Pros & Cons Of Living In Riverview, Florida

If you’re considering a move to the Tampa Bay area - or looking for a new home in the region - then you may be overwhelmed trying to figure out the best place to live. Beyond the city, the area is home to many great suburbs. These small towns and cities often come with a quick drive to all that Tampa offers, a lower cost of living, and access to beaches, amusement parks, and more.

Located just outside of Tampa, Riverview has a population of just over 107,000 people. While its cost of living is slightly higher than many suburbs, it consistently ranks high on livability assessments. It's an easy commute to MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), with a lower unemployment rate than the national average.

If you’re interested in buying or renting a home in or around Riverview, Eaton Realty can help. From our offices in Lithia, Florida, we work with buyers and renters looking for their dream homes. Reach out today to learn more about available properties in Riverview and the greater Tampa area.

Speak With A Realtor To Find The Right Place To Live For You › 813-672-8022

Advantages of Living in Riverview, Florida

West-Central Florida has a lot to offer: beautiful beaches, great restaurants and shopping, cultural opportunities, sports teams, universities, and even amusement parks. Riverview is an unincorporated census-designated place located just south of Brandon along the Alafia River. Founded in 1885, Riverview is home to Florida’s first commercial poultry farm.

Great Livability Scores

Livability is a measure of quality of life. It considers several factors, including social stability and equity, educational opportunity, economic prosperity, cultural and recreational opportunities, and the natural and built environments. The higher a community’s livability score is, the better.

Riverview has a high livability score; most ranking systems rate this city 80+ out of 100 points. As such, it is generally considered an excellent place to live, and it is regarded as one of the top suburbs of Tampa.

Quick Commute

Riverview is located just 14 miles from the closest big city, Tampa. Taking FL-618/Selmon Expressway, you could be in Tampa in less than 30 minutes. This relatively short commute to the job, entertainment, cultural, and recreational opportunities of Tampa makes it a popular suburb.

Great Schools

Riverview is located within the Hillsborough County School District. Children who live in Riverview may attend one of 15 public schools:

Boyette Springs Elementary School

Frost Elementary School

Ippolito Elementary School

Symmes Elementary School

Riverview Elementary School

Sessums Elementary School

Collins Elementary School

Summerfield Elementary School

Summerfield Crossings Elementary School

Dawson Elementary School

Giunta Middle School

Rodgers Middle School

Riverview High School

Spoto High School

Sumner High School

In addition, there are many public charter and private schools, including Valrico Lake Advantage Academy, Winthrop Charter School, Bell Creek Academy, Creekside Charter Academy, Southshore Charter Academy, Kids Community College, Providence Christian School, Center Academy, and Tropical Acres Christian Academy. There are two colleges in Riverview: Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, and Hillsborough Community College.

Good Jobs

Riverview currently has an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is lower than the national average of 6%. The median income for a family in Riverview is $71,517. There are plenty of jobs right in Riverview, or within a short commute to Tampa or another city in the region.

Great Weather

A lot of people move to Florida specifically because of the weather. If you hate winter and love the beach, Riverview is an excellent choice. It has a humid, subtropical climate, typically mild and dry weather in the winter and early spring.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Like many cities in this area of Florida, there is lots for kids and families to do in Riverview. This town is known for its parks, including the Bell Creek Nature Preserve, Riverview Park and Civic Center, Boyette Springs Park, Paul Sanders Park, Eureka Springs Park, and Alderman’s Ford Park. Whether you’re into biking, boating, rollerblading, or simply exploring nature, Riverview has something for everyone.

Of course, Riverview is also reasonably close to award-winning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, including Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, and Siesta Key. You can also easily explore recreational opportunities in Tampa Bay, such as stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.

A short drive away are many other cool things for kids and families, like sporting events, museums, or Busch Gardens. If you want to venture out to some bigger parks, Orlando is less than 2 hours away from Riverview and is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Disadvantages of Living in Riverview, Florida

Of course, every place could be better - including Riverview. Before deciding where you want to live, it is vital to understand the pros and cons of that area.

Higher Cost of Living

Compared to some other suburbs, Riverview does not have a particularly low cost of living. However, it is still somewhat affordable - particularly when viewed in light of current housing prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region.

The median home listing price in Riverview is $410,000, while the average rent for an apartment is $1,975 per month. By comparison, the median listing price for a home in Tampa is $420,000, and the average rent is $1,915 per month.

As such, if you’re looking for a bargain, Riverview might not be your best choice. Many homes in Riverview are relatively new, and newer homes tend to be more expensive than older ones. Other suburbs - such as Brandon - offer residents a lower cost of living. However, given the local economy and the popularity of Riverview, purchasing a home in this town may be a good investment.

Florida does not have state income taxes, and its property taxes are reasonable. While Riverview may have slightly higher housing costs than many places in the region, it is still a good pick for budget-conscious people.

Limited Public Transportation

The Tampa region has fewer public transportation options than many large cities. The Hillsborough Area Regional Transportation Authority (HART) serves the region, but many residents don’t find the service reliable or convenient. If you plan to move to Riverview, you will probably need a vehicle to get where you need to go.

Potential for Natural Disasters

Yes, Riverview has great weather - but it is also located in a region known for tropical storms and hurricanes. While winters in Riverview are mild, summers are often scorchingly hot and humid. You should also be aware of the potential for allergy issues and bug infestations, as the lack of a real winter means that plants grow and insects flourish year-round.

Want to Learn More about Living in Riverview?

Give Us a Call! Riverview is a growing city that has a lot of charm. With close proximity to Tampa, it is a good option for anyone who wants to live outside of the city - but close enough to take advantage of what it has to offer. Whether you’re into beaches, shopping, or nightlife, there is something for everyone in Riverview.

Eaton Realty helps clients throughout Hillsborough County, Florida, find a home that meets their needs and budget. For nearly 20 years, we have represented buyers, sellers, renters in all types of real estate matters. We also work with landlords through our Riverview property management services. Our team of seasoned realtors has the experience you need to find the best home for your family. To learn more, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022.