Lithia, FL Area Guide

Agriculture, saw mills, and phosphate extraction defined Lithia's earliest economy, and the evidence of that industrial past is still visible in the landscape. Alafia River State Park, one of the area's top outdoor destinations today, was built on reclaimed phosphate mining land, giving it an unusual terrain of hills and ridges rarely seen elsewhere in flat central Florida.

In the late 1990s, Newland Communities purchased a large tract and developed FishHawk Ranch, reshaping the community into one of the region's most recognized addresses. FishHawk Trails followed through a separate developer, adding another neighborhood to the mix. Fruit farming, including citrus, strawberries, and blueberries, has continued alongside all of this growth.

Food options within Lithia's core are limited by design, reflecting the community's deliberately low-density character. Most restaurants are concentrated in the FishHawk Ranch area, roughly seven miles from Lithia's center, where a range of casual spots covers everyday needs. The local agricultural scene, with active citrus, strawberry, and blueberry operations across the area, provides a natural backdrop for fresh, locally sourced ingredients at area eateries.

Whether traveling locally or regionally, travel is easiest with a car in Lithia. State Route 618 provides the primary corridor to Tampa, about 25 miles to the northwest, while County Road 672 links residents to Riverview and points south. State Route 39 runs through the community and connects directly to the area's main parks.

Tampa International Airport is roughly 64 minutes by car, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is about 81 minutes away. Commuter rail stations in Tampa and Lakeland are each approximately 50 minutes by car, making them viable options for occasional use rather than daily commuting.

Lithia Springs Conservation Park anchors outdoor life here, with a natural spring that holds steady at 72 degrees year-round. Swimmers, campers, and kayakers all find reasons to return, and the spring feeds directly into the Alafia River. Alafia River State Park, just minutes away along State Route 39, draws mountain bikers to its IMBA-rated trail system and offers fishing and canoeing on its small lakes.

The nearby reserve adds 5,500 acres of protected land to the mix, with trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, and wading birds share the reserve with trail users. Alderman's Ford Regional Park and the 3,000-acre Alafia River Corridor complete a network of green space that makes outdoor access a practical part of daily life in Lithia.

Rental rates in Lithia run close to the Florida statewide average for one-bedroom units, with recent trends showing year-over-year decreases across all unit sizes. The Tampa metro area, which serves as the broader cost context for Lithia, comes in below the national average for overall cost of living, with housing and healthcare costs notably lower than the national baseline. Groceries and utilities in the metro run modestly above the national average.

The Crossings Shopping Center, about 14 minutes from Lithia's center, handles everyday retail needs for many residents. The FishHawk Ranch Shopping Center, roughly 22 minutes out, adds additional options including a Publix. Given the agricultural character of the community, locally grown citrus, strawberries, and blueberries are produced in the area, and the Florida Strawberry Festival in nearby Plant City draws regional visitors each February for a seasonal celebration of the local harvest.

Natural springs, 5,500 acres of protected reserve land, and access to Alafia River State Park's mountain bike trails make Lithia a strong choice for those who enjoy the outdoors, while walkable neighborhoods bring everyday conveniences to a rural setting just 25 miles from Tampa.