Welcome to Riverview, FL
Riverview, Florida has transformed from a quiet agricultural community into one of Tampa Bay’s fastest-growing suburbs, offering families and professionals an appealing blend of affordability, convenience, and small-town charm. With its strategic location along the Alafia River and easy access to downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough County gem attracts newcomers seeking spacious homes, excellent schools, and a welcoming community atmosphere without sacrificing urban amenities.
📍 Riverview, FL at a Glance
- Population: 95,849 (2023 estimate)
- Location: 12 miles southeast of downtown Tampa, along the Alafia River in Hillsborough County
- Incorporated: Unincorporated community established in 1885
- Known For: Family-friendly neighborhoods, rapid growth, proximity to Tampa, and the International Independent Showmen’s Museum
🔗 Dive Deeper into Riverview
💸 Cost & Budget
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
🏙️ City Comparisons
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
As an unincorporated area of Hillsborough County, Riverview residents participate in county-level governance. The community tends to lean slightly conservative, though it’s becoming more politically diverse as young families move in. Local civic associations like the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce play active roles in community development and advocacy.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Riverview maintains crime rates below the national average, with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office providing law enforcement services. The community’s newer subdivisions feature active neighborhood watch programs, and most residents report feeling safe in their neighborhoods. Property crimes are the most common incidents, though violent crime remains relatively rare.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
The dining scene reflects Riverview’s family-oriented character, with popular spots like Fred’s Market Restaurant serving Southern comfort food and Bullfrog Creek Brewing offering craft beers and pub fare. Latin American cuisine thrives here, with restaurants like El Rinconcito Latino and Acapulco Mexican Grocery drawing crowds. Entertainment options include the Winthrop Town Centre’s shopping and dining complex, though many residents venture to nearby Tampa for nightlife.
🏛️ Local Government
Riverview falls under Hillsborough County’s jurisdiction, with residents voting for county commissioners and participating in county services. The South Shore Regional Service Center on US Highway 301 provides convenient access to county services. Community planning and zoning decisions go through the Hillsborough County Planning Commission.
🚍 Transportation
Most Riverview residents rely on personal vehicles, with US Highway 301 and Interstate 75 providing primary north-south routes. The Selmon Expressway offers quick access to downtown Tampa. HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) provides limited bus service, primarily along major corridors. The community’s suburban layout makes walkability challenging outside of newer mixed-use developments.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
Riverview’s housing market features predominantly single-family homes built within the last 20 years, with median home prices around $385,000 as of 2024. Popular communities include Panther Trace, Waterset, and South Fork offering amenities like pools, playgrounds, and clubhouses. The area attracts first-time homebuyers and families upgrading from smaller Tampa properties, with new construction continuing to meet demand.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the Alafia River State Park’s mountain biking trails and canoeing opportunities. Bell Creek Nature Preserve offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Community parks like Riverview Park and Golden Aster Park provide playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. The nearby Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve adds 5,000 acres of conservation land for hiking and horseback riding.
💼 Job Market
While many residents commute to Tampa or MacDill Air Force Base, Riverview’s local economy centers on retail, healthcare, and education. Top employers include St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, Amazon distribution centers, and Hillsborough County Schools. The median household income reaches approximately $85,000, above the Florida average. The area’s growth continues attracting service businesses and professional offices.
🧑🏫 Education
Hillsborough County Public Schools operates highly-rated schools in Riverview, including Newsome High School and Randall Middle School. Charter options like Learning Gate Community School provide alternatives. Private schools include Bell Shoals Baptist Academy and Riverview Montessori School. The proximity to University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College offers higher education opportunities.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Riverview enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, dry winters. Average summer highs reach the low 90s°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 50°F, making outdoor activities enjoyable year-round. Hurricane season requires preparation, though direct hits remain infrequent.
💬 Community Sentiment
Long-time residents appreciate Riverview’s transformation while sometimes lamenting the loss of rural character. Newcomers praise the family-friendly atmosphere, quality schools, and relative affordability compared to Tampa proper. Common concerns include traffic congestion on US 301 and the need for more local entertainment options. Overall, residents express strong satisfaction with their choice to call Riverview home.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Riverview
Riverview continues attracting families and young professionals seeking the perfect balance of suburban comfort and urban accessibility. With new homes still being built, top-rated schools, and significantly lower costs than nearby Tampa, it’s no wonder this once-sleepy community has become one of Florida’s hottest relocation destinations. Whether you’re drawn by the family-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor recreation opportunities, or simply the chance to get more house for your money while staying close to city amenities, Riverview offers a compelling case for making it your new home.