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Riverview is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. It is located south of Brandon. The population was 107,396 in the 2020 census, up from 71,050 in the 2010 census.

Population: 107,776 (2023)

Sales tax: 7.5% avalara.com

Area code: 813

Elevation: 16 ft (5 m)

Zip Codes: 33568, 33569, 33578, 33579

Latitude, Longitude: 27.8646° N, 82.3193° W

From “Peru” to a Suburban Boomtown 🏗️

The history of Riverview stretches back much further than its modern appearance suggests. The area was first settled in the 1830s along the banks of the Alafia River. For decades, it was known as “Peru” (pronounced Pee-Roo), which is thought to be a local Native American term for the “straight part of the river.” It was a tiny, isolated settlement based on farming, citrus groves, and, crucially, phosphate mining.

The name was officially changed to Riverview in the 1880s. The new name was a simple, descriptive choice made by the postmaster, reflecting the community’s primary geographical feature: its location providing a “view of the river.” For the next century, Riverview remained a small, unincorporated town, a quiet place whose fortunes were tied to the rhythms of agriculture and the phosphate industry.

The incredible transformation that defines modern Riverview began in the late 1990s and accelerated into hyperdrive in the 2000s. The extension of I-75 south and the construction of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway made the area’s cheap and plentiful land accessible to commuters working in Tampa. This ignited a massive housing boom that continues to this day, turning former pastures and citrus groves into a sea of new subdivisions.

A Sprawling Hub for New Growth 🏘️

Today, Riverview is a textbook example of a large-scale American “exurb.” It is one of the largest unincorporated communities in Florida, which means that despite a population far exceeding many incorporated cities, it has no mayor or city council and is governed directly by Hillsborough County.

The community’s landscape is defined by vast, master-planned housing developments, from affordable starter homes to executive-level communities. Its commercial life is centered along its main arteries, particularly U.S. Highway 301 and Big Bend Road, which are lined with new shopping plazas, big-box stores, and chain restaurants. As an expert, it’s important to note that this rapid, car-centric development has presented significant challenges, most notably traffic congestion, which is a major topic of daily conversation for its residents.

Riverview by the Numbers 📊

The demographic figures for Riverview are staggering, primarily because of the sheer scale and speed of its growth.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Settled in the 1830s as “Peru”; renamed Riverview in the 1880s.
• Named For: Its scenic view of the Alafia River.
• Population: Approximately 116,000 residents, having grown from just 12,000 in the year 2000.
• Area: A massive 48 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 37 years old, reflecting its status as a magnet for young families.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition: An incredibly diverse “melting pot” suburb:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~43%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~27%
  • Black or African American: ~22%
  • Asian: ~4%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $84,000.

Local Attractions and Community Spots 🛶

Despite its reputation for newness, Riverview has some truly unique and interesting local spots.

• International Independent Showmen’s Association: A fascinating and unique institution. Riverview and neighboring Gibsonton are the winter home for a huge population of carnival and circus workers. The “Showmen’s Club” has a museum and hosts the world’s largest trade show for the amusement industry.
• Tiki Docks Bar & Grill: Situated right on the Alafia River, this popular restaurant and bar perfectly captures the local boating and waterfront lifestyle that gives the community its name.
• Winthrop Town Centre: Located on the border of Riverview and Brandon, Winthrop is an innovative new-urbanist development with a curated collection of fantastic local restaurants, boutiques, and a charming town square that hosts regular community events.
• Alafia River State Park: While technically in neighboring Lithia, this is the premier nature-based recreation area for the entire region. Set on reclaimed phosphate mining land, its dramatic, hilly terrain has made it a nationally recognized destination for mountain biking.
• St. Joseph’s Hospital-South: A critical piece of infrastructure, this state-of-the-art hospital was built in 2015 specifically to serve the booming population of Riverview and the rest of Hillsborough’s SouthShore area.