Mango FL

Of course. Mango is one of those wonderfully straightforward “Old Florida” communities whose name tells you everything you need to know about its origins. I see Mango as a classic example of a 19th-century railroad town that has since evolved into a vital crossroads community, deeply integrated into the suburban fabric of eastern Hillsborough County.

Zip Codes: 33550

Latitude, Longitude: 27.9797° N, 82.3065° W

The Sweet Story of Mango 🥭

The history of Mango is tied directly to the two forces that built this part of Florida: the railroad and agriculture. In the 1880s, when Henry B. Plant was extending his South Florida Railroad east from Tampa, the tracks were laid directly through a large and beautiful mango grove. When it came time to establish a depot and a name for the small settlement that was sprouting up, the choice was simple, logical, and delicious. They named it Mango.

For the better part of a century, Mango was a quiet, rural town. Its identity was defined by the railroad tracks and the citrus groves, winter vegetable farms, and packing houses that surrounded them. It was a hardworking agricultural community, a sister town to its neighbors like Seffner and Dover, all serving as key shipping points for the produce that fed the nation.

A Crossroads Community 🚗

The character of modern Mango is defined less by its agricultural past and more by its strategic location. The sleepy farm town was completely transformed by the post-war suburban boom of its massive neighbor, Brandon, and the construction of the interstate highway system.

Today, Mango is a bustling, working-class crossroads. It sits at the critical junction of several major transportation arteries: Interstate 75, Interstate 4, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (State Road 574). This location has made it a key commuter corridor and a hub for light industry and distribution. It has been largely absorbed into the greater Brandon area, and while it retains its own name and census designation, it functions as an integral part of that larger suburban landscape. The community is a mix of modest, older single-family homes, mobile home parks, and commercial properties that line its busy roads. Like most of its neighbors, it is an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP) governed by Hillsborough County.

Mango by the Numbers 📊

The demographic data for Mango reflects its status as a diverse, working-class, and centrally located community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Railroad depot established in the 1880s.
• Named For: The mango groves that grew where the original railroad was built.
• Population: Approximately 12,000 residents.
• Area: About 4.8 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 40 years old.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition: A diverse working-class population:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~43%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~28%
  • Black or African American: ~22%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $58,000.

Nearby Hubs and Local Spots ⚾

Life for residents of Mango is defined by the excellent amenities and major landmarks located within and immediately surrounding their community.

• Lazydays RV: An iconic and massive landmark located in neighboring Seffner, right on the edge of Mango. This is one of the largest and most famous RV dealerships in the world, complete with a huge service center and an on-site campground. It’s a major local employer and a nationally known destination.
• Florida State Fairgrounds: Situated just a few miles west of Mango, this sprawling complex is a major cultural and entertainment hub for the entire region. It hosts the annual Florida State Fair, concerts at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, and countless other events.
• Westfield Brandon: Located just to the south, this large indoor shopping mall is the primary retail destination for residents of Mango and the entire eastern half of the county.
• Brocatos Sandwich Shop: A legendary Tampa institution famous for its enormous Cuban sandwiches and authentic deviled crabs. Located a short drive down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., it’s a go-to spot for an authentic taste of Tampa that Mango residents have easy access to.
• Mango Dog Park: A great example of the local amenities that serve the community. This well-maintained Hillsborough County park provides a dedicated space for residents and their pets to socialize and play.