at this historic venue located 3.5 miles from your new home. Complete with a grill and snack bar, the Ruskin Family Drive-In is open year round, boasts 50 years of drive-In memories, and hosts market events such as the upcoming Holiday Pop-Up Market on December 19th.

4. Colorful Festivals

Annual festivals are a big part of the Ruskin community. Last year, the Ruskin Seafood Festival and the Apollo Beach Manatee Festival of the Arts merged to create the SouthShore Seafood & Arts Festival. Held the first weekend in November at E.G. Simmons Park, the festival blends an abundance of delicious seafood vendors with amazing artists, kids activities, and live musical entertainment, creating two days of fun and the largest outdoor festival in Hillsborough County.

In the Spring, the community-driven Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival celebrates tomato season and the agricultural history of Ruskin with delicious food, arts and crafts, a pageant, and more. Although the festival has been on and off over the years (and was off during this calendar year), organizers look forward to celebrating again in the future. 

5. Riverbend West in Ruskin, FL

With so many great activities to enjoy in and around Ruskin, why not cap it off with an amazing home to return to after a day of fun in the sun! At Riverbend West in Ruskin, FL, you’ll find beautiful new homes with 3-6 bedrooms, open living space, and personalized design, all for a reasonable price. Within Riverbend West, enjoy access to resort-style amenities that include a pool and cabana, playground, dog park, and evenings with neighbors by the fire pit overlooking the lake. 

Now that you’re ready to call Riverbend West in Ruskin, FL your new home, allow one of Highland Homes’ Ruskin New Home Specialists to give you a VIP tour of the community and professionally-decorated model center, located at 1916 Leaping Wildcat Place in Ruskin. Call or email today and start planning your move to Ruskin!