cities | Riverview

Riverview sits in southeastern Hillsborough County, and the population has grown to around 71,000 people with continued growth happening. The area was originally founded in 1885 on the northern shore of the Alafia River (which translates to “River of Fire” from the native language). The southern side was originally called Peru or Pe-roo meaning “straight part of the river,” but Riverview absorbed that area in 1940 and became a residential settlement on both sides of the river.

The location is one of Riverview’s biggest selling points. You’re right along the I-75 corridor with easy access north to Tampa – most people can get to downtown Tampa in about 25-30 minutes without traffic. MacDill Air Force Base is about 15-20 minutes away, which is why Riverview is popular with military families. The Selmon Expressway (a toll road) connects Riverview to downtown Tampa and makes that commute pretty straightforward. You’re about 35-40 minutes from Tampa International Airport. And while you’re not on the coast, you can get to the Gulf beaches in 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

The housing stock in Riverview is predominantly newer construction from the past 20-30 years. You’ve got massive master-planned communities with resort amenities, townhomes, single-family homes, and a wide range of price points. There are some older ranch-style homes from earlier decades, but most of what’s being built and sold is newer construction. The variety is actually pretty impressive – you can find something whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to spend in the $200s or a family wanting a larger home in the $500s-$600s.

The new construction communities in Riverview are the main attraction. There are currently over 220 communities with new homes being built, with prices starting around $229,999 and going up from there. Communities like FishHawk Ranch, Triple Creek, Spencer Glen, Hawks Reserve, and South Creek are some of the popular developments. These communities typically offer resort-style pools, clubhouses, fitness centers, sports courts, playgrounds, dog parks, trails, and all the amenities that families want.

FishHawk specifically has become almost its own submarket within Riverview – it’s got the FishHawk Town Center with shopping, dining, and services. The median listing price in FishHawk is around $535,000, which is higher than the overall Riverview median of around $415,000, but FishHawk is considered more upscale with better amenities and the town center.

For shopping and dining, you’ve got the Westfield Brandon Mall which is right on the border with Brandon and has over 140 stores and dozens of restaurants. The Riverview Oaks Shopping Center and Goolsby Pointe Shopping Center provide your basic shopping needs. FishHawk Town Center has restaurants and retail. For big box stores and chains, everything is readily available along Big Bend Road and the main commercial corridors. The dining options are mostly chains and casual restaurants, though there are some local spots mixed in.

For outdoor recreation, you’ve got the Alafia River State Park with access to the river for kayaking, fishing, and nature activities. Balm-Boyette Scrub and Triple Creek Nature Preserves cover over 5,000 acres with hiking, biking, bird watching, and fishing opportunities. Bell Creek Nature Preserve is 600 acres with walking trails and the Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve offers beautiful river views. The area has preserved a lot of natural space despite all the development, which is a nice balance.

Entertainment options include The Alley at Southshore with 32 bowling lanes, arcade, laser maze, and mini bowling. Summerfield Crossings Golf Club and other golf courses serve the area. And you’re about 45 minutes to an hour from both Walt Disney World to the east and Kennedy Space Center if you want to make a day trip.

The schools in Riverview are part of the Hillsborough County School District. The schools generally get decent ratings, and some of the newer schools built to serve the growth areas are nice facilities. Communities like FishHawk are zoned for some of the better-rated schools in the area, which is part of why those communities command higher prices. Parents should definitely research specific school zones for any property they’re considering since quality can vary.

The healthcare in the area includes HCA Florida Brandon Hospital and TGH Brandon, both of which are close by in neighboring Brandon. There are also urgent care centers and doctor’s offices throughout Riverview.

The amenities in the master-planned communities are a huge selling point – we’re talking resort-style pools with cabanas, clubhouses with event space, fitness centers, sports courts (tennis, pickleball, basketball), playgrounds, dog parks, walking trails, and community events. Some communities have NO CDD (Community Development District) fees which saves you money on top of your HOA, while others do have CDD fees that you need to factor into your budget.

The traffic can be a concern during rush hour. Big Bend Road and the main arteries get backed up when everyone’s commuting to Tampa in the morning and returning in the evening. I-75 can get congested too. It’s something to experience firsthand by driving the commute during peak times before you commit to living there.