SouthShore is no longer just a collection of small towns south of Tampa Bay — it is one of the region’s fastest-growing and most dynamic areas, defined by thoughtful development, strong community connections and a lifestyle that blends modern convenience with Florida’s natural beauty.
Stretching across Southern Hillsborough County, SouthShore encompasses communities such as South Riverview, Gibsonton, Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Wimauma, Balm and Sun City Center, reaching south to the Manatee County line. Once largely rural and waterfront-focused, the area has evolved into a thriving destination for families, retirees and businesses seeking space, opportunity and quality of life.
What draws people to SouthShore is its balance. Residents enjoy suburban, laid-back living while remaining within easy reach of Tampa’s major employment centers, entertainment and cultural attractions. Parks, trails, community centers and waterfront access are woven throughout the region, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding and outdoor recreation year-round.
Master-planned communities have become a defining feature of the SouthShore landscape. Developments like Southshore Bay in Wimauma showcase resort-style living with innovative amenities, including the well-known crystal lagoon — a massive, man-made waterfront complete with sandy beaches, water sports and a swim-up bar. Nearby, active adult communities such as Medley at Southshore Bay and Southshore Falls in Apollo Beach cater to retirees seeking an active, social lifestyle with trails, fitness facilities and organized activities.
Families are also a driving force behind SouthShore’s growth, attracted by newer neighborhoods, expanding school options and the sense of community found in youth sports leagues, local events and neighborhood gatherings. Golf carts are a common sight in some areas, reinforcing the small-town feel that remains despite rapid development.
“What makes SouthShore special is the pride people feel in belonging here. Our six communities may each have their own identity, but together they form a unified region that blends rural beauty, waterfront living and unforgettable sunsets with strong industrial, educational, medical and recreational opportunities. It’s that balance — between growth and tradition, progress and nature — that continues to draw people to SouthShore,” said Melanie Davis, executive director of the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce.
That future is being shaped in part by the Greater SouthShore Chamber of Commerce, which represents a unified voice for the region’s businesses and communities. Formed in November 2023 through the merger of the historic SouthShore Chamber and the South Hillsborough Chamber, the organization now serves a broad and diverse area, strengthening collaboration from South Riverview through Wimauma and beyond.
In essence, SouthShore is defined by connection: connection to nature, to neighbors and to opportunity. With its mix of relaxation, recreation and progress, the region is writing a new chapter in Florida living — one that continues to attract those looking not just for a place to live but also a place to belong.
