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Gibsonton, FL

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Gibsonton, FL

Gibsonton, sometimes nicknamed Gibtown, is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. U.S. Route 41 runs through the center of the community. The population was 18,566 at the 2020 census, up from 14,234 at the 2010 census.

Gibsonton was famous as a sideshow wintering town, where various people in the carnival and circus businesses would spend the off season, placing it near the winter home for the Ringling Brothers Circus at Tampa, Sarasota and Venice in various times. It was home to Percilla the Monkey Girl, the Anatomical Wonder, and the Lobster Boy. Siamese twin sisters ran a fruit stand here. At one time, it was the only post office with a counter for dwarfs. Aside from the agreeable winter climate, Gibsonton offered unique circus zoning laws that allowed residents to keep elephants and circus trailers on their front lawns.

Gibsonton was founded by James Gibson Sr., from Greenville, Alabama, in 1884. He homesteaded 150 acres at the mouth of the Alafia River, stretching to the east for approximately a half a mile along the south bank of the river. Gibson, along with Granville Platt and F.L. Henderson, became trustees of a school erected in 1888.

Gibsonton is located in south-central Hillsborough County at 27°50′16″N 82°22′27″W (27.837894, −82.374070). It is bordered to the north and the east by Riverview, to the south by Apollo Beach, and to the west by Hillsborough Bay. The unincorporated community of East Tampa is in the northern part of the CDP, north of the Alafia River, and Adamsville is in the southern part.

U.S. Route 41 runs through the center of Gibsonton, leading north 7 miles (11 km) to the east side of Tampa and south 30 miles (48 km) to Bradenton. Interstate 75 crosses the eastern part of Gibsonton, with access from Exits 246 and 250. I-75 leads north 6 miles (10 km) to the Brandon area and south 30 miles to Bradenton.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Gibsonton CDP has a total area of 15.4 square miles (40.0 km²), of which 12.8 square miles (33.1 km²) are land and 2.6 square miles (6.8 km²), or 17.10%, are water.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Gibsonton. The town is equipped with healthcare centers and fitness facilities that cater to the well-being of its residents. The Spa at Naples Grande provides a peaceful atmosphere with services like massages, facials, and body wraps, along with a private outdoor meditation lounge. Acqualina Spa by ESPA focuses on holistic wellness with treatments inspired by European traditions and natural ingredients. Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando offers a range of services including massages, facials, and body treatments in a serene Italian-themed setting. Massage Envy offers a variety of massage services including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and more. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa provides massage therapy services such as hot stone massage, couples massage, aromatherapy massage, and prenatal massage. Elements Massage specializes in custom massages tailored to individual needs, focusing on therapeutic techniques to address specific issues like pain relief or stress reduction.

Top sites in Gibsonton, FL are Showmen's Museum, The Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa at Lowry Park.

Population: 18,831 (2023). ZIP code: 33534. Area codes: 813, 656. Elevation: 7 ft (2 m). Area: 15.44 sq mi (40.00 km²).

FAQs

What is Gibsonton, FL famous for?

Gibsonton has a remarkable history of showmanship. Oddities were formerly considered commodities in this place, and through these variances, everyone felt at home. Famous circus "freaks" made the small Floridian town their winter retreat and retirement home.

Is Gibsonton, FL a good place to live?

Gibsonton is a suburb of Tampa with a population of 17,879. Gibsonton is in Hillsborough County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Gibsonton offers residents a suburban rural mix feel and most residents own their homes. In Gibsonton there are a lot of parks.

What is the cost of living in Gibsonton, FL?

Gibsonton, FL is well known for its relatively low cost of living. According to BestPlaces, the city’s cost of living index is 16.39% lower than the US national average. This means that the cost of basic items such as groceries and utilities is much lower than in other cities. The median home cost in Gibsonton is significantly lower than the US median, sitting at around $164,100 compared to the US median of $231,200. Renters can find reasonably priced apartments for around $1,000 per month while groceries are quite affordable with a monthly grocery bill estimated to be between $270 and $400.

Sources

Hillsborough County

Wikipedia

Bestplaces

Niche

The Travel

The Spa at Naples Grande

Acqualina Spa by ESPA

Mandara Spa at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Massage Envy

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Elements Massage

Showmen's Museum

The Florida Aquarium

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.